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Wike: “No More Acrimony In Rivers, We Are Members Of Same Family”

June 27, 2025

L-R; Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike

By Adesina Soyooye

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has walked back on his declaration that he would never, again, work with his estranged political godson, suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.

Wike made the declaration a number of times after he fell out, very badly, with Fubara. The falling out led to a political crisis in the State which birthed the declaration of State of Emergency and the suspension of Fubara, his Deputy, Dr. Ngozi Odu, and all the members of the State House of Assembly. It also led to the dismantling of all democratic facilities in the State.

The State of Emergency was declared on March 18, and since then, the State has been under a Sole Administrator, retired Navy Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.

But very late Thursday night, after President Bola Tinubu brought all together and brokered peace, Wike embraced peace, and decided to work with Fubara.

He told Journalists who waited patiently for the outcome of the peace meeting: “We have all agreed to work together with the Governor, and the Governor has agreed to work with us. We are members of the same political family.

“Yes, just like humans, you have a disagreement, and then you also have a time to settle your disagreement. And that has been finally concluded today, and we have come to report to Mr President, that is what we have agreed. So, for me, everything is over.

“And, I enjoin everybody who believes to work with us, to also work together with everybody, that there’s no more acrimony. There’s nothing to say.”

Fubara, now warming to go back to office expressed joy at the development and was full of praises to God.

He said: “For me, it’s a day we have to thank Almighty God. For me, it’s very important that this day has come to be.

“What we need for the progress of Rivers State is peace, and by the special grace of God, this night, with the help of Mr President and the agreement of the leaders of the State, peace has returned in Rivers State.”

Rivers: The Return Of Governor Fubara

Ayodele Oni

June 27, 2025

By yodele Oni

Suspended and helpless Governor is on his way back to the office he was forced to give up – well, as is now seems, mercifully, temporarily.

This is thanks to President Bola Tinubu’s personal intervention in the political crisis in Rivers state. This will also shorten the tenure of the Sole Administrator, Navy Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas who has ruled the State for three months old. The State of the which brought Ibas on board was scheduled for an initial six months.

President Tinubu met with all factions in the crisis at his Aso Rock Presidential Lodge, Abuja, till early Friday morning in a bid to bring back the suspended political structures in the State.

PBefore the Abuja meeting, Fubara had met with Tinubu twice, one outside the country and the last one in Lagos. He had also met with Wike in a bid to resolve the political logjam.

The Abuja meeting with the president was to brief him about the outcome of the meetings and resolutions.

Main Presidential Spokesperson to the President, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the meeting with the President with all the gladiators, in a post on X.

He said:

“President Tinubu has demonstrated once again that he wants peace for Rivers State. Just like he brought together the political gladiators to sign a peace deal in December 2023, he repeated the same on Thursday night, three months after he imposed the March 18 state of emergency.

“FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and House Speaker Martins Chike Amaewhule all took part in the peace talks at the Villa.”

Going by its tenure, the emergency rule is expected to terminate by September, but with the enthusiasm from the various interests in the political crisis, it may end earlier than expected.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike, the “arrow head” of the crisis, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule and all members of the Legislature attended the peace meeting.

Though held behind closed door, feelers from the meeting indicate that the deal favoured Wike as the control he was asserting on Governor Fubara has been returned to him.

The reconciliation agreement signed early Friday, according to sources, by Fubara, reveal that this current members of RISIEC commission constituted by the State Administrator, Ibas Ete, to conduct local council election in the State will remain.

All 23 council chairmen are to be selected by the real structure that brought Fubara to power, that is the Wike faction. Also all Commissioners and Special Advisers appointed to be given to neutral individuals with zero link to the political crisis in the State.

Former Chief of Staff, Ehie Edison, alternate Speaker, Oko Jumbo, former Secretary of State Government, Tammy Danagogo, Chijioke Ihunwo, Promise Reginald, Ichemati (Sugar Mayor) and others will no longer be part of the Sim Fubara led government anymore.

Speaking after the meeting Wike, flanked by Fubara and others confirmed all has been settled.

It was not immediately revealed whether there was commitment on the part of Fubara to decamp to the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) as part of the deal. Chairman of the APC, Ganduje had earlier boasted that Fubara and one other Governor of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) will soon join the APC.

Political watchers are of the view that Rivers state should return to full political activities in the interest of the people.

Demolished Property: Next Foods Faults Ownership Claim, Says Lagos Gave Consent in 2013

The Source

June 26, 2025

Peter Obi at the demolished building site

Next Foods Limited, a company in which Mr Ndibe Obi, younger brother of the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi, holds a majority stake, has clarified its ownership of the property demolished on Tuesday in Ikeja, Lagos.

Speaking with journalists on Thursday at the state High Court, Awka , the lead Counsel to Next foods limited, Chief Emeka Okpoko, SAN, described the ownership claim by one Deborah Olorunlogbon as inconsistent and riddled with legal defects, stating that the matter would be challenged in court.

Okpoko explained that the property was duly acquired by Next Foods Limited in 2011 and that the Governor of Lagos State granted consent to the transaction in 2013.

“The property was purchased in 2011. A deed of assignment was executed and duly registered, tracing the title history from the era of Western Nigeria—when the land registry was based in Ibadan—down to the most recent transaction. The legal chain is clearly documented,” he said.

On the recent demolition, the senior lawyer recounted: “Last week, I was alerted that persons came claiming to levy execution. I reviewed the court documents presented and found that the case was filed by Deborah Oluwalogbon against ‘persons unknown.”

According to him, the originating summons in question was not a suit over ownership but for possession. He raised concerns about the legality of the process, particularly the mode of service.

“You cannot serve a registered company via substituted service. What appears to have happened is that they pasted the notice in an inconspicuous part of the property, photographed it, and likely removed it thereafter. We never received any notification during the pendency of the case,” he added.

Okpoko further expressed suspicion over the timeline of events. “Judgment was obtained in 2024, yet execution was delayed until 2025—well outside the six-month execution window. To compound matters, a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) was allegedly obtained in 2025—after the judgment.”

He questioned the validity of the said C of O, stating: “They relied on a Federal C of O issued in 2021 by the Federal Ministry of Works, Ikoyi. Yet, we had already secured the Governor’s consent on the same property in 2013. No subsequent document can override a validly rooted title.”

The senior advocate noted that the issuance of a C of O cannot rectify a fundamentally defective title. “If the root of title is tainted by illegality or irregularity, no C of O can cure it. The law is clear on that.”

Okpoko confirmed that Next Foods Limited had filed applications in court to be joined as a party, amend the suit to reflect its interest, set aside the earlier judgment, and halt any further execution pending the hearing of the substantive matter.

“We are confident in our legal position. Once the court hears our side, we believe justice will prevail,” he concluded.

Kwara: Gunmen Kill Father, Son, Two Others. Abduct 12-year Old

Ayodele Oni

June 26, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Gunmen stormed a village in Kwara State killing three persons, including a father and his son.

The spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed that the tragic incidents occurred in the early hours of Thursday in Patigi Local Government Area.

According to her, “At about 1:30 a.m., armed assailants attacked Mari and Lile villages via Lade, killing three individuals: Timothy Paul, 35, in Mari village, and Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu, 51, along with his 22-year-old son, Muhammad, in Lile village.

“Investigations are currently underway to apprehend the perpetrators behind this heinous crime.”

She added that in another separate attack, gunmen invaded Aiyetoro Fulani Camp and abducted 12-year-old Hassana Abdullahi, daughter of Mr. Abdullahi Jowuro.

“Security team have secured and documented the crime scene, while joint tactical units made up of police, vigilantes, and local hunters have launched search-and-rescue operations.

“The Command remains dedicated to public safety and encourages citizens to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity,” Ejire-Adeyemi stated.

In another incident, suspected kidnappers, numbering four, killed a 45-year-old transporter and farm produce merchant, Alhaji Dauda Isma’il, in Kwara State.

The attackers stormed his home in the Takare area of Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area, and took him away.

“He was later discovered in the bush, lifeless and bearing multiple machete wounds. Following the report, a swift response team of police, army personnel, vigilantes, and local hunters launched a search operation.

“During a follow-up operation the next day, the team encountered the kidnappers in Korori village. A gun battle ensued, resulting in the death of one of the assailants.

“An AK-47 rifle with 13 rounds of live ammunition was recovered, while the remaining suspects escaped and are being tracked.

“Tragically, a vigilante operative, Haruna Tasusuno, sustained a fatal gunshot wound and was confirmed dead at the General Hospital, Okuta.”

Insecurity: Afenifere Fingers Internal Collaborators

Ayodele Oni

June 26, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has said that insecurity in Nigeria cannot be quelled by force of arms alone.

Outlining situation from the South West to Benue and Plateau States and in the North West, North East and in certain parts of the South East of the country, the group pointed out that there is the need for strong policies on truth, justice and a determination to ensure that no set of people constitute danger or threat to other people.

These are contained in a communiqué signed by Jare Ajayi, National Publicity Secretary, Afenifere at the end of the group’s meeting in Akure, Ondo state, pride over by executive committee chairman, Oba Olusola Falae.

Afenifere was of the view that there is the need to deal with internal collaborators.

“As stated by various people in the position to know, including some top government officials, elements within the community, in political offices and among security agencies are collaborating with those who are terrorizing the country.”

Other recommendations in the communique include “State Police must be established without further delay. In this respect, Afenifere calls on President Bola Tinubu to forward an Executive Bill to the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to allow the establishment of State police in line with his pronouncement that says that State Police is now a necessity.

“We call on the President to use his authority to ensure that the process that will lead to the actualization of state police get done immediately.

“Modern technology equipment be procured and adroitly deployed. Some of these are drones, close circuit cameras etc.

“Note is taken of the fact that some states have promulgated laws on anti-open grazing. Note is also taken of the call by the federal government on states to come up with ranches with a view to putting a stop to open grazing.

“Afenifere fully supports this and calls for urgent enforcement of Anti-Open grazing laws. As we, Afenifere, have repeatedly advocated, Restructuring the country is capable of resolving socio-political and socio-economic challenges of the country.

“For this reason, we strongly believe that the time for Restructuring is now. As such, we call on the Presidency to send a Bill to the National Assembly for Restructuring the country now.”

“Dep. Gov. Recovering, No Plans To Impeach Him” – Taraba State Lawmakers

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 26, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Taraba State House of Assembly on Thursday June 26, 2025, denied any plans to impeach the State’s ailing Deputy Governor Aminu Alkali.

The Source reports that the Deputy Governor, for months now, has been unable to properly perform his duties owing to ill health.

Alkali, who only returned to the State, about two weeks ago, after several months on medical treatment in Egypt, is yet to fully resume at his office, prompting fears and speculations that he may have been penciled down for impeachment, and replacement.

The ailing Alkali is said to be presently continuing his recovery process at a medical facility in Abuja.

But at an interactive session with the Media on Thursday ,the Chairman House Committee on Information, Hon Nelson Len, while dismissing speculations suggesting a possible ouster of the Deputy Governor, expressed satisfaction with his level of recuperation.

According to the Lawmakers’ spokesperson, all the talks about the impeachment of the Deputy Governor, and his possible replacement with the Deputy Speaker of the House, are purely misplaced ,and misleading.

He maintained that no such planned impeachment is being harboured either now and or in the future, blaming the unnecessary speculation on some mischievous forces out to destabilize the state.

The House spokesman further noted that there is no single reason for the House to consider impeachment proceeding against the Deputy Governor as his health situation is not comparable to that of former Governor Danbaba Suntai who never recovered from severe injuries sustained in an air mishap.

“The Deputy Governor is making steady and remarkable progress in his recovery process .

So, on that note the House has not, and is not planning to constitute any medical panel to examine his health condition as there are no compelling needs for such an action at this time .

“There are no discussions or intentions to relieve the Deputy Governor of his duties. We urge the public to disregard the baseless rumours circulating about an impending impeachment or replacement”, Len insisted.

Robbery Attacks: Niger Govt Closes IBB University

Ayodele Oni

June 26, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Insecurity, occasioned by armed robbery attacks has forced the Niger State Government to close down the state-owned Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) University, Lapai.

The closure, which is immediate, followed recent armed robbery attacks that claimed lives within the institution’s premises.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday night by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman.

According to the statement, the shutdown became necessary due to rising security concerns and the tragic loss of lives recorded during the attacks.

It expressed government deep sadness over the incidents and called on students, staff, and the entire university community to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies as efforts are being made to restore normalcy.

“The safety and security of all residents, especially students, remain a top priority of this administration.

“Government is taking all necessary steps to ensure peace and stability across the state,” the SSG noted.

It further assured that a thorough investigation would be carried out to uncover those behind the attacks, stressing that the state remains committed to protecting lives and property, and ensuring that those responsible face the full weight of the law.

Ondo Govt To Rebuild Owo Memorial Park At New Location, Says Demolition Done By Owners Of Land

Ayodele Oni

June 26, 2025

Demolition of Owo Parks — Demolition Of Owo Memorial Park

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Government has reacted to reactions which trailed the demolition of the Memorial Park built in remembrance of victims of terrorists attacks in Owo, country home of late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Government, which particularly referenced the comments on the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, stated that the

demolition of the Memorial Park in Owo was a necessary step taken to restore the dignity of Owo’s culture and the original purpose of the site.

“This was done after due consultations with the people of Owo, as represented by the Olowo-in-Council.”

In the statement, signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, tye Government pointed out that there was even procedural error in acquiring the land on which the park was built.

“The land used for the Memorial Park originally belonged to AgroMore Limited (of No. 1, Oke Ogun Street, Owo), a company owned by Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye before he became the Olowo of Owo.

“In 2010, the Olusegun Mimiko administration acquired the land from the company for public use to make way for road dualization. In January 2021, the Akeredolu administration re-allocated the land to its original owner, AgroMore Limited.

“However, at the time of constructing the cenotaph, there was no record of official revocation of the land from AgroMore.

“The State Government later realised the procedural errors made in taking possession of the land for the construction of the cenotaph.

“Aside from the official complaints from the Palace of the Olowo, there have also been protests by various segments of the people of Owo against the location of the Memorial Park, as it was said to be against the culture of the land to site a cenotaph at the heart of the town and in front of the palace.

“Although no bodies were buried at the site, it was constructed in the replica image of a cemetery, complete with insignia of the dead and inscriptions of the names of all the victims. This, the Olowo-in-Council and the people of Owo frowned upon and protested against as a taboo.

“The statement by Bishop Arogundade confirmed that those protests took place in Owo but failed to mention that the Catholic Diocese never sought an engagement with the state government while trying to douse tension over the protests.

“There had been ongoing discussions between the Palace of the Olowo and the state government on the possibility of relocating the Memorial Park before the unfortunate demise of the former Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.

“Some former Government officials had taken advantage of the then absence of H.E. Akeredolu (due to ill health) to ignore those discussions and rushed to complete the cenotaph, which was never commissioned till today.

“The engagement between the Olowo-in-Council and the government continued after Governor Aiyedatiwa assumed office. The Governor then directed officials of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Ministry of Lands and Housing, and the Owo Local Government to revisit the issue with a view to relocating the Memorial Park.

“After an agreement was reached with the Palace of the Olowo on the relocation of the cenotaph, the state government took the decision to reverse the faulty revocation of the land, returning it to its rightful owner: the Olowo of Owo.

“It was, therefore, the Olowo of Owo and AgroMore Limited—the rightful owners of the land—that carried out the demolition of the cenotaph, with the approval of the State Government.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa has commissioned a team of government officials to liaise with relevant stakeholders to make arrangements to build a new cenotaph at a location acceptable to the people of Owo.

“We understand the emotional attachment to the memorial, but the decision to demolish and relocate it was made with careful consideration of its implications. We must find a balance between preserving the memories of the dead and upholding the sanctity of the culture of the community.”

Obi: Lagos Govt Denies Demolishing Property, Begins Probe

Tosin Olatokunbo

June 26, 2025

The Lagos state government has debunked claims by the 2023 Labour Party, LP, Presidential candidate to the effect that its agencies demolished a property belonging to his brother.

To the allegation the state government said “the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) or any other arm of the Lagos State Government did not carry out the said demolition,” contrary to Obi’s claims.

Obi had during his visit to the property on Tuesday accused the state government of illegal demolition, saying such actions are capable of sending investors away from the state.

Since the incident happened not a few Nigerians have condemned the act, calling for a thorough investigation, others have accused the government of trying to victimise the former governor of Anambra state because of his political leanings, and for being a key opposition leader in the country.

The former presidential candidate had described the action as political victimization wondering “what small business owners, regular citizens, and vulnerable communities face daily,” in the state.

Reacting, the state government in a statement by the Commissioner of Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotosho said the state government has no link with the demolition, promising to investigate what actually transpired.

As part of its efforts to uphold the rule of law, the state government said whoever is found culpable of the issue will be punished after investigation has been concluded.

“The Lagos State Government is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of all residents. We will not tolerate any acts of lawlessness or violations of extant laws. Any individual or group found involved in such acts will be brought to justice,” Omotosho said.

Adding, “We urge the public to disregard Mr. Peter Obi’s claims and rest assured that the Lagos State Government will continue to work tirelessly to maintain law and order in our great state. We will not be swayed by baseless allegations or attempts to discredit our efforts.

“Furthermore, we have directed the Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, FNIA, to request a full investigation by the Lagos State Building Control Agency into this matter. This investigation will help clarify the circumstances surrounding the demolition and ensure that any necessary actions are taken.

“The Lagos State Government welcomes everyone to live and work in the state, and we assure all residents of our continued commitment to their safety and well-being.”

FG Launches Maritime Labour E-Platform

Tosin Olatokunbo

June 26, 2025

In a major milestone towards building a smarter, more transparent, and efficient maritime sector, the Federal Government has launched the Maritime Labour E-Platform, a digital solution designed to revolutionize the governance of maritime labour in Nigeria.

Unveiled at the event marking the 2025 Day of the Seafarer in Port Harcourt Rivers State, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, described the platform as a transformative tool for labour administration.

“This E-Platform is a bold step toward digital governance, improved service delivery, and industry-wide innovation,” the Minister said. “It offers real-time data access, enhances regulatory compliance, and creates a centralized system for maritime labour operations.”

The Minister commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for the initiative, saying it aligns with the Ministry’s broader vision of ease of doing business, global competitiveness, and human capital development in the blue economy.

Addressing this year’s theme, “My Harassment-Free Ship”, Oyetola reiterated the government’s commitment to seafarers’ rights and safety:

“Harassment and bullying have no place in our maritime industry. We are prioritizing quality training, expanding capacity-building programmes, and aligning seafarer education with international standards. Our commitment to the STCW Convention, including the latest anti-harassment amendments, ensures our seafarers remain competitive and globally employable.”

He further highlighted ongoing efforts to improve seafarer welfare, including stricter oversight of recruitment and placement agencies, enhanced access to decent work, and collaboration with shipowners for fair treatment onboard. He praised the Collective Bargaining Agreement facilitated by NIMASA, unions, and industry stakeholders as a significant step toward better wages, working conditions, and dispute resolution.

In his remarks, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMASA, reaffirmed the Agency’s unwavering support for Nigerian seafarers in line with international best practices.

“This year’s theme is a call to action. Our seafarers must feel safe, valued, and protected while at sea. Today reminds us that seafarers should not stand alone in their struggles; we must foster a culture of zero tolerance for harassment and abuse across all vessels,” Mobereola said.

He noted that Nigeria remains Africa’s largest contributor of seafarers, thanks to initiatives like the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP).

Mobereola pledged that NIMASA would continue to develop policies to prevent and address harassment onboard, ensure confidential reporting, and align with evolving international safety standards.

The event also featured goodwill messages from global maritime stakeholders, an award ceremony recognizing the resilience and contributions of outstanding Nigerian seafarers, and a visit to seafarers’ onboard ships by the Honorable Minister and his delegation

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