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  • Fubara’s friends, Secondus, Omehia, others regroup, vow to back Tinubu’s re-election bid

    Fubara’s friends, Secondus, Omehia, others regroup, vow to back Tinubu’s re-election bid

    Political associates of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara are back in his camp with a promise to join him in pushing the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

    Fubara announced that prominent former leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and known supporters of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar have resolved to back Tinubu.

    The associates were identified as former PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus; former House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Austin Opara; former Rivers State Governor Celestine Omehia and one-time  Transportation Minister Abiye Sekibo.

    Fubara spoke yesterday at the New Year banquet organised by the Rivers State Government at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Port Harcourt.

    He acknowledged the presence of the political figures at the event and emphasised that their decisions had dispelled claims and blackmail that he was aligning with persons working against the interests of the President.

    The governor reaffirmed that he remained unshaken in the face of political challenges, declaring that his trust in God gives him confidence and strength.

    Fubara said it was on the strength of that faith that the purpose of governance in Rivers State would be fully realised.

    He said he was not “barking,” but that he clearly understood the political terrain and had put mechanisms in place to successfully navigate the process and achieve his administration’s objectives.

    The governor added that only those, who lacked understanding, would resort to “barking” when they could not interpret unfolding events.

    The governor declared this year will usher in what he described as “complete liberation” for the state, assuring that all the goals set by his administration would be accomplished.

    Read Also: Fubara to Rivers: ignore renewed sounds of war 

    He expressed confidence that, in the end, those who stood with him would be fulfilled and proud of the decisions they made, walking with their shoulders high.

    Fubara said his administration had endured numerous challenges but emerged stronger, noting that the battles he could not fight had ultimately strengthened his resolve.

    He stressed that he had lost nothing, adding that it was only a matter of time to recover all.

    The governor further assured that his administration would never compel anyone to do what was wrong, maintaining that he harboured no fear, as he believed that at the right time every necessary bridge would be crossed.

    The governor said: “There is no way people will be talking about us when we leave office. In fact books will be written about our administration, what we went through and how we survived.

    “The truth is clear and the secret to our survival is just one thing, those who put their trust in God can never be put to shame. And because they can’t put us to shame the purpose of governance for this dear State will be achieved.”

    “I am happy this evening because seated on the high table there are very distinguished names in our dear state. What we are doing here is just to tell the world that these very distinguished persons here which include Prince Uche Secondus, Rt. Hon. Austin Opara, Sir Celestine Omehia and Alabo Abiye Sekibo have come to join us at this new year banquet to tell the world that you stand with the administration of Sir Siminalayi Fubara.

    “You are seating with us boldly so that the people will know that you are not into corner, corner business, you are standing with Fubara. And because you are standing with Fubara, your support is for Mr. President.

    “So, I want to thank you this evening because you don’t know what you have done. We were being blackmailed in several places because of your political activities and not just because of politics but because of your names.

    “But I am happy this evening that you told me you are going to come and seat with us so that the world will know that you are with us.

    “That you have no affiliation whatsoever with any other group that is against Mr. President. Your choosing to support us is not because of me but to protect Rivers State.

    “Let us not be fooled by whatever it is that is happening. Caeser in one of his quotes said the only reason why the dog barks, is when it doesn’t understand.

    “So, we are not barking because we understand. We know where we are going and we are set for the things that are needed to make the journey smooth.

    “So, let me thank everyone for this special evening and finding time to seat with us to celebrate the year of our Lord, a year of peace, a year that will usher in complete liberation.

    “A year that when we look back, we will tell God yes , what happened is because of what you have and designed for us in the years ahead.

    The governor added: “I want to assure us that governance will continue in its full force. What we have set out to do for our state we will continue with it.

    “We will make sure that by the time we finish everyone who stood with us will be proud, honored and can walk in the street of Port Harcourt with your shoulders high that you took a decision that was right at that time.

    “The journey wasn’t easy in 2025, but we give God all the glory that we survived  and became more stronger. Those things that we couldn’t change or fight taught us lessons and made us strong because we followed it in the best way that every situation should be handled.

    “I am very proud to say we have not lost anything, it is just a matter of time and the speed we can use in this year 2026 to go about our businesses we will gain all the lost grounds.  In return what do we need from you? It is your support and cooperation.

    “We have said it both inside and outside, we won’t ask you to what is not right, but stand on the side of truth wherever you find yourself because at the end it is about you and the decisions you took when it mattered most.

    “We don’t have any fear anywhere. We believe that when the time comes we will cross the bridge. Let me on this note wish everyone a Happy New Year; a year that God will use to complete every uncompleted project in our lives. It is also a year God will dismantle things that may cause problems.”

  • Secondus, Omehia, other Fubara’s friends reunite, vow to back Tinubu’s second term 

    Secondus, Omehia, other Fubara’s friends reunite, vow to back Tinubu’s second term 

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced that political associates who had previously distanced themselves from his camp have returned, pledging to work with him to ensure the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term.

    Fubara revealed that prominent former leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and key supporters of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar had resolved to back President Tinubu.

    The political heavyweights include former PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara; former Rivers State Governor, Celestine Omehia; and former Minister of Transport, Abiye Sekibo.

    The governor made the disclosure on Thursday during a New Year banquet organised by the Rivers State Government at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt.

    He acknowledged the presence of the political figures at the event, noting that their decision had laid to rest allegations and blackmail suggesting he was aligning with individuals opposed to the President’s interests.

    Fubara reaffirmed his resolve in the face of political challenges, stating that his confidence and strength are rooted in his faith in God. He added that it is on the strength of that faith that the objectives of governance in Rivers State would be fully realised.

    He said he was not “barking,” but  that he clearly understood the political terrain and had.put mechanisms in place to successfully navigate the process and achieve his administration’s objectives.

    He added that only those, who lacked understanding would resort to “barking” when they could not interpret unfolding events.

    The governor declared that 2026 would usher in what he described as “complete liberation” for the state, assuring that all the goals set by his administration would be accomplished.

    Read Also: Fubara to Rivers: ignore renewed sounds of war 

    He expressed confidence that, in the end, those who stood with him would be fulfilled and proud of the decisions they made, walking with their shoulders high.

    Fubara said his administration had endured numerous challenges but emerged stronger, noting that the battles he could not fight had ultimately strengthened his resolve.

    He stressed that he had lost nothing, adding that it was only a matter of time to recover all. 

    The governor further assured that his administration would  never compel anyone to do what was  wrong, maintaining that he harboured no fear, as he believed that at the right time every necessary bridge would be crossed.

    The governor said: “There is no way people will be talking about us when we leave office. In fact books will be written about our administration, what we went through and how we survived. 

    “The truth is clear and the secret to our survival is just one thing, those who put their trust in God can never be put to shame. And because they can’t put us to shame the purpose of governance for this dear State will be achieved. 

    “I am happy this evening because seated on the high table there are very distinguished names in our dear state. What we are doing here is just to tell the world that these very distinguished persons here which include Prince Uche Secondus, Rt. Hon. Austin Opara, Sir Celestine Omehia and Alabo Abiye Sekibo have come to join us at this new year banquet to tell the world that you stand with the administration of Sir Siminalayi Fubara. 

    “You are seating with us boldly so that the people will know that you are not into corner, corner business, you are standing with Fubara. And because you are standing with Fubara, your support is for Mr President. 

    “So I want to thank you this evening because you don’t know what you have done. We were being blackmailed in several places because of your political activities and not just because of politics but because of your names. 

    “But I am happy this evening that you told me you are going to come and seat with us so that the world will know that you are with us. That you have no affiliation whatsoever with any other group that is against Mr. President. Your choosing to support us is not because of me but to protect Rivers State.

    “Let us not be fooled by whatever it is that is happening. Caeser in one of his quotes said the only reason why the dog barks, is when it doesn’t understand. So we are not barking because we understand. We know where we are going and we are set for the things that are needed to make the journey smooth.

    “So, let me thank everyone for this special evening and finding time to seat with us to celebrate the year of our Lord, a year of peace, a year that will usher in complete liberation. A year that when we look back, we will tell God yes , what happened is because of what you have and designed for us in the years ahead”.

    The governor added, “I want to assure us that governance will continue in its full force. What we have set out to do for our State we will continue with it. We will make sure that by the time we finish everyone who stood with us will be proud, honored and can walk in the street of Port Harcourt with your shoulders high that you took a decision that was right at that time. 

    “The journey wasn’t easy in 2025, but we give God all the glory that we survived  and became more stronger. Those things that we couldn’t change or fight taught us lessons and made us strong because we followed it in the best way that every situation should be handled.

    I am very proud to say we have not lost anything, it is just a matter of time and the speed we can use in this year 2026 to go about our businesses we will gain all the lost grounds.  In return what do we need from you? It is your support and cooperation. 

    “We have said it both inside and outside, we won’t ask you to what is not right, but stand on the side of truth wherever you find yourself because at the end it is about you and the decisions you took when it mattered most.

    “We don’t have any fear anywhere. We believe that when the time comes we will cross the bridge. Let me on this note wish everyone a happy new year. A year that God will use to complete every uncompleted project in our lives. It is also a year God will dismantle things that may cause problems.”

  • Fubara appoints five special advisers 

    Fubara appoints five special advisers 

    The governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the appointment of five special advisers.

    The governor in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, named the Eloka Tasie-Amadi, Prof. Peter Medee, Emmanuel Frank Fubara, Victor Ekaro, and

    Dr. Darlington Oji.

    The statement said the appointees would be formally sworn-in on Friday, January 2 at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt, at 12:00noon prompt.

    “Those to be sworn-in are expected to be seated by 11:30am”, the statement. 

  • Fubara to Rivers: ignore renewed sounds of war 

    Fubara to Rivers: ignore renewed sounds of war 

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reacted to a renewed political crisis in the state, appealing to residents to ignore the fresh sounds of war.

    The governor called on the people to remain calm amid rising political tension, saying  his administration would not be distracted by the development.

    He said that prayer, restraint, and peaceful engagement and not confrontation would continue to define the government’s approach to leadership in 2026.

    Fubara spoke during the New Year crossover service at the Chapel of Everlasting Grace, Government House, Port Harcourt.

    He described the first two years of his administration as the period marked by turbulence and internal challenges that slowed the pace of development.

    The governor said despite the difficulties, his administration pulled through delivering people-oriented projects and programmes.

     He expressed optimism that 2026 would usher in a new phase of stability, renewed focus, and accelerated development.

    The governor called on Rivers people to rise above political noise and intimidation and not to be distracted by threats and provocations.

    He said, “We do not have the instrument of war; the only thing we have is our knees, and we will continue to pray to God. Do not be troubled by the sounds of war you are hearing.”

    Fubara said the state was entering the new year with strength, hope, and the assurance that those, who trusted in God would not be put to shame.

    The governor also reaffirmed his commitment to peace and political maturity in Rivers State, pledging that any support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections would be anchored on dialogue, mutual understanding, and respect, not coercion or threats.

    He thanked the people of the state and loyal supporters of his administration for their steadfastness and courage.

    He noted that their resilience had helped the government remain focused and stable despite sustained pressure.

    In his sermon, the Government House Chaplain, Pastor Ogan Barasin, called for total obedience to God in 2026.

    Barasin declared 2026 a year of visible and tangible miracles and offered prayers and prophetic declarations for peace, progress, and enduring stability in Rivers State. 

  • I will reveal agreement reached with Fubara – Wike 

    I will reveal agreement reached with Fubara – Wike 

    • …says we are battle ready for 2027 

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday disclosed that he will soon revealed the peace agreement reached between him and 

    Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers before President Bola Tinubu.

    Wike stated this during a “Thank You Visit’ to Tai Local Government  Area of Rivers. 

    Tinubu had in June, brokered a peace deal between Wike and Fubara that ended the protracted political crisis in Rivers for peace to reign.

    The minister accused Fubara of allegedly reneging the peace agreement saying; “very soon, we will let people know what we agreed on before Mr President.

    He advised the people of Tai against dealing with people who cannot keep their promise in the name of politics, stressing that such people should not be trusted.

    The minister, who said the Rivers people are battle ready for 2027 elections, warned that money will not determine the outcome of the election. 

    According to him, what matters more is the will of the people.

    Wike explained that he was not in the community for politics but to thank the people of Tai for standing by him and President Bola Tinubu.

    He said; “It was a tough battle in 2023. You took a risk, worked with us and God gave us victory.

    “See what the risk had resulted too – a federal university sited in Tai and many other benefits”.

    Earlier, Sen. Barry Npigi APC – Rivers South East thanked Tinubu and Wike for the support in the senatorial district saying, “the people never had it this good”. 

    Npigi assured Wike that the  people were available to do his bidding for the justice, equity and fairness that they see in Tinubu.

    “I want to assure you on behalf of the people of Rivers South East, that we will continue to be with you,” he said.

    Also, Mr Bernard Nbar, representing Tai Constituency in Rivers Assembly, equally assured Wike of the continued support of his constituents. 

    “You can count on the Tai people, because Tai people keep to their words,” Nbar said.

    Chairman of Tai Local Government, Mbakpone Okpe, thanked Wike for the visit to interact with Tai people.

    Okpe said that the minister’s directive to vote Tinubu in 2023 was a blessing following the good things that have continued to follow his people.

    He said, “Our people have continued to benefit from appointments, infrastructure, empowerment and other dividends of democracy. 

    “For these reasons and more, we are eager to return Mr President for a second tenure. We will roll out all our votes for Tinubu and whoever you support.”

  • Rivers community endorses Fubara for second term

    Rivers community endorses Fubara for second term

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has received the endorsement of the Eneka Clan in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state for a second term in office.

    The endorsement was announced on Tuesday at the 2025 Eneka Day Celebration, held at State Primary School One, Eneka, with the theme “Unity: Our Strength for Progress.”

    Read Also: NDDC budget must meet aspiration of Niger Delta people, says Reps committee 

    The event attracted community leaders, traditional rulers, and residents from the eleven communities that make up the clan.

    Speaking on behalf of the clan, Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Mr. Lawson Chukwu, reaffirmed the unwavering loyalty and support of the Eneka people for the Governor.

    He commended the administration for its development efforts in the area, while appealing for the construction of internal roads across the clan.

    Mr. Chukwu also requested the upgrade of the Eneka traditional stool from second-class to first-class status, noting that such recognition would further strengthen the cultural heritage and unity of the people.

    In his remarks, the political leader of Eneka Clan and President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, declared that the people of Eneka recognised Siminalayi Fubara as the only Governor of Rivers State.

    He assured the governor of the clan’s continued friendship and support, describing the relationship as firm and unbroken.

  • APC national vice chair to Fubara: You must go through Wike to win in Rivers

    APC national vice chair to Fubara: You must go through Wike to win in Rivers

    The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), South South, Hon. Victor Giadom, on Tuesday, advised Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers to go through the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to win anything in the state.

    Giadom said this during Wike’s ‘thank you’ visit to the people of Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers.

    Describing Wike as a “dependable leader” in Rivers politics, Giadom assured the minister that there would be no political force in Gokana other than Wike.

    “I guarantee, on behalf of my brothers, that the Gokana people are for Wike and Tinubu, and nobody will challenge Wike’s influence in Gokana.

    “Gokana is a ‘no-go area’ for anybody, even the Gov. Fubara. For him to win anything in Gokana, he must pass through Wike,” he said.

    Also, Sen. Magnus Abe, a former Senator who represented Rivers South East at the Senate, said that the people of Gokana have already chosen their friends – Wike and Tinubu.

    “Wike is a leader that unites, and that is why we are united. If you follow Wike, you will not go home empty-handed.

    “The Ogoni people are with you, and we will not go home empty-handed. Please tell Tinubu not to bother coming to Gokana to campaign. We are for him,” he said.

    On his part, the Deputy Speaker, Rivers Assembly, Dumle Maol, assured Wike that the people of Gokana would be with him every step of the way.

    “Anywhere you go, we will go,” he said.

    Earlier, the Chairman of Gokana Local Council, Mr Confidence Deko, pledged total support to the minister, saying, “Wherever you go, we will go.”

    “This local government is for you because of what you have done for us. Please tell Tinubu that the people of Bokana are appreciative of him.

    “The time for payback is near, and we will do the needful,” he said.

    Responding, Wike explained that the visit was to say thank you to the Gokana people for their good deeds and support over the years.

    He commended the people for the display of unity of purpose for Tinubu, saying, “When you are united, good things will come.”

    He asked the people to be patient and listen to their leaders for direction on where to go when the time comes.

    The minister promised to continue to work with the people, adding that APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers were working under the umbrella of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Wike said, “That is why you see PDP and APC members here.”

  • Rivers still at crossroads, says Fubara

    Rivers still at crossroads, says Fubara

    …governor preaches unity

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on all stakeholders to embrace unity, describing the state as being at a critical crossroads that demands collective resolve and cooperation.

    Speaking on Tuesday as Special Guest of Honour at the Eneka Day Celebration in Port Harcourt, the governor warned against attempts to divide the people, stressing that unity remains the strongest foundation for progress and development.

    “For me, today is very important because at the crossroads of our state, what matters most is unity that will attract progress,” Fubara said. “Seeing your theme, ‘Unifying our strength for progress,’ shows that the Eneka people understand that development can only come when there is unity.”

    He urged the community to remain steadfast and united despite possible efforts to cause disorganisation, noting that a united people speak with a stronger voice and are better positioned to engage government effectively.

    “When you stand as one, you cannot be broken. Standing together is when the government listens to you and responds to your calls,” he added.

    Read Also: Fubara appoints new attorney general in Rivers cabinet reshuffle

    The governor explained that his attendance was also to reciprocate the loyalty and support shown to him by Senator John Azuta Mbata, an indigene of Eneka. He acknowledged that the senator had faced challenges standing by him, describing such loyalty as a defining trait of the Eneka people.

    Fubara announced his acceptance of the chieftaincy title conferred on him by the Eneka community, describing it as a gesture rooted in loyalty and shared commitment.

    He also pledged to address key requests made by the community, including the upgrade of their traditional stool and the construction of internal roads.

    The governor congratulated the Eneka people on the celebration, noting that the cultural event had not been held for seven years, and commended their resilience and unity.

  • Fubara appoints new attorney general in Rivers cabinet reshuffle

    Fubara appoints new attorney general in Rivers cabinet reshuffle

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has appointed a new Commissioner for Justice following a minor reshuffle within the State Executive Council.

    As part of the changes, the governor redeployed Christopher Green from the Ministry of Sports to the Ministry of Justice, where he will serve as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

    The position became vacant after the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dagogo Iboroma, SAN, was among the commissioners affected by the Supreme Court judgment that resolved the state’s political crisis.

    Read Also: Wike to Fubara: you are not 001 of Rivers state

    The ruling also invalidated the appointments of commissioners earlier screened and approved by the three-member Victor Oko-Jumbo-led House of Assembly.

    Sources said the renewed tension between the governor and the House of Assembly has made the appointment of new commissioners difficult, prompting Fubara to reassign responsibilities among existing members of the cabinet.

    Confirming the development, an official statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, said Christopher Green would also continue to oversee the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive commissioner.

  • Wike to Fubara: you are not 001 of Rivers state

    Wike to Fubara: you are not 001 of Rivers state

    • …‘PDP will not win FCT election 2026’

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday faulted Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara for declaring himself the “001” of the state.

    Wike downplayed claims that the governor is the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State.

    Fubara had made the declaration after defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

    During his registration with the APC in the state, he was assigned 001 on his membership.

    However, speaking during his end-of-the-year media chat in Port Harcourt, monitored by our correspondent, Wike said, “He (Fubara) decamped to APC with whom? What is 001? Let me tell you, there’s nothing like 001 in the state.

    “You register in your ward and local government, so if you are 001, it’s in your ward.

    “There’s nothing like 001. There’s nothing like what I have registered in the state as 001. Everybody registered in their own ward. You could be the first person to register, but that’s not your position.”

    On Fubara being the leader of the party in Rivers State, Wike said, “I don’t know about that because if he says so, who is the leader of APC in Lagos state?

    “So, there are some exceptions to the rule, so let’s not go into other things. See, leadership is not because I’m a governor. Leadership is not because I’m a minister. You must have something that makes you a leader.”

    Wike said his defection came too late and without any political structure to strengthen his new party ahead of the 2027 elections.

    He said before Governor Fubara’s decision to leave the PDP, about 22 local government chairmen in the state and nearly half of the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly had already defected to the APC.

    The minister said, “As a governor, he has the State Assembly to move with, he has the council chairmen, the party chairmen, and members of the National Assembly to move with. But in this case, with whom did he move? These people decided to move on their own,” he said.

    “Shouting ‘on your mandate we shall stand’ does not imply automatic ticket. It doesn’t mean that,” Wike said.

    He also dismissed claims that there was any fanfare at Government House on the day Governor Fubara defected to the APC, insisting that proper procedure must be followed when joining a new party.

    Wike further revealed that whenever he decides to leave the PDP, his loyalists across several states would follow him, insisting that leadership is demonstrated by the ability to mobilize followers.

    Reacting to Fubara’s earlier remark that those supporting President Tinubu should not do so “corner by corner,” Wike said he has been one of the most criticized ministers in the current administration because of his open support for the President.

    “Nigerians know that in 2023, I supported the President. I didn’t hide it. If I were doing ‘corner corner,’ Assembly members and National Assembly members would not have gone with me. That is leadership,” he said.

    Wike expressed confidence that the PDP would not win the FCT in the next election, citing the policies and performance of President Tinubu.

    On the alleged breakdown of the peace agreement brokered by President Tinubu in Rivers State, Wike blamed Governor Fubara, accusing him of failing to keep to his part of the truce and being economical with the truth regarding his relationship with the leadership of the State Assembly.

    “What stops you from calling the Speaker to ask how he is, or calling members of the Assembly to wish them a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year? You don’t have to wait for me to tell you to do that,” Wike said.