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Bolt Driver: Unruly And Wild House Of Reps Member, Ikwechegh, Regrets, Apologises

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The Source
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Alex Mascot Ikwechegh

Alex Ikwechegh, representing Aba North / South Federal Constituency in the the House of Representatives who verbally abused, and physically assaulted a Bolt driver, Steven, who went to deliver a waybill to him, has learnt the hard.

Arrested and detained by the Police, he seems to have learnt that being a Member of the House of Representatives does not give him the right, or bestow on him the privilege to trample on the rights of those he thinks are not of same status with him.

He has issued an unreserved public apology for his behaviour and made a commitment to change.

In a statement personally signed by him, Ikwechegh titled “A Statement of Regret and Commitment to Justice” Ikwechegh said he would embark on community service, and from now on preach humility and good behaviour.

Following, the full text of Ikwechegh’s statement.

A Statement of Regret and Commitment to Justice

Abuja, Nigeria – October 28, 2024

I, Honourable Alex Ikwechegh, Member of the House of Representatives, wish to address a deeply disturbing incident that occurred at my residence recently. A video has surfaced showing me engaging in unacceptable behavior towards an Uber driver who came to deliver a waybill for me. I am deeply sorry for my actions and acknowledge that they were unacceptable and unbecoming of a public official.

As a public servant, I recognize the trust placed in me by my constituents and the Nigerian people. My behavior fell short of the standards expected of me, and for that, I am truly sorry. I understand that my actions have caused harm and embarrassment to the driver, my constituents, and the nation at large.

I want to assure the public that I am fully cooperating with the Nigerian Police investigation into this matter. I support their efforts to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible are held accountable. I also appreciate the swift condemnation of my actions by my party and the Nigerian Police, demonstrating our collective commitment to upholding the law and protecting the rights of all citizens.

Commitment to Change

I am taking immediate steps to address the underlying issues that led to this incident. I am seeking professional counseling to ensure that such behavior never happens again. Additionally, I will be engaging in community service initiatives focused on promoting respect, empathy, and understanding.

Call to Action

I urge all Nigerians to join me in promoting a culture of respect, tolerance, and understanding. We must work together to build a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Thank you for your understanding, and I hope that you will join me on this journey towards healing and growth.

Sincerely,

Honourable Alex Ikwechegh
Member, House of Representatives

Bolt Driver: APGA  Condemns House Member Ikwechegh’s Shameful Behaviour

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Alex Mascot Ikwechegh

By Adesina Soyooye

The All Progressives Great Alliance, APGA, has condemned, in very strong words, the conduct of one of its members, Alex Mascot Ikwechegh.

Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives, (Aba North  and South) was caught in an unprecedented scandal. He verbally abused and physically assaulted a Bolt driver, Steven Abuwatseya, sent to deliver food to his house. The driver, keeping to the Company’s policy, asked Ikwechegh to send somebody to his, Ikwechegh’s, gate to pick the food. But Ikwechegh wanted him to bring the food into his house, something against the company’s policy.

The driver politely refused, prompting Ikwechegh to both verbally abuse and physically assault him.

He also threatened the driver’s life, and said he would make him disappear without a trace, and nothing would happen. He asked the driver to, if he so desired, report to the Inspector General of Police and assured him that it would come to nought.

However, the driver Abuwatseya quietly videod the sad incident and posted his ordeal on Social Media. It went viral. The outrage which greeted the incident reached high heavens.

And Ikwechegh has now been arrested and detained by the Police.

In a statement, Ikwechegh’s  APGA, has distanced the Party from his disgraceful conduct, and left him to walk a lonely path.

Following is APGA’s statement distancing the Party from the scandal.

“The attention of our great party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has been drawn to a viral video of alleged assault meted out to a citizen by the Honourable member representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency, Hon Alex Ikwechegh.

“As a political party founded on respect for Human Rights, we roundly condemn the action of our said member and Federal Parliamentarian, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency, on the platform of our great Party.

“As a party, we are founded on the basic principles of upholding the dignity of all humans irrespective of class, creed and/or ethnicity. The recent video allegedly showing Hon. Ikwechegh assaulting a cab driver is totally unacceptable and runs counter to what our Party — APGA– represents.

“In line with APGA’s constitution, the Leadership of the Party shall set up a disciplinary committee to investigate the act, and if found wanting, appropriate sanctions shall be meted on him in line with the Constitution of APGA.

“All members of APGA, and indeed all elected officials on the platform of our great party are expected to exhibit the highest standards of decorum, civility and integrity in all public and private engagements and our party shall not tolerate any verifiable conduct that is not in tandem with the ideals of our founding fathers.

“In APGA we are our Brother’s and Sister’s keeper and it cannot be any other way.”

Meanwhile, Deji Adeyanju, Abuwatseya Lawyer, has written  a petition to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, against Ikwechegh, asking for a thorough investigation and prosecution of Ikwechegh.

Hardship: Northern Youths “Calling For Change- Govs

By
James Orji
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Governor Muhammad Yahaya Inuwa of Gombe State

Governor Mohammed Yahaya of Gombe state says the youths in the northern part of the country are seriously angry over the security and economic situation in the region.

The Gombe helmsman said the northern part of the region is worse hit with the current  hardship facing the country, he stressing that the youths are seriously agitated and at the breaking point

Governor Yahaya made the remark in Kaduna during a meeting by the Northern States Governors’ Forum, NSGF, with the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen Christopher Musa  on how to tackle the insecurity in the region.

The governor is the chairman of the Forum.

He said some of the challenges facing the region include terrorism, banditry, kidnap for ransom, farmer-herder clashes, drug abuse, the menace of Almajiri and out-of-school children, poverty, amongst others.

He called on Nigerians to cooperate with the federal government and other critical stakeholders to provide support for the most vulnerable in the country.

He urged northern leaders  to find lasting solutions to the challenges confronting the region, adding that the #endbadgovernance protest  “that took place in August serve as a wake-up call for all northern leaders” that drastic steps are quickly needed to fix the problems.

Governor Yhaya said, “As we gather today, our collective resolve is being tested by the ongoing challenges that we face

“These include but are not limited to terrorism, banditry, kidnap for ransom, farmer-herder clashes, drug abuse, the menace of Almajiri and out-of-school children, poverty and unemployment.

“The recent EndBadGovernance protests that took place in August serve as a wake-up call for all northern leaders.

“Youth restiveness is a growing concern, driven by illiteracy, poverty, and lack of economic opportunities. Our young people are calling out for change and it is our responsibility to listen and act.

“We must scale up efforts to tackle the root causes of youth restiveness by investing in education, skills development and job creation.

“Let us focus on creating pathways for the youth to channel their energy into productive ventures, thereby reducing their vulnerability to crime and social vices.

“The economic hardship faced by many Nigerians today is undeniable and considering the north-south disparity in economic inequality, it is even more pronounced in northern Nigeria.

“This calls for urgent intervention. It is essential that we, as leaders, adopt measures to alleviate the suffering such as targeted social welfare programmes, support for small and medium enterprises, and policies that attract investment to our states,” the governor said.

70k Minimum Wage: FG Applauds State Govs For Implementation

By
James Orji
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George Akume

The federal government has applauded state governors for implementing the new N70, 000 minimum wage.

George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation commended the governors who have committed to paying their civil servants the new wage, urging governors who have yet to do so to comply.

The SGF spoke on Monday while briefing state house correspondence after the Federal Executive Council, meeting stressing that the federal government is poised to ensure that the new wage is implemented at both the federal and state levels.

According to him, the new wage is central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to make life better for Nigerian workers.

The federal government has commended state governors who have begun implementing the new N70,000 minimum wage, urging those yet to do so to take immediate action.

This initiative, emphasised as a priority for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, aims to address the rising cost of living across the country.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, during a briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, reiterated the government’s commitment to the full implementation of the wage increase.

He said all the parties involved in the new wage negotiation with the organised Labour, federal state and the private sector must be prepared to implement the new wage increase.

Akume: “Some states have begun implementing the wage increase, with several exceeding N70,000. We commend these efforts and encourage others to follow suit,” he said..

“We applaud those who have started, and we appeal to others to initiate payment without delay.”

The magazine reports that some state government have announce their readiness to pay the N70,000 new wage while others have promised to even pay more than the agreed sum with the Organsied Labour.

For instance, the Bayelsa state government, on Sunday announced the approval of N80,000 wage to the state civil servants.

In a statement, Daniel Alabrah,  Governor Douye Diri’s spokesman said the governor took the decision to help workers to survive the current harsh times.

The statement read: “To address the harsh times and in line with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment Act 2024), the Prosperity Administration of His Excellency Senater Douye Diri has approved the sum of N80,000 as minimum wage for the state’s workers

“Governor Diri also approved an  increase in the monthly pension of state retire. The related consequential adjustments for the various sectors, as agreed with the leadership of Labour in the state, will be implemented.

“To further ameliorate the challenges of our retired senior citizens, His Excellency also approved the payment and reduction of the outstanding gratuity liabilities by Seven Billion Naira.”

The new wage was approved by President Tinubu in July this year after months of rigorous negotiation with the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress.

LAWMA Propose Plan To Ban Textile Waste From Landfills

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Muyiwa Gbadegesin - LAWMA

By Akinwale Kasali

In a bid to generate income, the Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has hinted on its plans to ban textile waste at all landfills across the State, noting that it is a valuable resource that can be recycled to earn income.

Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA made this disclosure at the Lagos Fashion Week, organised by Style House Files, in collaboration with the Circular Business Platform and the Office of the Lagos State Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy, held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island.

Speaking on the theme, “Fostering a Sustainable Fashion Ecosystem,” as part of the Nigeria-Netherlands Exchange Programme for a circular fashion industry, Gbadegesin emphasised that addressing textile waste was crucial for building a more sustainable and equitable fashion industry, given that it is an essential component of the 13,000 metric tonnes of waste generated daily in the state.

He said: “Having discovered the significant environmental impact of textile waste dumped at our landfills, which comprises about 8 percent of the waste deposited, along with its contribution to resource depletion, and the potential for creating economic and social benefits through sustainable solutions like recycling, upcycling, and responsible consumption, we have decided to ban textile waste at all our landfills. This will take effect in three months.

“We are already in partnership with Tejuosho Market in Yaba, where we will collect the waste and transfer it to companies involved in textile recycling. At LAWMA, we believe in practicing what we preach, and we’ve demonstrated this through the students who have come to learn waste management at the LAWMA Academy. Before their graduation, they learned upcycling with textile waste, producing beautiful items from the waste. Our goal is to continue advocating for sustainability practices, and we hope to engage in projects that promote circularity,” he stated.

In his opening remarks, the Deputy Consul General of the Netherlands, Peter Keulers, commended LAWMA and Lagos State for their relentless efforts in keeping the state clean.

In a related development, the LAWMA boss described public-private partnerships as the cornerstone of the agency’s activities.

He made this statement as a panelist on the topic “Public-Private Partnerships for Environmental Solutions” at the Fresh Perspectives Event 2024, organised by Betaglass Plc, in Victoria Island.

Reflecting on LAWMA’s successful partnerships and their impacts, Gbadegesin noted that public-private partnerships had helped the Authority fulfill its mandate, driving more innovations in the waste management sector.

“For us in LAWMA, everything we do is through partnerships. As you all know, we manage the waste of over 22 million people in the state. One of our most successful partnerships is with the hundreds of PSP operators who help us collect waste from households and companies. We are also in partnership with nearly a thousand cleaning companies, managing thousands of street sweepers. These sweepers work tirelessly every day. They are our heroes,” he stressed.

The LAWMA boss further stated that several Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships, initiated by both private and public organizations, have resulted in the donation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and uniforms for sweepers.

“Here in LAWMA, we have a department in charge of partnerships, and they have been doing fantastic work. We have partnered with some banks to adopt streets, where they donate uniforms for the sweepers maintaining those routes. The Authority recently partnered with a waste-to-energy firm, and we are establishing a waste-to-energy plant in Epe. We are also in partnership with Zoomlion, a Ghanaian company, which will help us decommission the Olusosun dumpsite. We know there is great potential in partnerships that can foster job creation and a brighter future,” Gbadegesin added.

Also, the Chief Executive Officer of Betaglass, Alexandra Gendis, emphasized the need to support the creative aspirations of Nigerian youths to drive major economic emancipation.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Managing Director of Wecyclers, Mr. Wale Adebiyi; the General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Babatunde Ajayi; and the head of Betaglass Plc, Ms. Sharin Sweet, among others.

Police Arrests Reps Member Over Assault

By
Ayodele Oni
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Alex Mascot Ikwechegh

By Ayodele Oni

The law is taking its course on the Federal Lawmaker who, allegedly, assaulted a driver in Abuja.

The Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Police Command on Monday said it has arrested the Lawmaker for assaulting a driver in the nation’s capital.

Josephine Adeh, the Spokesperson for the FCT Command, confirmed that Alex Mascot Ikwechegh is with the Police.

She confirmed that “Ikwechegh is at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning.”

The Police spokesperson explained in the statement that the cab driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, reported the matter to the Command.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that Mr. Abuwatseya was delivering a package to Ikwechegh when a dispute arose concerning the method of delivery. During this altercation, Mr. Abuwatseya was reportedly physically assaulted

The FCT Police Command expressed grave concern over Ikwechegh’s dismissive attitude toward the office of the Inspector General of Police following the incident.

“After allegedly slapping the victim, he reportedly remarked with contempt, ‘You can go ahead and call the Inspector General of Police,’ demonstrating a troubling disregard for the authority of law enforcement.

“Currently, the suspect is at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning.”

The statement added that the Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Olatunji Disu, has mandated a thorough investigation into the matter.

“The Command is committed to conducting an impartial investigation and ensuring justice in all cases. Upon completion of the investigation, appropriate legal action will be taken.”

Governor Obaseki ‘Romances’ Okpebholo, Says He Doesn’t Expect Him To Reverse His Reforms

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Godwin Obaseki and Monday Okpebholo

By Akinwale Kasali

With just two weeks to the end of his eight years administration, Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki seems to be ‘romancing’ and cajoling, Monday Okpebholo, the incoming Governor.

Obaseki while fielding questions with Journalists in Lagos, expressed optimism that some of his administration’s reforms will outlive the incoming administration in the State.

He is expected to leave the saddle as the Number One Citizen of the State on November 11.

He toldJournalists who taised on concerns about the continuity of some of his reforms after his administration that his government had made efforts to institutionalise some of them.

Obaseki said: “The people are very aware of our reforms and legacies we are leaving behind. I don’t think because there is a change in government, they will change some of these reforms.

“Even if the government that is coming doesn’t support or encourage them as we used to, they (reforms) will not disappear.

“Beyond this, in the reforms we have undertaken, we have institutionalised or started the process of institutionalising some of them.

“The people know, and I doubt if they will keep quiet for long, allowing things to go back to what it used to be without complaining or shouting.

“I’m optimistic that they (reforms ) will last,” he said.

He said that workers and parents whose children were enjoying EdoBEST e-learning education and other initiatives, would not allow the incoming All Progressives Congress-led administration to tamper with them.

He said that his administration had restored respect to civil service, revolutionalised education, improved electricity, internet connectivity and road infrastructure, among others.

Obaseki also stated that the roles of the Government is to provide infrastructures.

“What are the critical infrastructures we need today? Fundamentally, in Nigeria, people need electricity, connectivity, and roads,” he said.

The Governor said that with a robust partnership with the private sector, the State Government has succeeded in encouraging electricity generation by attracting firms like Azura and Ossiomo Power.

He said that this was to create the state-owned electricity markets and to encourage investments in the distribution of power within the state.

Obaseki claimed that his administration has ensured stable electricity to power public institutions and infrastructure in metropolitan Benin City.

Ekiti Prepares 200,000 Persons To Benefit From FG’s Health Intervention

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ekiti State Health Intervention

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has announced that not less than 200,000 residents of the State will benefit from the Federal Government’s powered project 10m Campaign against hypertension and diabetes tagged: “know your number, control your number.”

The Governor expressed readiness to tackle increase in the number of hypertension and diabetes patients in the State, saying this accounted for reason the state keyed into the project.

Oyebanji lamented that over 70% of mortality being suffered by people between ages 30 and 70 were caused by the duo of hypertension and diabetes, which he said make them the most notorious killers of the Nigerian productive population.

The governor made the remarks on Monday, while flagging off the federal government’s powered project 10m Campaign against hypertension and diabetes tagged: “know your number, control your number”, in Ado Ekiti.

Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor,  Monisade Afuye, said the project 10m, is a national initiative by the forum of health commissioners in the country, to tackle increasing prevalence of hypertension and diabetes.

He said Ekiti was combining the ‘project 10 Million initiative’ with an innovative state intervention to rapidly increase demand for primary health care services in Ekiti State, which is key to achieving universal health coverage for the people.

“There is a 70 percent chance of dying from hypertension and diabetes between the ages of 30 and 70 years in Nigeria.

“Despite this alarming statistics, a lot of people are not aware of their status as far as these health conditions are concerned making them a silent threat to their health and wellbeing.

“We hope to conduct free screening for about 200,000 people in Ekiti State for hypertension and diabetes within the week long campaign in 161 screening centres across the state from Monday 28 October to Sunday 3″ November 2024 with a focus on adult from age 18 years.”

The governor stated that counseling will be organized for  participants on non-communicable diseases and newly diagnosed people will be linked to a hospital closest to them for care, saying there will also be opportunity for short term refill for known hypertension patients during the exercise.

Oyebanji appealed to traditional leaders, religious organizations, market women, local government leaders, health workers, and civil society organizations, to support this intervention and ensure its success in their various jurisdictions.

In his submission, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, said the rationale behind the free screening was to checkmate the frightening and spiraling level of hypertension and diabetes across the country, Ekiti inclusive.

Filani revealed that statistics confirmed that about 27 percent of morbidity rate in the country was due to the scourges of hypertension and diabetes, which he said makes it imperative for the citizens to participate in the free health programme.

“Our mission in Ekiti State is to spread this campaign to as many people as possible, to know the number of victims and to be able to control it.

“With the Primary Healthcare programme, we are planning to ensure that children of less than five years have access to immunisation and pregnant women are made to have access to pregnancy kits and strong ante natal care to reduce in fact and maternal mortality rates.”

Obasanjo Is Envious Of President Tinubu – Afenifere

By
Ayodele Oni
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Olusegun Obasanjo and Bola Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

Afenifere, the Pan Yoruba Socio-political group, has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of envying President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which has culminated in his latest onslaught on the federal government.

The former president had last week declared that the unpreparedness of Tinubu for governance has led to the present economic hardship in the country.

The group, in a statement signed by the Convener, Kole Omololu, said the statement credited to Obasanjo was out of envy and that it had nothing to do with planning.

Omololu said the former President was still bitter that his third term agenda failed because of the contribution of Tinubu and other democrats in the country.

Omololu, the organizing secretary of Afenifere, said President Tinubu had a plan and shared that plan with Nigerians before they convincingly elected him as their president and rejected the candidate sponsored by Chief Obasanjo.

“Unlike any other President in this republic, including General Olusegun Obasanjo, President Tinubu hit the ground running with his plan of which he implemented subsidy removal on day one, and floated the Naira within weeks while achieving Local Government autonomy via a judicial victory at the Supreme Court on Thursday, July 11, 2024, even as he introduced student loans five days later on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.

“It is not that the President had the gumption and courage to implement his plans where others, most notably the third term-seeking Obasanjo, failed, the more noteworthy thing is that his reforms are working.

“Due to the floating of the Naira, we are now exporting more than we are importing. Specifically, Nigeria set a record of $4.58 billion in non-oil exports in 2023, which was not just a record but a 28.04% increase on the previous year.

“We are set to break that record in 2024, as the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics revealed that by the half-year 2024, Nigeria had made $2.7 Billion in non-oil exports. This is already an H1 record.

“Nigeria is now at the point where Vietnam was, where devaluation has made exports more attractive and cost-effective, leading to the record ₦14.07 trillion trade surplus we achieved by half of 2024.

“Nigerians need to understand where General Olusegun Obasanjo is coming from. This is a man with the mother of all egos. He wants to be the only successful President from Southern Nigeria. That is what he wants as his legacy. And to achieve that, he must undermine every other Southerner who emerges, despite his best efforts to stop them, as President of Nigeria.

“It is for that reason that he undermined former President Goodluck Jonathan by lying that the good man was maintaining a killer squad of former Abacha hitmen to target political enemies.

“Today, his poisonous darts have been aimed at President Tinubu, who he feels has already outshined and out-achieved him in just one year. Nigerians should see it for what it is. Sour grapes and envy!”

Militant Group Dares FG: “Stop Rivers Council Funds, See Hell”

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Niger Delta Militant Group

By Adesina Soyooye

“Any further move against Fubara by Wike will be met with destruction of oil facilities.”

A new Niger Delta Militant Group has threatened hell on Earth for the Nigerian Government if it dares allow the any fund accruals to Local Government Councils in Rivers State to be withheld.

There are fears that a Court action allegedly instituted by an anti- Governor Siminalayi Fubara Group could stop the allocation of funds to the LGA Councils.

The Group described the LGA Election recently held and won by the Action Peoples Party, APP, as null and void.

But q new Niger Delta militia group, the Niger Delta Development Force, has warned that hell will descend on it if the LGA allocations are withheld in any form for any reason. It said it would ground Nigeria’s economy by bombing oil installations in the Niger Delta.

On assumption that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, is behind the plot, the Group asked President Bola Tinubu to call his Minister to call his Minister to order over his alleged insistent on undermining the Government of Fubara.

The Group’s statement signed by  its Spokesperson, Justin

Justin Alabraba, said it is  angry  over an alleged plan by Wike use “a friendly judge to secure a ruling in his favour, which would stop local government allocations to the  State.”

The statement reads in part: , “Our members will not hesitate to shut down oil installations if any Judge in Abuja issues a pronouncement that financially incapacitates local governments in Rivers State, preventing them from fulfilling their duty to the people.

“We will act immediately. It will be a swift response, and we will shut down major oil installations in the Niger Delta.

“If President Bola Tinubu allows Wike to disrupt governance in the local governments of Rivers State, we will also disrupt governance at all levels.

“We cannot continue to suffer while other parts of Nigeria prosper. Wike must leave Fubara alone.

“For months now, Wike has continued to insult and intimidate Governor Fubara, wielding his federal influence. We won’t tolerate that anymore.

“Any further move against Fubara by Wike will be met with the destruction of oil installations. Since Tinubu seems intent on turning a blind eye, let us all face the consequences together. Rivers State does not belong to Wike, and he cannot conclude his eight-year term without harassing those who helped him get there while now seeking to disturb his successor.

“We will bomb and continue to destroy oil installations. This is not a threat; it is a promise. Enough is enough. Wike and Tinubu cannot take us for granted any longer.”

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