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Ekiti: Fmr. Gov. Fayose’s Brother Resigns From PDP, Dumps Ambition

September 18, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Former Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State’s younger brother, Emnanuel, who has been nursing governorship ambition on the ticket of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has formally resigned his membership of the party.

In a statement issued by his media office in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital on Thursday, Fayose cited clear lack of direction on the part of the leadership of the party for the decision.

In the statement made available to newsmen, Fayose also cited ceaseless wrangling amongst leaders of the party at the national level as the other reason for his action.

“I am using this occasion to formally announce my decision and those of my teeming supporters to resign our membership from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

“Though the decision has become somewhat difficult for us to make as stakeholders of the party in Ekiti State, we are however compelled to take it considering the state of affairs within the party.”

He lamented that the state of affairs within the party considering the antics of the National leaders, especially the Chairman, Illyasu Damagum and National Secretary, whom he alleged are working for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC led government have become inimical to the growth of the party.

“In Ekiti State, the activities of the former Governor of the state, Mr. Peter Ayodele Fayose who ought to be the rallying point for stakeholders, but have opted to work against the party has further compelled us to look elsewhere.

“Over the past week, I have met with elders, party leaders, respected technocrats and grassroots stakeholders across Nigeria. We examined the political reality of the Peoples Democratic Party, the platform on which I have invested my time, resources and passion in the pursuit of a better Ekiti. Our findings are sobering. What I have discovered is painful but undeniable.

” The PDP in Ekiti has been infiltrated, factionalised and deliberately entangled in legal traps.

“There are clear signs that hidden interests, some within the party and some outside are determined to keep the PDP too fractured to present a credible candidate against the ruling APC in the 2026 election.

“After years of sacrifice, statewide consultations, party building and personal investment, I cannot in good conscience lead my supporters into a contest that is already compromised. To continue under such a platform would be to betray the hopes of the very people I seek to serve.

“Therefore, today, I formally announce that I will no longer seek the governorship of Ekiti State under the banner of the PDP. I refuse to gamble with the hopes of our people. PDP is no longer the vehicle to deliver the change Ekiti deserves.

“Our Journey continues, but not in PDP. Our mission is bigger than a party logo. The struggle for a prosperous, secure and just Ekiti State will continue and we will not be distracted. This is not the end of our journey. It is a strategic new beginning. “

Rivers Assembly Demands Budget, Commissioner-Nominees From Gov Fubara, To Probe Emergency Rule

Ayodele Oni

September 18, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Rivers State House of Assembly resumed on Thursday for Legislative duties after expiration of the six months emergency rule.

The Assembly, presided over by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, immediately called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to forward the list of Commissioner-nominees to it for screening and confirmation.

The House, during its first plenary after the six-month emergency rule, asked the Governor to immediately begin the process of putting together an Appropriation Law for the remaining part of the year.

Other resolution of the House was the decision to probe the state’s finances during the six-month rule of Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator.

The call which is contained in a motion, sponsored by nine members, including the House Leader, Leader, Major Jack, Deputy Leader Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart, and seven others, was unanimously adopted by all 26 members present.

Jack recalled that one of the gains of the emergency period was the successful conduct of the August 30 Local Government elections that produced 23 Chairmen and Councillors.

The lawmaker highlighted several contracts that were awarded and funded from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Account by the outgone Administrator, making it necessary to establish a clear picture of what transpired.

He, appealed to the Assembly leadership to work with Governor Siminialayi Fubara on a new financial plan that reflects the aspirations of Rivers people, since the legislature neither saw nor contributed to the budget implemented under the emergency rule, which ended midnight on Wednesday September 17th 2025.

PSC Subjects 400 Senior Police Officers To Promotion Exams, Says Merit, Character Will Count

The Source

September 18, 2025

Over 400 senior Police Officers from across the Federation, on Thursday, September 18th, appeared before the Police Service Commission and were subjected to promotion interviews prelude to their consideration for promotion to the next ranks.

56 Chief Superintendents of Police were recommended for promotion to the next rank of Assistant Commissioners of Police while 451 Superintendents were recommended for consideration to the next rank of Chief Superintendents of Police.

The candidates were subjected to written examination with Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary and DIG Bar.Taiwo Lekanu rtd, Honourable Commissioner representing the Police and Chairman of the Standing Committee on Police Affairs, presiding.

The Commission has decided to henceforth take promotion examination as an indispensable condition for promotion in the Nigeria police Force so as to ensure that these Police Officers are mentally equipped to face the challenges of the 21st Century policing in line with global best practices. This is also to ensure that merit, competence, and character counts.

Deputy Superintendents of Police, DSPs, are expected to appear before the Commission tomorrow, Friday, 19th, 2025, for their own round of promotion examination.

Commission Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, has consistently pushed for a dynamic new Police Force for the new Nigeria, which the present Government is ambitiously building. A Police Force that will be efficient, effective and dynamic, and ready and prepared to protect lives and properties and fight crimes and criminality.

DIG, Argungu says the Commission will not rest until this is achieved and believes that the Commission is on the right track to its achievement. He called on Nigerians to continue to support the Nigeria Police Force as an encouragement for them to rededicate themselves to the service of their fatherland.

Useni’s Fight for London House from the Grave Shames Us

The Source

September 18, 2025

By Azu Ishiekwene

In the incredibly sad courtroom drama of Tali Shani v Chief Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome (2025) UKFTT 1090 (PC), two ordinary Nigerians from unlikely quarters, each doing what would appear to be their daily work, made the difference.

The first was Ibrahim Sani, a superintendent of police at the Force Intelligence Department of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja, a notoriously corrupt department under retired DIG Mike Ogbizi.

Sani had received a request and complaint from Chief Ozekhome (the Respondent in this case) to investigate alleged forged documents, including a “9 mobile” number, stated to be that of Tali Shani (the Applicant), registered at a Jos, Plateau State address.

Ozekhome (SAN) needed the police report in the case in Judge Ewan Paton’s court regarding the ownership of a house he claimed had been given to him by the late General Jeremiah Useni, but which the land registry in London had referred to a tribunal after one Ms Tali Shani, claiming to be Useni’s “wife,” emerged.

Following a search, Superintendent Sani found that not only did thephone number not belong to MsTali Shani, but the registered Jos address was also fake. Sani’s evidence during the trial left a strong impression on Judge Paton.

The judge said similar nice things about Festus Esangbedo, the head of legal of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), who worked with Sani to expose the fake NIN that the fake Ms Tali Shani and her accomplices, including her phoney son, Ayodele Damola, wanted to use to claim the London house that they claimed Useni bequeathed them.

Indictment redefined?

Tali Shani (male) and Ms Tali Shani (female), like Tweedledee and Tweedledum, are fictional characters in sordid tale of how a London tribunal found that 79 Randall Avenue, London, owned by the late General Useni, which he bought for £110,000 at the time, was marred by evidence of extensive identity fraud, forged documents, and non-existent persons, in a cast of very senior lawyers in Nigeria and their accomplices abroad on both sides of the case.

I desperately hoped that Ozekhome, a senior advocate of Nigeria and equivalent of a King’s Counsel, whom I hold in high esteem, would say it was not true; that what Judge Paton said about him recruiting his son, a young lawyer, to invent and contrive evidence to produce a charlatan to take over the property of General Useni who he said was his friend and client, was mistaken.

However, in an extraordinary interpretation of the judgment that left many speechless, Ozekhometold LEADERSHIP that the judgment was “not an indictment.” Mohammed Edewor, another senior lawyer prominently named on the Applicant’s side of this bizarre case, has been missing in action.

A phantom’s revenge

In the two and a half years that the matter was in court, the only thing that seemed real, and which the evidence before the judge could support, was that General Useni might have bought the house sometime in 1993, under a code name. Everything else was an elaborate web of fakery, from the witnesses, their identities, a Keffi court order, email addresses, and medical certificates – including ones issued under the letterhead of an actual Lagos-based hospital.

The death certificate was fabricated by the fake son and fake uncle of General Useni’s fake wife, who also went on to fabricate the obituary of the fake wife, who purportedly died in a road accident between Jos and Abuja.

Whether Tali Shani, the Applicant, was a product of the Respondent or a reactionary phantom in his own right, also out to grab, one thing was clear: Tali Shani (male) was no less an audacious character in the sordid tale.

He couldn’t tell the court how much he paid for the house he claimed he owned or produce any conveyancing documents; yet,in a striking moment of epiphany, he remembered that he bought the house for £200,000 (the price was £110,000) through his “cattle business,” after a prosperous spell of “selling sweats and mangos. ”By his own record, he was only 20 at the time.

One more for the Crown

He didn’t forget to add that, out of the goodness of his heart, he asked General Useni (who was not his mate by any stretch) to be the agent for him! Would General Useni, who testified in this case on his sickbed, not be saddened in his grave to know that the house he bought, under apparently shadowy circumstances, may potentially pass to the Crown (under the principle of ownerless goods) after this bizarre dispute?

Or that a twat is calling him his errand boy, when circumstantial evidence suggests that he, Useni, probably “invented” Tali Shani as a conduit at the height of the searchlight on his offshore account for money laundering.

I do not expect this story to interest the man on the street, who thinks that the average Nigerian big man is a thief, no matter what, and that, in any case, the fuss over 79 Randall Avenue is material only because this sad dispute has brought it to light. Who knows how many more have passed quietly?

Silence as outrage

But can and should professional groups also look the other way? For example, should the Nigerian Bar Association pretend that it’s OK for lawyers to contrive and invent evidence actively without a rebuke?

At the onset of this case, at least one lawyer of British origin, Tom Walsh, was involved. Before the matter ended, he had exited, leaving only counsel of Nigerian origin, including Abimbola Badejo and Kingsley Efemuai, stewing in the mess.

In Framed, John Grisham and Jim McCloskey demonstrate that manipulating the court system is not racial. But “Tali Shani v Mike Ozekhome” is a variety ofthe Nigerian jurisprudential engineering that activist lawyer, Chidi Odinkalu, has railed against ceaselessly.

Now, jurisprudential engineering appears to be an export commodity, calling into question every document a Nigerian files, even for routine processes such as visa applications.Is itbusiness as usual one year after Her Lordship, Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, promised “to elevate the judiciary to new heights, improve its reputation, and sustain public confidence in the judicial system”?

Will the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) ignore evidence of a fabrication of a death certificate bearing the name of a “doctor” issued in an actual hospital in Jibowu, Lagos, with a fake obituary? Or is travesty normalised?

A mini P&ID

Fifteen years ago, a dispute centred on a Gas Supply and Processing Agreement (GSPA) under which Nigeria was to supply “wet” natural gas to Process and Industrial Developments Limited (P&ID). The company was to deliver “lean” gas, keep the natural gas liquids for sale, and build a plant in Nigeria.

One thing led to another, and five years later, after P&ID bribed Nigerian officials, committed perjury and improperly obtained documents from Nigeria, the company still got $11 billion in arbitral awards. It took nine years of a feisty legal challenge by the Nigerian government in a UK high court to topple the house built on fraud by two Irish citizens on the foundation of a trail of paper fraud by their Nigerian cohorts.

79 Randall Avenue has similar features of big men, treachery, forgeries and fraud. The amount involved is less on the scale, and the government is not involved. But the shame is of comparable magnitude.

Ishiekwene is the Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the book Writing for Media and Monetising It.

Atiku, Obi Insist Emergency Rule In Rivers Needless

Ayodele Oni

September 18, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, Labour Party , (LP) have reacted to the return of democracy in Rivers state, following the end of six months emergency rule.

President Bola Tinubu had on Wednesday directed Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and House of Assembly to resume full duties at the expiration of six months emergency rule, following break down of law and order in the state.

The President, in his speech stated that “it therefore became painfully inevitable that to arrest the drift towards anarchy in Rivers State, I was obligated to invoke the powers conferred on me by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to proclaim the state of emergency.

“The Offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and elected members of the State House of Assembly were suspended for six months in the first instance. The six months expire today, September 17th, 2025.”

Atiku wrote on his X account that rote “Lifting the suspension of Governor Simi Fubara is nothing to cheer about.

“The suspension of the Rivers State Governor and the State House of Assembly was unconstitutional when it was done six months ago and is still illegal today.

“President Tinubu had no power to suspend a democratically elected governor and state lawmakers. The Rivers shenanigans only signpost the dictatorship of the Tinubu administration.”

Peter Obi also wrote in his social media account that “the president directed Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the House of Assembly to “resume office on Thursday, September 18.” The misstep that should not have happened,” on

“The restoration of democracy in Rivers State after six months of needless disruption remains a sour side of our democracy today. It was a constitutional breach that will hurt our democracy for a long time.

“I just hope that some lessons were learned by all the gladiators in the Rivers State impasse. Great minds remind us that ‘The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing”

“A true leader is the one who admits his/her mistakes, is smart enough to learn from them, and is strong enough to correct them.

“I would like to congratulate the good people of Rivers State for their endurance in the face of provocations.

“And to appeal to Governor Siminalaye Fubara, the members of the state House of Assembly and all the political leaders in the state to embrace peace and forge ahead.

“The real mistake is the one where we end up learning nothing. Be assured that a new Nigeria is Possible and inevitable.”

Abducted Fmr. Imo Lawmaker, Ngozi Ogbu, Rescued By Security Operatives

Suleiman Anyalewechi

September 18, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Imo State Police Command on Thursday September 18, 2025, announced the release of kidnapped former member of the State’s House of Assembly ,Hon Ngozi Ogbu .

The Source reports that Hon Ogbu ,who was also a former Executive Chairman of Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo state was on September 7, 2025, abducted by some gunmen in Okigwe area , while traveling home for the burial ceremony of his late mother.

In a viral video released by his captors a few days after abduction, Ogbu was seen pleading passionately with the Government and Security Agencies to do everything humanly possible to save his life.

Curiously, his abductors instead of demanding for a ransom as a precondition for his release, asked for the dismantling of the enhanced security architecture ringed around the security-challenged Okigwe Local Council.

However, rather than submitting to the blackmailing antics of the hoodlums, the Imo state Government and the state police authorities separately and collectively vowed to explore all available options in bringing the perpetrators to book ,as well as securing the safe release of the victim.

In its acknowledgement of the video and its contents, the Police Command in a release said:

“The Imo State Police Command is aware of a viral video showing Hon Ngozi Ogbu, former state legislator who represented the Okigwe State Constituency, being held hostage by suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki,

Danjuma, has since ordered the immediate deployment of the Command’s Tactical Units, in synergy with other security agencies, and a detailed investigation has been launched to apprehend the hoodlums ,and ensure the safe rescue of the law maker ,who was was abducted at Onuimo on 07/09/2025” the police stated .

The police move came almost simultaneously with that of the Imo State authorities who vowed to track down the abductors ,and ensure the rescue of Hon Ogbu.

The spokesperson for the Imo state police Command Henry Okoye, in a statement on Thursday, informed that Hon Ogbu regained his freedom on Wednesday night September,17 ,2025 .

According to Okoye, the development was sequel to intense pressure mounted on the kidnappers by security operatives.

This is as the Command assured that, efforts are underway in concert with other security agencies to ensure that those behind the dastardly act are arrested ,and served justice.

The Command also reaffirmed its unwavering commitment towards ensuring adequate protection of lives and properties of residents.

The Source further reports that the release of Hon Ogbu is coming on the heels of the reported yet-to-be confirmed interception of Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta ,a.k.a Gentle De Yahoo, one of the dreaded and notorious Commanders of the Auto-Pilots militia group ,of the now jailed Simon Ekpa.

Apart from being behind several high-profile violent attacks , kidnappings and killings in the Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo , Gentle De Yahoo ,and his gang members were strongly believed to be responsible for the abduction of Hon Ogbu

The blood-thirsty Okorienta was said to have been apprehended during a major clearance operation launched by the Imo state joint security team on Tuesday September 16, targeting his Aku-Ihube Okigwe stronghold.

Bishop Kukah To Jonathan On 2027: “Look Before You Leap”

Adesina Soyooye

September 18, 2025

Bishop Mathew Kukah and Goodluck Jonathan

By Adesina Soyooye

The revered Roman Catholic Bishop of Sokoto State, His Lordship, Mathew Kukah, on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, advised former President Goodluck Jonathan to tarry awhile, and think it through before he jumps into the 2027 Presidential race.

Kukah gave the advice in Accra, Ghana, when he spoke at an event organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation. He spoke on the heels of the strong speculations that Jonathan is all set to throw his hat into the 2027 Presidential race.

Recall that Jonathan was swept out of office in 2015 by a Coalition of the opposition under the then newly formed All Progressives Congress, APC, fuelled by an unprecedented gang-up, betrayals from even within his own Party, Peoples Democratic Party, lies, propaganda and tribal and religious sentiments.

He, even, before the Electoral Umpire released the results, called his challenger, then Major General Muhammadu Buhari, and congratulated him. It was a first, at that level, in Nigeria, and it earned Jonathan both continental and international recognition and applause and respect.

Since he left office in that 2015, Jonathan has given Politics some space having earned his place as an international statesman respected far and wide. He has concentrated on his Foundation and peace efforts within and outside the African Continent.

But in recent months, even though the 2027 Presidential Election is almost two years away, the frenzy to drag Jonathan into the race, even by those who betrayed him in 2015, has been on the rise. He has come under so much pressure to cave in and declare his interest. Two political parties, allegedly, the PDP (his Party) from which he has not officially resigned, and the African Democratic Congress, ADC, are on his neck to fly their flag.

While Jonathan has neither said yes or no, his non-reaction to even those who claim to be speaking for him, has become uncomfortable, thus fueling the impression that he, perhaps, is interested in running. The question those who think so ask is: Why does he not make a categorical statement to say: “Thanks, but no, I am not interested.”?

It is in the face of that studied silence that Bishop Kukah has weighed in to advice Jonathan to look before he leaps.

Quoting rtd General Theophilus Danjuma’s quotable quote: ‘Voice of Devil not far from God’, Bishop Kukah reminded Jonathan of the world applause he garnered for himself when he accepted defeat in 2015, congratulated the winner and saved Nigeria from political crisis even though he had the power and the paraphernalia of office to overturn the result.

He said it was because of that singular action by Jonathan, that he excused himself from the all-important meeting of the Conference of Catholic Bishops to honour Jonathan’s invitation to his Foundation’s dialogue on Democracy. “It is why when you call I answer, when you knock I open, because it is an honour to be with you.”

Preaching caution, Bishop Kukah told Jonathan:

“The voice of the devil is not so far from the voice of God. Listen very carefully to those who want to use you as an instrument for the elongation of their interests, and not your interests or the interests of Nigeria.

He urged Jonathan to reflect deeply, pray, and make a decision guided by conscience and the national interest.

“I, therefore, want to end by saying, first of all, it’s a great honor, President Jonathan, for me to be here. When you took that decision on March, 31, 2015, he’s written a little book, which you should read ‘My Transition Hours’, when you took that decision, was one of those moments that it was between yourself, your conscience, your God against the run of play.

“On the 31st of March, 2015, even before the elections had concluded, when you made that call, you were answering what to me was more or less a divine call.

“And by taking that decision, not only did you reverse, and I think your successor made the point himself over and over, that you had all the military, you had all the paraphernalia of power around you.

“It would have been possible to instigate a war, but by taking that decision, in my view, the people of Athens entrusted into your hands, a touch of hope, a touch of what democracy should look like, the honor, the dignity, the sense of sacrifice, that is what democracy is all about.

“You illustrated that, and it’s the reason why when you call, I will come, when you knock, I will open the door. Because right now I had to excuse myself from a meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, which is still on. Our meeting is finishing, actually, on Sunday, but I had to excuse myself to be here because I thought it was a great honor for me, you know, to be with you.

“But please, General Theophilus Danjuma, one of our greatest statesmen, President Obasanjo’s colleague, once said very often, the voice of the devil is not so far from the voice of God.

“Listen very carefully to those who want to use you as an instrument for the elongation of their interests, and not your interests or the interests of Nigeria. Think very clearly. Pray very clearly. Final decision, it’s your call.”

In 2023, the same pressure was mounted on Jonathan to the extent that a Group proceeded to buy the nomination forms for him. But it came to nothing when he quietly declined.

His wife, Dr. Patience Jonathan, has, however, a couple of times, said she was not going back to the Villa, and would join First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to campaign for President Tinubu’s election, acknowledging Mrs Tinubu as her sister.

Rivers: Humbled, Fubara Returns To Office

James Orji

September 18, 2025

Siminalayi Fubara - Governor of Rivers State

Following his reinstatement, on Wednesday, as the chief executive of the oil rich state, Siminalayi Fubara, according to those watching what’s happening in the state has become a lame duck sitting governor, who cannot no longer question his godfather, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

President Tinubu, yesterday, lifted the six months suspension of Governor Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly, putting to rest the controversy that has trailed the president’s action, particularly on the issue of whether he has the constitutional powers to suspend the democratic institutions in the oil bearing state.

In a statement released by the Presidency yesterday, Tinubu said peace has now been restored the the state, noting that he has no reason to extend the Emergency Rule.

Tinubu: “I am happy today that, from the intelligence available to me, there is a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm on the part of all the stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance. This is undoubtedly a welcome development for me and a remarkable achievement for us. I therefore do not see why the state of emergency should exist a day longer than the six months I had pronounced at the beginning of it.

It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today. The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from 18 September 2025.”

Since the president restored Fubara, not a few are asking whether the governor has not been stripepd of his powers to govern the state, considering the how he gained his position back after serving the sis months suspension.

Those asking this question said this because they insist that Wike, who they accused of instigating Fubara’s suspension was believed to have been instrumental for his restoration by President Tinubu.

Recall that the minister was the first to disclose few weeks ago, President Tinubu’s readiness to end the Emergency Rule , albeit, the return of Fubara to the Porth Harcourt Government House, at a time many Nigerians were unsure of the persident’s next line of action .

By September 18, the state of emergency will expire, the assembly will return to their duties, and we will have government at the grassroots level,” Wike stated two weeks ago.

That the minister was the one to break the news is not in any way surprising to close watchers of the politics in the state, considering that he has been blamed for being instrumental to the declaration of the Emergency Rule by the president on March 18, 2025.

Those familiar with the political crisis which started following, what critics described as the governors’ refusal to pander to the FCT minister’s whims and caprices, said he must have also arranged with the president to suspend Fubara so that power can be returned to him, while the governor takes order from him.

It appears Wike has now achieved his aim, analysts said, because Fubara already gave an indication that he’s no longer prepared to rock the boat with Wike, his godfather-turned enemy, until recently that Tinubu brokered truce between them.

For instance, Governor Fubara had few weeks after his suspension, said surprisingly that he was no longer desperate to return to office, saying the suspension has allowed him to refresh himself, as there were no governance issues bordering him.

To underscore that the governor no longer had the guts to fight those contending the levers of state with him, Fubara had blamed some people in the state for setting him up against his former political benefactor, saying he no longer want people to fight on his behalf.

Fubara had on May 12, during the the service of songs held in honour of the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, in Port Harcourt, the state capital, organised by the Rivers Elders Forum said he is not desperate to return to office.

Fubara stated this at the service of songs held in honour of the late elder statesman, Edwin Clark, in Port Harcourt, the state capital, organised by the Rivers Elders Forum yesterday.

“Do you even know if I want to go back there? My spirit has already left there,” he said shockingly to his supporters.

After that remark, the governor had make other comments that seemed to suggest that he must have realised his mistake fighting Wike on whose back he rode to become governor, despite his weak background in the politics of the state.

Instructively, not a few insist that they are shocked at the way Governor Fubara now conducts himself, having on many occasions, before his suspension, threatened fire and brimstone against Wike, they added that the control of the state has finally been snatched from him, and his detractors now have him where they wanted him, as they now have a leash around his neck to control him as they wish.

Fubara Before His Suspension

As the clash between him and Wike hots up early this year, Fubara had ordered the demolition of the State House of Assembly complex, saying he wanted to rebuilt it after the fire incident that engulfed part of the complex. Not a few said then that the action was one of the biggest mistake by the governor.

Apart from this, Fubara also took a swipe at the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly loyal to Wike that they can only exist if he wants them to. “Let me say it here, those groups of men who claim that they are assembly members, they do not exist. I want it to be on the record,” Fubara declared on May 6.

The governor had earlier on December 2024 presented the state 2025 Appropriation Bill to a three-member House of Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, his ally who was later suspended by the Amaewhule-led Assembly of 27 lawmakers loyal to FCT minister Wike.

The most defiant remark by governor Fubara, according to analysts was when in March this year, told the youths in the state to be ready for an-all out battle against Wike.

Fubara: “I want to say here today and to assure everyone that has stood with us; our strength is not on earthly things; that even when we fail here, assuming, as being contemplated, our victory is assured.

“Look, I want you to be in your highest spirit. It is not bout who wins, it’s about the glory and the honour of fighting gallantly.

“Being on the side of truth, not on the side of lies because of cheap favour.

“I want to assure you, all our supporters, I know the news that broke out on Friday must have dampened down your spirit.

“Brace up, what is ahead is more than what we just passed”.….……

“In as much as I don’t subscribe to violence, when the time comes for us to take a decision, I will lead the cause for that decision.

“Let me say it again, I am not scared of anything. The worst that will happen is for me to leave the office. Am I leaving the earth? Is it going to stop me from existing?

“So, I’m not even bothered about that, but the right thing must be done and must be said when the opportunity is given to us.

“So, let me thank everyone, more especially our youths. Be strong, don’t be perturbed, be strong, I assure you at the right time, you will get instruction.”

From all indications, the once fiery governor appears to have swallowed his pride, and is now ready to dance to the tune of his godfather, Wike.

Meanwhile, the magazine reported that the duo of Fubara and Wike has been urged by the State Elder Council, to ensure that they desist from anything that will re-ignite crisis in the state.

Gov. Soludo To Ekwunife: “Your Apology Lacks Credibility, I Reject It”

Ayodele Oni

September 18, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The public apology by the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, to Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo and his wife, has been thrashed and dusted into bin as it was described as “lacking in credibility, and did not emanate from her.”

Governor Soludo described is as “another unsubstantiated social media gossip,” saying that the Soludo administration would proceed as though the document never existed, while still demanding a clear and unambiguous retraction from Senator Ekwunife herself.

This was contained in a statement by Soludo’s Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, on Wednesday.

In a press statement issued on her behalf by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Tony Ezike, Ekwunife extended an unreserved apology to the Soludos, expressing regret over the comments and acknowledging that they crossed a line.

The statement described the apology as a “bold and necessary step” toward de-escalating political tensions and restoring civility.

Ekwunife’s defamatory remarks against Governor Soludo and his wife, led to the First Lady issuing a 72-hour ultimatum to Ekwunife to tender apology or be ready to be dragged to court.

The statement titled ‘Sen. Ekwunife’s Purported Apology: Another Fabrication Fit for the Waste Bin,’ argued that the unsigned press release said to have emanated from the “Ekwunife Campaign Organization,” was suspicious, misleading and inadequate.

“There is no such campaign body since Ekwunife’s ticket is a joint one with the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra.

“The publication purporting to be an apology for the defamatory statements made against the Governor and his wife personally by Senator Ekwunife does not appear to have emanated from the Senator herself, given that her defamatory statements were made directly via recorded video and leaked audio conversation.”

He maintained that any retraction or apology must come directly from Senator Ekwunife, using the same means through which the offensive remarks were made.

The governor added: “The so-called apology never referenced Madam Ekwunife’s initial video and audio, but instead focused on an unsigned article.

“This only points to her complicity, directly or indirectly, as the source of the article. It implies that no genuine apology was intended or tendered.”

The statement recalled that the Anambra First Lady, Dr. Nonye Soludo, had earlier challenged Senator Ekwunife to clear herself on two issues: first, to swear an oath before the Blessed Sacrament affirming fidelity to her marriage; and second, to subject her children to a DNA test, alongside the Soludos’ own children, to disprove infidelity allegations.

Any contrite apology must follow a personal and direct retraction of her defamatory statements. Slander or libel directly made by an individual cannot be vicariously dismissed by any agent or proxy.”

Ekwunife had on Wednesday publicly apologized to Governor Soludo and his wife over an earlier allegation of infidelity.

The apology followed a heated public exchange between the senator and the governor, which escalated after Governor Soludo reportedly questioned the authenticity of Ekwunife’s academic qualifications, particularly her PhD.

In a sharp rebuttal, Ekwunife had involved the governor’s wife in the dispute, making controversial claims about her personal life allegations Mrs. Soludo had firmly denied.

Rivers: Ibas Hands Over, Urged Gov Fubara To Seek People’s Support

Ayodele Oni

September 18, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, rtd, has officially handed over to the reinstated Governor of the State, Sim Fubara.

In his farewell state-wide broadcast on Thursday, Ibas urged the people of the state to support Fubara as he resumes his duties of leading the state.

President Bola Tinubu had suspended Fubara six months ago while declaring an emergency rule in Rivers State.

On Wednesday, the president lifted the emergency rule, while reinstating Fubara.

In his broadcast, Ibas said: “My dear citizens of Rivers State, it’s with gratitude in my heart and humility in my spirit that I address you today for the final time as administrator of our beloved State.

“Six months ago, Tinubu entrusted me with this solemn responsibility of steering Rivers State through an extraordinary moment in its history.

“Today, I can say with conviction that the grace of God and through our collective effort the mandate has been accomplished.

“Law and order has been restored, local governments elections have been conducted and chairmen elected by the people now serve in office.

“Statutory boards and commissions have been reconstituted and are performing their duties, the state budget has been passed by the National Assembly providing a legitimate physical framework for governance.

“These are milestones of progress that belong to all of us that reflect the resilience of the people determined never to let their state slip into paralysis.

“One of the enduring lessons of this season is that the exercise of power without restraint can cripple institutions and rivalry without dialogue clearly endangers democracy.

“As I reflect on this assignment, I do so with deep appreciation, I have met outstanding men and women across this state bureaucracy, diligent in their duties and devoted to our state. I have benefited from the wise guidance and counsel of statesmen who spoke truth at all moments.

“Now as I hand back the reigns of leadership to Sim Fubara, I do so with confidence and respect and I urge all Rivers people to support him wholeheartedly because leadership and followership is a shared responsibility.

“No matter how competent and clear a vision may be, it can only come to fruition and thrive with the active support of citizens. For me, this is the closing of another chapter in life devoted to service at sea, diplomacy and now in governance.”

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