Zenith Bank Plc has disclosed that it is investigating unauthorized access to a limited amount of customer information, including email addresses and phone numbers, following a wider global cyberattack that has targeted several international organizations across multiple sectors.
The bank said, in a statement, that as soon as the incident happened it immediately activated its incident response protocols, strengthened its cybersecurity measures, and commenced remediation efforts upon discovering the breach.
The commercial bank, therefore, assured customers that its banking services and digital channels remain secure and fully operational, stressing that there is no disruption to its operations.
As a precaution, the lender urged customers to remain vigilant against phishing emails, text messages, and fraudulent phone calls. It advised customers never to disclose their passwords, Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), One-Time Passwords (OTPs), or any other security credentials to anyone.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting customer information, the bank thanked customers for their continued trust and confidence, adding that enquiries can be directed to its Zenith Direct contact channels.
Zenith Bank Assures Customers of Secure Banking Services
Habila’s Death: Tinubu Shuns Calls For Umahi’s Sack, Tells Him: ‘’Dave, Go and Build More Roads”
By Adesina Soyooye
For those urging President Bola Tinubu to either suspend or sack the Minister for Works, Dave Umahi, over the death, at his Uburu, Ebonyi State couutry home, of a Nurse, Mary Habila, they might as well jump into the Atlantic by the Lagos- Calabar Highway which construction Umahi is leading.
Recall that the Nurse, a staff of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, who was seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works, specifically, to attend to the Minister and his immediate staff, suddenly died on May 15, while she was at the staff quarters within the Minister’s country home.
Since then, all kinds of allegations have been made, particularly, against the Minister. There have been, also, all kinds of speculations as to why and how she died.
Without proof, accusing fingers have indirectly been pointed at the Minister.
An infuriated and mourning Umahi was forced to tell his own side of the story including his relationship with Habila. He debunked the report that she was a physiotherapist; he revealed he was a Nurse seconded to the Ministry of Works; he revealed that she (and others) lived in his staff quarters in Abuja; she disclosed that he regarded Habila as his daughter; he revealed that Habila had always had Health issues and was a regular patient at the Turkish Hospital, Abuja, and that he and his family had been picking her bills. On April 5, for example, he paid to the hospital the sum of N2.2 million. He revealed that her boyfriend was the last person that spoke to her before she died, a fact her boyfriend also confirmed.
He said more. Habila was a devoted, competent and disciplined staff.
Because of the indirect allegations, Umahi has stood against her funeral and insisted that there must be an autopsy before any funeral. But Habila’s family insists otherwise. His father insists that she be buried; that he wanted no autopsy; and that nobody was responsible for his daughter’s death. He also said he knew that his daughter was attached to the Ministry of Works.
Inspite of Umahi’s explanations, nothing has calmed down. At least, one association has gone to Court over Habila’s death. Not a few are calling for an independent probe.
An exasperated Umahi has threatened Court action against anybody associating him to, and/or with Habila’s death.
In the midst of all these, not a few associations and individuals have urged the President to either suspend pending an investigation, or drop Umahi from his Cabinet.
In all that, President Tinubu has kept a dignified silence. But no longer.
According to Minister Umahi, some people had been putting pressure on the President that he be dropped from the Cabinet. But Umahi revealed President Tinubu’s response.
Speaking at a public function, Umahi confirmed that there were pressures on the President to drop him at his most troubling period. But according to Umahi, the President ignored them and encouraged him to focus on his job.
Umahi: “After the death of my staff, some people urged Mr. President to sack me. Instead, he told me, ‘Dave, go and build more roads’. The President’s response demonstrats confidence in my leadership and commitment to the ongoing road infrastructure projects being executed by the Federal Ministry of Works.”
Meanwhile, Habila’s body is still in the mortuary. Speculations are that the remains have been moved from Ebonyi State to Abuja.
“Why I Stopped Fubara From Seeking Second Term” – Wike
By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated that his political godson Governor Siminalayi Fubara was denied a second shot in office for lending himself to be misled by political jobbers and gold diggers.
The Source reports that Wike had, last week, blamed Edison Ehie former Chief of Staff CoS, Chijioke Ihunwo former Obio/, Akpor Local Council Chairman ,Victor Oko Jumbo, former Speaker of the House of Assembly faction loyal to Fubara and activist Ankio Briggs for the misfortune that has befallen the Governor.
It will be recalled that Governor Fubara who, since October 2023, battled Wike for the purpose of asserting himself in office ,as well as the control of the soul of Rivers state politics finally caved in a couple weeks back , declaring his allegiance to the Rainbow Coalition of his political benefactor, Wike.
Before then ,he had been forced to withdraw his re-election bid by Wike over same political disagreement.
Speaking at his monthly media chat on Tuesday, the Minister noted that Governor Fubara’s poor handling of the political crisis in the State was primarily instrumental to his rejection for a second term.
According to him, Fubara was in a hurry to build his own political structure, leading to his surrounding himself with those who misled him.
Wike also blamed some people he described as political jobbers and gold diggers who feasted on Rivers state from outside, for offering selfish advice to the Governor.
He expressed regret that all his advice to Fubara not to abandon the very structure that produced him fell on deaf years ,so much so that he severally ignored agreements brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Wike emphasized that he had expected Fubara to build on the foundation he had laid for him when he took over, including nurturing and sustaining the political structure that brought him to power.
He noted that unlike himself who inherited nothing as a Governor ,and even had to borrow ceremonial vehicles from the then Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State during his swearing-in ceremony, Governor Fubara had everything laid for him to build on.
However, Wike lamented that Fubara rather chose the way of “political perdition, which has now consumed him.
” Somebody had laid a foundation. Look ,this is where I stopped. If you continue this way ,our dream is to be able to compete with Lagos .
“Now, what is wrong with that? But instead of consolidating on what was bequeathed to him, Fubara allowed himself to be deceived by some political urchins and external forces”, Wike stated.
Wike noted that what made the whole scenario painful was that the same people that had bitterly opposed the idea of making Fubara Governor were the same forces that coalesced to mislead him into fighting the people that sacrificed all for him in 2023.
“At the end of the fight ,I have not lost anything. What have I lost? Nothing . But he ( Fubara) has lost.
” His intention was to go for a second term . And now he is not going” Wike added.
Further speaking ,the FCT Minister expressed regret that all efforts to make Fubara see reason ,and retrace his steps proved abortive .
“Look, there was a time we all had thought that we had resolved the problem and said”, let bygones be bygones .
” Then all of a sudden his hordes of advisers stepped forward and said to him: “look if you allow this now ,there are those who are, who want to see that we are no longer politically relevant”.
“Then, there were these external forces who were feeding fat on Rivers state Treasury ,and were determined to hijack the State.
” In fact, they perceived Rivers State as a cash cow, and, therefore, were busy goading on Fubara all for their selfish interests.
“I can tell you , so many things happened .There were even some senior lawyers who ordinarily you will never believe can play that kind of role, but who were virtually living with us in Government.
“In all, they continued to offer the Governor wrong and selfish advice, saying: “don’t worry, the law says this and that, the law didn’t say this.
“The Governor was even sending them aircraft, to bring them to Rivers State, and when they would be going, they will be feted with cash and every other thing.
“But it got to a stage we had to say no, this cash cow status must end. Take the ones that you have collected and never return back” Wike noted .
250,000 Armed Forces Personnel To Benefit From New Salary Package
By Ayodele Oni
About 250,000 personnel are to benefit from the new salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for Nigeria’s Armed Forces personnel.
A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, (Information and Strategy) revealed that the new arrangement, which has been approved by President Bola Tinubu, will be effective as from September.
Under the new package, officers above the rank of Colonel will enjoy a 30 per cent salary increase. This applies to Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant Generals and Generals.
Personnel from Colonel down to warrant officer will have a 50 per cent increase, while Private to Staff Sergeant will have an 80 per cent increase.
The pay package will increase the yearly salary bill for the country’s armed forces personnel from N660 billion to N924 billion.
President Tinubu has always praised the courage and sacrifices of members of the armed forces as they confront the scourge of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism in some parts of the country.
“The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation.
“Our administration will continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties.
“Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security. We therefore remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians
“ I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation”.
State Police, Panacea To Insecurity – Ekiti Gov Oyebanji
By Ayodele Oni
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has asked for the establishment of an additional Military formation in the Eda Oniyo axis of Ilejemeje Local Government Area of the state as part of measures to strengthen security, safeguard lives and property, and prevent future security breaches in the border community.
The Governor also ordered the speedy completion of the Divisional Police Station currently under construction in Eda Oniyo, stressing that the facility is critical to further strengthening the security architecture of the community.
Governor Oyebanji gave the directives on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from Eda Oniyo community, led by the Eleda of Eda Oniyo, HRM Oba Julius Awolola, on a thank-you visit to his office.
The community had come to appreciate the state government for taking care of medical needs of worshippers abducted at a CAC church and later released after over 60 days in captivity.
The 14 victims were admitted at the state government owned medical facility with Governor Biodun Oyebanji monitoring them.
The governor stated that his administration remained committed to protecting every part of the state, assuring that no community would be abandoned to criminal elements.
While acknowledging that Eda Oniyo had experienced slow development over the years as a result of the prolonged legal dispute over the headquarters of the local government, the Governor assured the delegation that the state government would focus on transforming Eda Oniyo into a community befitting its status as a local government headquarters.
The Governor also expressed his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the creation of state police, describing it as a bold and timely initiative capable of addressing the country’s security challenges.
Governor Oyebanji further disclosed that a combined team of soldiers, police and other security personnel regularly patrols the border town to prevent criminals from crossing into Ekiti from neighbouring states.
The Governor added: “This government is here to protect and serve you and the only way we can serve you better is by your cooperation.
“I have listened to your request, the construction of the police station is ongoing and I will ensure the speedy completion, then Gen. Ogunana this is important, I want a military base at Eda Oniyo, it is extremely important, whatever is going to cost us, bring it to me I will approve it.”
Speaking earlier on behalf of the traditional ruler, Oba Julius Awolola, the President of the Eda Oniyo Progressive Union, Dr Rufus Ojo Ajayi, said the purpose of their visit was to express the community’s profound appreciation to the Governor for his interventions throughout the recent security ordeal.
While commending the Governor for his wisdom in handling the security challenges and providing adequate medical care for the rescued victims, the EPU President appealed to the state government to utilise the vast expanse of land in the area for agricultural projects.
He stressed that such an initiative would not only improve security but also enhance the social and economic wellbeing of residents.
Also at the meeting were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo; Special Adviser on Security, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd.); Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode; members of the Eda Oniyo Progressive Union; and relatives of the kidnapped victims who recently regained their freedom.
Insecurity: Take-It-Back Movement Set For Nationwide Protest, As LIDD Provides Legal Support
By Ayodele Oni
The Take-It-Back Movement has urged Nigerians to join the protest over what it described as the worsening insecurity, hunger, economic hardship, political repression and the erosion of democratic freedoms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
This is just as the Lawyers in Defence of Democracy Initiative (LIDD) announced the deployment of its members to protest grounds across the country on Wednesday, to provide legal support and monitor the protection of demonstrators’ rights.
The move comes as the Take-It-Back Movement prepares for its planned nationwide peaceful protest, tagged the “Festival of the Oppressed.”
In a statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday and signed by its Public Relations Officer, Joseph Aliu, LIDD said it would not leave Nigerians exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly without legal protection.
The group said it would work alongside the Take-It-Back Movement’s Legal Aid Department throughout the demonstrations.
LIDD declared: “Silence is not an option!”
The lawyers also warned both protesters and security agencies to operate within the law, urging all sides to respect public order and fundamental rights.
The development comes as the protest organisers formally notified the Nigeria Police Force of their plans.
In a letter dated August 4 and addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, WCE & Co. Chambers, solicitors to the Take-It-Back Movement, informed the police that protesters would take to the streets nationwide from 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
The lawyers said the notification was meant to enable the police to prepare for traffic control, public safety and protection of protesters, journalists and other members of the public.
They stressed that the notice was not a request for police permission to hold the protest.
The organisers said simultaneous demonstrations would take place at designated convergence points in Abuja, Lagos, Benin City, Ibadan, Ilorin, Maiduguri and Minna, while protesters in other states would gather peacefully at locations within their respective areas.
The solicitors argued that the protest was protected by Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as provisions of the Police Act, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
They also cited the 2007 Court of Appeal decision in Inspector-General of Police v. All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), which held that Nigerians do not require police permits to organise peaceful processions.
Fmr Ekiti APC Gov. Aspirant, Olawunmi, Abducted From Hotel In Abuja
By Ayodele Oni
With all seemingly ended, both legal and voting in Ekiti state governorship poll, one of the aspirants on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress APC, Abimbola Olawunmi, has cried out over her alleged persecution.
Olawunmi, one of the three APC aspirants, was disqualified along with Kayode Ojo by the leadership of APC.
She, thereafter, challenged the victory of Governor Biodun Oyebanji up to the Supreme Court which threw out her case.
But in a twist, relations of Olawumi, has claimed that she has been taken away by unidentified individuals in Abuja.
This is coming less than two weeks after she accused Governor Biodun Oyebanji of using security agencies to intimidate and persecute her over her legal challenge to the party’s governorship primary.
The allegation was made by her daughter, Ololade, who said her mother was taken from a hotel located inside a military barracks in the Asokoro area of the Federal Capital Territory.
According to Ololade, her mother moved into the facility after armed men allegedly visited her residence last Wednesday, shortly after she regained her freedom from police custody.
“About an hour ago, she was taken again by unknown persons. She was picked up in Abuja,” she said.
She explained that Olawumi sought refuge at the hotel following what she described as repeated attempts by unidentified armed men to locate her at home.
Ololade further alleged that those who took her mother were dressed in civilian clothing, making it impossible to determine whether they belonged to any security agency.
“I asked if the hotel staff could identify the security agency involved, but they said the men were not wearing uniforms; they were dressed in casual clothes,” she said.
She also claimed that the same group had earlier attempted to gain access to the hotel but was denied entry.
“I believe they later received approval from higher authorities, which was why they were able to take her today,” she added.
The reported incident came hours after Olawumi addressed an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, accusing Governor Oyebanji of orchestrating what she described as a campaign of intimidation through the Nigeria Police Force over her decision to challenge her disqualification from the APC governorship primary in court.
In the letter dated August 2, 2026, she appealed to the President for an urgent private meeting, saying she feared for her life and the safety of her family.
“I am compelled to write this open letter to your esteemed office with a bleeding heart, running out of options, and fearing for the lives of my family and myself,” she wrote.
Olawumi alleged that her troubles began after she instituted legal action over her disqualification from the APC governorship primary.
She claimed that instead of allowing the courts to determine the matter, the Ekiti State governor deployed different police formations to harass and intimidate her across the country.
“For months, the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has relentlessly hounded me and my family, deploying different units and commands of the Nigeria Police Force to terrorize us across the federation.
“This political vendetta stemmed solely from my peaceful decision to challenge my unlawful disqualification from the APC gubernatorial primary election through constitutional means,” she alleged.
She also accused operatives of the Ekiti State Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of abducting her son on February 20, 2026, as part of the alleged intimidation campaign.
Olawumi further claimed that on July 22, shortly after proceedings related to her case at the Supreme Court, she was arrested outside the Court of Appeal complex in Abuja by operatives attached to the Ekiti RRS.
According to her, she was transported to Ado-Ekiti, detained overnight and later arraigned before a Magistrates’ Court before being granted bail on self-recognition.
She also alleged that police officers later surrounded her Abuja residence despite ongoing discussions with the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force over her arrest.
“The police besieged my house again this morning. From the day I was released from the RRS custody on Thursday, it has been from one police command to the other.
“Yesterday, I met with the IGP (Tunji Disu). I was at the Force Headquarters till about 7 p.m., and a meeting was slated for today, to be anchored by the PSO1, only to be besieged by another set of policemen at about 7 a.m. this morning,” she said.
Although sources alleged that operatives from the Ekiti State Police Command attempted to re-arrest her and return her to Ekiti State, the Ekiti State Government has consistently denied directing any police action against her.
The government maintains that it neither ordered nor had prior knowledge of her arrest, insisting that security agencies operate independently.
Olawumi had challenged her disqualification from the APC governorship primary up to the Supreme Court, which dismissed her suit on July 24, 2026.
Her supporters insist that the repeated police actions against her are connected to the political dispute, an allegation the Ekiti State Government has repeatedly denied.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigeria Police Force nor any other security agency had issued an official statement on the reported incident or Olawumi’s whereabouts.
President Tinubu Commissions First Renewable Energy College In Africa
By Ayodele Oni
Efforts to light up nooks and crannies of Nigeria got a boost on Tuesday as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commissioned Africa’s first renewable energy college, the Barefoot Renewable Energy College, Osara, (BARECKS), and the Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant in Kogi State.
The President described the citadel of learning as a world-class edifice, completed to international standards.
A statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications Office of The Vice President, state that Kashim shettima represented President Tinubu at the occassion.
He pointed out that while the difficulty confronting Nigeria, a country “abundantly endowed with sunlight, wind, biomass and water,” had been “converting its endowment into megawatts, and megawatts into jobs,” that difficulty will now be addressed by the college.
TShettima, who commissioned the college on behalf of the President at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi State, conveyed the greetings of his boss whom he said had taken satisfaction in the completion of the project.
He noted that the Nigerian leader had always maintained “that a government is measured by the industries it plants and by the households those industries feed.”
The President observed that with the Barefoot Renewable Energy College and the Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant now open for studies, the question about whose hands should build and maintain Africa’s future has been answered.
“This is the first institution of its kind on the African continent, modelled on the celebrated vocational colleges of India that turned unlettered grandmothers into solar engineers.
“If that method could light the villages of Rajasthan, it can light the settlements of Kogi, Ondo and Cross River.
“Nigeria assumes, from today, the position of pacesetter in renewable energy capacity development across Africa.”
Expressing satisfaction with the speed at which the project was completed, the President pointed out that while, as a nation, Nigerians have become used to foundation stones that outlast the men who laid them, the college kept its appointment with the people.
“Two years ago, we stood on this ground for the groundbreaking of this institution, with red earth underfoot and the ambition of a few determined Nigerians for company.
“Today, we stand before a world-class edifice, completed to international standards,” he added.
The Nigerian leader stated that the college was built as “a vocational and technical institution to close the widest gap in Africa’s energy transition” which, according to him, is the shortage of competent technical manpower.
“Our continent has never suffered a deficit of intention. We have suffered the scarcity of hands trained to execute them,” he added, saying the college will produce technicians, installers, operators and maintenance professionals with practical competence in renewable energy technologies.”
Noting that graduates from the college will earn internationally recognised certificates of proficiency qualifying them for employment, starting their own enterprise and competing anywhere in the world, the President said, “A certificate issued in Osara must one day command respect in Nairobi and in Frankfurt.”
He called on development partners, the private sector, international organisations and research institutions “to join hands with the college to expand research, innovation and technical training,” assuring that”Nigeria is prepared to host and lead such collaboration.
President Tinubu applauded the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, and the Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, who he said carried the project from the drawing board to the commissioning ceremony through their persistence.
He also commended Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the government and people of Kogi State for providing the environment that made the project possible.
Earlier, Governor Ododo said the inauguration of the college was a clear indication that Nigeria is on the path to sustainable development through investment in human capital.
He noted that the college will strengthen the country’s energy sector through capacity building, while attracting investment and creating opportunities for communities.
The governor commended the federal government for tackling the nation’s power challenges through strategic investments in the knowledge economy, describing the initiative as one that justifies continued support for the Tinubu administration.
For his part, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, described the project as a major investment in human capital development and job creation, stating that it reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to building a knowledge-driven economy.
Dr. Udeh maintained that Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy depends on developing a skilled workforce in strategic sectors such as renewable energy, urging the pioneer trainees to uphold high technical and ethical standards as well as serve as worthy ambassadors of the institution.
On his part, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, described the institution as the first of its kind in Nigeria.
He said the facility is equipped with smart classrooms, battery energy laboratories, a mini-grid simulation centre, energy efficiency laboratories, and other modern training facilities.
Dr. Abdullahi explained that the college will produce highly skilled professionals in renewable energy research and development in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Why I Don’t Feel Safe In Abuja” – Wike
By Adesina Soyooye
While not saying that the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, where he holds sway as Minister, is not safe, its Minister, Nyesom Wike, has revealed that personally, there have been occasions where he did not feel safe and had to quickly leave.
Speaking during his usual Monthly Media Chat on Tuesday in Abuja, Wike said that on two occasions, he had had to quickly leave because of the crowd who massed on seeing him. Even worse, on one of those occasions, the notorious miscreants waited for him, asking for money. He did not, however, disclose whether he gave them money to appease them or not.
The first time, the Minister said, he had gone alone, without his security details, to a top class restaurant to eat.
As he settled in to order his meal, Wike said about 50 people came to him to greet him. They came in a rush. At such times, the Minister noted, one does not know who is who as not all of them will be admirers. All may not have been, he said, because of his popularity.
According to Wike, he quickly excused himself and told those who took his order not to bother as he would come back next time.
On the second occasion, the Minister said he had gone to the newly refurbished Abuja City Gate to relax.
Recall that First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has just honoured Wike with an award for the beautiful job he did at the gate. She told Wike that posterity would remember him.
So, this day, to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of the Abuja City Gate, Wike said he went there to relax. But he was not allowed that luxury as he said that suddenly, a crowd surrounded him. He quickly left, out of concern for his safety. The Minister, however, did not disclose whether he was there with his security aides or not. But he said he left.
Wike: “There was a day I went to one of the restaurants to eat, and I didn’t go with security. Upon my arrival, I encountered over 50 people coming to greet me, and I didn’t know what to do. Of course, I didn’t feel safe; you can’t interpret that as people liking you.
“I told the restaurant workers that I would come back, but at that point, I was no longer comfortable. As soon as I stepped outside, I saw some miscreants waiting for me to give them money.
“I also went to the city gate to sit down and met a few people. Suddenly, as word of my presence spread, people started trooping in, and I had to take off”.
“Remove Rivers From Your Political Calculations, It Is No-go-area For Opposition Parties” – Wike
By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has insisted that the votes of Rivers State electorate are exclusively reserved for president Bola Tinubu and candidates of his ” Rainbow Coalition”
This is as he remained adamant that former Governor of the State, and Presidential running mate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Rotimi Amaechi, has no significant electoral value in the oil rich state ahead of the 2027 polls.
At his monthly media chat on Tuesday, Wike the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, advised all political actors and their parties to remove Rivers State from their permutations.
According to him, his “Rainbow Coalition” comprising the Peoples Democratic party PDP ,the All Progressive Congress APC , Labour Party LP and the Action Alliance AA has appropriated the votes of Rivers people, with President Tinubu as its preferred choice.
“If anybody is counting Rivers, go now and cancel it. The only person that can count Rivers is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“I am not talking because I want to talk. I am talking as a political realist because I know my people.
“Today, we have PDP , APC ,LP and AA all together. We have candidates across different political parties for the House of Assembly, and National Assembly.
“We will support the candidate who is most acceptable. Whoever emerges should not be seen as APC or PDP; the person should be seen as coalition’s candidate.
“And in the Coalition, we are driven by one common goal – to support and deliver president Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is all-inclusive, and it is spreading like wildlife”, Wike boasted.
He emphasized that the coalition was never formed to promote any one political party ,but to strategically align with like-minded people for the purpose of delivering president Tinubu for second term in office and to protect the wider interest of Rivers state.
“For me, what matters is Rivers State. If Rivers State is relevant because projects are coming, and people are benefitting from Government ,then I am satisfied. It is about the interest of the State” the FCT Minister added .
Wike insisted that despite being a presidential running mate, Amaechi will not make any impact in Rivers State during the elections.