Politics
I have successfully defended my right to govern Rivers -Fubara
Fubara also disclosed that under his watch, the state government awarded nine new road projects, valued at N534.332bn.
This is even as he described as vicious and existential, the political crisis that was waged against his administration, barely three months after take-off on May 29, 2023.
The governor assured all that the worst was over because his administration had successfully defended the rights and privileges to govern the state and advance its progress in liberty and freedom without compromise.
Fubara said these while presenting an account of stewardship and scorecard to mark the first anniversary of his administration in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Wednesday.
The governor said, “We started this journey with a bang. We were focused. We were determined to make the change we promised with a sense of urgency.
“But then, somehow, we suddenly found ourselves in the cesspit of crisis barely three months into our tenure. It was not just an ordinary political crisis. It was a vicious existential crisis.
“But thank goodness, the worst is over. We have successfully defended our rights and opportunity to govern our state and advance its progress in freedom, and we will continue to prevail.”
Fubara stated that since then, a lot has changed in the political landscape, adding that he remains committed to the covenant taken a year ago to put Rivers State first, defend her interest, and ensure that the people get the dividends of democracy and good governance.
He added, “For us, any government worth its name must be accountable, responsive, and responsible for the security and well-being of the people.
“Having managed the affairs of our state for one year, including dispensing public resources, it is only proper that we render account with a public presentation of our performance record.
“I am, therefore, pleased to stand before you to present our scorecard for the first year we have been in office as the Executive arm of the Government of Rivers State.”
He reflected on his promise to deliver on the core priorities of economic growth, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture, as contained in his blueprint as a resolve to build a virile, resilient, and progressive State that caters to the needs of the people.
The governor said he was proud to report that, despite the unprecedented challenges, his first year in office witnessed significant achievements visible to everybody.
Fubara said that he inherited a state whose economy was on a declining trajectory despite its growth potential but within one year of his administration, the negative narrative had changed for the better.
The governor revealed that he set up an Internally Generated Revenue Investment Advisory Committee that he chairs to coordinate activities in the sector that has increased the inflow of economic investments to the State.
He added, “We also needed to attract investments into the state and increase our internally generated revenue base as too much reliance on federal allocations was a challenge to the realisation of our development goals.
“We, therefore, set up an IGR/Investment Advisory Committee, which is helping us to navigate our course for increased economic investments and internally generated revenue to accelerate economic growth, create jobs and advance the welfare and well-being of our people.”
Fubara emphasised, “Our liberalised business-friendly economic policies and programmes are boosting confidence and attracting local and international investors and investments into the State, judging by the expression of interest offers we receive every month.
“We have kept our taxes low, frozen the imposing of taxes on small businesses across the state, and increased the ease of doing business in the state by eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks. No request for the signing of a certificate of occupancy remains in my office beyond two days, except if I am otherwise engaged beyond two days or out of town.
“One year down the line, and we believe we are succeeding. Our internally generated revenue witnessed an astronomical increase from N12 billion to between N17 billion in off-peak periods and N28 billion during the peak months.”
Continuing, he said, “We have established a N4 billion matching fund with the Bank of Industry to support existing and new micro, small, and medium-sized businesses to grow their businesses to drive economic growth and create jobs and wealth for citizens. Over 3,000 citizens and residents have applied to access this loan to fund their businesses at a single-digit interest rate, and a repayment period of up to five years.”
He expressed his belief in using infrastructure as key to sustainable development, which was why, he explained, he did not abandon “the 34 uncompleted projects that he inherited, valued at over N225.279 billion spread across 13 local government areas of the state”.
The governor also said that 12 of those projects have been completed and put to use while construction work is ongoing on the others, with nine new road projects initiated by his administration valued at N534.332 billion.
Fubara stated that except for the Port Harcourt Ring Road project which is funded with the loan, other ambitious projects of his administration such as the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road, Okania-Ogbogoro Road and the Trans-Kalabari Road are funded from accumulated IGR and federal allocations savings.
He explained, “I wish to emphasize that with a combined cost of N528.6billion, the 50.15 kilometres Port Harcourt dual-carriage Ring Road, the dualisation of Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road and the Trans-Kalabari Road projects are three most ambitious road projects ever carried out by any Governor in Rivers State.
“The 50.15 kilometres Port Harcourt Dual Carriage Ring Road, with six flyovers, one river crossing, walkways, drains, streetlights, and spanning six local government areas, was awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc at a total cost of N195.3billion for a 36-month completion period.
“The 33.5-kilometre Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road was awarded on the 26th of March, 2024 at a total cost of N80.886billion to Craneburge Construction Company with a down payment of 50 per cent of the contract sum and 24-month completion timeline. The contractor has since commenced work on this project, ” Fubara said
The governor said so much has been achieved in the health sector with Rivers State Emergency Ambulance Service resuscitated, facilities upgraded at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, 1,000 medical personnel employed, and 35 primary healthcare centres empowered to function maximally.
He assured all that his administration was committed to economic diversification through agriculture, stressing that efforts are at top gear to attract serious investors to take over and revive all state-owned farms and agricultural assets.
The purpose, he emphasised, is to harness the huge agricultural potential of the State to enhance food security, grow the economy, create jobs and generate revenue for the government and stakeholders.
He said, “In addition, we have concluded plans to engage our youths in profitable agriculture, and applied to participate in the second phase of the Special Agro-processing Zones project of the African Development Bank, and all other agriculture development schemes of the Federal Government.”
In the education sector, Fubara explained that he inherited several uncompleted secondary schools’ reconstruction and other projects.
Among other efforts made, Governor Fubara said: “On assumption of office, we quickly released funds to complete these schools and deliver them for public use.
“To this end, we made final payments of N701,943,233,05 for the completion and delivery of Community Secondary School, Rumuepirikom; N355,682,471.99 for Kalabari National College; N329,330,552.25 for Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri; N379,793,277.60 for Government Secondary School, Eneka; N461,973,829.38 for Government Secondary School, Emohua; N134,600,000.00 for Comprehensive Secondary School, Alesa–Eleme; N1,142,279,618.17 for Community Secondary School, Koroma, Tai; N1,863,213,093.13 for Government Comprehensive School, Okarki; N585,084,678.80 for Government Secondary School, Ataba; and N2,092,313,561.19 for Government Girls Secondary School, Ahoada.
“We also released N193,785,313.00 for the reconstruction of Community Secondary School, Kunusha, N1,500,000,000.00 for the reconstruction of Okrika Grammar School; N612,632,677.94 for the furnishing of the University of Port Harcourt Convocation Arena; and N700,000,000.00 for the twin hostel projects at the Yenagoa campus of the Nigerian Law School.
“We released N1,902,334,833.33 as matching funds for the Universal Basic Education Board for the provision of infrastructure, including the rehabilitation of basic education schools. It is noteworthy that the State’s Universal Basic Education Board has used funds released to rehabilitate over 50 basic education schools across the State,” he added.
He listed other projects and programmes undertaken by the administration across various sectors as well as the financial commitments made to ensure quality project delivery within specifications and timelines.
Fubara said the payment of salary to civil servants has been sustained, adding that an engineering firm has been engaged to do a structural assessment of what can be done to give the Rivers State Secretariat Complex a facelift.
Speaking at the event as the Chairman of the occasion, former representative of Rivers East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator John Azuta Mbata, said the essence of democracy and sovereignty is for leaders to serve the people, be responsible to them and work to improve their well-being.
Mbata stated that the governor has distinguished himself as a servant-leader whose one year in office is momentous, full of enormous accomplishments, and has such audacity to embark on an unusual phenomenon of reporting back to the people on how he has served them.
The chairman emphasised that Fubara, by conducting himself as answerable to the people, has set a record difficult to match for upholding accountability and democracy, sustaining public trust, and fostering good governance.
He said, “So, we are glad that such an occasion has presented itself in this State, where our servant-leader is before the people to give account and show his scorecard. I congratulate you most heartily for this great achievement.
“Popular sovereignty principle connotes the fact that power belongs to the people. It is the people that leaders are called upon to serve. The people play the role of choosing their leaders through regular and periodic elections, and also the people have the mandate to renew or refuse to renew the mandate periodically.
“It is accountability that ensures responsibility and transparent exercise of power in the public interest. Accountability provides the opportunity for the players to explain and account for their performance in office. I am proud that His Excellency has chosen the path of transparency and accountability as Governor of Rivers State,” he said.
In his welcome address, Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, described Governor Fubara as an eagle leader.
Such a leader, Danagogo explained, flies higher and touches the sky with speed and accuracy at hitting his target without any noise making in solving many societal and human problems that offer succour to the people.
He said over the past year, Governor Fubara has championed what he called, ‘a quiet and noiseless revolution’ wherein he had worked assiduously, performed excellently and achieved what seemed almost impossible.
On such a day, Dr Danagogo stated, “Governor Fubara, who is the people’s Governor, decided to present a vivid account of his stewardship to the people on how public funds have been deployed judiciously in delivering critical projects and social services.”
Wike and Fubara have been engaged in a prolonged feud, which necessitated the intervention of President Bola Tinub to diffuse the growing tension in the state.
A few weeks ago, five pro-Wike commissioners resigned for the second time last week, citing a hostile working environment.
These resignations came after four others had previously stepped down.
ABAKALIKI — The camp of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Chief Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, has dismissed reports suggesting that he may withdraw from the 2027 Ebonyi State governorship race and support Governor Francis Nwifuru.
In a statement signed by Odii’s spokesperson, Chief Emmanuel Chidi Igwe, the campaign described the reported withdrawal as false, insisting that Odii remains committed to contesting the election.
According to Igwe, “Chief Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii will never, under any condition, step down from the 2027 governorship contest.”
The statement said Odii’s political camp remains focused on what it described as its campaign position: “Odii must run and win.”
It added that any political discussions, persuasion or negotiations involving other individuals should not be interpreted as a decision by Odii to abandon his governorship ambition.
Camp Rejects Withdrawal Narrative
The Odii camp further described reports of a possible withdrawal as a political narrative allegedly being promoted by individuals opposed to his candidacy.
Igwe challenged those behind the reports to produce evidence showing that Odii had personally announced his withdrawal from the race.
“There is a fundamental difference between reporting that a politician intends to persuade Chief Odii to withdraw and reporting that Chief Odii has agreed to withdraw,” the statement said, stressing that the latter would require evidence from the candidate himself.
The spokesperson also urged journalists, bloggers and online publishers to maintain professional standards when reporting political developments, warning against presenting speculation or the intentions of third parties as established decisions by political candidates.
24-Hour Retraction Demand
The camp has consequently demanded that publishers of the alleged withdrawal story retract or prominently correct their reports within 24 hours, unless they can produce an authentic statement from Odii confirming that he has decided to withdraw from the 2027 contest.
The statement also reminded online publishers of their responsibilities under Nigerian law, citing the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, as amended, as well as other laws relating to unlawful online publications and defamatory material.
The spokesperson clarified that the reference to the law was not intended as a threat against legitimate journalism or political criticism, but as a reminder that political disagreements should remain within the bounds of the law.
The statement concluded by reaffirming that Odii remains in the 2027 governorship race and urged members of the public to regard reports of his withdrawal as unverified unless supported by a direct statement from him.
By Petrus Obi, London
London — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyi Odii, has intensified his criticism of the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru, insisting that the people of the state deserve a different approach to governance.
Odii, who spoke with EverydayNewsngr.net in London, said what he described as the “fire brigade approach” of the Nwifuru administration was not the kind of governance Ebonyi needs.
According to him, the state requires a government with a clear vision, long-term planning and the capacity to deliver meaningful development to its people.
“The fire brigade approach of the Nwifuru government is not what the state needs,” Odii said.
He added: “I am coming to bring a new lease of life to my people.”
Odii’s comments come amid renewed political debate in Ebonyi State following the recent removal of the state Commissioner for Works. The development has attracted attention from opposition circles, with critics using it to question aspects of the administration’s handling of governance and infrastructure.
The PDP chieftain said the people of Ebonyi should expect more than what he described as reactive governance, arguing that development should be driven by a coherent programme capable of producing lasting results.
He maintained that his political ambition was motivated by a desire to provide what he described as purposeful leadership and improve the welfare of residents across the state.
“We deserve better government in Ebonyi State,” Odii said, stressing that his vision was centred on giving the people renewed confidence in government and creating opportunities for them to prosper.
As political activities ahead of the next governorship election continue to gather momentum, governance, infrastructure, accountability and the delivery of public services are expected to feature prominently in the emerging contest.
Odii’s intervention in London is likely to add further momentum to the political conversation, particularly as opposition figures seek to distinguish their vision for Ebonyi from that of the incumbent administration.
STATEMENT BY CHIEF EMMANUEL CHIDI IGWE,
SPOKESPERSON TO CHIEF DR. IFEANYI CHUKWUMA ODII
The 2027 governorship election in Ebonyi State is not a family affair, nor is it a matter to be decided by one individual or political godfather. It is a democratic contest, and Ebonyians will ultimately decide who becomes their governor through the ballot box.
No aspirant should be expected to step down simply because another politician believes he should. Every qualified candidate has the right to contest, present his programme and seek the mandate of the people.
Let me make this clear: since Senator Dave Umahi did not bring Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii into the governorship race, he cannot now claim the authority to ask him to step down. Chief Odii has his own political identity, supporters, convictions and legitimate right to seek the mandate of Ebonyians.
The decision to contest or withdraw belongs to the candidate, while the ultimate decision on who governs Ebonyi State belongs to the people.
The 2027 election should therefore be about issues, programmes, records, accountability and the future of Ebonyi—not political arrangements made by individuals behind closed doors.
Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii is prepared to place his vision and programme before Ebonyians and subject them to public scrutiny. Those seeking to retain power should equally be prepared to defend their records before the electorate.
Ebonyi 2027 is not a family arrangement. It is a contest for the confidence of the people. The people of Ebonyi State—not individuals—will have the final say.
Chief Emmanuel Chidi Igwe
Spokesperson to Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii
Politics
BREAKING: SaharaReporters Report on Arrest of Enugu Traditional Ruler, Ex-Lawmaker Is False and Misleading
The recent publication by SaharaReporters alleging that prominent Enugu traditional ruler, Igwe Obiora Igwesi, his brother and former federal lawmaker, Hon. Uchenna Sunday A. Igwesi (USA Igwesi), and eight others were arrested over an alleged attack on an NDC ward meeting in Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area, is false and deeply misleading.
The report is being described as a deliberate attempt to damage the reputation of respected leaders in Enugu State and create unnecessary political tension ahead of the 2027 elections.
Contrary to the claims contained in the publication, there was no arrest ordered by the Inspector-General of Police against Igwe Obiora Igwesi, Hon. USA Igwesi, or the other individuals named in connection with any alleged attack on an NDC meeting. There was also no operation by detectives from Zone 13 Command, Ukpo, Dunukofia, Anambra State, as alleged in the report.
Similarly, the purported petition dated September 15, 2026, and the allegations of conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, attempted murder, assault, threatening violence and stealing are strongly disputed and described as fabricated claims intended to create a damaging narrative around the individuals concerned.
The broader allegation that the 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu State have experienced coordinated armed attacks allegedly sponsored by Local Government Chairmen to silence the opposition is equally rejected as unfounded.
Attempts to associate Igwe Obiora Igwesi and Hon. USA Igwesi with criminal activity or political violence are viewed as an unacceptable effort to tarnish the image of individuals who have served their communities and contributed to the development of Enugu State.
The public, particularly the people of Enugu State, is therefore urged to exercise caution and verify the facts independently before accepting or circulating the allegations contained in the SaharaReporters publication.
Enugu State remains focused on peace, stability and development. Political disagreements should not be allowed to degenerate into the circulation of unverified allegations capable of inflaming tensions or damaging the reputations of individuals.
The position being maintained by the affected parties is clear: there was no arrest of the named individuals in connection with the alleged incident, no evidence has been presented establishing that any Local Government Chairman sponsored an attack, and the allegations contained in the publication are disputed in their entirety.
The public is encouraged to await verifiable facts from the appropriate authorities rather than rely on claims that have not been independently substantiated.
Fresh legal questions emerge over Chijioke Ugwu’s membership registration after Supreme Court restores party-register provisions
By Our Correspondent
Fresh legal questions have emerged over the Peoples Democratic Party’s 2027 governorship ticket in Enugu State following the Supreme Court’s restoration of key provisions of the Electoral Act dealing with political party membership registers and the conduct of primaries.
The questions centre on Chief Chijioke Peter Ugwu, who was recently announced by the PDP governorship candidate, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, as his running mate.
Nnaji announced Ugwu’s selection on September 24, shortly after the Supreme Court delivered its landmark judgment restoring Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026. Ugwu’s selection was subsequently reported by several Nigerian media outlets.
But documents and information available to this newspaper raise a question that could potentially become significant if the PDP ticket is challenged in court.
The PDP governorship primary in Enugu State was conducted on May 25, 2026.
However, Ugwu is understood to have registered as a PDP member on May 31, 2026 — six days after the governorship primary.
This means that if the May 31 registration date is accurately reflected in the party’s official records, his name could not have appeared in the PDP membership register submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the May 25 governorship primary.
That immediately raises the question:
Can a person who was not a member of the party on the date of its governorship primary subsequently be selected as the deputy governorship candidate without the Supreme Court’s restored membership-register provisions affecting the ticket?
What the Supreme Court restored
The Supreme Court, in a unanimous judgment delivered on September 24, set aside the Court of Appeal’s earlier decision which had declared the disputed provisions of the Electoral Act unconstitutional.
The apex court upheld the validity of Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2), following an appeal by INEC against the Court of Appeal judgment in the case involving the Zenith Labour Party.
Section 77(5) provides that only persons whose names are contained in a political party’s membership register submitted to INEC at least 21 days before a primary, congress or convention may participate in the exercise.
Section 77(6) requires political parties to use the membership register submitted to INEC for their primaries, congresses and conventions.
Section 77(7) deals with the consequence of failure by a party to submit its membership register within the prescribed period.
These provisions are now back in force following the Supreme Court judgment. Legal opinions suggest that the law’s insistence on the membership register submitted to INEC is relevant to the validity of the party’s eventual nomination process, depending on how the PDP formally nominated and submitted its governorship and deputy governorship candidates.
The precise documents will therefore be crucial.
Among the questions likely to arise are:
What date did the PDP submit its membership register to INEC?
Was Ugwu’s name contained in that register?
When exactly did Ugwu become a registered PDP member?
Was he a PDP member before the register was submitted to INEC?
How did the PDP formally nominate him as running mate?
Was the nomination made through a procedure recognised by the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution?
The controversy is coming at a sensitive time for the PDP, which has only recently unveiled Ugwu as Nnaji’s running mate. Ugwu, from Nguru in Nsukka Local Government Area, is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and community leader who runs businesses in logistics, contracting, consultancy and hospitality.
However, the governorship candidate and the deputy governorship candidate constitute a single electoral ticket. Therefore, any legal or constitutional issue affecting the eligibility of the deputy governorship candidate automatically has implications for the validity of the joint ticket, including the governorship candidate.
Another legal opinion available to this newspaper insists that “the gubernatorial ticket is a joint one. If the name of a deputy governor is not on the digital register, it invalidates the entire process.”
In the 2019 Bayelsa governorship election, APC’s David Lyon was declared winner. His running mate was Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo.
The Supreme Court later disqualified Degi-Eremienyo over the documents he submitted to INEC. The crucial point was that the Supreme Court held that his disqualification affected the joint ticket he shared with David Lyon. Consequently, the court ordered INEC to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Lyon and his deputy.
This happened one day before Lyon was due to be sworn in as governor. The certificate was subsequently issued to Douye Diri of the PDP, who had the next-highest lawful votes and the required geographical spread.
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