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Impeachment: Governor Fubara Breaks Silence, Says He Is Not Perturbed, “God Is In Control”

January 11, 2026

Siminalayi Fubara - Governor of River State — Governor Similanayi Fubara

By Akinwale Kasali

Embattled Rivers State Governor, Siminialayi Fubara, has broken silence over the Impeachment Process against him by the Rivers State House of Assembly. “God is in control and will take charge”, Fubara said.

He added that his silence all this while was deliberate and was unperturbed by the impeachment plot against him.

Fubara made this assertion during a Church Service today in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Capital to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

He told the congregation that the political problem would be resolved soon.

He reminded the people of his New Year message in Government House: ‘dogs bark when they do not understand ‘ -a veiled reference to the behaviour of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

It would be recalled that Fubara had traveled to Europe to meet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Over the crisis rocking Rivers State.

It was gathered from sources at the Aso Rock Villa that President Tinubu was not happy with Wike as regards the political crisis rocking the State with the former Rivers State Governor fingered as the architect of the crisis.

Since Fubara joined the APC, Wike has been at loggerheads with him, with the cross-carpeting of Fubara from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, as sources disclosed that the grievance of Wike is that Fubara failed to inform him and take permission before taking such decision.

Impeachment: Rivers Lawmakers Warn Against Procurement Of Restraining Order

Suleiman Anyalewechi

January 11, 2026

Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Speaker Martin Amaewhule

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Rivers House of Assembly on Sunday January 11,2026 , cautioned against any attempts by some vested interests to scuttle the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara through the procurement of a frivolous injunction.

The Lawmakers in a statement from its Spokesperson and Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Enemi George, alleged there are subtle and clandestine moves by certain individuals to shop for an ex-parte injunction from a pliable Judge outside the Port Harcourt Division of the Rivers State High Court restraining the legislators from going ahead with the impeachment moves.

The Source reports that the pro-Nyesom Wike Rivers State House of Assembly led by Rt Hon Martin Amaewfule had, on Thursday, January 8, served Governor Fubara and his Deputy, an impeachment notice over alleged gross constitutional and administrative breaches including extra-budgetary expenditure and withholding of funds meant for the Assembly’s Service Commission.

According to George, the House received credible intelligence suggesting that some persons are presently working assiduously to secure the restraining order aimed at illegally stopping the law makers from performing their legitimate and constitutionally assigned duties.

They, also, warned that such a move if carried out, would amount to a deliberate obstruction and subversion of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Citing Sections 272 (3) and 188 (10) of the 1999 Constitution ( as amended) which limit the jurisdiction of courts in matters relating to the tenure of elected officials, and expressly bar courts from entertaining proceedings connected to impeachment processes ,the House cautioned the courts against doing anything that may undermine the rule of law and democracy.

While referencing recent nullification of a similar ex-parte order by the Court of Appeal, the House urged all concerned to exercise restraints ,and respect the rule of law.

This is as they reaffirmed their commitment towards upholding the tenets of democratic governance and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The House also expressed its resolve not to be distracted by orchestrated smear campaign and acts of intimidation.

PDP Questions Credibility, Quality Of Abia Opposition Coalition Against Gov Otti

Suleiman Anyalewechi

January 11, 2026

Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State — Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has expressed serious doubt about the abilities of the Senator Orji Uzor Kalu-led Coalition of opposition forces to serve as a credible alternative to the incumbent Governor Alex Otti.

The PDP said Abians will not be swayed by a Coalition formed solely to oppose an incumbent, without a solid foundation rooted in manifest credibility and unassailable quality of candidates on offer.

The Party’s position is coming against the backdrop of the recent convergence of past political office holders ,under the aegis of Abia State Executive , National and State Legislative Members with the aim of meaningfully challenging the Governor Otti’s administration in the state come 2027.

The Forum which comprises past Governors, their Deputies National and State Assembly members, members of the State’s Executive Council, and other political appointees between 1999 and 2023 ,at its emergency meeting on Friday January 9 2023 at the country home of former Governor Theodore Orji , resolved among others things to work assiduously to enthrone an APC administration at all levels in Abia state and Nigeria as a whole.

It equally threatened to initiate a legal challenge seeking to compel Governor Otti to halt the use of his private residence as the official seat of power in the State.

Specifically, the Coalition vowed to oust the Governor Otti-led administration in Abia state in 2027.

But in a statement issued on Sunday January 11,2025 by its Chairman, Elder Abraham Amah, and made available to this Magazine, the Abia State PDP insisted that only a coalition built around credible and quality individuals, with impeccable trajectories has the potential to oust the incumbent.

Anything to the contrary, the party insists, is akin to further popularizing the incumbent unsolicitedly.

According to the Abia PDP , the electorate with a strong intuitive sense of leadership and direction are bound to interrogate the quality of candidates to determine whether or not they align with their lived realities and aspirations.

“The Abia State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic party PDP has taken note of the increasing public discourse around the formation of a Coalition aimed at challenging Governor Alex Otti in the 2027 Governorship election.

” While political realignments are a normal feature of democratic competition ,it is important to situate this conversation within the true expectations and political consciousness of the Abia electorate.

“Our considered position is clear. Coalitions by themselves do not determine electoral outcomes. What Abians are truly interested in is not the arithmetic of alliances or the number of political tendencies converging under one banner ,but the identity, credibility, competence and vision of the individuals who will bear the ticket of such a coalition.

“Elections are ultimately contests between people and ideas, not mere platforms or arrangements among elites. The decisive question for voters will be simple and profound: who is the Governorship candidate, and what does he or she represents?

“From a political and philosophical perspective , legitimacy in governance flows from trust, character and the ability to inspire confidence in the future.

“Abians will not be swayed by coalitions constructed solely to oppose an incumbent . They will interrogate the records, values, temperament ,and governing capacity of any challenger presented before them.

“History has repeatedly shown that a weak or uninspiring candidate , even when backed by a broad alliance , often ends up strengthening the position of the incumbent rather than diminishing it” Amah stated.

According to the PDP, politics operate not only in the realm of structures and strategies, but also in the deeper currents of public mood, symbolism and timing.

The party noted that Abia electorate possess a strong intuitive sense of leadership and direction, and are attentive to whether a candidate understands their lived realities, align with their aspirations ,as well as is morally and intellectually prepared to shoulder the burden of governance.

While calling for the elevation of the discourse beyond coalition-building to the more substantive issue of leadership quality and vision for Abia State, the PDP warned that the future of the state will not be decided by how many parties unite against one man, but whether an alternative leadership can convincingly demonstrate that the state will be better governed under its stewardship.

” Any coalition that fails to produce a candidate who resonates with this consciousness risks remaining an elite project disconnected from popular will”, the PDP added.

Atiku Berates FG Over Abandonment Of BEA, Stranded Students Abroad

Ayodele Oni

January 11, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in last general elections, Atiku Abubakar has revealed that 1,600 young Nigerians are stranded abroad due to non payment of their education expenses by Federal Government.

The students are studying abroad under the Bilateral Education Agreement, (BEA).

The BEA is a scholarship scheme that began in 1993 and was revitalised in 1999. It allows Nigerian students to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in various countries through agreements between Nigeria and those nations.

Atiku in a social media post, lamented that the Federal Government has quietly abandoned the scheme, leaving the student to be stranded abroad.

Atiku Write “I have been well briefed on how Nigerian students under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) have been abandoned abroad.

“However, under the Bola Tinubu administration, the BEA scholarship programme, a bridge between Nigeria and the world, has been quietly discontinued without notice to the parents/wards of the students and without any consideration for their education.

“I am informed that what was initially described as a temporary five-year suspension soon metamorphosed into outright abandonment, leaving about 1,600 young Nigerians stranded abroad with empty pockets and fading hope.

“Their pleas are simple and desperate: pay the stipends owed, now more than $6,000 per student. Yet from the corridors of power came a cold, technocratic explanation: scarce public funds must be managed ‘responsibly,’ and money meant to keep these students alive abroad should instead be redirected home.

“In that reasoning, the humans behind the figures dissolved into abstractions, and duty was sacrificed on the altar of convenience.

“The cruelty of the moment was sharpened by timing and tone. After months of cries from students and parents over unpaid allowances, the authorities announced the suspension with a levity that stunned those already on the brink.

“Between September and December 2023, the students were not paid, and in 2024, stipends were slashed by 56 per cent, from $500 to $220 a month, before stopping altogether. There was no payment throughout the whole of 2025.

“I gathered that hunger, rent arrears, and shame have become the daily companions of the beneficiary students.

“In Morocco, one student did not survive the ordeal, dying in November last year and turning quiet suffering into public grief.

“Parents and scholars poured into the streets of Abuja, protesting before the Ministries of Education and Finance, their placards heavy with sorrow and rage, their questions unanswered.

“Then came the final wound: defiance dressed as policy. In a press statement, the minister declared that any student ‘fed up’ could be financed to return home, as though abandoning years of study and shattered dreams were a minor administrative detail.

“To anxious parents, it sounded like expulsion by neglect, Nigeria casting off its brightest children and leaving them to become objects of pity among peers from African countries that honour their obligations.

“The BEA scheme was never a charity; it was a diplomatic agreement rooted in shared progress, revitalised in 1999 to build Nigeria’s future workforce through partnerships with nations such as China, Russia, Morocco, and Hungary.

“Today, that pact lies broken, and across distant campuses, Nigerian scholars wait, not just for stipends, but for a sign that their country still remembers them.”

Ondo Police Command Bursts Cult Initiation Ceremony, Arrests 25 Suspects

Ayodele Oni

January 11, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Police Command, in its war against cultism, has burst an initiation ceremony of a suspected cult group, leading to the arrest of 25 suspects.

The incident happened at the weekend at Uso in Owo local government area of the state.

The planned initiation ceremony attracted members from neighbouring states of Ondo, Osun, Lagos and Edo.

The command spokesman, Abayomi Jimoh, in a statement on Sunday, revealed that “On Thursday, 8th January, 2026, the Command received credible intelligence from a concerned citizen that members of the Neo Black Movement (NBM) cult group were planning to initiate new members at Uso.

“Acting swiftly on the information, operatives of the Command were mobilized and deployed using intelligence-led tactics to disrupt the planned initiation.

“The operation resulted in the arrest of twenty-five (25) suspects, drawn from Ondo State, Osun state, Lagos state and Edo State, at the scene of the initiation.

“During the operation, one Toyota Highlander SUV and one unregistered Daylong motorcycle were recovered from the suspects.

“The arrested suspects are currently in police custody and have confessed to their involvement in cult-related activities. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigation.

“Consequently, the Commissioner advises youths to shun all forms of cultism, emphasizing that there is no gain in engaging in such acts, as they only lead to grave consequences.”

He further urges members of the public to continue to provide credible and actionable information that will aid the Police in preventing and combating crime across the State.

Allow State-Owned Security Corps Access To Weapons – CD

Ayodele Oni

January 11, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

National President, of the Campaign for Democracy (CD), Ifeanyi Odili, has urged the Federal Government to urgently review and amend the Nigerian Firearms Act of 1990, granting states the autonomy to protect their citizens from the scourge of banditry and terrorism.

He was of the view that the review has become imperative in the face of escalating insecurity in the country, which seems to have overwhelmed security agents.

In a statement in Akure, Ondo state, Odili stated that “The Campaign for Democracy (CD) is compelled to express its utter dismay and consternation at the Federal Government’s obstinate refusal to grant state governments access to sophisticated weapons for local security.

“The Nigerian Firearms Act of 1990, a relic of a bygone era, prohibits state governments from possessing high-calibre automatic weapons like AK-47s, with licensing authority resting solely with the President.

“This antiquated law has been rendered obsolete by the current security challenges facing our nation.

“We demand answers: who issued licenses for AK-47s used by bandits to terrorize innocent Nigerians?

“If not the Federal Government, the President should forthwith allow states to equip their security forces with such weapons.

“It is unconscionable, indescribable that the same weapons banned for states are used to perpetrate violence and mayhem against law-abiding citizens.

“This glaring anomaly underscores the Federal Government’s callous disregard for human life and its prioritization of bandits over citizens.

“The President’s failure to secure Nigeria is a blatant breach of his oath of office, which explicitly mandates him to protect the lives and property of Nigerians.

“His inability to do so has emboldened bandits and terrorists, leaving states defenseless against these scourges. We hold the President accountable for this failure and demand immediate action.

“We urge the Federal Government to urgently review and amend the Nigerian Firearms Act of 1990, granting states the autonomy to protect their citizens from the scourge of banditry and terrorism.

“The monopoly on sophisticated weapons must end. States should be empowered to combat bandits head-on, without the hindrance of bureaucratic red tape.

“The President must act now. Allow states to procure sophisticated firearms and issue End-User Certificates. It’s time to prioritize citizens’ safety over the interests of a few.

“We will not be silenced by the deafening silence of the Federal Government. We will not be deterred by the lack of action. We will continue to demand accountability and action.

“To the Nigerian people, we say: enough is enough! It’s time to take back our country. It’s time to demand accountability from our leaders. Join us in this fight for a safer, more secure Nigeria.”

Chimamanda’s Son’s Death: Lagos State Gov. Orders Probe

Adesina Soyooye

January 11, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has weighed in on the death, in a Lagos Hospital, of one of the twin sons of award winning Nigerian born author/novelist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege

Their son, Nkanu Nnamdi, 21 months, passed on in Lagos on January 6, 2026, while the family was on vacation in Nigeria.

In a statement on the loss of Nnamdi, Chimamanda blamed it on criminal negligence on the part of Euracare Multispecislist Hospital. She said the hospital’s anesthesiologist gave her son an overdose of propofol.

She narrated: “Dr. M came out and told me Nkanu had been given too much propofol by the anesthesiologist, had become unresponsive and was quickly resuscitated. But suddenly Nkanu was on a ventilator, he was incubated and placed in the ICU. The next thing I heard was that he had seizures. Cardiac arrest. All these had never happened before. Some hours later, Nkanu was gone.

“It turns out that Nkanu was NEVER monitored after being given too much propofol.

“The anesthesiologist was CRIMINALLY negligent. He was fatally casual and careless with the precious life of a child.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement signed on his behalf by his Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, while extending his condolences to the family, described the sad incident as deeply distressing. He directed an immediate comprehensive, independent and transparent investigation into the incident by the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA).

The probe, the statement added, will establish both the immediate and underlying causes of Nnamdi’s death and determine whether there were lapses in professional conduct or medical standards.

“The Lagos State Government places the highest premium on human life and maintains zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct in any health facility operating within the State”, the statement said.

HEFAMAA, which the Governor said has already started the investigation by visiting the hospital, and would work in collaboration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure that the investigation meets professional and ethical standards.

The full text of the statement reads:

“Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie:LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES, ORDERS INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE

“The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to the deeply distressing report by renowned Nigerian author, Ms. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie ,concerning the tragic death of her son, Nkanu, following a medical incident at a private healthcare facility in Lagos on January 6.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, the Lagos State Government commiserates sincerely with Ms. Chimamanda Adichie and her family over this painful and irreparable loss. The death of a child is a profound tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this extremely difficult time. Lagos State Government extends its heartfelt condolences and assures the family of its concern and commitment to justice.

The Lagos State Government places the highest value on human life and maintains zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct in any health facility operating within the State.

“In line with this commitment, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to immediately commence a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with a view to unraveling the immediate and remote causes of the death.

“In line with this directive, HEFAMAA has since commenced investigation and has visited the facility involved as part of the ongoing inquiry.

“The Agency will conduct a comprehensive review of all allegations and reports relating to the incident.

HEFAMAA, which is statutorily established to regulate, monitor, and accredit both public and private health facilities in Lagos State, also as part of its core mandate carryout routine investigation of all cases of alleged medical negligence and unethical practices. This statutory responsibility is exercised consistently to uphold patient safety, professional standards, and the quality of health service delivery across the State.

“The Agency will work in close collaboration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and other relevant regulatory bodies in the course of the investigation to ensure a holistic, credible, and professional review process.

The investigation will examine the allegations raised, including compliance with established clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved. Findings of the investigation will be made public as soon as the process is concluded, in the interest of transparency and public accountability.

The Lagos State Government assures the public that any individual or institution found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct, or regulatory violations will face the full wrath of the law, in accordance with existing legal and regulatory frameworks.

While the investigation is ongoing, the Government urges the public to remain calm and avoid speculation, as due process is being followed to ensure fairness, justice, and credibility of outcomes.

Lagos State remains committed to safeguarding the health, safety, and rights of all residents and to continuously strengthening oversight of medical practice to prevent the recurrence of such tragic incidents.

Once again, we extend our deepest condolences to Ms. Chimamanda Adichie and her family.”

Euracare’s Management in a statement, said there were some inaccuracies in the published reports. It extended condolences to the family and said its management has started an investigation into Nkanu’s death.

Edo Governor Loses Aide

The Source

January 11, 2026

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has lost his Special Adviser on Arewa Matters, Alhaji Danjuma Garba. He died on Saturday, January 10, 2026. His death was announced by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele.

Okpebholo described his late Aide as “a loyal aide, and tireless community leader who fostered unity.”

AFCON: Abdul Samad Rabiu, BUA Boss, To Give Super Eagles Over $1.5 Million

The Source

January 11, 2026

By Charles Igbo

Founder of the BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu has staked a whopping sum of $1.5 million on Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

While congratulating members of the team for their victory over Algeria in the quarter finals, the business mogul, to inspire the players, promised to give them the sum of $500,000 if they secure victory in their Semi Final encounter against host country, Morocco, plus an additional $50,000 for every goal scored.

Then, he raised the ante.

If the team goes on to secure victory in the finals, Rabiu said the monetary gift would be $1,000,000, in addition to the sum of $100,000 for each goal scored.

He said the Super Eagles, by their performance against Algeria, “lifted the spirit of the Nation”, and assured them that Nigerians are “proudly cheering the team on” as it prepares for its semi finals encounter with host country.

Nigeria beat Algeria by 2-0 in the Quarter Finals. The Super Eagles has not lost any match since AFCON 2025 which host is Morocco.

Not a few people who have dubbed the Semi Final match between the Super Eagles and Morocco in the Semi Finals the “final of the finals”, expect a tough outing for Nigeria. They argue that the host team will give their all for national pride.

Edo: Ekpoma Residents Protest Incessant Kidnappings

Ayodele Oni

January 10, 2026

Ekpoma Residents Protest Incessant Kidnappings and Killing.

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Government has reacted to a protest in Ekpoma, headquarters of Esan West local government on Saturday over continued kidnappings in the community.

Residents of Ekpoma, had staged a protest against the spate of kidnappings in the community.

Ekpoma has, in recent times, witnessed repeated attacks by kidnappers, with residents being abducted from their homes, triggering fear and anger across the town.

The protest disrupted commercial activities, as students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, also joined the demonstration.

In their anger, the protesters pulled down campaign billboards mounted in the university town ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, dismissed reports of worsening insecurity in Ekpoma, saying the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was already in the town.

Ikoedem disclosed that nine persons abducted on Friday were rescued unhurt following the deployment of the Eagle Combat Drone Unit to nearby forests, in collaboration with local hunters.

“In the heat of the rescue operation, the kidnappers’ camp was located through real-time aerial intelligence.

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

The state government, in a statement by the commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua enumerated various Ongoing efforts to address insecurity in the state.

The statement : “The Edo State Government considers it necessary to further clarify issues arising from the recent protest that disrupted vehicular movement in Ekpoma on Saturday, January 10, particularly as it concerns public perception of the state’s security situation.

“While the government recognises the constitutional right of citizens to express concerns, it is important to state and very clearly, that matters of security require calm, coordination and constructive engagement.

“Actions such as blocking roads and disrupting movement, especially in the name of protest, do not aid security operations and may inadvertently expose residents to further risks or be exploited by criminal elements.

“Citizens must resist the urge to be caught in such dangerous tendencies.

“It is on record that since he took office, Governor Monday Okpebholo who understands the concerns of Edo residents has remained responsive to genuine complaints relating to safety.

“However, the government believes that effective security solutions are best achieved through intelligence sharing, community collaboration and sustained engagement with security agencies, not through unstructured actions that undermine public order.

“Governor Okpebholo’s security strategy is built around proactive measures, including the strengthening of the Edo Security Corps, neighbourhood watch initiatives and continuous engagement with community leaders, traditional institutions and sister states.

“These platforms are available for residents to channel security-related concerns, provide useful information and contribute meaningfully to keeping their communities safe.

“It must be emphasised that uncoordinated protests around security matters can distract security agencies from ongoing operations and complicate efforts to address criminal activities.

“The state therefore urges residents to remain law-abiding, calm and supportive of security operatives who continue to work tirelessly to protect lives and property.

“The Edo State Government remains open to dialogue and reassures the people of Ekpoma and the entire state that security strategies are being continuously reviewed and strengthened in line with Governor Okpebholo’s unwavering commitment to making Edo State safer for all.”

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