2027: Rivers Safe for Tinubu, Says Wike

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January 10, 2026

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that President Bola Tinubu can “sleep with two eyes closed” over the outcome of the 2027 presidential election in Rivers State.

Wike said Rivers remains firmly in support of Tinubu’s re-election, insisting that neither he nor his supporters could be pushed out or distracted from backing the President for a second term.

Speaking during a thank-you visit to Port Harcourt City Local Government Area on Saturday, Wike addressed supporters drawn from the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.

“If there is one state the President knows he can sleep with his two eyes closed, it is Rivers State. These are the foot soldiers of the Renewed Hope family,” he said.

Recalling the 2023 election, the minister said Rivers people stood by Tinubu against the odds, adding that he would not allow those who opposed the President at the time to hijack the Renewed Hope agenda.

“In 2023, we took the decision from the beginning to support Tinubu. Those who supported Atiku Abubakar and could not even deliver 10 per cent of votes are now claiming they want to lead the Renewed Hope agenda,” Wike said.

He urged his supporters to remain united and focused on supporting Tinubu’s re-election, assuring them that 2026 would be better than 2025.

Earlier, the Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Allwell Ihunda, commended Tinubu for sustaining democratically elected council administrations in the state and praised Wike for his developmental projects as governor.

Also speaking, Mrs Blessing Amadi, representing Port Harcourt II Federal Constituency, lauded Wike for promoting women’s participation in governance, while a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Smart Adoki, pledged continued support for the minister and the Renewed Hope agenda.

Impeachment Storm Rages: Rivers Assembly Stands Ground on Fubara, Deputy

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Gladys Phillip

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January 10, 2026

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PORT HARCOURT — The Rivers State House of Assembly has vowed to press ahead with the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, despite mounting condemnation from stakeholders and growing public outrage.

The Assembly said impeachment notices have been duly served on both the governor and deputy governor and that the process remains on course, contrary to reports that lawmakers had backed down and apologised to President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Enemi George, the lawmakers dismissed such reports as false and misleading, insisting there has been no withdrawal of the impeachment move.

According to the House, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, is being carried out strictly in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“The Rivers State House of Assembly wishes to inform the people of Rivers State that the impeachment process commenced on January 8, 2026, is fully on course. Notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and his Deputy have been forwarded to them, and we are awaiting their responses,” the statement said.

The lawmakers stressed that they would not be intimidated by threats or blackmail, adding that they are committed to discharging their constitutional responsibilities.

While thanking residents of the state for their prayers and support, the Assembly also urged the public to disregard what it described as deliberate attempts by some individuals and media platforms to misinform the public and create tension.

The House reaffirmed its resolve to continue the process, declaring that it remains steadfast in upholding democracy and the rule of law in Rivers State.

HORROR IN OGUN: Man Stabs Wife to Death Before Kids, Then Kills Self

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Olajumoke Sanusi

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January 10, 2026

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Tragedy struck at River Valley Estate, Ogun State, after a man, Ayoola Ayanwale, allegedly stabbed his wife, Ganiyat, to death in the presence of their children before later committing suicide.

Ganiyat, a mother of three, was attacked inside their home on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Neighbours said she was repeatedly stabbed after an argument, as her children screamed for help. Bleeding profusely, she managed to stagger outside the house where neighbours rushed her to Gifted Hands Hospital.

She was pronounced dead at about 8:30 p.m. Doctors confirmed that the stab wounds, including injuries close to her lungs, caused severe internal damage.

Residents described the deceased’s husband as violent, alleging a history of domestic abuse. Witnesses claimed he locked the children in a room before attacking his wife and later returned to clean blood stains in the apartment before fleeing.

About 12 hours later, Ayanwale was found dying in an open field in Sotubo area of the state. He was later confirmed dead in what police suspect to be suicide. Items recovered at the scene included a bottle containing a suspected liquid, two mobile phones, and personal identification cards.

Confirming the incident, Ogun State Police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the command was aware of the case and investigations were ongoing.

The brutal incident has left three children orphaned, once again highlighting the deadly consequences of domestic violence.

Back Bandits, Face Fire! — Defence Minister Issues Stern Warning to Terror Backers

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Roland Edet

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January 10, 2026

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Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), has issued a tough warning to Nigerians still aiding bandits, kidnappers, insurgents and other criminal elements, declaring that the Federal Government will come after anyone found supporting them.

Musa said President Bola Tinubu has given the armed forces and security agencies full backing to hunt down criminals and their collaborators across the country.

“The friend of a thief is a thief. If you are found supporting terrorists or bandits and you meet them on the battlefield, whatever happens to them will happen to you,” the defence minister warned.

He urged law-abiding citizens to support security agencies by providing timely information, stressing that intelligence from the public remains crucial in winning the fight against insecurity.

The minister spoke at the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2026 Golf Tournament held at the TYB Golf Resort, Yar’Adua Barracks, Abuja. He said the annual celebration was meant to honour fallen heroes and appreciate personnel still serving, assuring Nigerians of the military’s commitment to peace and stability.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, also said President Tinubu has mandated the armed forces to restore peace nationwide. He called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.

“Security is everybody’s business. The armed forces are always ready to act, but we need the support of Nigerians,” Oluyede said.

The military chiefs reaffirmed their resolve to intensify operations against criminals, urging citizens to stand firmly with the armed forces to make Nigeria safer.

NO NEED FOR IMPORTS! — IPMAN Backs Dangote, Slams Fuel Shipments

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Roland Edet

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January 10, 2026

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The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has kicked against the continued importation of petrol, insisting that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has enough capacity to meet Nigeria’s fuel needs.

IPMAN also dismissed reports linking a spike in fuel imports in November 2025 to alleged supply failures by Dangote Refinery, describing such claims as false and misleading.

National President of IPMAN, Abubakar Maigandi Shettima, said marketers have enjoyed steady and reliable supply since Dangote Refinery began operations, stressing that there has been no disruption whatsoever.

“Our members fully support Dangote Refinery. Since supply commenced, marketers have lifted products without complaints. Dangote can meet the entire PMS demand of the country, so continued importation is unnecessary,” Shettima declared.

He added that the refinery’s decision to sell directly to marketers and deliver products to filling stations has improved availability nationwide, eased supply pressure and boosted confidence in locally refined fuel.

Backing IPMAN’s position, Dangote Petroleum Refinery also debunked claims that any supply agreement with marketers had collapsed. The refinery described the reports as baseless, saying its operations were structured to meet rising demand and improve efficiency in the downstream sector.

According to the refinery, PMS supply to marketers began in October 2025 with 600 million litres, increased to 900 million litres in November and further expanded to 1.5 billion litres in December.

It disclosed that since December 16, 2025, between 31 million and 48 million litres of petrol have been loaded daily from its gantry, depending on market demand.

To widen access, Dangote Refinery reduced minimum purchase volumes to 250,000 litres and introduced a 10-day credit facility backed by bank guarantees, a move aimed at supporting small and medium marketers and cutting dependence on imported fuel.

The refinery explained that the November import surge was due to import licences approved by the former leadership of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and not linked to any failure on its part.

Reaffirming its commitment, Dangote Refinery pledged to sustain local supply, support fair competition, conserve foreign exchange and help stabilise petrol prices across the country.

Ogoni Oil at Risk: MOSOP Warns Impeachment Threatens $30m Daily Revenue

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Roland Edet

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January 10, 2026

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The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has warned that the impeachment move against Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, could derail the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoni, costing the Federal Government over $30 million daily in revenue.

MOSOP raised the alarm in a statement issued in Port Harcourt by its President, Fegalo Nsuke, saying the escalating political crisis could scare away investors and threaten the fragile peace needed for oil exploration to resume in the area.

According to Nsuke, Ogoni has the capacity to produce about 500,000 barrels of oil per day, translating to more than $30 million in daily revenue, but warned that no investor would commit funds in an atmosphere of political instability.

“If the Federal Government taps 500,000 barrels of oil daily from Ogoni, we are talking about over $30 million every day. But with this political crisis, which investor will want to put money in such an environment?” he asked.

Nsuke described the impeachment proceedings initiated by the Rivers State House of Assembly as ill-timed and capable of undermining the mediation efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had earlier intervened in the political crisis in the state.

He said pushing ahead with the impeachment despite presidential intervention sends a wrong signal locally and internationally, and could damage Nigeria’s image.

“Going ahead with this impeachment is not only an embarrassment to the mediation efforts of Mr President, it also questions his influence and paints the country in bad light before the international community,” Nsuke said.

The MOSOP leader therefore called on the Rivers State House of Assembly to halt the impeachment process in the interest of peace, national image and economic growth.

He recalled that previous tensions between the Assembly and the governor had led to their suspension before presidential intervention restored calm, stressing that renewed hostilities barely months later were unnecessary and counterproductive.

Nsuke urged all parties to embrace dialogue and stability to safeguard Ogoni’s economic future and Nigeria’s expected oil revenue gains.

Panic in Oyo Community as Police Confirm Bandits’ Threat Notes, Begin Probe

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Akeem Adebayo

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January 10, 2026

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Tension gripped Ikoyi-Ile community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on Saturday as the police confirmed the discovery of alleged bandits’ threat notes, triggering fear of an impending attack.

The Oyo State Police Command said it has launched an investigation to ascertain the source and intent of the warning messages, which reportedly threatened an attack on the town.

Ikoyi-Ile, one of the communities in Oriire Local Government Area, has been on edge following the incident, especially as the council recently recorded the killing of five forest guards near the Old Oyo National Park.

Findings revealed that two different threat notes, allegedly written by suspected bandits, were dropped at the front and back of a building in the community.

The notes reportedly warned residents of a planned attack scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

One of the notes, handwritten in Yoruba and without any address or signature, was titled “Lati Odo Bandit.” It allegedly warned residents to prepare for the attackers’ arrival, threatening hardship and violence.

The second note, written in English, read in part: “Bandit information. See, now, three days we work for you. We said you in Ikoyi-Ile is the government that sent us. Wait for us.”

Although the authenticity of the notes and their link to bandit groups are yet to be confirmed, the messages have sparked widespread panic and anxiety among residents.

Confirming the development, the Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the individual who discovered the notes is currently being debriefed.

He said the Command has commenced a full-scale investigation to uncover the origin and motive behind the threat notes.

“The individual who allegedly discovered the said notes is undergoing debriefing, while the Command has launched a full-scale investigation to determine the origin and intent of the note,” Ayanlade said.

The police spokesperson urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies, assuring that adequate measures are being taken to ensure the safety of lives and property in the area.

Court Halts Resident Doctors’ Planned Strike

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Toyin Adebayo

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January 9, 2026

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The National Industrial Court in Abuja has stopped the National Association of Resident Doctors from embarking on its planned strike scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2026.

Justice E.D. Subilim, on Friday, issued an interim order restraining NARD, its members and agents from calling, organising or participating in any form of industrial action, including strikes, work stoppages, go-slows and picketing.

The court also barred the association from taking any steps preparatory to industrial action pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice fixed for January 21, 2026.

The suit was filed by the Attorney General of the Federation and the Federal Government of Nigeria against NARD, its President, Mohammed Suleiman, and Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim.

NARD had earlier threatened to commence a nationwide strike on January 12 over unresolved issues with the Federal Government.

INEC Draws Battle Line for 2027, Insists on Rule of Law, Early Preparation

By

Olajumoke Sanusi

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January 9, 2026

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rolled out its roadmap for the 2027 General Election, stressing early planning, strict adherence to the rule of law and the conduct of elections that are free, fair, credible and inclusive.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, said the commission is strengthening its leadership capacity, operational systems and institutional cohesion to meet rising public expectations ahead of the polls.

Amupitan spoke on Friday, January 9, 2026, at the opening of a two-day Induction and Strategic Retreat for newly appointed National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Lagos.

He explained that although the 2027 General Election is INEC’s main focus, the commission must first successfully conduct other major elections, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections in February 2026 and the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.

According to him, these elections will serve as testing grounds for voter register management, logistics and the deployment of election technology such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

The INEC boss outlined five non-negotiable principles guiding the commission’s work: elections free from interference, fairness to all political parties and candidates, credibility at national and international levels, transparency at every stage of the process, and inclusivity to ensure no eligible voter is disenfranchised.

He also drew attention to the growing number of young, first-time voters ahead of 2027, describing them as digitally savvy citizens with high expectations for transparency and accountability.

“To earn their trust, our systems must be inclusive, technologically sound and beyond reproach,” Amupitan said, adding that credible elections in 2027 would strengthen long-term confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

On the legal framework, the INEC chairman assured Nigerians that the commission would continue to operate strictly within the Electoral Act, 2022, and any amendments, warning that violations of established procedures would attract sanctions.

He disclosed that the retreat is built around 17 critical thematic areas, including logistics, Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), election security, political party regulation, campaign finance transparency, result management, and the training and welfare of election personnel.

Amupitan said the engagement would also expose new commissioners and RECs to INEC’s institutional structure, ethical standards, legal framework and election timelines, while allowing experienced officials to share lessons from past elections.

Earlier, Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ayobami Salami, welcomed participants, describing the retreat as a key step in INEC’s institutional development.

Salami said the programme provides room for reflection, strategic alignment and consolidation at a time of heightened public expectations of the electoral process.

Also speaking, Director of Planning and Monitoring, Mrs Helen Ajayi, said the retreat aims to familiarise new commission members with INEC’s legal and administrative architecture while encouraging experience sharing among state-level election managers.

She noted that insights from the retreat would help improve election planning, logistics and credibility ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Wike Preaches Unity in Rivers, Hints at 2027 Political Fix

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Toyin Adebayo

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January 9, 2026

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on leaders and stakeholders in Rivers State to embrace unity as the sure path to development, insisting that progress can only thrive where there is oneness of purpose.

Wike made the call on Friday during his ongoing “thank you” visit to Andoni Local Government Area of the state, where he noted that unity among leaders had continued to bring growth and dividends of democracy to the area.

According to the former Rivers governor, Andoni’s experience shows that when leaders work together, development follows, urging political actors at both local and state levels to remain united for the overall interest of the people.

“Unity is what has brought development to Andoni. If our leaders continue to work together, more development will surely come,” Wike said.

He disclosed that politicians in Rivers State have closed ranks under the “Renewed Hope Family,” also known as the Rainbow Coalition, to ensure the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

“In Rivers State, we are no longer talking about party politics. What we have is a Rainbow Coalition under the Renewed Hope Family, working for a common interest,” he said.

Wike reminded the people that their support for President Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election had already begun to yield positive results, urging them to repeat the feat in 2027.

“You supported Tinubu in 2023 and today we are seeing the benefits. Do the same in 2027,” he urged.

On state politics, Wike hinted that steps would be taken at the appropriate time to correct what he described as the mistakes made in 2023.

Also speaking, the member representing Andoni in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Ofiks Kagbang, praised Wike for his numerous interventions in the constituency, assuring him of the people’s continued loyalty.

“I am an Ijaw son and I want to let you know that Ijaw people are grateful people. The mistake in Government House will be corrected when the time comes,” Kagbang said.

Earlier, Chairman of Andoni Local Government Council, Mr Prince Otuo, told the minister that he had united party leaders in the area to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Otuo thanked Wike for the projects, employment opportunities and support extended to Andoni during his tenure as governor, pledging the council’s continued backing.

2027: Rivers Safe for Tinubu, Says Wike

Impeachment Storm Rages: Rivers Assembly Stands Ground on Fubara, Deputy

HORROR IN OGUN: Man Stabs Wife to Death Before Kids, Then Kills Self

Back Bandits, Face Fire! — Defence Minister Issues Stern Warning to Terror Backers

NO NEED FOR IMPORTS! — IPMAN Backs Dangote, Slams Fuel Shipments

Ogoni Oil at Risk: MOSOP Warns Impeachment Threatens $30m Daily Revenue

Panic in Oyo Community as Police Confirm Bandits’ Threat Notes, Begin Probe

Court Halts Resident Doctors’ Planned Strike

INEC Draws Battle Line for 2027, Insists on Rule of Law, Early Preparation

Wike Preaches Unity in Rivers, Hints at 2027 Political Fix

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