Category: Politics

The Rivers State House of Assembly has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of making false claims regarding his meetings with lawmakers.

The allegation comes in response to Governor Fubara’s comment on Wednesday, in which he dismissed speculations of a rift between him and federal or state lawmakers from Rivers State, insisting that reports of strained relations are unfounded.

Addressing journalists during a press briefing on Thursday in Port Harcourt, Speaker Martin Amaewhule stated that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, convened a meeting between the lawmakers and the governor on the directive of President Bola Tinubu following the suspension of the state of emergency.

According to Amaewhule, members of the Assembly have met with Governor Fubara twice since the emergency rule was lifted.

Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, Amaewhule said the first meeting took place at the Abuja residence of the FCT Minister.

According to him, the statement of the Governor on Wednesday is the reason for the press conference, saying they need to set the record straight.

He described the governor’s recent remarks as “unnecessary, condemnable” and potentially capable of triggering “another round of crisis in Rivers State.”

“It’s important I make this clarification. First and foremost, the governor lied when he said he hasn’t been able to meet with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” Amaewhule said.

“Shortly after the State of Emergency was called off, the FCT Minister called a meeting with the governor and principal officials of the Assembly. I can confirm I was in that meeting.”

On the presentation of the budget, Amaewhule said, “The Governor has not come to us to present the budget of the state; he hasn’t.

“In 2024, he spent without an appropriation law. In 2025, he was spending. Even after the emergency rule, we discussed with him in the meeting.

“We said, look, bring your budget so that we can take care of all you intend to do for the remaining part of 2025.

“There, in that meeting, the Governor told us blatantly that he would not do it, that he will not bring the budget. God is my witness. As I speak here, God is here.”

He added, “Where the Governor is, he knows I’m not lying against him.”

He accused the Governor of awarding contracts to his cronies, particularly those who allegedly masterminded the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Despite the tensions, the Assembly reiterated that the FCT Minister wants peace and progress in the state.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has confirmed the death of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Lawrence Oboraw-Harievwo Ewhrudjakpo on Thursday.

Anxiety had mounted earlier in the day over the deputy governor’s health after reports emerged that he had collapsed.

Confirming his passing in a statement on Thursday night, the Tanimu Turaki-led PDP, through its National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong, described the news as shocking.

The Bayelsa State government is yet to issue an official statement regarding the deputy governor’s death.

In its statement, the party described Ewhrudjakpo as a trusted and faithful party member, noting that his death has left the entire PDP membership, particularly the faithful in Bayelsa State, in profound grief.

The PDP prayed that God grants his soul eternal rest and extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Bayelsa State over this painful and irreparable loss.

Lawrence Oboraw-Harievwo Ewhrudjakpo
The PDP statement reads, “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has received with deep shock the news of the passing of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State and a trusted, faithful party man, His Excellency Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, who reportedly collapsed and died earlier today.

“This devastating news has left the National Working Committee led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, and indeed the entire membership of our great party, especially our faithful members in Bayelsa State, in profound grief.

“While alive, Senator Ewhrudjakpo was an honest and consistent politician who believed in and practiced politics with principle. He was a person of conviction, not convenience; a leader whose life was anchored on belief, integrity, and strength of character. He held firmly to these virtues until his final moments.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of this hero of political integrity, and we pray that God grants his soul eternal rest.

“We express our heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Bayelsa State on this painful and irreparable loss.”

Ewhrudjakpo served as Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State under Governor Douye Diri from 2020 until his death.

He was first selected as Douye Diri’s running mate in the November 2019 Bayelsa State governorship election and was retained in the position when the duo were reelected in 2023.

Prior to his sudden death, the deputy governor was absent during Governor Diri’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in October.

Following his defection, Governor Diri stated that he would not compel Ewhrudjakpo to join the ruling party, emphasizing that he would continue to engage his deputy to achieve positive outcomes.

The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Sani Bello on Wednesday, continued the screening of ambassadorial nominees forwarded to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for confirmation.

This is just as a nominee from Ekiti State, Adeyemi Emmanuel, failed to name all three senators representing his state in the National Assembly.

Emmanuel, a career diplomat and Acting Director in the Office of the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, had performed impressively until he attempted to acknowledge the Ekiti senators. He correctly identified Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) and Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South) but omitted Senator Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North)

The slip immediately drew reactions from members of the committee, who questioned the nominee’s preparedness and awareness of political representation from his home state.

Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South)pressed Emmanuel to identify the third senator, leaving him visibly unsettled. Ekpenyong described the incident as a worrying trend among public office nominees.

“Much as we admit one man can’t know everything, it is expected that somebody nominated to represent Nigeria as an ambassador should know basic details like the senators from his state. At a time when our international image needs rebuilding, competence is key,” he said.

Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Seriake Dickson aligned with Ekpenyong’s position, while Senator Yunus Akintunde, who represented the Senate Leader, appealed for leniency. He urged the panel to overlook the error but expressed disappointment that the nominee’s aides failed to guide him promptly.

Despite the setback, Emmanuel highlighted his extensive diplomatic experience, including postings in Addis Ababa, Hong Kong, and France, as well as a doctorate in International Relations. He is one of three nominees from Ekiti, alongside Erelu Angela Adebayo and Olumilua Oluwayemika.

The committee also screened several other career diplomats, including Ahmed Sulu Gambari, Maimuna Besto, Monica Enebechi, Ahmed Monguno, Kingsley Onaga, Magaji Umar, and Aminu Nasir

A major highlight of the session was the appearance of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South), a businessman-turned-lawmaker, who presented his Curriculum Vitae before the panel chaired by former Niger State Governor Sani Bello.

Following Senate tradition for serving and former lawmakers, Ibrahim was asked to “take a bow,” drawing applause from his colleagues.

Last week, President Tinubu transmitted 65 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate, urging lawmakers to expedite their confirmation in line with Section 171 (1), (2), and (4) of the 1999 Constitution.

The list includes seasoned diplomats such as Sulu-Gambari Olatunji Ahmed (Kwara), Ahmed Mohammed Monguno (Borno), and Maimuna Ibrahim (Adamawa). The non-career nominees include former presidential aide Ita Enang, ex–Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), and former Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazzau (retd.).

Senate President Godswill Akpabio had earlier referred the nominations to the Foreign Affairs Committee, giving it one week to conclude the screening and submit its report.

Wednesday’s exercise marked the second phase of the screening. The first batch featured Kayode Are (Ogun) Aminu Dalhatu (Jigawa) and Ayodele Oke (Oyo) with Oke addressing longstanding allegations during his session.

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has suspended the Chairman of Lafia Local Government Council, Mohammad Haliru-Arabo, for a period of three months following his alleged role in the impeachment crisis rocking the council’s legislative arm.

The decision was announced on Wednesday by Speaker, Danladi Jatau after a motion of public importance was moved by Musa Ibrahim-Abubakar, Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, during plenary in Lafia.

Jatau said the suspension was necessary to enable a neutral and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the impeachment of the Speaker of the Lafia Legislative Council.

He noted that the crisis, if left unchecked, could destabilise not only the local government but also the state capital.

“This issue threatens the peace and stability of Lafia Local Government, the seat of power in the state,” Jatau stated.

“Accordingly, the Chairman is hereby suspended for three months pending the outcome of the House Committee’s investigation.”

The Speaker directed the Deputy Chairman of Lafia LGA, Uba Arikiya, to immediately assume leadership of the council until the probe is concluded.

He also instructed the Clerk of the House to formally communicate the Assembly’s resolution to Governor Abdullahi Sule.

Lawmakers who contributed to the debate, including Dr Hajarat Danyaro Ibrahim, Mohammed Garba Isimbabi, Suleiman Yakubu Azara, and Larry Ven-Bawa, unanimously supported the suspension.

They argued that Haliru-Arabo’s involvement in legislative matters, particularly in announcing the impeachment of the council’s Speaker, was unlawful and risked escalating tensions.

Ibrahim-Abubakar, who initiated the motion, warned that the chairman’s actions could fuel a broader crisis if not urgently addressed.

“The Chairman has no authority to announce the suspension of a legislative Speaker. Such interference is dangerous and capable of igniting conflict within the council,” he said.

The Assembly also resolved that the current leadership structure of the Lafia Legislative Council remains unchanged pending the outcome of the investigation.

In another development, the House passed the first reading of a bill seeking to repeal and re-enact the Nasarawa State Harmonization and Administration of Revenue Law.

The bill was introduced by Majority Leader Suleiman Yakubu Azara and seconded by Minority Leader Luka Iliya Zhekaba.

The Speaker scheduled December 16, 2025, for the bill’s second reading.

The House adjourned after unanimously approving the first reading.

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has challenged his opponents in the 2026 governorship election to base their campaigns on the performance of their parties when they were in government, noting that “Osun will never go back to the dark days.”

Adeleke made the remark in his acceptance speech after emerging as the Accord Party’s candidate for the August 8, 2026 governorship election.

The governor said his administration had achieved so much in the past three years that he deserved another term in office.

Thanking the leadership of the Accord Party and delegates from the 332 wards of the state, Adeleke said, “The confidence you have reposed in me is greatly appreciated. I assure you that I will not take it for granted.”

“We are today launching the battle for continuity of progress, good governance, and democratic dividends. My candidacy signals the sustenance of the golden movement when the light of development continues to shine across our state. We vow never to relent in the rewarding service to our people.”

“We note today as the point of resolution never to go back to the dark days but to advance further into the journey of modernisation. For a long time, Osun has witnessed failed promises. In the last three years, we actualised the yearnings and aspirations of our people. Ours is a government of talk and do.”

Governor Adeleke accused opposition parties of failing the people of the state, saying, “In the forthcoming polls, I challenge likely opponents to run on their records.

“In their days in government, what were their deliverables to the people of Osun State? How did they run or manage the state? What legacy did they leave for the people?

“In their days in power, they failed the people; they failed their party; they even failed themselves. Today, the people reject them. Even their own party men and women are up in arms against them.

“I am proud to run on my records of achievements of the last three years. Despite harassment and blockages, my administration outperforms, outshines, and surpasses the records of the opposition. I have raised the bar of governance beyond rhetoric and deceit.”

Highlighting some of his achievements, Adeleke said, “Our achievements can be seen and felt by the people. That Osun moved from number 33 under the APC government to number 7 under my leadership in a national examination rating cannot be disputed.”

“That my government reduced the Osun infrastructure deficit from over 80 per cent in 2022 by over 40 per cent as of 2025 is attested to by many experts.”

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“That we paid over 40 per cent of Osun’s inherited debt is confirmed by the Debt Management Office.

“That we came first in access to primary health care across the Southwest is in the public domain.

“Our governance delivery proved governance can be real, that leadership can actually serve the people, that there are leaders still committed to the service of the people. I belong to that circle of leaders who prioritise meeting the aspirations and needs of our people.”

“To the good people of Osun, the 2026 race is not just about running on our records; we are bringing new innovations and new packages to take our people to new levels of development.”

He expressed the determination to continue embarking on people oriented projects and programs, “I am bold to announce that I have substantially delivered on my five-point agenda, which I promised the people of Osun State in 2022.

“Today, as I accept my nomination, I unveil an upgraded five-point agenda for the impending battle for the gates of our people, namely: Integrated citizens’ and workers’ welfare; infrastructure consolidation for economic prosperity; increased agro-industrial expansion for youth empowerment; innovations for health, education and social care; and improved business environment for job creation.”

Announcing the result of the primary election, held in Osogbo the state capital on Wednesday, the Secretary of the Electoral Committee, Abdulazeez Salaudeen, said Adeleke, who was the only aspirant, polled 145 votes, while five votes were voided.

Salaudeen said, “Having the highest number of votes, I declare Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke as the winner of the primary.

“The electoral committee has delivered on its mandate. After voting and counting, witnessed by the agents of the candidate and the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission.”

There was heavy security presence at the venue, as armed policemen and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) were deployed. INEC officials too were on ground to observe the exercise.

Governor Adeleke’s deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi and other top political aides and associates of the governor were present.

Meanwhile, conspicuously absent at the venue were the Osun State PDP Chairman, Sunday Bisi; the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Wale Egbedun; state lawmakers; as well as members of the National Assembly elected under the PDP platform.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has emerged the governorship candidate of the Accord Party for next year’s governorship election.

The declaration took place at the Osun State Accord Party governorship primary on Wednesday.

The Osun State party chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, also revealed that Governor Adeleke is the party’s sole candidate, adding that about 150 delegates would partake in the primary.

The Chairman of the African Democratic Congress in Rivers State, Leader Sampson, has criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara for defecting to the All Progressives Congress, APC, without first consulting Rivers people.

THN reported that Governor Fubara on Tuesday, confirmed that he would be joining the APC during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House.

Fubara explained that his decision to defect was taken in the interest of Rivers people, adding that he had received the approval of President Bola Tinubu.

Reacting to the development, Sampson said it was not enough for the Governor to meet with a few supporters and claim he had consulted them before leaving the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the APC.

Speaking in an interview with journalists, the ADC Chairman said the move was largely expected but argues that no serious Rivers person would take Governor Fubara seriously, describing him as “inconsistent and indecisive.”

He said, “No Rivers person that is a serious person will take Governor Fubara serious. It’s very obvious, he has been a man that has been very inconsistent and indecisive about what he should do.

“And we are not surprised that, he has as a baby, a suckling, he has ran to the APC, probably at the request of the Presidential or he went to beg the President that he wants to join the APC.

“Which ever way, in his speech, he said the President is the reason why he is still the Governor today and that if joining the APC is a way of telling the President thank you.

“The truth is that, has Governor Fubara consulted Rivers people that gave him that mandate?

“You cannot put a group of people together and say they’re your supporters and that you have consulted with them or you’ve come back to come and speak on behalf of Rivers people to say you are defecting to the APC.”

Sampson added that the Governor’s defection further shows that many individuals entrusted with leadership positions in Nigeria are “indecisive” and unable to take a firm stand on critical issues.

He, however, described the situation as a positive development for the ADC, insisting that Nigerians have rejected the APC due to the hardship and insecurity facing the country.

According to him, the defection presents an opportunity for the ADC to engage Rivers people and provide a credible alternative.

“Most of the people that we entrust leadership to them are people that are very indecisive, are people that cannot take a stand in any issue.

“For the ADC, it’s a good omen for us. It shows that Rivers people, Nigeri have rejected the APC.

“So, Fubara joining them, it also means that him Fubara has also rejected Rivers people and it is an opportunity for the ADC to harvest the good people of Rivers State that are willing, that don’t want to die.

“The APC that we’re talking about that Governor Fubara has gone to join is the APC that has brought poverty to Nigerians, brought poverty to Rivers State, killings.

“People are dying everyday, terrorism, banditry everywhere. You cannot travel by road in this country. And that’s the same APC government that Fubara has now announced that he’s going.

“So, for we in the ADC we don’t take him seriously. It’s an opportunity for us to reach out to Rivers people and give Rivers people a credible alternative, which is the ADC.”

Responding to concerns that the ADC has been quiet despite its ambition to become the main opposition party, Sampson explained that the party was working strategically behind the scenes.

He said that when the time is right, the ADC will fully unveil its plans and make its position known to the people.

President Bola Tinubu has met with All Progressives Congress leaders and governorship aspirants in Osun state and appealed for unity and consensus-building ahead of the party’s primary on December 13.

The President met with the aspirants at the State House, Abuja, on Monday night.

The Osun State governorship aspirants who attended the meeting with the President include former Deputy Governor Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, Dotun Babayemi, Akin Ogunbiyi, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Kunle Adegoke (SAN), Babatunde Hareter Oralusi, Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.

Also in attendance at the meeting were the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chairman of the Progressive Governors, Hope Uzodimma; and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

President Tinubu, who praised all the aspirants for their contributions to the APC in Osun State, urged them to close ranks and support the consensus candidate the party will present for the governorship election in the state. He also advised them to avoid the internal bickering and disunity that caused the party to lose the last election in the state to the Peoples Democratic Party.

While harping on the importance of party supremacy, President Tinubu charged the aspirants to allow it to prevail in choosing the flagbearer, noting that only the party can benefit from it when it wins elections.

“You all have a duty and obligation to the party by ensuring the candidate of our party wins the next election in Osun State. You must strengthen the bonds of unity, party supremacy and collective responsibility.

” I have absolute confidence in your ability to deliver victory to our party in Osun State. You have my support and that of the National leadership of APC to win the coming election,” President Tinubu assured.

At the end of the meeting, a joint statement was issued in which the aspirants and the leaders committed to support the candidate who would emerge at the primary.

Here is the statement signed by all the aspirants and the APC leaders:

“We, the undersigned aspirants for the 2025 Osun State Governorship Election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), having met and deliberated in the presence of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and in the spirit of unity, discipline, and loyalty to our great party, hereby declare as follows:

That we affirm and uphold the supremacy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in guiding and determining the most appropriate process for selecting the party’s flag bearer for the 2025 Governorship Election in Osun State.

That we unanimously agree to abide by the party’s decision to nominate a consensus candidate for affirmation at the APC Primary Election scheduled for Saturday, 13th December 2025.

That we accept the outcome of the party-led nomination process in good faith, and pledge our total support to the candidate so nominated and affirmed.

That we commit ourselves to peace, unity, and cohesion within the APC, and pledge not to engage in any act, public or private, that may undermine the integrity of the process or the standing of the party.

That we will work collectively and individually to ensure the success of the APC at the polls and the consolidation of good governance in Osun State.

“We make this declaration voluntarily, in absolute loyalty to our great party, and in recognition of the guidance provided by Mr President and the National Chairman in the overriding interest of the progress and stability of Osun State”.

Two Bayelsa lawmakers in the House of Representatives have dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The lawmakers Rodney Ambaiowei, Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, and Oboku Oforji (Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency) had their defection announced by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas through a letter read during Wednesday’s plenary.

Ambaiowei said he left the PDP due to its ongoing internal crisis.

“This decision is burned out of the division in the national leadership of the PDP, which has sprinkled across the various structures and chapters of the party, creating confusion as to which faction is responsible for the party affairs,” he said.

“With this uncertainty, it has become difficult to perform my role and effectively represent my constituency.”

He said the defection has become necessary to offer his constituency “true representation”.

Oforji said while he has left the PDP due to the prolonged leadership crisis, he remains “deeply” grateful to the party that elected him to parliament