The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Police rescue nine kidnap victims in first drone-led operation in Edo

    Police rescue nine kidnap victims in first drone-led operation in Edo

    • Kidnapped doctor’s family seeks support to pay N100m ransom

    The police command in Edo says it has rescued nine victims from kidnappers in a landmark drone-led operation in the state.

    Just as the wife of a kidnap victim has taken on to social media to beg for support to raise the N100m ransom.

    The command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, speaking about drone-led operation, in a statement, issued in Benin on Saturday, disclosed that the rescue followed a report of a kidnapping incident at Egbojo Ikabigbo community in Jattu, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.

    She said the report prompted an immediate deployment of the Divisional Police Officer in the area and his team, working alongside vigilantes and hunters.

    She explained that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Monday Agbonika, subsequently activated the Eagle Combat Drone Unit for its first-ever rescue mission.

    READ ALSO; Obi’s defection sets teeth on edge

    “In the early hours of Jan. 9, 2026, at about 4:25 a.m. the kidnappers’ camp was successfully located through real-time aerial intelligence provided by the drone unit.

    “Ground troops stormed the camp, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles.

    “The victims – one adult male, three adult females, and five children  were rescued unhurt,” she said.

    The command’s spokesperson described the operation as a milestone that underscored the growing role of technology in modern policing in Edo.

    Beyond the rescue, she disclosed that the command also recorded multiple arrests and recoveries in a series of coordinated security operations across the state.

    According to her, a black Toyota Yaris, reportedly snatched at gunpoint along Ugbowo, Benin City, was recovered on Friday along Otorekpen Street, Siloko Road.

    She added that a suspected armed robbery syndicate member, Oluwashegun Ajayi, was also arrested.

    According to the spokesperson, the vehicle had since been returned to its owner.

    Ikoedem said operatives of the Eagle Raiders Squad also arrested seven members of an armed robbery gang linked to the killing of a Point-of-Sale (PoS) operator on Muritala Muhammed Way, off Sapele Road, Benin City.

    “The suspects confessed to being members of the Supreme Eiye Confraternity cult.

    “One locally made revolver, a single-barrel pistol, and a white mini-bus used for the operation were recovered,” she said.

    She said the command also recovered a stolen Lexus 330 SUV taken during a home invasion on Dec. 25, 2025.

    Ikoedem said the vehicle was retrieved through a joint operation between Ugbowo and Okhoro divisions, leading to the arrest of a suspect, Victor John, who confessed to the crime.

    Additionally, she said operatives of the Loveworld Division arrested a suspected armed robber, David Okoro, during a response to a distress call at Ogheghe Community, off Sapele Road Bypass.

    She explained that a single-barrel gun and cartridges were recovered, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.

    On child trafficking, the police spokesperson disclosed that a syndicate was dismantled in Uromi following intelligence from a concerned citizen.

    “A newborn baby boy was safely rescued, while N1.4 million, being proceeds of the illegal transaction, was recovered.

    “The suspects will be charged to court,” she said.

    The Police PRO described the operations as a major boost to the fight against crime and a demonstration of the command’s evolving operational capacity.

    Ikoedem said CP Agbonika had assured residents of the state that the command would sustain its aggressive approach against criminal elements.

    “The Commissioner of Police reiterates the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property in Edo.

    “The CP urges members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to aid security operations,” she said. 

    Family seeks support to pay N100m ransom 

    Also in Edo, kidnappers of Dr. Abu Babatunde have refused to back down on the demand for N100m ransom payment to secure his release.

    Abu was kidnapped on January 2nd alongside his younger brother, Momoh.

    Momoh was shot dead and has since been buried.

    Wife of the victim took to social media to beg for support to raise the ransom money.

    She said every small contribution could help secure the doctor’s freedom.

    “With teary eyes and a heavy heart, I appeal to the public for prayers, support, and financial assistance during this extremely painful time.

    “The N100 million ransom demand is an impossible burden for us to bear alone.

    “No amount is too small, and we plead for assistance and continued prayers.”

  • INEC cautions against multiple voters’ registration in Ekiti

    INEC cautions against multiple voters’ registration in Ekiti

    The Independent National Electoral Commission has cautioned residents of Ekiti State against multiple registrations in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise, warning that offenders will face sanctions in line with the law.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, gave the warning on Monday while speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti during the announcement of the commencement of the second phase of the CVR exercise across the 16 local government areas of the state.

    Omoseyindemi said that anyone found engaging in multiple registration or other infractions would be prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

    He explained that the second phase of the CVR was designed to give another opportunity to eligible citizens who were unable to register during the earlier phase, particularly young Nigerians who had recently attained the age of 18.

     He urged political parties, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to mobilise unregistered residents to participate in the exercise ahead of the June 20 governorship election.

    The REC noted that the resumption of the CVR followed its suspension on December 10, 2025, to allow for the display of the preliminary voters’ register for claims and objections.

    READ ALSO; FUNKE AKINDELE: Undisputed queen of Nigerian Box Office

    According to him, the process enabled registrants to verify their details and request corrections where necessary, thereby improving the credibility of the register.

    He stressed that voter registration remained a fundamental civic responsibility and a critical pillar of democratic participation, adding that no eligible citizen should be excluded from the electoral process due to ignorance or lack of information.

    The REC assured residents that INEC had put measures in place to detect and prevent electoral offences, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to conducting a transparent, inclusive and credible voter registration exercise across all designated registration centres in Ekiti State.

  • Why I opposed Tambuwal’s emergence as Speaker – Obasanjo

    Why I opposed Tambuwal’s emergence as Speaker – Obasanjo

    • Tinubu felicitates former Sokoto gov at 60

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed why he and ex-President  Goodluck Jonathan opposed  Aminu Waziri Tambuwal’s emergence as Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2011.

    Obasanjo made the disclosure at a leadership colloquium and 60th birthday celebration organised in honour of Tambuwal yesterday.

    The former president, who chaired the event  said the opposition was based on party considerations and the desire to sustain gender inclusion in legislative leadership following the ruling party’s support for Mulikat Akande Adeola.

     He said the thinking at the time was that since a woman had emerged as Speaker for the first time, she should be encouraged to continue in that role.

    Tambuwal, then a second-term lawmaker from the North West, went on to defeat Akande Adeola from the South West, polling 252 votes against her 90 in the speakership contest.

    READ ALSO; Obi’s defection sets teeth on edge

    Despite lacking the backing of the Jonathan administration, Tambuwal received support from opposition lawmakers, marking one of the rare moments in the Fourth Republic when the legislature openly asserted its independence against executive preference.

     Obasanjo said the lawmakers exercised their constitutional rights and that both he and Jonathan ultimately respected the outcome, adding that one quality he noticed early in Tambuwal was humility, which he described as essential to genuine leadership.

    Eulogising the  former Sokoto State  governor, Obasanjo said: “One thing I saw in you was humility. Greatness that does not include humility is greatness that is hollow. Your greatness is not hollow.”

     President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also yesterday congratulated Tambuwal on his 60th birthday, commending his long years of service to Sokoto State and the nation.

     In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Tambuwal as a prominent politician and lawyer whose public career has been marked by significant national responsibilities.

     President Tinubu recalled Tambuwal’s tenure as Speaker of the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015, noting that his leadership at the National Assembly coincided with a critical period in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

     The President also acknowledged Tambuwal’s eight years as Governor of Sokoto State from 2015 to 2023, during which he served two consecutive terms, contributing to governance and political development in the state.

    According to the statement, President Tinubu highlighted Tambuwal’s dedication to nation-building and his sustained efforts toward the advancement of democracy in Nigeria, irrespective of party affiliation.

     The President wished the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator many more years in good health and expressed hope for an even brighter political future as he marks the milestone birthday.

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who joined the event virtually, acknowledged that there were disagreements between the executive and the House during Tambuwal’s tenure but credited him with holding the chamber together.

     Jonathan said Tambuwal enjoyed strong confidence from members of the House and demonstrated leadership strength despite political differences.

     Former Senate President and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark described Tambuwal as a dependable and disciplined leader whose political journey has earned him national respect beyond partisan boundaries

    Mark, who served as Special Guest of Honour at the event said Tambuwal’s career reflected loyalty to democratic principles and selfless service to the nation

     “For me, Senator Aminu Tambuwal is like a son He is humble dependable and trustworthy and his contributions to Nigeria’s democracy speak for themselves,” Mark said.

    He recounted how Tambuwal and his deputy approached him ahead of the 2011 election, expressing confidence that they would emerge Speaker and Deputy Speaker regardless of party pressure.

     Mark said he deliberately ignored pressure from party leaders on the eve of the election, noting that on that occasion he chose to defy expectations.

     Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, described Tambuwal as a leader with national potential and urged him to live up to the expectations placed on him.

     Also speaking former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi said attaining 60 offered an opportunity for reflection urging moderation and wisdom at that stage of life

     Praising Tambuwal as a bridge builder committed to consensus, justice and national unity, he said, “I celebrate you and wish you well as you journey ahead. The sky is your limit.

    Former Edo State governor and former APC National Chairman, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole commended Tambuwal’s ability to manage a politically divided House and recalled his personal compassion during a period of bereavement.

     On her part, Tambuwal’s former rival in the speakership race, Mulikat Akande Adeola, dismissed any suggestion of lingering resentment, saying leadership outcomes were ultimately determined by destiny and that there was no animosity between them.

    Former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi warned that democracy was under threat globally, citing coups and democratic breakdowns across Africa, and urged Nigeria to continue to protect legislative independence.

     In his remarks, Tambuwal warned that Nigeria stands at a critical point in its history and requires honest leadership, responsible governance and national unity to avert a deeper crisis.

    Tambuwal said the country had drifted dangerously away from the vision of its founding leaders and must urgently confront its governance failures to recover.

     According to him, Nigeria’s present condition is far removed from the hopes that accompanied the return to democratic rule, noting that the situation should trouble not only citizens alive today but also those who laboured to build the nation.

    He said the country had reached a point where denial was no longer an option and that meaningful progress could only begin with a sincere admission of what had gone wrong.

    Tambuwal argued that rescuing Nigeria must rise above personal ambition, ethnic considerations and party interests, warning that political practices that weaken institutions and undermine democratic growth were part of the problem.

     He said leadership should be about service to the people rather than personal gain, stressing that public office must not be treated as a pathway for self-enrichment or the imposition of unfit successors.

    The former Speaker maintained that national renewal could not be left to political parties alone, adding that citizens must actively participate in demanding good governance and accountable leadership.

    He said Nigerians had no alternative country to retreat to and must therefore commit to doing the right thing to ensure the emergence of leaders who are prepared to govern responsibly.

     Tambuwal also declared his readiness to take greater personal risks in defence of democracy and national renewal, saying he was recommitting himself to working with Nigerians who share a belief in good governance and the need to turn the country around.

  • FG targets N33.39trn revenue, sets aside N15.91trn for debt service in 2026

    FG targets N33.39trn revenue, sets aside N15.91trn for debt service in 2026

    The federal government has projected revenue of N33.39 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year, while proposing to spend N15.91 trillion on debt servicing, according to details contained in the 2026 Appropriation Bill currently before the National Assembly.

    The revenue framework in the bill shows that the largest portion of federally generated income will come from the country’s share of net federation revenues, estimated at N20.20 trillion.

    This comprises N18.84 trillion from the federal government’s share of the main federation account pool, N1.29 trillion from the Value Added Tax pool, and N63.85 billion from the Electronic Money Transfer Levy.

    Independent revenues are projected at N4.31 trillion, reflecting expectations from government-owned institutions and agencies. Of this amount, tax-related independent revenues are put at N124.25 billion, while non-tax revenues are estimated at N845.98 billion.

    Operating surplus from government agencies is expected to contribute N3.34 trillion, reinforcing the government’s reliance on remittances from ministries, departments and agencies to fund public expenditure.

    READ ALSO; FUNKE AKINDELE: Undisputed queen of Nigerian Box Office

    Additional inflows are expected from dividends paid by government-linked enterprises, with total dividend income projected at N247.70 billion. The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited is expected to contribute N135.14 billion, while the Development Bank of Nigeria and the Bank of Agriculture are projected to remit N57.97 billion and N51.05 billion respectively. Galaxy Backbone is expected to add N3.55 billion, while no dividend is projected from the Bank of Industry for the year under review.

    The budget also anticipates N1.37 trillion from foreign aid and grants, reflecting continued engagement with development partners to support priority programmes. Special levies and transfers to designated government accounts are estimated at N300 billion.

    Revenue from government-owned enterprises is projected at N9.40 trillion, although this figure is adjusted for operating surplus, resulting in net revenue of N4.98 trillion after deducting N4.42 trillion classified as operating surplus already captured under independent revenues.

    Other revenue sources are expected to generate N1.99 trillion. This includes N1.90 trillion from development levies, N22.68 billion from domestic recoveries, assets and fines, and N65.05 billion from oil price royalty receipts. No revenue is projected from signature bonuses or renewals within the period.

    On the expenditure side, the federal government plans to allocate N15.91 trillion to service public debt in 2026, underscoring the significant fiscal burden of debt obligations on public finances. Domestic debt service, including Ways and Means advances, is estimated at N10.16 trillion, while foreign debt service is projected at N5.36 trillion.

     In practical terms, this means that in 2026 the federal government plans to spend far more servicing debts owed within Nigeria than those owed to external creditors, and that domestic borrowing remains the dominant pressure on public finances.

    The N10.16 trillion domestic debt service covers interest and principal repayments on loans raised inside the country. These include Federal Government bonds, Treasury bills, Sukuk, savings bonds, and, crucially, Ways and Means advances from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

    Ways and Means are short-term overdraft facilities the government uses to cover cash shortfalls, but over time they have grown into a large stock of debt that now attracts significant interest costs. The size of this figure shows that financing government deficits through domestic borrowing and central bank support has created a heavy repayment obligation that must be met before other spending priorities.

     The N5.36 trillion foreign debt service relates to obligations to external lenders such as multilateral institutions, bilateral partners, and holders of Nigeria’s Eurobonds. These payments are usually denominated in foreign currency, mainly dollars, which means they place pressure on the country’s external reserves and foreign exchange market.

     Although the foreign debt service figure is lower than domestic debt service, it carries additional risks because it depends on exchange rate movements and the availability of foreign currency.

     Putting both figures together, shows that debt servicing alone will absorb a very large share of government resources in 2026.

    When combined, domestic and foreign debt service of about N15.5 trillion accounts for a substantial portion of total projected revenue, leaving less fiscal space for capital projects, social services, and economic development programmes.

    The heavier weight of domestic debt service also suggests that while external borrowing often attracts public attention, the more immediate strain on the budget is coming from debts accumulated within the local financial system and from central bank financing of government spending.

     In addition, N388.54 billion is set aside for a sinking fund aimed at retiring maturing promissory notes, bringing total debt service provisions for the year to N15.91 trillion.

    The figures indicate that nearly half of the federal government’s projected revenue for 2026 will be devoted to meeting debt obligations, a trend that continues to shape fiscal planning and constrain spending space for development and social programmes.

  • IPMAN rejects fuel imports as Dangote refinery denies supply disruption claims

    IPMAN rejects fuel imports as Dangote refinery denies supply disruption claims

    The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has voiced strong opposition to the continued importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) into the country. The association also distanced itself from reports suggesting that the surge in petrol imports in November 2025 was linked to a breakdown in supply arrangements between Dangote Refinery and petroleum marketers, describing such claims as inaccurate and misleading.

    According to IPMAN, the report does not reflect the reality experienced by its members. The association emphasised that the commencement of supply from Dangote Refinery has significantly improved product availability nationwide.

    Speaking on the issue, IPMAN National President, Abubakar Maigandi Shettima, stated:

    “Our members fully support Dangote Refinery. Since supply began, marketers have consistently lifted products without any complaints. We oppose continued importation because Dangote Refinery has the capacity to meet the country’s entire PMS demand.”

    Shettima further noted that members are satisfied with the reliability of supply and welcomed the refinery’s commitment to direct delivery to filling stations—a move he described as critical to stabilizing distribution and benefiting consumers. He stressed that improved access to locally refined products has eased supply pressures and boosted confidence among independent marketers, reaffirming IPMAN’s commitment to domestic refining as a sustainable solution for Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

    READ ALSO; FUNKE AKINDELE: Undisputed queen of Nigerian Box Office

    Similarly, Dangote Petroleum Refinery dismissed the media reports as baseless and inaccurate. In its statement, the refinery clarified that no supply agreement with marketers had collapsed, adding that its engagement with the downstream market was deliberately structured to meet rising demand and enhance access, competition, and efficiency.

    The refinery disclosed that supply under the marketers’ arrangement began in October 2025 with an agreed offtake volume of 600 million litres of PMS. This was later increased to 900 million litres in November and further expanded to 1.5 billion litres in December.

    “In line with market growth and absorption capacity, volumes were scaled up accordingly. Subsequently, and in line with downstream market liberalisation, we opened PMS supply to all qualified marketers, bulk consumers, and filling station operators,” the statement signed by Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, read.

    Since December 16, 2025, Dangote Refinery has consistently loaded between 31 million and 48 million litres of PMS daily from its gantry, subject to market demand. These figures, the refinery noted, are verifiable against depot and loading records maintained under routine regulatory oversight.

    To broaden participation and improve distribution efficiency, the refinery introduced several measures, including reducing minimum purchase volumes from two million litres to 250,000 litres and offering a 10-day credit facility backed by bank guarantees. These initiatives aim to enhance liquidity, support small and medium-sized operators, and reduce reliance on imported fuel.

    The refinery added that this expanded access framework has driven higher utilisation of locally refined PMS and contributed to more competitive retail pricing, with domestic products priced significantly lower than imported alternatives. It also dismissed claims that marketers withdrew due to pricing concerns, affirming that its ex-gantry prices remain competitive, market-responsive, and aligned with import parity indicators while meeting all regulatory and quality standards.

    Addressing the surge in petrol imports recorded in November, Dangote Refinery explained that the increase coincided with import licensing decisions approved by the former leadership of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), which sanctioned volumes beyond prevailing domestic demand. The refinery stressed that this development was unrelated to its operational capacity or supply commitments.

    Dangote Refinery reaffirmed its commitment to reliable supply, transparency, and the orderly development of a competitive downstream petroleum market. It pledged continued collaboration with regulators and industry stakeholders to support Nigeria’s domestic refining, conserve foreign exchange, moderate prices, and strengthen long-term energy security.

  • Four killed in new terrorist attack in Niger community

    Four killed in new terrorist attack in Niger community

    Terrorists on Friday evening killed four villagers and injured several others in Damala Village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

     This is coming barely a week after terrorists invaded the Kasuwan-Daji Market and killed over 40 people. 

    The terrorists were said to have struck at about 8.30 pm killing four people while others got injured as they tried to escape the onslaught of the terrorists.

    READ ALSO; Obi’s defection sets teeth on edge

      Damala Village is located behind the Woko–Daba mining sector of Wawa community.

     It was learnt that the terrorists burnt a church and several houses as they attacked the community.

     The terrorists were said to have taken all the livestock belonging to the residents, forcing the animals into the surrounding forest.

  • Donald Trump: ‘We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not’

    Donald Trump: ‘We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not’

    The United States must acquire Greenland, President Trump has unequivocally said.

    Trump averred that despite an existing US military presence on the island under a 1951 agreement, such arrangements are insufficient to guarantee its defense, adding that the United States needs to acquire Greenland to keep Russia or China away from occupying it in the future.

    “We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not. Because if we don’t do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we’re not going to have Russia or China as a neighbour,” Trump told reporters at the White House while meeting with oil company executives.

    Trump said the U.S. must acquire Greenland, even though it already has a military presence on the island under a 1951 agreement, because such deals are not enough to guarantee Greenland’s defence. The island of 57,000 people is an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark.

    “You defend ownership. You don’t defend leases. And we’ll have to defend Greenland. If we don’t do it, China or Russia will,” Trump said.

    READ ALSO; Obi’s defection sets teeth on edge

    Trump and White House officials have been discussing various plans to bring Greenland under U.S. control, including potential use of the U.S. military and lump sum payments to Greenlanders as part of a bid to convince them to secede from Denmark and potentially join the U.S.

    Leaders in Copenhagen and throughout Europe have reacted with disdain in recent days to comments by Trump and other White House officials asserting their right to Greenland. The U.S. and Denmark are NATO allies bound by a mutual defence agreement.

    On Tuesday, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Britain and Denmark issued a joint statement, saying only Greenland and Denmark can decide matters regarding their relations.

  • Illegal mining fuels insecurity in Niger – Commissioner tells Police

    Illegal mining fuels insecurity in Niger – Commissioner tells Police

    Illegal mining has moved beyond regulatory breaches to fuel wider criminal activities and insecurity and has become a major driver of insecurity in Niger State, the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Muhammed Qasim Danjuma, has disclosed.

    Danjuma stated this during a visit to the Niger State Police Command headquarters in Minna, where he warned that unregulated mineral extraction is no longer just an economic or environmental issue but a growing security threat.

    READ ALSO; Obi’s defection sets teeth on edge

    He said illegal mining operations now provide cover for criminal elements, contributing to violence, environmental degradation and instability in host communities across the state.

    “Our vision is a Niger State where mineral resources contribute to prosperity, not criminality,” the commissioner told the police leadership, adding that illicit mining activities undermine public safety and sustainable development.

    Danjuma called for the revival of the state’s illegal mining task force, unregulated mining describing it as a key step in confronting the security risks linked to unregulated mining pointing that unregulated mining now provides cover for criminal elements, leading to environmental degradation, loss of revenue and rising instability in host communities..

  • Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to be tolled after unveiling

    Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to be tolled after unveiling

    The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will be tolled as soon as it is completed and inaugurated.

    Umahi stated this yesterday in Lagos during an inspection tour of the project.

    He said, “I must emphasise that this road is going to be tolled by the contractor; it is part of the package.

    “I will be inviting the contractor to give us the programme. I don’t want to open this permanently for traffic, and then we begin to talk about tolling.

    READ ALSO; FUNKE AKINDELE: Undisputed queen of Nigerian Box Office

    ”The contractor has to give us the programme and begin to build infrastructure before the end of April, so we have to toll this route as soon as we complete it and as soon as it is commissioned.”

    On the impact of challenge following realignment of the highway on the project budget, the minister said that there would be no room to increase the budget further.

    “We have concluded the re-measurements, and we are a country with a lot of other issues, and we have gone to the Bureau of Public Procurement; so, there is no opening to increase the project further.

    “We have a total of N170 billion increments on the project as a result of this and the diversion of the projects to save those high-rise buildings at the beginning of the project, the shore protection we encountered and then a lot of refuse dumps that were evacuated – some up to 15 metres deep and stretching over many kilometres.

    “Hitech has to be at this risk, and that is part of its contribution in building our nation,” he said. Hitech Construction Company Limited is the contractor handling the project.

  • Wike: No one can push us out of Rivers politics

    Wike: No one can push us out of Rivers politics

    • Fubara’s impeachment can’t stand if not sanctioned by NWC – Kalu

    • Elders forum warns against sack of Fubara, deputy

    Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike vowed yesterday that no one could push him and his supporters out or stop them from supporting the reelection of President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State.

    He said those who are now positioning themselves to deny him and his supporters their rewards for throwing in their lot with the President in 2023 would fail in their bid.

    Wike spoke in Port Harcourt as tension keeps rising over the impeachment move against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu by the majority members of the State House of Assembly.

    The minister who was on a thank you visit to Port Harcourt City Local Government, (PHALGA) recalled how the people of the state stood by him to elect Tinubu in 2023 against all odds.

    He added that now that the benefits were rolling in, he would not allow anyone to rush in at the last minutes and take the glory.

    “In 2023, we led the struggle here. We were members of the Renewed Hope Agenda from the very beginning and that was when we took the decision to support Tinubu,” he said.

    “Now, those who were not there then, who went and supported Atiku Abubakar and refused to give him even 10 per cent votes are now coming that they want to lead the Renewed Hope Agenda. Is it possible?

    “You were not there from the beginning. You didn’t go to buy the pepper, you didn’t go to buy the salt, and you didn’t go to buy the oil.

    “You did not participate in all these things. Suddenly food is done; you now jump in and want to be the one that will eat first. Is that possible? Nobody in this state can push us out.”

    He asked his supporters not to give in to distractions but remain united and focus their energy on supporting the reelection of Tinubu.

    “These are the foot soldiers of the Renewed Hope Family. If there is one state that the President knows he can go home and sleep with his two eyes closed, it is Rivers,” he said.

    READ ALSO; FUNKE AKINDELE: Undisputed queen of Nigerian Box Office

    He also said he cannot be a leader forever and that he will have to leave the stage for others at some point.

    “Because leadership has come on you, there’s nothing you can do. And those of us too, we should know that today, I’m a leader. Tomorrow will be your own turn too,” he said.

    “No one man can be a leader forever. It’s not possible. God has never allowed that. So, everybody saying, Wike is our leader as it is today, yes. But it can never be forever.

    “Everybody has his or her own time. When your own time has come, you do whatever you can do to the satisfaction of the people, and to the glory of God. So, when you respect a leader, when it’s your own turn too, somebody will respect you.”

    He explained that the visit was to thank the people for the support in 2023 and to advise them to keep working together, assuring them that 2026 would be better than 2025.

    Earlier, the Mayor of Port Harcourt, Sir Allwell Ihunda, commended Tinubu for ensuring that democratically elected council chairmen exist in Rivers.

    Ihunda added that as a governor of the state for eight years, Wike had done wonders by executing numerous life-impacting projects to make life better for the people.

    “We are ready for your directives on what to do in 2027.  As soon as the directive comes, we will step into action,” he said.

    Fubara’s impeachment won’t happen if not sanctioned by NWC, says Kalu

    Former governor of Abia State and APC chieftain, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu said yesterday that the planned impeachment of Governor Fubara by the State House of Assembly would not come to pass except the party’s leadership sanctions the move.

    Kalu, who currently represents Abia North in the Senate,said  he was “not  sure that it (impeachment proceedings) is going to succeed if the NWC of the party are not with that decision.”

    Rivers elders warn against impeachment of Fubara, deputy

    The Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum (RELEF) has expressed concern over the impeachment notice issued to Gov. Fubara and Deputy Gov. Odu.

    The Acting Chairman of RELEF, Dr Gabriel Toby, a former deputy governor of Rivers, condemned the impeachment move in a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday.

    Toby warned that impeachment was a grave constitutional process and must not be deployed as “an instrument of political vendetta or factional rivalry.”

    According to him, the reasons advanced by the lawmakers for the attempted removal of the governor are weak, insubstantial, and devoid of public interest justification or constitutional weight.

    “The allegations against Gov. Fubara appear to be driven by narrow personal interests rather than any sincere concern for good governance in the state.

    “The governor’s mandate was freely given by the electorate and can only be questioned in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, due process, and clear, compelling, and verifiable grounds,” he said.

    Toby cautioned that the current course of action could deepen political divisions and erode public confidence in democratic institutions.

    He added that it could further destabilise an already fragile political environment in the state.

    “Rivers State has yet to fully recover from the political, social and institutional disruptions of the recent emergency rule.

    “Our people are still bearing the consequences of that episode, and the present development risks reopening old wounds and heightening tensions,” he added.

    The elder statesman stressed that stability and focussed governance were urgently required and called on the lawmakers to immediately retrace their steps in the interest of peace and progress.

    He also urged the legislators to place the collective interest of the state above partisan or personal considerations and reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to peace, unity, justice and constitutional democracy.

    “We will not remain silent in the face of actions capable of threatening the stability, dignity, and future of Rivers State.

    “We appeal for wisdom and restraint to prevail in the overall interest of the people. We urge all stakeholders to allow the state to heal and move forward.” Toby said.