Politics
Rivers: Anarchy looms as Wike lawmakers move to impeach Fubara
A group, the Coalition of Rivers State Leaders of Thought, has called on the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly to drop its plan to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara to avoid anarchy in the state.
The coalition said the recent actions of the 27 lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, were capable of plunging the state into an unimaginable crisis.
The Appeal Court, on July 4, ruled that Amaewhule and 24 other lawmakers in his faction remained members of the state House of Assembly, voiding the earlier High Court order which restrained the lawmakers.
Following the judgment, Amaewhule, while presiding over plenary on Monday, gave Fubara a seven-day ultimatum to re-present the 2024 Appropriation Bill before the House.
Responding on Wednesday, Fubara, while receiving on a solidarity visit, the leadership structure, critical stakeholders, opinion leaders, women and youths of Etche and Omuma Local Government Areas, said Amaewhule and others were no longer members of the state Assembly.
He told his visitors that he would not present the 2024 budget again, adding that he had already initiated the 2025 budget which would focus on healthcare, education and agriculture.
The Convener of the Coalition, High Chief Sunnie Chukumele, however, warned the Amaewhule-led Assembly on Thursday, against inviting anarchy to the state.
While addressing a press conference in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Chukumele expressed worry that the political crisis in the state, rather than improving, had nose-dived to what it was before the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.
“We call on Martin Amaewhule and his colleagues to jettison the idea of impeaching the governor of the state.
“We advise them that the impacts of the consequences of their threats should only be imagined. Let Amaewhule and his colleagues not ignite a fire that they can never have the capacity to contain. They are inviting anarchy,” the group said.
He called on Tinubu to prevail on Wike, whom the leaders alleged was contributing to the tension in the state.
“Our son, the FCT Minister, can be said to be sufficiently linked to the unabating political crisis in his home state, Rivers State. The situation created in our dear state is unacceptable, and regrettable and has consequences of throwing the state into an irredeemable crisis of unimaginable proportions.
“We call on our son, the FCT Minister, once more to rein in his henchmen and foot soldiers in the political crisis in the state, particularly the recalcitrant wing of the state legislature loyal to him, and as well the immediate-past local government chairmen whose activities in the state are becoming felonious.
“On behalf of the entire people of Rivers State, home and abroad, we sternly call on the President, who our son, Nyesom Wike, is serving under in Abuja, to call him to order henceforth, and that we say enough is enough,” Chukumele said.
The coalition also called on the judiciary to apply wisdom on matters concerning Rivers brought before them, noting that public opinions on their management of matters emanating from the state were negative.
“We also once again call out the judiciary to employ and apply extreme wisdom on matters concerning Rivers State brought before them. The public opinion on their management of matters emanating from Rivers State is negative.
“The National Judicial Council should, as a matter of urgency, save the image of the judiciary by also taking cognisance of impact assessment on matters the courts are handling concerning burning issues in Rivers State,” Chukumele said.
The coalition reiterated its support for the Fubara-led administration and urged the governor not to lose focus in the discharge of his constitutional mandate of delivering good governance for Rivers people.
Politics
Obi: Adeboye Is Right, Tinubu Has Tried His Best
National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has responded to recent remarks by the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, , agreeing that President Bola Tinubu has done his best to address Nigeria’s security challenges but arguing that his best is no longer enough.
Obi made the remarks during an interview with Chude Jideonwo, uploaded on YouTube on Thursday, while explaining why Nigerians should support his presidential ambition over other opposition candidates.
Asked why he should be elected president, Obi urged Nigerians to evaluate his past record alongside his current vision for the country.
“It’s for you to look at my past and look at what I’m saying now,” he said.
Responding to Adeboye’s recent comments on Tinubu’s handling of insecurity, Obi described the respected cleric as a sincere and credible religious leader whose assessment was fair.
“Somebody asked me yesterday, they said that Pastor Adeboye said Tinubu has tried his best and he’s not happy. And I said, no, Pastor Adeboye remains a very revered, respected religious father, whom I believe in his genuineness and goodness.
“And what he said was correct. He said he has tried his best. He’s trying his best. That’s it. It’s the correct answer.
“The question to ask is: Is his best good enough? Where we find ourselves today, that leads to the issue of capacity.”
Obi maintained that effective leadership is defined by competence, capacity, compassion, commitment and character, arguing that Nigeria’s persistent security challenges demonstrate the need for a leadership change.
“When I talk about leadership, I say competence, capacity, compassion, commitment, character. These are the issues. President Tinubu is tired. He needs to go home and rest,” Obi said.
Adeboye had earlier defended President Tinubu against criticisms over worsening insecurity during the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, D.C., on June 23.
The cleric argued that the President had fulfilled his responsibility by issuing directives to the military, stressing that a commander-in-chief was not expected to personally participate in combat operations.
“I don’t support those who are accusing the President of not doing enough. When the commander-in-chief has given instructions to his subordinates, he has done his bit. You don’t expect him to go and put on khaki and fight,” Adeboye said.
Despite defending the President’s role, Adeboye expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation, noting that terrorism and kidnapping had spread beyond northern Nigeria into the southern parts of the country.
He also revealed that he advised the President to issue a 90-day ultimatum to military commanders to either end the insecurity or resign, while urging the government to identify and prosecute those sponsoring terrorist activities.
Politics
Nwifuru’s Quiet Politics Faces Its Biggest Test as the 2027 Battle Takes Shape
Politics
Peter Obi Alleges Harassment, Says He May Not Be Alive to Contest 2027 Election
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), , has expressed concern over what he described as persistent harassment and frustration ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking during an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Obi alleged that the actions of the current administration have made his daily activities increasingly difficult and negatively affected his means of livelihood.
The former Anambra State governor claimed he faces constant obstacles and said the pressure has become so intense that he cannot be certain he will be alive to participate in the 2027 presidential election.
“With the way this government is going, I may not even be alive to contest the 2027 election. Every single thing I do for a living, this government is deliberately frustrating. I face frustration every day,” Obi said.
He also alleged that he recently experienced an incident at an airport where his vehicle was locked, citing it as an example of the challenges he claims to be facing.
Obi did not provide further details about the airport incident or identify those allegedly responsible for the action.
Politics
Senate: Odoh Unveils Vision to Make Ebonyi Central Globally Competitive
The candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, , has unveiled an ambitious legislative agenda aimed at positioning the district as a globally competitive hub for innovation, technology, agriculture and enterprise.
In a statement addressed to the people of Ebonyi Central, Odoh thanked the leadership of the NDC, party members, stakeholders and supporters for entrusting him with the party’s ticket for the 2027 general election.
He described his emergence as a call to service and pledged to pursue legislative initiatives capable of attracting federal interventions, strategic investments and economic opportunities to the district.
According to him, the future of Ebonyi Central depends on electing a senator who can shape transformative legislation, influence national budgets, strengthen oversight and build partnerships that deliver sustainable development.
Odoh argued that rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, digital technology, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and precision agriculture require proactive policies to ensure Ebonyi Central is not left behind in the global economy.
He said his legislative priorities would include expanding broadband infrastructure, promoting digital innovation and skills centres, attracting agro-processing and mineral beneficiation industries, and supporting modern agricultural practices to improve productivity and create jobs.
The NDC candidate also promised to unveil a five-part SMART Legislative Agenda detailing plans to strengthen education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, agriculture and investment through purposeful legislation and strategic federal advocacy.
He urged residents of Ebonyi Central to support a vision that would transform the district into a centre of innovation, enterprise and shared prosperity, with the goal of delivering “prosperity in every home, jobs, wealth and opportunity.”
Politics
2027: Nwifuru Plays Safe as Cold War Brews, Denies Rift with Wike
The Ebonyi State Government has moved to dispel speculations of a rift between Governor and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, NyesomWike, insisting that the governor never threatened the minister and that reports suggesting otherwise were politically motivated.
The clarification comes amid growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, following remarks made by Governor Nwifuru during the June 15 endorsement rally for President Bola Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates at the .
Addressing journalists in Abakaliki on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Ikeuwa Omebeh, dismissed allegations by factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the governor had threatened Wike.
According to Omebeh, the governor’s remarks were directed at opposition figures allegedly exploiting Wike’s name to spread misinformation and stoke political tension in Ebonyi State, not at the FCT minister himself.
He explained that Nwifuru’s use of the word “consume” was figurative and merely signified that individuals bent on disrupting public peace would face the full weight of the law if they refused to desist.
“The attention of the Ebonyi State Government has been drawn to statements issued by the national leadership of the two factions of the PDP, as well as media reports concerning remarks made by Governor Francis Nwifuru during the endorsement rally,” Omebeh said.
“We wish to state categorically that at no time did His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, issue any threat against the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike.”
The commissioner maintained that Governor Nwifuru and Wike enjoy a cordial relationship built on mutual respect, describing attempts to portray them as political rivals as false and mischievous.
He accused the PDP and some media outlets of twisting the governor’s comments to manufacture an unnecessary dispute between the two leaders for political gain.
Omebeh also urged the opposition to focus on resolving its internal leadership crisis instead of criticising the Nwifuru administration, arguing that the PDP lacked the moral standing to lecture the government on governance.
He further claimed that the opposition had lost political relevance in Ebonyi State and would not pose a serious challenge to the ruling APC in the 2027 elections.
Reaffirming the government’s position, the commissioner said the people of Ebonyi State remained firmly behind Governor Nwifuru and would demonstrate that support at the polls, insisting that attempts to create an imaginary rift between the governor and Wike would ultimately fail.
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