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  • Rivers will emerge stronger from political crisis – Fubara

    Rivers will emerge stronger from political crisis – Fubara

    Suspended Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has assured that the ongoing political crisis in the State will ultimately strengthen the people rather than weaken them.

    Fubara spoke when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, at his private residence in Port Harcourt during an Eid-el-Fitri Sallah visit.

    Addressing the delegation, Fubara urged them and his supporters to trust in God’s process.

    He said: “This season is one of love, sharing, and sacrifice. You have come to share in our pain and have made a great sacrifice through your prayers. As Christians, we believe that everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe that this situation is leading us toward a greater purpose.”

    Fubara in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, acknowledged that the current political tension might leave many feeling depressed but said that supernatural forces may be at play beyond human understanding. 

    “No matter what we see, we must remain steadfast. In all things, we give glory to Almighty God. I believe that, in the end, we will emerge stronger,” he added.

    Fubara reaffirmed commitment to justice and equality, stressing that his administration envisioned a society where no one should be oppressed. 

    “We believe in egalitarianism, and if our beliefs bring us some pain, so be it. The most important thing is that we stand on the side of truth and righteousness,” he said.

    He regretted that he was unable to formally reach out to the Muslim Ummah during their celebrations but promised that the relationship between religious groups and the government would be strengthened once the current uncertainties were resolved. 

    He also assured the leaders that their pending requests would be addressed after the crisis.

    Urging patience and perseverance, Fubara drew an analogy from religious history, saying, “If God could be patient with Noah to allow even the snail to enter the Ark, then patience remains an essential virtue in our struggle.”

    He also cautioned against falling prey to those who wanted to engineer violence by fanning provocative acts, warning his supporters and Rivers people to avoid certain elements, who sought to destabilise the state. 

    “Their goal is to create problems and deny people their means of livelihood. We will not allow that. We will continue to operate peacefully and respect constituted authority to ensure that our state remains a model for others in Nigeria,” he said.

    Speaking on behalf of the Muslim Ummah, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor declared solidarity with Fubara, assuring him of their prayers and support as he navigated the state’s current political challenges.

    Uhor said that the majority of Muslims in Rivers State stood with Fubara due to his inclusive approach to governance and recognition of the Islamic faith.

    He noted that, unlike the previous administration that declared Rivers a 100% Christian State,  Fubara acknowledged the state as Christian-majority while allowing room for inclusiveness.

    Encouraging the Governor to remain steadfast, Uhor reminded him of the Islamic belief that Allah rewards patience. 

    He said the present challenges aligned with the teachings of Islam, where the Creator tests His people through wealth, power, and authority. 

    He further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review the emergency rule in Rivers State and restore Fubara’s full authority, emphasizing that the governor had been performing effectively despite the crisis.

    During the visit, prayers were offered for Governor Fubara, his family, Rivers State, and Nigeria as a whole.

  • Rivers Mandate Group slams Nwaeke over claims against Fubara

    Rivers Mandate Group slams Nwaeke over claims against Fubara

    The Rivers Mandate Group (RMG) has denounced recent allegations leveled against suspended the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara by George Nwaeke, a former Head of the State Civil Service, calling them a desperate and poorly executed attempt to tarnish the governor’s reputation.

    In a statement signed by its president, Pastor Godknows John, the group dismissed Nwaeke’s claims as unfounded and driven by political motives.

    “A viral video that surfaced online has cast serious doubt on the authenticity of Nwaeke’s claims,” the statement read. “In the footage, Nwaeke is seen being handed a prepared script, while a voice in the background instructs him to ‘read from the script I wrote,’ followed by the command ‘Action.’ This exposes the so-called press conference as nothing more than a staged act.”

    According to RMG, the video reveals a carefully choreographed attempt to mislead the public. 

    “This is not a whistleblower’s revelation but a scripted performance by desperate political actors bent on tarnishing Governor Fubara’s reputation,” the group added.

    The organisation accused Nwaeke of participating in a larger scheme to destabilise the state and pave the way for external political interference.

    “Nwaeke remained silent while in office, only to suddenly ‘remember’ these allegations after his resignation. Where was his conscience all this time? If he had genuine evidence, why didn’t he report it to the appropriate security agencies? Why now, and why through a staged performance in an Abuja hotel room?” Pastor John queried.

    RMG also noted a revealing twist: Nwaeke’s wife, Florence, has publicly distanced herself from his claims, disclosing that she lost contact with him after he granted the controversial interview.

    The group called on the public to disregard Nwaeke’s statements, describing them as part of a broader agenda to create instability in Rivers State.

    “Even his wife, Florence Nwaeke, has raised the alarm, saying she does not recognise the man in that interview. She has asked Nigerians to help her find her husband, whose numbers are no longer going through. This is a clear sign that he is acting under pressure,” the statement added.

    The group described the allegations as reckless propaganda, warning that Rivers people would not be deceived by such desperate tactics.

    “This attempt to falsely implicate Governor Fubara is dead on arrival. Rivers people will not be dragged into this scripted crisis. We call on security agencies to investigate those behind this plot and put an end to these political games,” the statement added.

    The group urged residents to remain calm and not fall for what it called an orchestrated political circus designed to mislead the public.

  • JUST IN: I am not under duress, ex-Rivers HoS Nwaeke replies Wife

    JUST IN: I am not under duress, ex-Rivers HoS Nwaeke replies Wife

    The immediate past Rivers Head of Service, George Nwaeke, has denied claims by his wife, Florence, that he was kidnapped and under duress.

    Nwaeke, who recently released chilling allegations against suspended Governor Siminalayi, said contrary to his wife’s emotional outbursts,  he was safe in Abuja.

    He disclosed that he went to Abuja to voluntarily report himself to security agencies over the ongoing crisis in Rivers State.

    The former HoS spoke in a trending video released early hours of Saturday.

     He insisted thatwife’s claim was false and  suggested that she had been misled and given a script to read.

     He said: “I am in Transcorp Abuja. I arrived this morning from Port Harcourt to meet security agencies and report myself, as well as the troubling events happening in Rivers State. I resigned as Head of Service on Monday because of these developments”.

    Addressing his wife, he said: “I just saw a video of my wife trending. She was told I had been kidnapped and given a script to read. I want to make it clear—I am not kidnapped. I am in Abuja, working.

    “When I was Head of Service, my wife was not involved in my official duties. That script she read is null and void. I am safe and sound. I will report myself to the appropriate security agencies because Abuja houses their headquarters, and I feel safer making my report here.”

  • Tinubu timely intervention saved Rivers from total anarchy – Okocha

    Tinubu timely intervention saved Rivers from total anarchy – Okocha

    The Rivers chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sir Tony Okocha said the March 18 State of Emergency declaration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was not only timely but a decision that saved the oil-rich State from political anarchy.

    He exonerated the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike of any complexity in the ensuing crisis in the state,  insisting that the former Governor had been on the path of peace with the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    Tinubu declared a six-month State of Emergency on Rivers, citing political instability and troubling security reports. He followed up with the appointment of Vice-Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator during the emergency.

    Okocha,z who spoke on the issue for the first time, said but for the timely intervention of the President  the State was moving towards a state of lawlessness.

    He told newsmen on Thursday at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja when he came to brief the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on political development in the State, admitting the President’s decision was a necessary evil that the state had to accept.

    He berated critics of President’s proclamation, arguing that prior to the state of emergency many non state actors in the state were seen brandishing sophisticated weapons threatening the peace of the oil rich state.

    The APC leader recalled President Tinubu’s efforts at mediating at the political crisis before declaring the emergency.

    Okocha disagreed with the position of former President  Goodluck Jonathan on the state  of emergency, arguing that he closed his eyes and failed to react to many infractions of Gov. Fubara in the past.

    He noted that the Supreme Court judgment ahead of the declaration, had ruled that there was no government in the state.

    According to him:  “The Governor jettisoned 27 lawmakers and was dealing with three and withhold the finances of the State Assembly which was abnormal.

    “Pulling down the State Assembly under the guise of renovating it following structural defect without a prior notice was an afront on democracy.

    “Before the declaration of the emergency, Rivers was heading towards anarchy as non state actors were seen brandishing sophisticated weapons, uttering statements that tend to lead to lawlessness.”

    The APC leader frowned at the condemnation of the declaration by former President’s Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan. He notes that the two leaders should know better than most of the critics of the State of Emergency.

    “Thank God, President Jonathan had been president. General Obasanjo had been president. And they knew that on their table every day is what they call security reports. So one wonders how they will jump into the matter, not recognizing or realizing that in their time they also had security reports.”

    He also faulted the position of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) other crisis rocking the state. 

    According to him: “I don’t want to take on individuals, but I hear the NBA have come out to say, oh, it’s an affront on democracy and all that. When the assembly complex was pulled down, when it was bombed and the next other day, 11 equipments were deployed to the assembly to bring it down. 

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    “NBA was alive but we didn’t hear anything from them. So one wonders why this plenty talk. It’s good that they are approaching the court, and so we should allow the Supreme Court to decide on the actions of Mr. President.”

    Endorsing the political development in the State, Okocha said the emergency declared on the state “was a necessary evil to restore normalcy and peace in the state.

    “Security and intelligence has been beefed up in Rivers since the state of emergency was declared in the state. With the emergency declared, people like us who are in the opposition in the state could now move around,” Okocha said.

    The APC Chairman also noted that despite various accusations and insinuations about the role of the FCT Minister in the political imbroglio, Okocha said the former Governor has been working behind the scene to make peace with Fubara who according to him, was being misled by some politicians.

  • Group condemns suspension of Rivers political officeholders

    Group condemns suspension of Rivers political officeholders

    A pro-democracy group, the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG), has condemned the mass suspension of political officeholders in Rivers State by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Retd.), the state’s sole administrator, describing the action as a direct assault on democracy.

    In a statement on Thursday, signed by its executive director, Dr. Ahmed Abdullahi, the group also criticised Ibas’ dissolution of the Rivers State University governing council and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC)—two statutory institutions that, by law, are meant to operate independently.

    “The dissolution of RSIEC and the university governing council is not just an overreach of power—it is an outright violation of the constitution,” Abdullahi stated.

    “These institutions are insulated from political interference for a reason: to safeguard democracy and ensure both academic and electoral integrity. What the administrator is doing amounts to executive lawlessness.”

    CCG warned that Ibas’s actions were deepening instability in Rivers State rather than restoring order.

    “This is not just an administrative decision; it is a blatant power grab. By dismantling the governance structure overnight and tampering with statutory institutions, the sole administrator is effectively freezing democracy in Rivers State. If unchecked, this could set a dangerous precedent for the country.”

    The group likened Ibas’s moves to Nigeria’s pre-1999 military era, when decrees replaced democratic processes and consultation.

    “The Rivers people are watching in shock as one man dismantles their institutions with the stroke of a pen,” Abdullahi said. 

    “This is a painful reminder of the military era when decrees and edicts replaced democratic processes. The administrator’s actions are a direct insult to the sacrifices of our heroes who laboured hard for our democracy.”

    CCG called on the National Assembly, the judiciary, and civil society to intervene, warning that allowing the administrator unchecked powers would undermine Nigeria’s democracy.

    “The National Assembly must not remain silent while Rivers State is turned into a political experiment. The courts must act to stop this dangerous overreach. The people of Rivers deserve governance, not dictatorship in disguise,” Abdullahi added. 

    The group also urged Nigerians and the international community to remain vigilant, warning that Rivers State must not become a testing ground for the erosion of democratic governance in Nigeria.

    “The administrator is not just overstepping his mandate — he is provoking the peace of the land. His actions threaten the very foundation of democracy, and if not stopped, could have lasting consequences for the entire nation,” Abdullahi added.

  • Emergency rule: Tinubu saved Rivers from bloodbath, says lawyer 

    Emergency rule: Tinubu saved Rivers from bloodbath, says lawyer 

    A Port Harcourt-based legal practitioner, Mr. Princewill Dike, has hailed the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, saying President Bola Tinubu, acted proactively to prevent looming anarchy and bloodbath in the state.

    Dike said the President acted within his powers pursuant to Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, explaining that in Section 14, subsection 2 of the Constitution the government is saddled with the primary function of protecting lives and property anywhere in the country including Rivers.

    Speaking in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, the legal practitioner emphasised that lives and property of members of the public were already threatened following the initiated process to remove the  Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the House of Assembly. 

    Dike observed that individuals and groups from a particular ethnic nationality were already threatening the safety of non-indigenes in Rivers and Federal Government critical assets in the state 

    He said their comments constituted a serious security threat not only to Rivers, but also the entire country, adding that their actions could have spillover effects on other states. 

    Dike said he was worried that despite the threats,  the suspended Governor could not publicly condemn them, or direct security agencies to apprehend the masterminds. 

    He further said it was worrisome that the governor at an event after the Supreme Court judgement, told youths not to be perturbed that he would give them directive at the appropriate time. 

    Dike said: “The declaration of State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is in tune with Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    “In addendum to the foregoing, Section 14, subsection 2 of the self-same grundnorm declares that the primary function of government is protection of lives and property.

    “Now, question is: were lives and property threatened in Rivers State prior to the declaration of the State of Emergency? The answer is in the affirmative!

    “The suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the leadership of Ijaw National Congress, and some militants had threatened violence should Fubara be impeached. And soon after that, some oil facilities were blown up.

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    “Again, Governor Fubara’s reluctance in presenting the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly as adjudicated by the Supreme Court, heightened tension in the wider spectrum of the state.

    “So, Mr. President acted proactively to forestall total  breakdown of law and order in the state, and didn’t behave like Emperor Nero who fiddled while Rome burned.”

    Dike noted that President Tinubu was not the first to declare a state of emergency in the country and wondered why Rivers’ case should be given tribal coloration. 

    He said: “And don’t forget, President Obasanjo  set the precedence in declaration of State of Emergency in Plateau State (2004) and Ekiti State (2006).

    “Goodluck Jonathan too, did in the following states: Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States (2013-2015). So, what is the hullabaloo about that of Rivers State?”

  • Labour urges Tinubu, NASS to reverse emergency rule in Rivers

    Labour urges Tinubu, NASS to reverse emergency rule in Rivers

    Organised Labour in Rivers has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to reverse the ongoing emergency rule in the state.

    The Labour in a statement signed by the  Chairperson, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Alex Agwangwo; Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ikechukwu Onyekwuru and JNC, Emecheta, described the declaration as premature and baseless.

    Labour said the emergency had impacted the local government workers, who according the union had yet to receive their salaries and had been exposed to avoidable economic hardship.

    The union said considering the strategic importance of River economy and the Niger Delta region, the state of emergency had the potential to negatively impact the country.

    The claimed that the state of emergency put the state at a disadvantaged position as potential investors, that indicated interest in the “New Rivers Vision” had all backed out of planned investments.

    The statement said: ” While the Rivers state Organized labour supports maintaining law and order, it insists that actions such as declaration of state of emergency and suspending elected officials must align  with the Nigerian Constitution and protect workers from avoidable wage invalidity, non-payment of salaries at all levels, safety and security threats.

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    “Government must prioritize the safety and welfare of its citizens over political interests.The Rivers State Organized labour is appealing to the President, National Assembly, and Judiciary to urgently reverse the premature state of emergency and suspension of elected officials and return the state to normalcy.

    “The federal government is strongly advised to engage in genuine dialogue to prevent further escalation of the issues in Rivers State. All workers are advised remain calm and continue their duties while awaiting a favorable response on the concerns raised.

    “The Organized labour may be compelled to take strategic union actions which might disrupt national economic activities if our demands are not met within a reasonable timeframe.”

  • Tinubu’s intervention in Rivers timely, say stakeholders 

    Tinubu’s intervention in Rivers timely, say stakeholders 

    Stakeholders under the auspices of the Rivers Restoration Movement (RSM) have hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers saying his intervention was timely.

    Rising from their meeting in Port Harcourt, RRM x-rayed the protracted political disagreement in the state and said Tinubu’s emergency rule rescued the state from descending into anarchy and bloodshed.

    RRM, in its position by its Director-General Johnson Georgewill and Secretary, Mrs Sarima Akpata, thanked security agencies, the National Assembly and various national leaders for their roles in the emergency rule declaration.

    The stakeholders said: ” It is now clear that the Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibokete Ibas (rtd) has brought stability, peace and unity among state actors as against impunity, high-handedness, threats and complete annihilation of the legislative arm that was the order of the day”.

    The group argued that the 85 per cent of the Ijaw people, who surrounded the suspended Rivers Governor and gave him wrong advice, did not vote for him during the last election.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Rivers HoS resigns, new SSG appointed 

    RRM said: “As a group, we want to make it clear that 85 per cent of the Ijaws that were beating war drums, ill-advising the suspended Governor of Rivers State and threatening an arm of government were either non-Rivers Ijaws that don’t vote in Rivers State or Ijaws that didn’t support Sir. Sim Fubara in 2023.

    “This clearly shows that majority of well-meaning Rivers Ijaws standing on the truth supports all efforts of Mr President and the FCT Minister right from the eight-point resolution peace pack at the villa.

    “RRM and it’s affiliate groups want to specially thank various traditional rulers, opinion leaders and especially the Rivers Elders Council ably led by Chief  Ferdinand Alabraba for supporting the Sole Administrator of Rivers State to avert anarchy that was looming in Rivers State. 

    “We also reiterate the fact that majority of Ijaws that stood firm with H.E Sim Fubara to emerge governor are eternally grateful to the leader of Rivers State politics and FCT Minister,  Nyesom Wike for being the instrument God used to liberate the Rivers Ijaws politically in 2023 against all odds”.

  • Your failure to act responsible for Emergency rule, Elder stateman blames Niger/Delta leaders

    Your failure to act responsible for Emergency rule, Elder stateman blames Niger/Delta leaders

    An elder statesman, who is also an ally to winner of June 1993 Presidential election, MKO Abiola, Alhaji Sufianu Kazeem, otherwise known as ‘Sukazeem’ has said failure of leaders of thought in Niger/Delta region to act during the crisis in Rivers state prompted intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Kazeem, an Ibadan-based business mogul and public affairs analyst expressed displeasure to what he described as hypocritical silence of elders in the State while the face off between Nyesom Wike and his political godson, Similayi Fubara lasted.

    Reacting to current situation in Rivers state, Sukazeem explained that Wike by all indications made Fubara what he is today and there should be no reason why Fubara should go against his benefactor.

    He stated that the unexpected silence of the elders and the regrouping of opposition leaders against the state of emergency can be best described as an invitation to another military rule.

    He said: “To some of us watching, its like the likes of Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, El-Rufai and others are planning to bring back the military government and take the government away from President Tinubu.”

    He said the political stand-off between Rivers Assembly and Governor Siminalayi Fubara could have continued and degenerated into violence if not for the quick intervention of President Tinubu.

    According to him, impeachment threats might have spurred attacks on lawmakers by the Governor’s supporters while militants in the creeks primed to sabotage critical oil infrastructure could have plunged Nigeria’s oil production back to pre 2023 lows.

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    He commended Tinubu’s intervention, for Rivers State to be able to breathe again.

    Kazeem condemned some critics who argue the crisis in Rivers State did not yet warrant emergency rule, saying Tinubu waiting for the breakdown of law and order in Rivers state to escalate into anarchy before acting is like withholding firefighters until a house burns to ashes. 

    According to him: “Responsible leaders like President Tinubu, who swore an oath to protect the constitution and corporate existence of the country, can not fail to act when a constituent part of the Federation is careering towards the precipice. 

    “We all know that Wike brought Fubara from level 12 as a civil servant in the state to level 17 to made him Accountant General of Rivers State, and eventually made him a governor. Where are Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and El-Rufai in all these?

    “Few months ago, federal government begins operation at Port Harcout refinery, and now some people want to destroy it. Do you expect President to just keep quiet?”

    He also hailed the Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, for doing the right thing at the right time, saying Nigeria can not go back to it’s dark days again hence the steps taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

  • BREAKING: Rivers HoS resigns, new SSG appointed 

    BREAKING: Rivers HoS resigns, new SSG appointed 

    Rivers Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral (rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has announced the resignation of the Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, describing the development as sad.

    The Administrator appreciated the immense contributions of Nwaeke in the short period he served the administration and wished him well in his future endeavors.

    Ibas said in the interim, Dr Iyingi Brown, Permanent Secretary Welfare, Office of the Head of Service had been appointed in acting capacity until the emergence of a new Head of Service.

    While congratulating her on her appointment,  Ibas assured the people of Rivers of his commitment to neutrality, peace and stability. 

    Ibas also announced the appointment of Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika as the new Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG). 

    He said his appointment followed careful consideration of his credentials, extensive experience, and performance during rigorous selection process.

    “Prof. Worika’s distinguished career spans academia, international legal practice, and high-level policy advisory roles, making him uniquely qualified to support the Administrator in the onerous task of achieving Mr President’s mandate. His appointment takes immediate effect,” Ibas said.

    He added that Worika’s appointment reflected his commitment to harnessing the great human capital of the Rivers’ people to work with him to achieve the much-needed peace, stability and security.

    Worika, who hails from Okirika, Rivers State, is a globally recognised scholar, legal expert and administrator with a track record in public service and institutional leadership. 

    He holds a Ph.D. in International Environmental and Comparative Petroleum Law & Policy from the University of Dundee, United Kingdom, and has performed roles across academia, international organizations, and government advisory capacities.

    He is the Director of the Centre for Advanced Law Research at Rivers State University and served as Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt.