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Wike Threatens Fubara: “When Next You Deny Us The Use Of Any Facility, We’ll Take By Force… Heaven Will Not Fall”

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike
L-R; Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Friday January 30, 2026, accused the Rivers State Government of deliberately undermining the activities of the Renewed Hope Agenda in State by denying it the use of public facilities.

Speaking at the occasion of the formal inauguration of Senatorial and Local Government Coordinators for the Rivers State Chapter of the Renewed Hope Agenda held at the Elechi Amadi Polytechnic field in Rumuola, Wike, the immediate past Governor of the State , alleged that the Governor Siminalayi Fubara-led administration declined to grant his earlier request to use the General Yakubu Gowon stadium for the event.

He, however, warned that he will resist any future attempt to deny him the use of Government facilities in Rivers state .

He threatened to forcibly take control of any facilities needed for any event in the State, should the Fubara administration withhold approval in the future.

“We applied to the State Government for the use of the General Yakubu Gowon stadium. But they (Rivers State Government) refused.

“But let me say it loud and clear: next time if they refuse to approve our request, we will take the facility by force .

“I want to say it to everybody. Enough is enough. We are all from Rivers State. Nobody can deny us the use of the facilities of the State.

” If you don’t agree with us, then we will do the needful, and we will take it by force. Heaven will not fall . And even when heaven falls, everywhere will be at peace” Wike stated

Meanwhile the Rivers State Elders Council has assured of its unflinching commitment towards collaborating with the FCT Minister in securing victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 .

The Chairman of the Council, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, who gave the assurance at the occasion, expressed the optimism that Rivers State Will repeat its 2023 feat  as far as the ambition of the President is concerned.

“Your Excellency, standing here with me today are the members of the Rivers State Elders Council. This Council is a true reflection of the rainbow coalition in the state.

“We have members from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and All Progressive Congress APC, and we are all geared towards achieving a common goal – to showcase the president’s legacies and reforms to make Nigeria better as well as to work towards his re-election in 2027.

“I can assure you, Your Excellency, that the entire Rivers State Elders Council is committed and loyal to your leadership with a view to ensuring that we achieve the desired results” Alabraba stated.

Veteran Editor and Media Leader Lewis Obi Dies

By
The Source
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Lewis Obi
Mr. Lewis Obi

The Nigerian Media Community is mourning the death of Mr. Lewis Obi, a veteran journalist, editor and media executive whose career left a lasting imprint on modern Nigerian journalism. He was 77.

A native of Amurri in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, Mr. Obi was educated at Methodist Central School, Agbani, and earned a degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, where he was a distinguished student of the late communications scholar Professor Alfred Opubor.

He rose to prominence as a star features writer at the Daily Times before being recruited by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola to join the Concord Group as Features Editor of National Concord.

He later became founding editor, Editor-in-Chief and Managing Director of African Concord, one of the group’s flagship weekly magazines.

Under his leadership, African Concord emerged as a major platform for investigative and analytical journalism during Nigeria’s years of military rule. His editorial work brought him into direct confrontation with state authorities, forcing him into exile in the United States after a period of intense repression.

Renowned as a mentor with a keen eye for talent, Obi nurtured many of Nigeria’s leading journalists and public intellectuals, leaving behind a legacy defined by courage, literary excellence and professional generosity.

Lewis Obi was married and is survived by his wife and children.

Why Anambra Indigenes Must Shun Sit-At-Home Order –  Gov. Soludo

By
Ayodele Oni
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Charles Soludo - Governor of Anambra State
Charles Soludo - Governor of Anambra State

By Ayodele Oni

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has met with various market leaders in the state, and urged them to contribute meaningfully to the economy of the State by opening for business, specifically,  on  Mondays and all  viable days.

The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that Soludo gave the directive on Thursday in Awka during an interactive session with market and line leaders from across the state.

“We will deploy stronger measures to enforce compliance, as many of those enforcing the sit-at-home are not indigenes of Anambra.”

The governor  told traders  that his  government was considering a “renovate or rebuild” option for the market facility.

He said the project  would  either a redevelopment of the market into a modern trading hub or a comprehensive modernisation of the existing structures.

He said regardless of the option adopted, Monday market closures will no longer be tolerated.

Soludo said, “The sit-at-home practice has evolved from a political protest into a criminal activity and it is not in anyway linked to Mr Nnamdi Kanu.

“I do not support the sit-at-home order and it is not even observed in Umuahia, his hometown.

He also appealed for improved security presence in markets to ensure the safety of traders and customers.

He further called for the full operation of motor parks to enable the inflow of buyers from within and outside the state, as well as action against those who benefitted from or facilitated the enforcement of the sit-at-home.

Soludo assured traders that the state government would overhaul the security architecture around markets to prevent harassment and guarantee the safety of lives and property.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring normal commercial activities across the state.

Responding,  the market leaders expressed readiness to comply with the directive, but raised concerns about security and logistics.

The Chairman of the Onitsha Main Market, Mr Chijioke Okpalugo, said traders would commence Monday trading in line with the governor’s  vision.

According to NAN, the meeting was convened against the backdrop of the recent closure of the Onitsha Main Market and the lingering Monday sit-at-home practice in parts of the South-East.

One Trillion Naira Kano Metro Rail Line Project Is A Scam – Activist Mahdi Shehu

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Activist Mahdi Shehu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Renowned social critic and activist, Muhammad Mahdi Shehu, has dismissed the purported Federal Government’s approval of a Metro Rail line project worth about a Ntrillion for Kano State as a huge deception, and completely lacking in credibility and substance.

The Source reports that Governor Abba Yusuf had, on Thursday, January 29, 2026,  at a ceremony to receive the State’s contingent to the 2025 National Qur’anic Recitation Competition hosted by Borno State, informed that the project, which has been graciously approved by President Bola Tinubu, when completed, will serve to stimulate the economy, and fast-track development in Kano State.

“The project aims to provide a modern, effecient, and affordable mass transit system connecting key districts and enhancing mobility for the residents.

“It is expected to stimulate trade and investment, improve quality of life and position Kano as a major transportation hub in Northern Nigeria”, Governor Yusuf stated.

The announcement of the mega project came just days after the  defection of Governor Yusuf to the All Progressive Congress, APC.

The defection, however, came amidst heightened tension and disagreements between the camps of Governor Yusuf and his eirstwhile political godfather and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The move has also expectedly raised the political temperature of the commercial nerve centre of the Northern region, with not a few perceiving it as a dangerous political gambit by the Governor.

But reacting  on his official site, Shehu, in a statement entitled “Emotional Rail Project for Kano State: another political deception”, described the announcement of the so-called metro rail line as an ingenious way to deceive the unsuspecting people of Kano in the face of the Governor’s decision to join what he described as “gorilla and reptiles club where venoms flow.”

According to him, the deceptive nature of the project is underscored by the fact that there is no provision for same in the 2026 Federal Government budgetary estimates.

He noted that no memo in relation to the said project has been received and deliberated on by the Federal Executive Council.

“This is pure deception. There is no provision for such a project in the 2026 budget proposal.

“No such memo has been presented to the Federal Executive Council FEC for deliberation.

“There is no design on the ground, no contractor, and no consultants.

“Just to deceive Kano State people because Governor Abba has joined the  gorillas and reptiles club where venoms flow”,  Shehu stated.

Edo Gov. Okpebholo Appoints New CoS In Cabinet Reshuffle

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Monday Okpebholo

By Ayodele Oni

The Edo State Government has announced a minor reshuffle in which the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Gani Audu becomes a commissioner.

Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa commissioner for Lands and Housing is now new Chief of Staff to the Governor.

This was contained in an official letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Umar Musa Ikhilor.

It explained that the reshuffle of the State Executive Council is part of efforts to strengthen governance, improve service delivery, and enhance administrative efficiency.

According to the letter, Barr. Vincent Osas Uwadiae moves from Commissioner for Oil and Gas Resources to the Ministry of Lands and Housing as Commissioner.

Hon. Gani Audu, former Chief of Staff, is nominated as Commissioner for Oil and Gas Resources, subject to confirmation by the Edo State House of Assembly.

The reshuffle takes effect from January 30, 2026.

Government says the changes are strategic steps to improve coordination, strengthen policy implementation, and ensure more effective governance for the people of Edo State.

Anthony Joshua Fights Back Tears, Recounts  Vehicle Accident That Claimed Lives Of His Friends

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Anthony Joshua

By Akinwale Kasali

Weeks after the tragic incident that claimed the lives of Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele And Sina Ghami, friends of former World Boxing Heavyweight Champion, Anthony Joshua, the pugilist couldn’t hold back tears as he spoke publicly about their demise for the first time.

The two lost their lives in a ghastly Motor on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on the 29th December, 2025, in which the Nigeria-British Boxer sustained injuries and was hospitalised. He was discharged two days later.

In an emotional video on his YouTube channel, Thursday, the 36-year-old thanked fans across the world for their support during what he described as a “tragic, traumatic time.”

He said: “The last time I spoke to you guys was in Miami. We had so many plans to wrap up 2025.

“We went home to see our families, and everything just flipped on its head. That was such an unforeseen circumstance that was out of all of our control.”

The Boxer said the loss of Ayodele and Ghami had left a deep void in his life.

“We lost two great men. People we really cared about, major players in all of our lives. It’s tough. It’s really tough,” he added.

‘I was walking with giants’.

He described the duo as more than just members of his team.

“They were my brothers, my friends first and foremost. Then we became business partners, hustlers, generals — everything. We even lived together,” he said.

“I know people think I’m the big guy, but I was walking with giants. Protected.”

He further stressed that he was choosing not to publicly display all his emotions but acknowledged the pain of the loss.

The pugilist said support from fans kept him strong, expressing his gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans worldwide, noting that the messages of condolence had been received and appreciated by the families of the deceased.

“We saw the messages, the tweets, the social media posts, the prayers. It’s all been acknowledged,” he said.

He also pledged to stand by the families of Ayodele and Ghami.

“We know what we’re going to do. Mumma Latz, Mumma Sina, Pappa Latz, Pappa Sina — one love,” he said.

“President Tinubu Surrounds Himself With People Who Don’t Know Politics” –  Ndume

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ali Ndume and Bola Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

The President surrounds himself only with those who know Ikoyi and Victoria Island and fly abroad

President Bola Tinubu has been accused of surrounding himself with political neophytes bereft of fresh ideas on how to move Nigeria forward.

Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, said that President Tinubu  surrounds himself with people “who only know Ikoyi and Victoria Island and then fly abroad to meet their families,” stressing that they don’t know anything about politics.

Ndume spoke when he appeared as a guest in an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’, which is monitored by Urban Express News.

According to him, Tinubu succeeded as governor of Lagos state because he had good people around him, adding that most of those people have been sidelined.

“The President had good people around him when he was the governor of Lagos. That was why he succeeded. But a lot of those same people, most of them are not there again. They have been sidelined.

“Now he just picks people who only know Ikoyi and Victoria Island and fly to London or America, where their families are living. People are not even fully Nigerians like you. These people don’t know politics.

“The president has a lot of people that he knows politically. The first candidate he supported was from the North, it didn’t work.

“The second candidate he supported was from the north, it didn’t work. The third one was the one that worked. So now he said, it’s my turn. That is why the terminology ’emilokan’ came out.

“And now, instead of him bringing in the team that will look him in the face and tell him the truth, he decided to surround himself by people who don’t know politics.”

Military Arrests Nollywood Actor, Stanley Amandi Over Alleged  Coup To Topple Tinubu’s Government

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Stanley Amandi and President Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

Stanley Amandi, Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker, has been arrested by the Military for, allegedly, being part of a Coup Plot to topple the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Though, the plot was aborted, but the Army has arrested those involved, including Amandi.

He was a former chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, Enugu State Chapter.

The Actor, it is reported, has been in detention since September 2025 alongside, allegedly, 35 military officers and a Policeman accused of planning a violent overthrow of the Tinubu Government which allegedly, could have included assassination of top officials.

It was reported that the coup plotters planned a wholesale assassination of top government officials including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, among others.

The actor, it is alleged was hired to serve as a propagandist for the alleged coup plotters.

A few days ago, the Defence Headquarters, DHQ, confirmed the plan to  oust the Tinubu administration and said the indicted officers will be arraigned before military judicial panels.

The statement said that investigation has been completed and forwarded to “appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.”

According to the military, the investigation was “comprehensive” and conducted in line with established procedures, examining “all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.”

It, however, disclosed that the findings identified “a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government,” describing such conduct as “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

Military Officers among the suspects will first face Court Martials before possible Civil Proceedings, while Civilians implicated in the alleged plot, including Amandi, will be tried in Civil Courts.

The Actor has featured in many Nollywood movies and is known for his work as an actor, production manager and director.

His notable works include “The Album,” where he served as director; “Tiger King,” where he also served as director and produced in 2008; “Cornerstone,” produced in 2019; and “Once Upon a Dream,” in which he appeared as an actor in 2024.

His last Instagram post was on 19 September 2025, shortly before his arrest, and he had not been seen anywhere in public since then.

Legal Expert Dismisses Fresh Judgement On PDP National Convention

By
Ayodele Oni
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Peoples Democratic Party - PDP

By Ayodele Oni

In what is being described as the latest twist in the protracted crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan has nullified the National Convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15, 2025.

The court barred members of the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee, NWC, from parading themselves as national officers of the PDP.

The court also ruled that the Caretaker Committee led by Mohammed Abdulrahman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu is the only recognised NWC of the PDP, pending the conduct of a valid National Convention.

Reacting to the judgement, Yakubu Pwajok,  a Law Lecturer in Jos, Plateau State, stated that “The recent judgment delivered by the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, or any related Federal High Court proceedings interpreted in connection with the party’s affairs, purporting to affect the leadership, convention, or internal processes of our great party, is a nullity and of no legal effect.

“This position is firmly grounded in established principles of Nigerian jurisprudence: once an appeal has been duly filed and the Court of Appeal is seized of jurisdiction over the subject matter, lower courts are divested of the competence to further entertain, vary, or deliver judgments that interfere with or prejudice the appellate process.

“Any such action by a court of coordinate or lower jurisdiction amounts to an improper interference and renders the purported decision a nullity ab initio.

Key Legal Observations:

“Judicial Overreach: The matter before the judge had no bearing on the purported Abdulrahman caretaker committee. It is, therefore, a clear violation of judicial ethics and an overreach of authority for a judge to grant reliefs not sought by the defendants.

” Pendency of Appeal: The appellate court is now actively seized of the appeals, including those challenging the validity and implications of prior rulings on PDP internal affairs, the convention processes held in Ibadan on November 15–16, 2025, and related executive leadership matters.

“Preservation of the Res: In line with precedents from superior courts, including the Supreme Court, no lower court can lawfully pronounce on or enforce decisions on the identical res (subject matter) while an appeal is pending.

“The doctrine against the multiplicity of actions and the necessity of preserving the res during an appeal strictly prohibits such overreach.

“Consequently, any judgment emerging from the Federal High Court in Ibadan, or any misapplication of prior rulings to ongoing matters, is incompetent, null, void, and of no consequence whatsoever.

“All party faithful, stakeholders, and the general public should disregard any pronouncements or actions predicated on this impugned judgment. They lack legal foundation and will not be recognized by the party.”

Senator Ndume Says Only Senate Committee Can Authenticate Genuineness Of New Tax Bill

By
Ayodele Oni
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Senator Ali Ndume

By Ayodele Oni

As the authenticity of the new tax law as signed by President Bola Tinubu continues, the Senator representing Borno South at the National Assembly, Ali Ndume, has advised the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to constitute a committee to look into alleged discrepancies in the new tax law passed by the red chamber.

Ndume declared: “I’m surprised that the Senate President said there’s no adulteration. He’s not supposed to do that. He’s supposed to say, okay, we’ll find out. Set up a committee, because the House of Representatives has done that too, to find out.

“I will talk to him on that. This is not something that they can just bury. You know why? You cannot build on nothing, or you cannot build on disputed grounds

Godswill Akpabio - Senate President
Godswill Akpabio, Senate President.

Recall that Akpabio, during Wednesday’s plenary said the new tax law is not adulterated as the public has perceived it.

However, Ndume, during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ programme, Ndume slammed Akpabio, insisting that the new tax is fundamentally flawed.

According to Ndume, there are at least two versions of the Gazette for the new tax law, stressing that he was among those who identified the differences between what was passed and what President Bola Tinubu signed.

The Senator stated that Akpabio ought to set up a committee to find out the discrepancies rather than saying there is no adulteration.

He said, “We called the leadership to let them know that what we passed is not what the president signed. I don’t know why Sen. Akpabio is saying there are no discrepancies when he should set up a committee to find out.

“You will agree with me that even the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on tax reform, Taiwo Oyedele, admitted that they are differentials, two versions, or at least two versions of the tax law, and that if something has to be done, it has to be the National Assembly.

“My problem is not whether there are discrepancies or not. I’m worried about doing things behind closed doors.

“This is government of the people, for the people and by the people. And for God’s sake, why would you hide anything, even if it is personal?

“What if somebody now goes to court? You think the court will not listen to them? The way they are going about it up initial is full of contradiction and controversy.”

Recall that last week, the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde also raised concerns about the new tax laws, saying neither state governors nor Nigerians know what was eventually passed by the National Assembly or signed into law.

Makinde spoke while addressing former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at a public event, where he openly expressed regret over Osinbajo’s exit from office, citing what he described as a decline in openness and consultative governance under the President Tinubu’s administration.

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