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Ignore pro-Wike lawmakers on state expenditure, factional lawmakers tell Fubara

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The Victor Oko-Jumbo-led Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed the purported resolution passed by the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly which barred the governor and the state government from withdrawing money from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the state.

Speaking before the commencement of sitting in the Government House, Port Harcourt, the state capital on Tuesday, Oko-Jumbo said Amaewhule and the other lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress have lost their seats, describing their siting as illegal.

Oko-Jumbo said their seats were declared vacant on December 13, 2023, by Edison Ehie, the then duly recognised Speaker of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly.

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This was contained in a statement issued by the factional Clerk of the state Assembly loyal to the state governor, G. M. Gillis-West on Tuesday.

The statement quoted Oko-Jumbo as saying, “The House states as follows: On December 11, 2023, at the 87th Legislative sitting of the House, former Speaker, Martin Amaewhule and the 24 former members defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

“By virtue of Section 109(1) (g) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution, which are self-executing, and consequent upon their defection, on December 13, 2023, . Edison Ogerenye Ehie, as the then duly recognised Speaker of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly, by virtue of a court order granted Justice Danagogo on December 12, 2023, in Suit No. PHC/3030/CS/2023, and pursuant to Section 109(2) of the 1999 Constitution, declared their seats vacant.”

Oko-Jumbo said it is laughable to have heard and seen the news of the illegal sitting of the 25 former members of the state House of Assembly, led by Amaewhule on television and social media space on July 15, 2024.

Recall that the Amaewhule-led House had during plenary on Monday passed a resolution to the effect that Fubara is not permitted to authorise the withdrawal of money from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State.

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Amaehule also threatened a shutdown on expenditures until an Appropriation Bill for the 2024 fiscal year is presented to it by Fubara for consideration.

The pro-Wike lawmakers’ resolution directed the governor to desist from further authorisation of withdrawals from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the state while directing all the state government ministries, commissions, agencies, departments and extra-ministerial departments to desist from spending taxpayers’ funds until the 2024 Appropriation Bill is laid before the House.

But Oko-Jumbo, according to the statement insisted that the only recognised state legislature currently in the state is the one he presides over.

“Consequent upon constitutional provisions and the declaration of their seats vacant, the recognised 10th Rivers State House of Assembly is the one led by Victor Oko-Jumbo. Thus, the Rivers State Government has ceased paying any form of salaries, allowances or statutory remunerations to the former members.

“The 10th Rivers State House of Assembly, which is the legitimate House under the leadership of Victor Oko-Jumbo is the only one recognised by law and the Rivers State Government, and thus, has been receiving all statutory allocations due the House of Assembly.

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“And has been discharging its financial obligations by paying the salaries of the recognised members of the House, their aides, and allowances of the public servants in the Rivers State House of Assembly,” the statement added.

Oko-Jumbo said Amaewhule and the 24 ex-lawmakers had hinged their resolution on Section 122 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers a state governor to continue to make appropriations for six months, from the budget of the previous fiscal year, where for any reason, he was unable to present an Appropriation Bill to the House.

He noted, “May I remind the defected members that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill to the Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of the then Speaker, Rt. Hon. Edison Ogerenye Ehie.

“It was duly passed on December 13, 2023, and assented to on December 14, 2023.”

He further said, “This House awaits to receive from His Excellency, the presentation of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework for the next three financial years, pursuant to Section 10 of the Rivers State Fiscal Responsibility Law, No 8 of 2010, in order to prepare for the 2025 fiscal year.

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“The general public is, therefore, called upon to disregard and ignore those misguided former members, and also discountenance their illegal actions.

“I once again call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to expedite preparations towards the conduct of a bye-election to fill the vacant seats created in the Rivers State House of Assembly by the defection of Martin Amaewhule and 24 others.”

Oko-Jumbo explained that the position of the authentic state House of Assembly has been communicated to Prof. Ngozi Odu, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State; the Secretary to the Rivers State Government; the Head of the Civil Service of Rivers State; the Accountant-General; and Auditor-General of the state.

He said other institutions that have also been communicated, include the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria; Chairman of Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission; Accountant-General of the Federation; Group Managing Director/CEO, Zenith Bank PLC; and Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank Group.

At the commencement of legislative business, a member representing Opobo/Nkoro State Constituency and Deputy Speaker, Hon Adolphus Orubienimigha, proposed the Rivers State Vocational and Technical Training Institute Bill 2024, which passed the first reading.

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The bill seeks the establishment of a comprehensive training institute where Rivers youths, including women, can access to learn and acquire requisite and industry-based skills to become self-reliant or employable where such skills are needed.

Also at plenary, the House entertained the motion to Prohibit Public Defecation, which was proposed by Deputy Speaker, Hon Adolphus Orubienimigha, demanding the declaration of public health emergency on public defecation in order to protect public health and dignity of lives and ensure environmental responsibility in the State.

The House also received a petition from the Ataba Community in Andoni Local Government Area over the ongoing land dispute between Bonny and Ataba communities, with the speaker referring the petition to the Committee on Public Complaints headed by the member representing Ahoada West State Constituency and Leader of the House, Sokari Goodboy Sokari.

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2027: Enugu’s Backing for Tinubu, Mbah Shows Political Maturity — Nwoye

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By Chinedu Sabastine

The Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ben Nwoye, has commended political leaders and stakeholders from Enugu East Senatorial District for endorsing President Bola Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah for second terms in office.

Nwoye, describing the move as a demonstration of political maturity and commitment to continuity.

Nwoye spoke on Saturday at Okpara Square during a gathering where stakeholders from Enugu East Senatorial District publicly declared support for the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Mbah.

Addressing the gathering, the APC chieftain praised the district’s leaders for what he described as a visionary decision aimed at sustaining ongoing development efforts at both the federal and state levels.

“I have seen people like the former governor of old Anambra State; I have also seen the former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, and many of the founders and leaders of Enugu State here, all for the endorsement of our dear President Bola Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah. I’m quite impressed because your presence shows political maturity,” Nwoye said.

He noted that continuity in leadership would provide the opportunity to consolidate achievements and complete projects already initiated by the two administrations.

Nwoye particularly lauded Governor Mbah for what he described as remarkable developmental strides across Enugu State, saying the governor had demonstrated commitment to transforming the state through infrastructure, economic and social development programmes.

According to him, Mbah’s performance has earned him support across political and regional divides.
The APC deputy national chairman also highlighted the importance of the governorship zoning arrangement in Enugu State, describing it as a major factor behind the peace and political stability the state has enjoyed since 1999.

“Rotation among the three senatorial districts has given us peace since 1999. It is good that this event held today, in addition to those of Enugu West and North senatorial zones, so that our people will know where we are going,” he said.

Nwoye explained that the zoning formula had ensured fairness and equitable distribution of political power among the state’s three senatorial districts, fostering unity and inclusion.

He urged political stakeholders to continue supporting the rotational arrangement, which he said had helped sustain a peaceful political atmosphere in the state.

“The stakeholders should sustain the peaceful political atmosphere in Enugu State brought to us through the zoning of the governorship position,” he added.

The endorsement event attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community representatives and supporters from across Enugu East Senatorial District, many of whom expressed confidence in the leadership of President Tinubu and Governor Mbah.

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Senate: Enugu West Aspirant OAU Onyema Quits NDC, Alleges Manipulation of Party Primaries

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Chief Sir OAU Onyema, a senatorial aspirant for Enugu West in the 2027 elections, has announced his resignation from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing alleged lack of transparency, internal manipulation, and attempts by party leaders to impose candidates on the electorate.
Speaking during a media briefing, Onyema accused influential figures within the party of abandoning democratic principles by allegedly sidelining popular aspirants in favour of loyalists and personal associates.
According to him, party leaders have failed to release the results of screening exercises and purported primary elections, raising concerns that the process is being manipulated to favour preferred candidates before names are submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The former aspirant specifically alleged that a prominent political figure from Delta State was working with some NDC leaders to undermine the wishes of the people of Enugu West Senatorial District by promoting a personal aide for the senatorial ticket despite lacking grassroots political support in the district.
Onyema said such moves would be resisted through lawful and democratic means, insisting that the people of Enugu West deserve candidates with established political relevance and local acceptance.
He further claimed that efforts to integrate political structures built around Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, into the NDC were frustrated, resulting in what he described as weak and ineffective party structures at the ward level.
The politician also alleged financial irregularities within the party, including what he termed the undue collection of funds from members, though he did not provide specific evidence during the briefing.
Expressing disappointment with the party’s operations, Onyema declared that the NDC had failed to live up to expectations of transparency, fairness, and sincerity.
He vowed to work towards providing voters in Enugu West with credible alternatives ahead of the 2027 elections, regardless of political party affiliation.
“We remain committed to the ideals of justice, fairness, democracy, and the will of the people,” Onyema stated, adding that while he still believes a new Nigeria is possible, he has lost confidence in the NDC and is formally exiting the party.
He maintained that the 2027 elections would be “interesting” and expressed confidence that voters would increasingly focus on the quality of candidates rather than political party platforms.

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Aide Sacked For Advising President Tinubu To Resign

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An aide attached to the Akwa Ibom State Government has been dismissed from office after publicly suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should “respectfully and honourably resign.”
The dismissal followed a Facebook post by Osborne Ubong Snr, who served as Media Aide to the  Political Adviser to the Akwa Ibom State Governor.

In the now-controversial post shared on his social media page, Osborne wrote: “In a sane clime president Bola Ahmed Tinubu would’ve respectfully and honourably resigned. I’m of APC but truth be told.”

The comment quickly generated reactions online before the Akwa Ibom State Government moved to terminate his appointment.

In a letter dated June 2, 2026, the Office of the Political Adviser to the Governor announced his immediate disengagement.

The termination letter, signed by the Political Adviser to the Governor, Prince Godwin Ntuk Udeh, stated that Osborne Ubong Okon had been relieved of his duties with immediate effect.Politics

According to the letter, the decision was taken over actions the office described as disloyal.

“You are hereby relieved of your engagement as a Media Aide to the Political Adviser to His Excellency the Governor, with immediate effect and from today, 2nd June 2026,” the memo read.

The letter further cited “actions bordering on disloyalty” and the need to keep the office “purified” as reasons for the dismissal.

The office also issued a warning to members of the public and government officials regarding future dealings with the former aide.

“Any person having dealings with the above-mentioned former Media Aide in relation to this office of his former engagement does so on his/her own peril,” the statement added.

The development has sparked fresh conversations about the limits of political expression for government appointees and the expectations of loyalty within public service, particularly when comments are directed at the presidency.

Neither Osborne nor the Presidency had publicly responded to the development as of the time of filing this report.

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Speaker suspended over anti-party activities

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The Jigawa State House of Assembly has suspended the Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council, Haruna Maigari, over alleged anti-party activities that officials say threaten All Progressives Congress unity at the grassroots.

The decision was taken during plenary on Tuesday at the Assembly complex in Dutse, the state capital, as the party continues to deal with the fallout from recent primaries.

The action comes amid a wave of suspensions across Jigawa APC following the recently conducted primary election.

Several special advisers and special assistants have already been suspended statewide over alleged anti-party activities from state level down to local government level.

Maigari, who doubles as the councillor representing Auyo Ward, was suspended after the House considered a motion by the Majority Leader, Lawan Dansure.

The motion sought disciplinary action against the lawmaker for conduct deemed harmful to party cohesion.

Moving the motion during the Assembly’s plenary session on Tuesday, Dansure urged members to support the suspension.

He said the House must act to protect the integrity of the ruling party ahead of 2027.

According to him, the actions of the Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council are detrimental to the unity, stability, and progress of the All Progressives Congress in the state.

“His actions are detrimental to the unity, stability, and progress of the All Progressives Congress,” Dansure told the House.

He argued that anti-party conduct at the grassroots level could undermine APC’s performance in future elections.

Reacting after the motion was adopted, Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Haruna Dangyatin, announced the suspension of the councillor with immediate effect.

He said the House could not fold its arms while party discipline was being tested.

“Hon. Haruna Maigari is hereby suspended as Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council over alleged anti-party activities,” Dangyatin announced during plenary.

The Speaker also said the House remains committed to party discipline at all levels of governance in the state.

Dangyatin then constituted an investigative committee to look into the matter and report back within two weeks.

“The committee is expected to establish facts and recommend further action based on its findings,” he said.

The Speaker also directed the suspended lawmaker to hand over all official documents in his possession to the Deputy Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council.

He said the handover must be done immediately to ensure continuity of council business.

Meanwhile, the House also received a formal notification from Governor Umar Namadi regarding an official trip.

“The governor is billed to attend a two-day West African Rice Investment Roundtable in Accra, Ghana,” the Speaker said during the plenary session of the Assembly.

Dangyatin, who explained that the governor’s foreign engagement will hold between June 2 and June 3, 2026, added that “the governor’s participation is aimed at attracting investment to Jigawa’s rice value chain.”

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Nnamani Rejects Suspension Claim, Insists on PDP Governorship Ticket

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By Chinedu Sabastine

Mr. Samson Chukwu Nnamani has declared that he remains the authentic governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 election.

Nnamani made this known on Friday during a press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Enugu.

Reacting to allegations that he was suspended from the party before the PDP governorship primary election, Nnamani dismissed the claim, questioning how a supposedly suspended aspirant could participate in the exercise and secure votes.

“The purported claim that I was suspended is very funny. If I was suspended as they claim, how can they attribute votes for me during their kangaroo primary,” Nnamani questioned.

Represented by his Media Director, Dr. Buchi Nnaji, the PDP chieftain said his authenticity derives from the present recognition of the Abdulrahman-led faction of the PDP by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), of which he is a member.

The clarification followed the emergence of multiple claimants to the PDP governorship ticket in Enugu State.

Nnamani insisted that the party was no longer factionalised following INEC’s recognition of the Abdulrahman-led PDP leadership, noting that the panel which declared him winner where sent from their headquaters, Abuja.

Nnamani expressed gratitude to PDP leaders and supporters whom he said turned out massively on Sunday, May 24, 2026, to elect him as the party’s governorship candidate.
He pledged to reposition Enugu State through infrastructure development, job creation and people-oriented policies.

“As the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Enugu State, I remain committed to the ideals of good governance, inclusive leadership, economic development, youth empowerment, quality education, improved healthcare and enhanced security for all residents,” he said.

He added that his aspiration was to build “a greater Enugu State where opportunities abound for every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation, religion or social status.”

According to him, his administration would prioritise infrastructure development, industrialisation, support for small businesses and welfare programmes aimed at improving the lives of the people.

“We shall also review and remove policies and practices that are truncating the wellbeing, economic survival and social advancement of the citizens,” he stated.

Nnamani further called on stakeholders, party faithful, youths, women, traditional rulers and the people of Enugu State to join hands in building “a united, peaceful and progressive state.”

“Together, we can achieve the Enugu of our dreams,” he added.

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