The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger delta

  • Rivers crisis: Group urges Fubara to resign for defying Tinubu-brokered peace deal

    Rivers crisis: Group urges Fubara to resign for defying Tinubu-brokered peace deal

    In the face of the ongoing impeachment process of Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the Assembly members; a foremost pro democracy and accountability group has asked the Governor to honourably resign before it is too late.

    Fubara is facing another row of impeachment threat with 26 out of 27 House of Assembly Members already signed his impeachment notice.

    Presenting the impeachment notice during the resumed plenary on Thursday, Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Major Jack, read out eight points of alleged gross misconduct against Governor Fubara.

    Jack, who represents Akuku-Toru I Constituency, accused the Governor of demolition of the Assembly Complex; engaging in unapproved budgetary spendings; withholding funds meant for Rivers Assembly Service Commission; refusal to obey the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Financial Autonomy of the House; and seizure of the salaries of the Clerk of the Rivers House of Assembly, Emeka Amadi; amongst others.

    The House also empathically accused Governor Fubara of rebuffing entreaties to present the 2026 budget, thereby undermining the powers of the Assembly.

    Reacting Saturday morning, in a statement by the spokesperson, Comrade Wisdom Abah, the pro democracy and accountability group, under the umbrella of National Vanguard for Accountable and Transparent Democracy (NVATD), said, by reneging on the peace deal brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Governor has invited anarchy into the state.

    “Let it be known to the whole world that, Governor Siminalayi Fubara is solely responsible for the political unrest that is currently befalling Rivers State. It does not take him anything to go back to the drawing board and follow the peace agreement he entered in June and September 2025, for the interest of the entire people of Rivers,” the group said.

    The group stressed the refusal of Fubara and Deputy to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the House of Assembly, his flagrant neglect of the democratically constituted House of Assembly and his refusal to honour the peace deal supervised by President Tinubu, were the greatest unbecoming that would undo the Governor.

    “The most honourable thing for the Governor to do now, is to just resign, before it is too late. Imagine he is the only Governor in Nigeria as at today, that has not presented the 2026 budget to the State Assembly. The Governor has no regard for the Lawmakers. He should be schooled that, Legislature is a critical arm of Government that performs critical roles. Lawmakers are not part of his executive.

    “We saw his outing on BBC where he was boasting that there was no Assembly without him. He claimed he gave them existence and he could as well de-recognise them. He even claimed some Assembly members were feeding in his house and he paid their children school fees before he became Governor.

    “Comments like these are not healthy for our democracy. The Governor should know better that, there is difference between personal relationship and governance. Even though he was close with some lawmakers before becoming Governor and they had personal ties, it would not preclude the Assembly, as a legislative arm of Government from doing its oversight functions on him and his executive.

    “Refusing to present the 2026 budget to the State Assembly means he has de-recognized that institution of democracy as he rightly threatened. His refusal to grant total autonomy to the Assembly, autonomy to the Local Government and paying outstanding debts owed the Lawmakers, as agreed in the peace deal, means the Governor has not only insulted democracy, he has also disrespected the Assembly Members and above all, despised President Tinubu, before whom he made the commitments,” the statement added.

  • PANDEF sets up reconciliation committee over renewed Rivers political crisis

    PANDEF sets up reconciliation committee over renewed Rivers political crisis

    The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has constituted a seven-member reconciliation committee to address the escalating political crisis between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly.

    The committee is chaired by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN.

    The development followed the Assembly’s initiation of a fresh impeachment process against the governor and his deputy on Thursday.

    In a statement signed by King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Co-Chairman, Board of Trustees; Obong Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Co-Chairman, BOT; and Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, National Chairman, PANDEF, expressed deep concern over the situation. The group warned that the crisis is troubling and requires urgent intervention to prevent further escalation and a possible breakdown of law and order.

    PANDEF urged all parties to embrace peace and pursue dialogue based on compromise, tolerance, and political balance. The forum also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC leadership, and respected Rivers elders for their previous efforts in stabilising the state’s political environment.

    The Statement read, “The Board and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political body representing the people of the South-South geopolitical zone, notes with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State. Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the Governor of the State and the Deputy Governor. 

    “This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order. This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers State to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic well-being of Nigeria as a whole.

    “In keeping with its non-partisan posture and its overarching role as a unifying and motherly platform for the region, PANDEF calls on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe the sword and embrace peace, guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity. All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development, and the welfare of the people of Rivers State, as well as the interests of other citizens of the South-South, Nigerians at large, and the sizable expatriate community resident in the State. We must now focus squarely on good governance and the development of the state.

    “PANDEF commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the State.

    “However, in line with its long-standing tradition and proven record in peace-making and peace-building initiatives across the Niger Delta, PANDEF has constituted a high-level team of eminent Nigerians to intervene in the matter.

    “PANDEF calls on all parties to fully cooperate with this distinguished and highly respected team of senior Nigerians and sons and daughters of the South-South zone, as they selflessly commit their time and experience to this arduous assignment, with the objective of achieving a peaceful, fair, and sustainable resolution through a dispassionate and inclusive process.”

    Other members of the committee are: Senator Obende Domingo (Former Senator, Edo North) – Vice Chairman; Rt Hon (Chief) Essien Nduese, (Former Minister of Housing); Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari (Retired Federal Permanent Secretary) – Member; Chief Mike Ejiofor (RTD Director, Department of State Service), Member; Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN (Former Attorney-General, Cross River State) – Member; and Prince Godwin Okotie (Deputy National Secretary, PANDEF) – Secretary.

  • Activist urges Tinubu to ‘correct injustice, waste’ of Niger Delta’s 13% derivation

    Activist urges Tinubu to ‘correct injustice, waste’ of Niger Delta’s 13% derivation

    Renowned Niger Delta environmental activist, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has urged President Bola Tinubu to correct “decades of injustice and waste” surrounding the management of the Niger Delta’s 13 per cent oil derivation fund.

    He called on the President to halt the current practice of paying the derivation funds directly to oil-producing state governments and instead channel the resources into federally coordinated mega development projects across Niger Delta.

    The activist, the Ibe-Serimoowei of the oil-rich Gbaramtu Kingdom in Delta State, made the call in a statement on Wednesday.

    He said existing system had failed to deliver meaningful development to oil-bearing communities due to corruption, mismanagement and diversion of funds by some state governments.

    Mulade said despite trillions of naira disbursed to Niger Delta states over the years as derivation funds, many communities suffered from poverty, environmental degradation, unemployment and lack of basic infrastructure.

    “The 13 percent derivation fund was designed to bring development and relief to oil-producing communities, but sadly, that objective has been largely defeated.

    “What we see today is massive diversion, mismanagement and misappropriation of oil derivation funds, with little or no impact on the lives of the ordinary people in the creeks and host communities,” he said.

    In an earlier New Year message, Mulade urged the Federal Government to implement more people-friendly economic policies and also called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intensify development in riverine communities as year 2026 begins. 

    He also called on Deltans to support government efforts by maintaining peace and unity across ethnic lines, noting that “peace is essential to attracting and wooing investors who can create employment opportunities and drive development in our dear state.”

    Commending Governor Oborevwori for ongoing infrastructural development in major urban centres, Mulade urged the governor to extend similar projects to riverine areas predominantly occupied by the Ijaws and Itsekiris.

  • Group urges Tinubu to intervene over impeachment move against Fubara

    Group urges Tinubu to intervene over impeachment move against Fubara

    The Rivers Peace Agenda Forum (RPAF) has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing political tension in Rivers State, expressing concerns over recent developments surrounding impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    In a statement, the group described the impeachment notice initiated by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly as troubling and potentially destabilising for democratic governance in the state.

    “We, the concerned citizens, elders, and stakeholders united under the Rivers Peace Agenda Forum, are raising this SOS to Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief because our dear state is being held hostage by undemocratic forces,” the statement declared.

    “The impeachment move initiated today against Governor Siminalayi Fubara is a brazen affront to the institution of democracy in Rivers State. It is a calculated attempt to overthrow the people’s mandate through the backdoor and impose chaos for selfish political interests.

    “The peace agreement personally brokered by President Tinubu in 2023 was meant to restore calm and allow governance to thrive.”

    The RPAF noted that Governor Fubara’s administration has continued to focus on governance and service delivery amid the political uncertainty, but warned that persistent conflict could undermine development efforts in the state.

    Appealing directly to the President, the forum called for decisive intervention to ensure adherence to the peace accord, protect democratic processes, and prevent any actions that could further polarise the state.

    The group stressed that maintaining political stability in Rivers State is critical for governance and development, urging all parties to prioritise dialogue and the rule of law.

  • 2027: Diri, Lokpobiri lead APC e-registration drive in Bayelsa, vow to deliver state for Tinubu

    2027: Diri, Lokpobiri lead APC e-registration drive in Bayelsa, vow to deliver state for Tinubu

    Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, alongside the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has taken centre stage in the All Progressives Congress (APC) e-registration drive aimed at consolidating the party’s membership across the state.

    Governor Diri, speaking at the official flag-off, emphasised the importance of unity and mass registration for the party. 

    He reminded participants that APC’s symbol—the broom—represents strength in togetherness. “You can easily break a single broomstick, but when all the sticks come together, they are unbreakable,” he said.

    The governor urged all APC members, both long-standing and recent defectors, to register formally. 

    “We are not a small state,” he asserted, encouraging members to increase party numbers and ensure APC remains the dominant political force in the region. He also stressed the need for members to possess both their APC membership cards and valid INEC voter cards, highlighting that this would safeguard the party’s integrity and prevent vote manipulation.

    Read Also: Oil fields dispute: Court orders Lokpobiri, others to maintain status quo

    Senator Lokpobiri described the electronic registration as a defining step toward party unity, strength, and electoral success.

    Addressing party stakeholders, he noted that the gathering marked a historic moment, bringing together leaders who had not worked collaboratively for years due to political differences. 

    “This exercise enables APC to accurately determine its support base in Bayelsa and better organise its structure ahead of future elections,” he said.

    Lokpobiri vows to deliver all elective offices for APC and return President Tinubu elected in 2027.

    Lokpobiri commended Governor Diri for his leadership and reconciliatory approach, which he said had restored harmony within the party. 

    “Through dialogue and personal intervention, the Governor persuaded party leaders to make compromises and embrace a new spirit of cooperation,” he noted, adding that former rivals were now working collectively toward shared goals.

    Describing APC in Bayelsa as united and indivisible, the minister stressed that the party now operates with a common objective of winning all elective positions. 

    He urged party leaders and stakeholders to mobilize their supporters for the e-registration exercise, emphasizing that active participation would position the party for greater success and stability in the state.

    Governor Diri also reminded attendees that political parties should foster development, not disunity. “Before political parties, we were all Bayelsans. Differences in party affiliations should not separate us; they should help us grow and develop,” he said.

    The event concluded with both leaders calling on party members to return to their constituencies, mobilize supporters, and ensure broad participation in the APC e-registration. The exercise, they noted, would not only strength. 

  • Otu swears In Egbung as Bekwarra chairman, canvasses unity, good governance

    Otu swears In Egbung as Bekwarra chairman, canvasses unity, good governance

    Cross River Governor Bassey Otu has sworn in Hon. Egbung as Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area, charging him to lead with humility, unity of purpose and commitment to service.

    The swearing-in ceremony, which marked the formal resolution of the leadership crisis in the council, was also used by the Governor to set the tone for governance in the New Year.

    Otu emphasised the strategic importance of local government administration, describing it as the tier of government closest to the people and critical to grassroots development.

    He said the All Progressives Congress (APC) places premium value on effective local governance because of its direct impact on communities, families and everyday livelihoods.

    Reflecting on the transition in Bekwarra, the Governor commended party leaders, stakeholders and government institutions for managing the process peacefully and orderly, without disruption. He praised the maturity displayed by the APC leadership in the local government, noting that their conduct helped preserve unity and stability.

    “Position is not given for you to exert power or become an emperor. Position is for you to serve the people,” Otu said, reminding the new chairman that leadership is a call to responsibility, compassion and accountability, especially to the most vulnerable in society.

    The Governor expressed confidence in Egbung’s capacity to deliver, citing his experience, character and steady performance while acting in the role. He described the new chairman as a product of due process who understands governance from the ground up and has earned the trust and support of his people.

    Otu further revealed that Bekwarra remains a key part of the administration’s economic vision for Northern Cross River, assuring that ongoing and future initiatives would reposition the area for growth and shared prosperity. He called for sincerity of purpose, seriousness in governance and collective commitment to development.

    He congratulated Egbung and family, urging them to see the new responsibility as service to God, the state and the people of Bekwarra, while expressing optimism that better days lie ahead for Cross River State.

    Egbung expressed profound gratitude to God for what he described as an eventful and fulfilling day, assuring the people of Bekwarra and Cross River State of his readiness to serve diligently and responsibly.

    He said his administration would be guided strictly by the rules of engagement, transparency and commitment to the welfare of the people.

    Describing the new year as one of renewed energy and purpose, Egbung urged the people of Bekwarra to prepare for hard work and collective progress, stressing that the time for complacency was over.

    He noted that leadership to him simply means service, adding that he has lived a life dedicated to serving others and would continue in that spirit as chairman of council.

  • PAP Administrator Otuaro attends Oporoza community New Year celebration

    PAP Administrator Otuaro attends Oporoza community New Year celebration

    The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dennis Otuaro, has told Nigerians to prepare for a year of economic progress and stability. 

    Otuaro spoke after attending the New Year celebration of the Oporoza community on Friday. 

    The Oporoza community, the traditional headquarter of Gbaramatu kingdom, holds its New Year celebration annually. 

    Speaking after this year’s edition, Dennis said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu is moving Nigeria in the right direction. 

    Read Also: Okowa, Otuaro meet, pray for Delta’s peace, unity and sustained devt

    He added that this year, many Nigerians will reap the benefits of the administration economic and political policies. 

    “2026 will be a great year for our country across board. From economy to peace, we will record tremendous progress thanks to the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he noted.

  • Akpabio aide takes Senate President’s free medical outreach to Lagos, targets 700 beneficiaries

    Akpabio aide takes Senate President’s free medical outreach to Lagos, targets 700 beneficiaries

    Residents of Surulere, Lagos State, on Saturday trooped out in large numbers to benefit from a free medical outreach organised under the Akpabio Cares Initiative, a philanthropic programme driven by the office of the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

    The outreach, which offered free medical consultations, drugs and eyeglasses, is the third edition of the initiative in two years, following similar interventions in Osogbo, Osun State, and Yankaba, Kano State.

    A large number of vulnerable residents accessed essential healthcare services at no cost during the exercise.

    Speaking to journalists at the event, the convener of the initiative and Senior Legislative Aide to the President of the Senate, Mr Ahmed Tijani Mustapha, said the outreach was part of efforts to give back to society, stressing that good health remains one of the most valuable gifts to humanity.

    According to him, the Lagos edition of the programme was designed to reach about 700 beneficiaries, who would receive free medical consultations, prescribed drugs and eyeglasses.

    “We are doing this as a way of giving back to society, and we believe that the best gift is that of good health,” Mustapha said.

    Addressing questions on why the outreach was held in Lagos rather than in Senator Akpabio’s home state of Akwa Ibom, Mustapha explained that the office of the Senate President has a national outlook.

    “Senator Godswill Akpabio is the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and his impact must be felt across the country,” he said.

    Beneficiaries of the outreach expressed appreciation to Senator Akpabio and the organisers for the intervention, describing it as timely and impactful.

    One of the beneficiaries thanked the Senate President for remembering the community, saying the initiative had brought relief to many residents who could not afford basic healthcare services.

    Another beneficiary lauded the appointment of Mustapha as an aide to the Senate President, noting that his connection to the community had helped attract what he described as dividends of democracy to the area.

    At the end of the exercise, Mustapha disclosed that the next phase of the Akpabio Cares Initiative would move to the North Central geopolitical zone, as the programme continues its humanitarian outreach across the country.

  • City Boy Movement appoints state, diaspora directors aheadof 2027 elections

    City Boy Movement appoints state, diaspora directors aheadof 2027 elections

    As part of its nationwide consolidation and strategic build-up towards the 2027 general elections, a support group, the City Boy Movement, has approved the appointment of state and diaspora directors to drive its operations.

    The approval, which takes effect from January 1, 2026, was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by the Director-General of the Movement, Hon. Francis Oluwatosin Shoga.

    Shoga said the appointments are aimed at strengthening grassroots structures, improving internal coordination, enhancing youth mobilisation and promoting disciplined political engagement across the federation and in the diaspora.

    He explained that the exercise followed extensive consultations, harmonisation and internal review processes, underscoring the Movement’s commitment to structure, unity and effective leadership at all levels.

    Shoga charged the newly appointed directors to be ready to play critical roles in positioning the Movement for greater organisational strength and political impact ahead of the 2027 polls.

    He also urged members of the Movement to accord the new directors maximum cooperation and support as the organisation deepens its commitment to unity, discipline and purposeful political engagement in line with the Renewed Hope agenda.

    Read Also: Okpebholo backs Tinubu’s economic reforms as City Boy Movement pledges 10 million votes

    Those appointed include Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao Akala (Oyo), Hon. Dr. Musa Ahmed Mohammed (Nasarawa), Moyosore Adedoyin Ogunlewe (Lagos), Hon. Tiza Isaac Imojime Orya (Benue), Chief Nwaneri Goodluck Chidera (Imo), Hon. Paddy Iyamu (Edo), Hon. Bitrus Laurence Garki (Federal Capital Territory), Mr. David Daser (Plateau), Baba Rauf Abdulrazaq (Kwara) and Hon. Akintunde Abidemi Oludayo (Diaspora).

    Others are Sulaiman Saad Ribadu (SAN) (Adamawa), Chief Victor Thompson (Akwa Ibom), Dr. Bala Maijamaa Wunti (Bauchi), Hon. Gorou Karo (Delta), Amb. Ogah Okpanachi Mark (Kogi), Hon. Ayodele Olawande (Ondo), Prince Ayorinde Ejioye (Ekiti), Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu (Jigawa), Mutawalle Kachala Barko (Yobe), Rt. Hon. Babagana Goni Bukar (Borno) and Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata (Kano).

    Meanwhile, Shoga said appointments for the remaining states and diaspora chapters would be announced in due course as the ongoing consolidation process is concluded.

  • Niger Delta ex-agitators back U.S. military operations against terrorists

    Niger Delta ex-agitators back U.S. military operations against terrorists

    Former members of the defunct Niger Delta Liberation Force have declared support for the United States’ military operations against terrorists in northern Nigeria, while cautioning that continued neglect of the Niger Delta could trigger renewed unrest.

    In a statement signed by its former spokesman, Capt. Mark Anthony, the group said terrorism had claimed countless Nigerian lives and commended the U.S. for its role in confronting the threat.

    “We commend and support the ongoing U.S. military operations against terrorists in Northern Nigeria,” the statement said.

    The former agitators clarified that their past armed struggle was driven by economic concerns, particularly demands for inclusion in resource control, and stressed that they never targeted civilians.

    “Our fight was for survival, not for the killing of innocent Nigerians,” they stated.

    Read Also: U.S., Nigeria get kudos on joint strike on terrorists

    They also praised the Nigerian government for awarding pipeline surveillance contracts to Tantita Security Services Limited and other former fighters, noting that the initiative had contributed to the protection of oil infrastructure and the maintenance of peace in the Niger Delta.

    However, the group warned that the relative calm in the region remained fragile, pointing to persistent underdevelopment in many oil-producing communities.

    According to the statement, inadequate infrastructure, lack of access to clean water, healthcare, roads, and electricity continue to fuel discontent across the Niger Delta.

    The group further urged the Niger Delta Development Commission to live up to its mandate, warning that underdevelopment in the Niger Delta constitutes a serious security concern not only for Nigeria but for the global community.