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Eyo Masquerade: Producers Of “Gangs Of Lagos” Apologizes To Isale Eko People

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Gang of Lagos

By Akinwale Kasali

For over two years, the Isale Eko Descendants Union had dragged producers of the movie, Gangs of Lagos, Amazon Prime and others before Lagos High Court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square to seek an order compelling Lagos State Video and Film Censors Board to impose a N10 billion fine for the wrongful depiction of Isale Eko as a den of criminals and the Eyo Masquerade as a gang of murderers.

Finally, both parties have reached settlement with Producers of the Movie agreeing to apologise for desecration an aspect of Lagos culture.

In a recent consent judgement in Suit No: LD/6903GCM/2023: Isale Eko Descendants Union & 2 Others Vs AMAZON WEB SERVICES & 11 others delivered by Honourable Justice Idowu Alakija of the Lagos High Court, the producers and Amazon Prime agreed to tender an unreserved apology to the Applicants –Isale Eko Descendants Union in this regard.

Also, Amazon shall issue on its Letter Head, a letter recognizing Isale Eko Descendants Union’s position that the movie “Gangs of Lagos” erroneously portrayed and disparaged the cultural heritage of the well-respected Eyo Masquerade and the peace-loving nature and the long-standing traditions of the Isale-Eko People.

However, in a statement on Wednesday,  Adeniji Kazeem SAN, Chairman, Isale-Eko Descendants Union confirmed the terms of settlement.

His statement reads in part: “Today is a great day for the Isale-Eko Community of Lagos State, All indigenous Communities of Lagos and Lagosians generally. Today, the relatively small community of Isale – Eko in Lagos State was able to establish that along with other rights, there are inalienable cultural rights that accrue to indigenous communities that need to be vigorously protected.

“Indeed the 2007 United Nations Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) states amongst other things that the culture of indigenous people must be protected. That indigenous people have intellectual property rights in their culture and there can be no exploitation or usage of those rights without the express permission of the indigenous communities.

“Today, Honourable Justice Idowu Alakija of the Lagos High Court has endorsed the Terms of Settlement entered into by the Isale Eko Descendants Union (Applicants) and Amazon Web Services (Defendant) along with 11 other Defendants as a Judgement of the Court.

  1. The judgement amongst other thing provides that

The 3rd – 11th Respondents (the Film Producers) shall jointly issue a letter recognizing the Applicants position that the Movie titled “Gangs of Lagos” erroneously portrayed and disparaged the cultural heritage of the well respected Eyo Masquerade and the peace-loving nature and the long-standing traditions of the Isale-Eko People, and shall therein, tender an unreserved apology to the Applicants – Isale Eko Descendants Union in this regard.

  1. The 12th Respondent (Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited) shall issue on its: Letter Head, a letter recognizing the Applicants’ (Isale Eko Descendants Union) position that the Movie titled “Gangs of Lagos” erroneously portrayed and disparaged the cultural heritage of the well-respected Eyo Masquerade and the peace-loving nature and the long-standing traditions of the Isale-Eko People, and shall therein, tender an unreserved apology to the Applicants in this regard.

“We feel vindicated by this judgement and thank the Court system and the office of the Lagos State Attorney General for the positive role it played in resolving this dispute.

“However, we must state that the National and State Film censors must be more vigilant in the scrutiny of Films that are licensed for viewing either on physical screens or on digital platforms beaming into the Nigerian digital space.

“Furthermore, we assert that there are strong imperatives for Lagos State to revisit its Constitutional rights to properly oversee the production and censorship of Films utilizing its cultural material and resources.

“Finally, I thank our Royal Father Alaiyeluwa Oba Riliwanu Akiolu 1 (Oba of Lagos), our Legal team led by Mr. Supo Shasore SAN, the Isale Eko Descendants Union Trustees, Elders, Members and all well-meaning Lagosians who gave both physical and spiritual support.”

Justice Alakija had earlier granted the leave for judicial review in an ex-parte application brought pursuant to Section 3 of the Cinematograph Law of Lagos State and Order 44 Rule 3 of the High Court Civil Procedure Rules.

The Judge granted the leave after hearing arguments of Counsel for Isale Eko Descendants Union and two others, Olasupo Shasore (SAN), Adeniji Kazeem (SAN), Aderemi Bashua (SAN), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, Akinwale Irokosu and Adesamola Alebiosu, Temi Tayo-Tiwo, Oyinkansola Tunde -Braimoh among others.

The applicants comprise Isale Eko Descendants’ Union, Chief Ayodele Bajulaiye, who sued on behalf of the Bajulaiye Chieftaincy Family and Eyo Iga Bajulaiye, and Chief Abdul-Waheed Ayeni who sued on behalf of the Sasore Chieftaincy Family and Eyo Iga Sasore.

They are challenging the movie’s producers including Ms. Jadesola Soberu, Ms. Kemi Lala Akindoju, Mr. Adesegun Adetoro, Demi Olubanwo, Mr. Olumide Soyombo, Mr Bankole Wellington, Mrs. Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Mr. Kola Aina, Greoh Limited and Amazon Web Services Nigeria for alleged sacrilegious and scandalous depiction of the Eyo Masquerade in the movie production ‘Gangs of Lagos’.

But with the terms of settlement assented to by the producers, the matter will be rested.

Indigenous Contractors Invade Delta’s Interventionist Agency, Demand For Payment For Jobs

By
Ayodele Oni
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DESOPADEC

By Ayodele Oni

Members of Indigenous Contractors Forum in Delta State have protested against the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), an interventionist agency’s extreme poor payment for contracts executed and review of fund in line with current inflationary trend.

The Forum had scheduled the protest for January, over what the group alleged as high handedness of the board and management of the Commission for refusing to heed several appeals by members for payment for services rendered, but had to step it down due to intervention by Department of State Services (DSS) in Delta State.

After series of meetings between the contractors and the management of the Commission represented by the Chief Security Officer, the top hierarchy of the DSS directed that the leadership of the DESOPADEC meets with the angry contractors and resolved amicably the issues raised within the shortest possible time.

Following refusal of the Management of DESOPADEC to hold the meeting as directed by the DSS, the angry contractors on Wednesday is stormed the Commission’s headquarters located along Warri-Sapele road as early as 5 a.m with placards berating the management of the agency.

Some of the placards read thus: “DESOPADEC, We Don’t Want Trouble. We Need Our Money”. “Pay For Contracts Executed”. “DESOPADEC Management Feeding Fat Leaving Contractors Hungry”. We Can’t Access Management For Our Payment” and “We Are Not Playing Politics, Just Demanding For Our Rights” amongst others.

The angry contractors placed a coffin at the entrance of the Commission to express their frustrations over several efforts made to find an amicable resolution to their differences with the management.

Addressing the protesters, Chairman of DESOPADEC Indigenous Contractors Forum, Ogie Samson said his members have never had it so good since the emergence of the present Board and management of the Commission.

He said the Forum, under his leadership, had tried severally to have a meeting with the management of the Commission, since its assumption of office, to address various issues, including proper payment and variations of jobs but to no avail.

Ogie stated that he tried everything to avert the protest by managing the grievances of contractors because of lack of payment, but the board was yet to come to terms with their grievances.

Secretary of the Forum, Charles Ebigbagha lamented that it was not out of place to pay contractors for contracts executed, but that the management was terming it as anti party where as it wasn’t all members that belonged into parties.

“The Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori should intervene in this crisis to have a lasting solution to our plights.

“We tried to avert this protest but unfortunately the management might have told him we are being sponsored by a political party against him. That’s not true. We just want our payment issues to be addressed and that’s all.”

Pinnick Loses Re-Election Bid Into FIFA Council

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Amaju Melvin Pinnick

By Akinwale Kasali

The re-election bid of former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Amaju Melvin Pinnick has been dashed. He has failed in his bid for re-election into the FIFA Council.

The Delta State- born Pinnick failed to secure enough votes to retain his seat among the six electable African representatives on the Council.

At the 14th CAF Extraordinary General Assembly held on Wednesday in Cairo, Egypt, Pinnick garnered 28 votes—just one vote short of Mauritania’s Ahmed Yahya and Djibouti’s Souleiman Waberi, who secured the final two available slots.

The six elected African members for the FIFA Council are:

Faouzi Lekjaa (Morocco)

Ahmed Yahya (Mauritania)

Kanizat Ibrahim (Comoros)

Souleiman Waberi (Djibouti)

Hamidou Djibrilla (Niger)

Hani Abo Rida (Egypt).

Pinnick made history as the third Nigerian to be elected into the FIFA Council, following Oyo Orok Oyo and Amos Adamu.

He first secured his seat in March 2021 during the 43rd CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Rabat, Morocco.

Prior to his FIFA role, Pinnick served as the President of the NFF for two consecutive terms, from 2014 to 2022, before being succeeded by Ibrahim Gusau.

2026 World Cup: Chelle Names 23-Man Squad Against Rwanda, Zimbabwe

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Super Eagles
Super Eagles

By Akinwale Kasali

Drops Iheanacho,  Onyeka

Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle has officially announced his final roster of 23 players to prosecute the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against the Amavubis of Rwanda and the Brave Warriors of Zimbabwe.

Chelle’s selection reflects a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents, aimed at securing Nigeria’s place in the upcoming World Cup.

Knowing the importance of garnering Six points in both matches if the Super Eagles want to stand a chance of qualifying for the International showpiece, Chelle surprising dropped Sevilla Football Club of Spain forward, Kelechi Iheanacho and Augsburg Football Club of Germany midfielder, Frank Onyeka and named Goalkeepers; Stanley Nwabali from Chippa United in South Africa and Kayode Bankole of Remo Stars.

Both goalkeepers have demonstrated commendable skill and resilience in their respective leagues.

In defence, the roster includes seasoned players such as William Ekong, representing Al-Kholood FC in Saudi Arabia, along with Calvin Bassey from Fulham FC and Olaoluwa Aina of Nottingham Forest, both playing in the competitive English Premier League.

The squad also welcomes Bruno Onyemaechi from Olympiacos in Greece, Bright Osayi-Samuel of Fenerbahce in Turkey, and the Czech Republic-based defender, Igoh Ogbu from SK Slavia Prague, who all contribute diverse experiences to the backline.

The midfield is fortified by prominent talents such as Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City and Alex Iwobi from Fulham FC, both known for their tactical intelligence and playmaking abilities.

They are joined by Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA), and Joseph Ayodele-Aribo of Southampton FC, adding depth and creativity to the midfield. Notably, home-based midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha of Niger Tornadoes also makes the final squad, reflecting Chelle’s commitment to integrating local talent.

The attacking front boasts a formidable lineup featuring the likes of Victor Osimhen, currently playing for Galatasaray FC in Turkey, and Samuel Chukwueze of AC Milan in Italy, both of whom are pivotal in their clubs’ attacking strategies.

Also included are Ademola Lookman of Atalanta FC and Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, alongside Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France), Sadiq Umar of Valencia FC in Spain, and Tolu Arokodare from KRC Genk, Belgium.

The Super Eagles will face group C leaders Rwanda in a crucial match scheduled for Friday, March 21, in Kigali.

This will be followed by a home game against the Zimbabwe Warriors at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, set for four days later.

The Super Eagles aim to secure vital points in these encounters to enhance their chances of qualifying for the World Cup.

List Of 23 Super Eagles For Rwanda, Zimbabwe Games

Goalkeepers:

– Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)

– Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)

– Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)

Defenders:

– William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia)

– Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey)

– Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece)

– Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)

– Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)

– Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)

Midfielders:

– Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)

– Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)

– Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA)

– Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)

– Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England)

– Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)

Forwards:

– Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)

– Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey)

– Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy)

– Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)

– Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France)

– Sadiq Umar (Valencia FC, Spain)

– Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)

– Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)

Re-election Battle: Tinubu Turns To Ibori For South South Votes

By
The Source
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Bola Tinubu and James Ibori

By Akinjide Aina, Abuja Bureau Chief

Former Delta state Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori is the man who President Bola Tinubu has been entrusted with keeping the South south South geopolitical zone in the bag for him and the All Progressives Congress, APC as 2027 general elections approach, The Source Magazine can authoritatively reveal.

For a start, Ibori a deft politician and strategic grassroots mobilizer whose daughter, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, elected on the platform of the PDP in 2023 to represent Ethiope Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Novermber last year defected to the APC,  has been handed the Delta state APC in a strange departure from the norm. In Nigeria’s brand of democracy, when a party is not in control of a given state in terms of producing the governor, the highest office holder of the party from such state becomes the party’s leader in the state.

In line with this unwritten political norm, without an APC governor in Delta state, the highest office holder in the state is the Minister for Aviation and AreoSpace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN and ought to be the leader of the party in the state but the Ibori factor has denied him this privilege.

The feud between Keyamo and the immediate past Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo Agege over the control of the Delta APC, the magazine was told, played a crucial role in President Tinubu’s gravitation towards former Governor Ibori.Last week, Delta APC leaders including Senator Omo  Agege, Keyamo, and the three sitting APC Senators from the state meet with the President at the presidential villa during which the Minister suggested a college of leaders for Delta APC the idea but was flatly rejected by him( President Tinubu) apparently with his mind made up on Ibori.

A source privy to what transpired at the meeting told the Magazine that “Keyamo was the first to speak and his point was a united Delta APC but asked that the best way is to have a college of leaders. Mr President listened to him and swiftly knocked it off, noting that the system of college of leader does not exist in APC and should be discontinued”

One of the APC leaders, at the meeting, a female, the  magazine was further informed made an attempt to blackmail the President against Barrister Chinedu Ebi, the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC but was swiftly countered by Senator Ned Nwoko.

She had allegedly told the President that it was the turn of the state to produce the Managing Director of the NDDC and that Ebie was not a party man. At this juncture, the President inquired who Ebie was and Senator Nwoko told him he ( Ebie ) is the nominee of Ibori and a staunch party man. “She told Mr President that it’s Delta turn to produce NDDC MD and that the Chairman of the Commission, Chiedu Ebie is not a party man. At this point, Ned Nwoko countered her that Ebie is a party man and was present at the APC meeting held in Doris Uboh’s house and even brought money.

“Mr President turned to Ned and asked who Ebie is and he replied he’s a nominee of James Ibori. Mr President shouted “Ohhhhh, my friend”,  the source disclosed.

Meanwhile, to further strengthen Ibori’s hand, it has been gathered that he will receive a presidential pardon before 2027 in addition to being awarded the APC senatorial ticket for Delta Central Senatorial district.

Recall that a UK court convicted Ibori of fraud in 2012 and handed him a 13-year jail sentence.

He regained freedom in December 2020, after serving four and the half years and agreeing to be deported from the UK. He returned to Nigeria in February 2021.

President Tinubu, an Aso Rock and APC insider told the magazine “is not leaving anything to chance in what will be a ferocious re- election bid in 2027.

“Yes, Mr President has begun moves in earnest to have South  South geopolitical zone in his pocket and Chief Ibori is the anchorman, Chief Ibori, as you know is well loved in the South south, he is a deft politician and super grassroots mobilizer, so Mr President has made a strategic choice.To remove all encumbrances on his path and to strengthen him politically, Presidential pardon for Chief Ibori is in the offing, this is in addition to the offer of Delta Central APC senatorial ticket for 2027”

The insider further said: “In the 2023 presidential election, the President’s party, the APC was mercilessly dwarfed in the South South  by the Labour Party which fielded former Anambra state governor, Peter Obi as presidential candidate and the Peoples Democratic party, PDP which fielded former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, President wants to change the narrative in 2027 via Ibori’s sagacious political influence”

PANDEF Fumes Over Assembly’s Locking Out Of Gov. Fubara

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Fubara Locked Out Of Rivers House Assembly Complex

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Pan Niger Delta Elders’ Forum PANDEF on Wednesday March 12, flayed   the Speaker Martins Amaewfule-led Rivers State House of Assembly for preventing  Governor Siminalayi Fubara from  accessing   the Legislative Quarters.

This is even as Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister and immediate past Governor of the State insisted that Governor Fubara cannot gate-crash into the Assembly quarters after  demolishing the Complex.

The Source reports that Governor Fubara was on Wednesday barred from entering the premises of the Assembly Quarters  for the purpose of re-presenting the 2025 appropriation bill .

The re-presentation of the budget estimate to an enlarged Assembly led by Speaker Amaewfule was one of the pronouncements of the Supreme Court on February 28.

The Assembly had, on Monday March 3, given the Governor a-48 hour ultimatum to represent the budget.

Although the Governor could not honour the two-day dateline, his subsequent invitation to the Lawmakers to work out the modalities was rebuffed.

High Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe
High Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe

The Governor  had written to the Lawmakers intimating them of his planned visit to the Assembly Quarters Wednesday March 12, for the budget representation.

Speaking on Wednesday, Chief Anabas Sara-Igbe, PANDEF Chieftain,  described the decision of Speaker Amaewfule to lock out Governor Fubara as utterly provocative and totally unacceptable.

The PANDEF chieftain noted that the development is not an insult to Fubara as a person, but to the office of  the Governor of Rivers State.

“The Governor was elected by millions of Rivers people. As the Chief Executive Officer of the State ,he has unhindered access to all the facilities within the State.

“Blocking him from entering the complex is a direct insult and embarrassment to the people of Rivers state.

“It is now very clear that the Governor is ready for peace .But these people are not ready for peace. You can see that by their action.

“How can you debar a sitting Governor from gaining access to a facility that belongs to the state ,as a chief executive officer.?

“But the Governor has continued to tow the path of peace  despite the insult and provocation. I appeal that he implements all the decisions stipulated by the Supreme court in its judgment even though I don’t agree with some of the decisions”, the PANDEF stated.

He noted that Governor  Fubara’s  preference for peace was at the root of his earlier decision to withdraw the suit he filed  in connection with the defection of the 27 pro-Wike Lawmakers when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu so advised .

He decried the comment credited to Wike,the FCT Minister on Wednesday ,to the effect that the Governor can be impeached and “heaven will not fall”

Sara-Igbe however, cautioned against insulting the Ijaw Nation at this critical time, noting that it may amount to escalating the already charged atmosphere.

At an interactive session with the Media on Wednesday, Wike maintained there is no way the Governor will just come to the Assembly quarters without a formal invitation from the Lawmakers.

According to him, the Governor ought to have waited for the legislators  to  approve of his request before coming.

Governor Fubara informed that he had earlier written officially to the leadership of the  legislative body to intimate them of his coming.

The Governor also stated that he made several  unsuccessful attempts  to speak with the Speaker after sending in a letter.

But Wike in his reaction accused the Governor of playing to the gallery.

” If you write a letter to the Assembly ,won’t. you wait for a response? He ( Governor) is playing to the gallery . He has carried television people to say he went to the House.

“You know it is wrong. Can the President now stand up and go to the National Assembly? Who does that?

“He brought the Assembly Complex down. Assembly now sits at their residence. If you are coming, they have children, they will say the Governor is coming today, so they have to prepare themselves.

“You cannot just go and open the gate and say: I am coming to present budget Nonsense Rubbish. Who is doing that ? Playing to the gallery. Nobody will hear that. Nothing will happen if Fubara is impeached” Wike retorted

Igbo Town Union Rejects FG Plan For  Cattle Ranches In South east

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0
Herdsmen-turn-National-stadium-Abuja-to-grazing-ground
The Association of Igbo Town Unions, ASITU has opposed the Federal government’s plan to acquire land in Imo State and other South East states for the establishment of cattle ranches.
Ranching is a private business, the Union said wondering whether the government is also prepared to acquire lands for Igbo business men to do their business.
The federal government has proposed to acquire a large expanse of land across the country under the 2025 budget.
The plan is in accordance with the government’s quest to end herders and farmers clash across the country.
But in a statement issued on Wednesday ASITU said ranching  is a private business and should not be funded by the government using public funds.
In the statement signed by ASITU President Chief Emeka Diwe, the union said the plan to establish ranches for the herders is not only unfair but illegal, saying it’s the action is discriminatory against Igbo traders.
“Cattle rearing, as a private enterprise, should not be the responsibility of the Nigerian government to fund or manage. It is well established that livestock farming is a private business, and the cattle rearing segment of it is primarily controlled by a specific ethnic group in the country.”
The union questioned why the federal government is prioritizing ranching for private cattle owners, while Igbo entrepreneurs in other parts of Nigeria struggle to navigate land acquisition without similar support.
ASITU highlighted that states in the South East are already grappling with severe land scarcity, with increasing demands for agriculture, urban development, and infrastructure. Allocating more land for private ranching, particularly for an industry dominated by another ethnic group, is seen as a direct injustice to the people of the region.
“Our communities are under pressure to provide land for farming, housing, and development. Using our limited land for private ranches is unfair and unacceptable.”
The group also accused the government of insensitivity in pushing forward such policies without considering their impact on the socio-economic well-being of the region.
“Igbo Traders Get No Such Support”
“Igbo people doing business across Nigeria go through the rigorous process of acquiring land and establishing their ventures without federal intervention. Why should cattle ranchers get special treatment?”
ASITU urged  the federal government’s ranching initiative in the South East, saying such plan is capable of fueling ethnic tension in the region.
“This proposed ranching scheme rekindles concerns about the continued marginalization of the Igbo people in Nigeria. The government must stop prioritizing the business interests of one ethnic group at the expense of others

Fubara Is Not A Good Politician, His Letter To Rivers Assembly “Useless”  – Wike

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Siminalayi Fubara and Niyesom Wike

By Adesina Soyooye

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the letter written to the Rivers State House of Assembly by Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a meeting with the Members at Government House, Port Harcourt as useless.

Fubara who has been at loggerheads with 27 members of the Assembly, all pro-Wike, his estranged political godfather, had written to Speaker Martin Amaewhule and invited them to a meeting to sort out a number of issues including venue of their sittings, their withheld salaries and allowances, the re-presentation of the 2025  Budget to the Assembly, among others. The meeting was to have been held on Monday, March 10, 2025.

But the Assembly Members snubbed the Governor, and insisted that the letter was not transmitted to them through the right channel. They alleged it was sent to the social media.

Reacting to the invitation Wike said the letter was useless. And reminded the Governor that the members are independent and not under him. The Lawmakers, he said, are not the Governor’s subordinates and deserve some respect.

Wike: “You have had a frosty relationship with an arm of Government.  If you are a good politician, will you go and write a letter? Is it by writing a letter signed by the SSG? What an insult! Is it how it is done? If you are a politician you know what to do. You should have called the Speaker and have it scheduled properly.

“You want to play to the gallery which is rubbish. All these letters are useless. You are not sincere. You are playing to the gallery.”

Rivers Crisis: Fubara Will Be Impeached, Nothing Will Happen Wike Boasts

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike
L-R; Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike
Nothing will happen if Governor Siminalaye Fubara of Rivers state is impeached by the state House of Assembly.
 
His predecessor and now Minister of the Federal Capital Territtory, FCT,   Nyesom Wike made this remark on Monday during a media chat in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
 
His comment comes amidst suggestions that the Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly was planning to remove Fubara as the governor of the oil rich state for alleged infractions, and due to the face off between the governor and the lawmakers.
 
The clash between the governor and the lawmakers got to a head on Wednesday after the governor was locked out by the Assembly, thus fueling the rumour that the lawmakers are poised to impeach the governor.
 
Reacting, Wike- said the heaven will not fall if the governor is removed, so long he has committed impeachable offences. 
 
For instance, the minister said the lawmakers can decide to impeach him for seizing their salary for months due to the face off.
 
 
“If you have committed an offence to be impeached, what’s wrong? Is it a criminal offence? It’s provided in the constitution. Am I a member of the Assembly? Wike- said.
 
“If you have committed an infraction of the constitution and the Assembly deems it fit to say, you should be impeached.
 
 
“I have heard people say: ‘Oh, if they impeach him, there will be a breakdown of law and order’. Rubbish! Nothing will happen.”
 
On Tuesday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with Governor Fubara and some leaders and f PANDEF where he called for a truce among the warring parties in the state. But, it seems

Tinubu To Meet Obasa, Assembly Lawmakers At Presidential Villa

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bola Tinubu and Obasa

By Akinwale Kasali

The crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly may be laid to rest Wednesday as reinstated Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa is scheduled alongside other Assembly Lawmakers to meet with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa Wednesday.

It was gathered that Obasa arrived at about 2:50 pm, while his colleagues had earlier arrived in two coaster buses.

It would be recalled that after his impeachment  on January 13th, 2025, Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda came on board, there have been issues.

But following the Obasa’s reinstatement as Speaker by the Party, there has been bad blood as a result of his impeachment and reinstatement.

Also, the demand for the suspended Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko by Obasa has further led to crisis in the House.

These and several other issues are planned to be addressed at the meeting.

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