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Wike Vows Rainbow Coalition Will Secure All Elective Positions in Rivers in 2027

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured that candidates endorsed by his Rainbow Coalition will clinch all elective positions in Rivers State in the 2027 general elections.

Wike made the declaration on Wednesday during his “thank-you” visit to Asari Toru Local Government Area, describing the Rainbow Coalition as a unifying political platform under the Renewed Hope Family, which brings together members of different parties in support of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.

“After Tinubu, the Rainbow Coalition will produce every elective position in Rivers State in 2027. So, if you are not part of this Rainbow Family, forget it,” Wike said.

The minister urged the people to remain steadfast in their support, noting that the gains Rivers residents are currently enjoying stem from their decision to back Tinubu in 2023. He also commended community leaders for their loyalty, emphasising that the risks they took in 2023 are now yielding tangible benefits.

“Continue on this path and you will continue to reap good results. I assure you that I will stand with you at the appropriate time,” Wike added.

The Chairman of Asari Toru Local Government, Mr. Onengiyeofori George, expressed appreciation for Wike’s contributions to the LGA, stressing that the people are united under the Renewed Hope Family.

Similarly, Chief Michael West, representing Asari Toru Constituency II in the State Assembly, commended Wike for rallying support for Tinubu and for facilitating the emergence of an Ijaw governor in the state—the first since Nigeria returned to democratic rule.

West pledged the continued support of the people, declaring their readiness to follow Wike in future political endeavours.

The visit underscores Wike’s ongoing mobilisation efforts in Rivers State as political stakeholders position for the 2027 elections.

Deliver Tinubu in Your States, Nwuche Urges Politicians

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

Chairman of the South-South Development Commission, Chibudom Nwuche, has called on politicians across the country who claim to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate their loyalty by delivering their respective states for his re-election in 2027.

Nwuche made the appeal on Wednesday during a “thank you” visit by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, to Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives emphasised that politics is essentially local, cautioning outsiders to steer clear of Rivers State’s internal political matters.

“Politics is local. Those who want to prove their love for the President should go back to their states and show their political strength. Rivers State has its peculiar political dynamics that outsiders may not fully understand,” he said.

Describing Rivers as a political family, Nwuche stressed that loyalty, unity, and collective action are crucial for sustaining leadership, warning that division undermines gratitude and cohesion.

“When a leader takes a decision, the least the team can do is to stand together. Gratitude is not shown by breaking ranks,” he added.

Nwuche commended Wike for his foresight in mobilising Rivers people to support Tinubu’s presidential bid and Siminalayi Fubara’s governorship candidacy during the 2023 elections. He, however, expressed disappointment over Fubara’s performance, noting that many stakeholders supported the governorship choice largely out of trust in Wike’s leadership.

He also lauded Wike’s developmental record, revealing that over 22 projects were executed in Ahoada East alone under his administration—a feat he described as unmatched by any governor since 1999.

“No governor in Rivers State has made the kind of impact witnessed during your tenure. Wherever you go, we will go with you,” Nwuche said.

Speaking to the residents, Wike said the visit was aimed at appreciating their support during the 2023 elections and mobilising them ahead of the 2027 polls. He assured the people that leadership challenges confronting the state would be addressed, urging them to remain steadfast in backing President Tinubu.

Won’t Regret Supporting Tinubu, Fubara an Ungrateful Child – Wike

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has declared that he has no regrets backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and will continue to support him, describing Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as a “bad and ungrateful child.”

Wike spoke on Wednesday during his ongoing “thank you” tour of Asa Local Government Area, as part of his visits across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State.

The former Rivers State governor said the visit was to appreciate the people for their steadfast support during the difficult period of the 2023 presidential election, noting that loyalty and gratitude remain the bedrock of enduring political relationships.

“Today, we are here to say thank you because you have always stood with us. No matter how tough it looked, you always came through with success. Now that all forces have come together and are united, we can sleep with our eyes closed, knowing that all is well,” Wike said.

He explained that it would have been wrong to return to the area without expressing appreciation, stressing that his political family does not take loyalty for granted.

“We are not ungrateful people. When people do good for us, we always come back to say thank you. Once you support us, we will never forget you,” he added.

Recalling the uncertainty that trailed the 2023 presidential election, Wike said the decision to support Tinubu was a bold political risk that has since yielded positive results.

“In life, you must take risks. In 2023, we did not know what would happen, but we took a decision. By God’s grace, that decision has paid off,” he said.

The FCT minister commended political leaders, elected officials and grassroots supporters in Asari-Toru LGA for their loyalty over the years, noting that gratitude remains central to political success and stability.

He maintained that leadership mistakes could only be resolved through accountability and corrective action, not propaganda or political confrontation.

“When a man makes a mistake and comes back to say, ‘I am sorry,’ the mistake can be corrected. No shouting, no propaganda can solve problems. Only accountability and correction can,” Wike stated.

Downplaying party affiliations, Wike said his political movement transcends party lines, describing it as a broad-based coalition.

“Here, we are not talking about party politics. What we have is a family a rainbow coalition. If you are not part of this family, forget it,” he said.

Wike thanked the people of Asari-Toru Local Government Area for their overwhelming support and assured them of his continued commitment to their welfare and the overall development of Rivers State, while praying for God’s blessings on the community.

CSOs Urge Tinubu to Redeploy Matawalle, Say Move Will Boost Confidence in Anti-Terror War

By
Roland Edet
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A coalition of civil society organisations has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to redeploy the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, saying the move would strengthen public confidence and deepen trust in the ongoing war against terrorism.

The group, operating under the banner of the Coalition of Nigerian Civil Societies Against Terrorism, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during a press conference, stressing that its position was not driven by personal or partisan considerations.

According to the coalition, redeploying Matawalle from the Defence Ministry would not amount to condemnation but would serve as a preventive and confidence-building measure in the national interest.

Convener of the coalition, Barrister Marvin Ibem, said the continued stay of the Minister of State for Defence in the ministry had become a source of public anxiety, at a time when national unity and trust were critical to defeating terrorism.

“Terrorism is not a partisan issue; it is a national threat. Mr President deserves the support of all well-meaning Nigerians in addressing it,” Ibem said.

He explained that the coalition’s position was informed by recommendations contained in a recent Assessment Report on the Ongoing War Against Terrorism in Nigeria, presented by the United World Congress of Diplomats in collaboration with the International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration.

Ibem said the coalition was calling on President Tinubu to act in the overriding interest of national security by insulating the Defence Ministry from all forms of suspicion, whether real or perceived, and ensuring that sensitive security responsibilities were handled by officials whose credibility inspired public confidence.

“Such a decision will reassure Nigerians, strengthen public confidence and protect the gains already recorded in the war against terrorism,” he said, adding that the fight against insurgency could not afford complacency, internal doubts or divided trust.

He noted that Nigerians across the country were increasingly worried, not about the commitment of the Armed Forces, but about the possibility that internal weaknesses could undermine operational success.

“In counter-terrorism operations, confidence, secrecy and absolute loyalty to strategy are non-negotiable. Where there is widespread suspicion, rightly or wrongly, there is fear that strategic plans may be exposed,” Ibem warned.

The coalition, however, commended President Tinubu for demonstrating political will and seriousness in confronting terrorism and banditry, citing ongoing security sector reforms, strengthened military leadership and international cooperation.

Reaffirming its support for the President, the group said its call for redeployment was purely in the interest of national security.

“We have nothing personal against the Minister of State for Defence. This is not partisan politics. The security of Nigeria must never be sacrificed on the altar of political convenience,” the coalition said.

FG Applauds Dangote Cement for Transforming Benue Host Communities with Water, Skills, Scholarships

By
Grace Itodu
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The Federal Government has commended Dangote Cement Plc for making measurable and sustainable impacts in its Gboko host communities in Benue State through the execution of critical community-based projects.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, gave the commendation at the commissioning of Dangote Cement’s multi-million-naira water projects, scholarship awards and youth skill acquisition programme in the area.

Represented by the Assistant Director of Mines and Environmental Compliance in Benue State, Mrs. Adijatu Usman, the minister said the company had fulfilled its obligations under the Community Development Agreement (CDA), a Federal Government policy that mandates mining companies to reinvest part of their profits in host communities.

Alake noted that Dangote Cement had delivered several people-oriented projects across its host communities, stressing that the initiatives were designed and implemented based on the needs identified by the communities themselves.

“These projects are a fallout of Federal Government policy requiring mining companies to give back to their host communities. We engaged extensively with the six host communities, and these projects are certified community-based projects agreed upon by the people,” he said.

He urged the communities to take ownership of the projects, protect them and ensure their sustainability, noting that such collective responsibility would enhance economic development and promote sustainable mining operations.

The minister also commended the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for partnering with Dangote Cement in supervising the youth skill acquisition programme, describing the collaboration as key to empowering local youths.

Speaking at the commissioning and handover ceremony, Head of Social Performance at Dangote Cement Plant, Gboko, Dr. Johnson Kor, said the projects were targeted at communities facing acute challenges in access to potable water.

According to him, the projects—comprising motorised and solar-powered boreholes—were part of the first-year deliverables under the five-year CDA signed between Dangote Cement, the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the host communities.

“These are communities that struggle with water supply and often rely on streams and rivers despite their proximity to River Benue. We felt it was necessary to intervene, and the joy we see today confirms that this intervention is impactful,” Kor said.

He added that other projects, including electricity infrastructure, were ongoing and would be completed in due course.

The boreholes were commissioned in Pass Brother, Mbaakpoghol-Mbatyu, Mbaswa-Mbatser and Agboghol-Amua communities.

District Head of Mbaakpoghol-Mbatyu, Chief Kunav Anum, expressed gratitude to Dangote Cement, describing the project as a pleasant surprise to the community.

“We are very happy and grateful. Dangote Cement has supported us before with electricity, and we assure the company of our continued support,” the monarch said.

In a statement, Dangote Cement disclosed that its scholarship fund for host communities had been reviewed upward to ₦28.8 million and expanded to cover all six host communities in line with the CDA.

The company added that it had also executed and continued to implement other empowerment initiatives, including Women, Farmers and Youth Empowerment Programmes, all aimed at improving livelihoods and fostering inclusive development in its host communities.

COAS Meets Babangida, Abdulsalami, Niger Gov, Vows Tougher Security Push

By
Saladin Babagana
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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Tuesday paid courtesy visits to former Heads of State, Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as the Niger State Government, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to enhanced security and stronger collaboration nationwide.

During the visits, Gen. Shaibu assured national leaders and the Niger State Government of the Army’s resolve to improve operational effectiveness, deepen cooperation with state authorities and tackle emerging security threats.

In a statement, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the COAS briefed the former leaders on ongoing reforms within the Nigerian Army, including efforts to strengthen training, doctrine and operational readiness across all formations.

According to the statement, the Army Chief explained that training exercises are currently ongoing in various institutions to ensure troops receive practical, mission-driven instruction, while also assessing combat units to identify operational gaps that may require additional personnel or new formations.

Speaking on Niger State, Gen. Shaibu described the state as strategically important due to its vast landmass, noting that the Army was deploying resources and technology to address security challenges.

“We are consolidating all available resources and leveraging technology to address security challenges effectively. Niger State holds a special place in our history and is regarded, in many ways, as home,” he said.

He also disclosed that he had visited the 31st, 11th and 18th Brigades in Bida to assess operational needs and deploy support to curb recent insecurity in the state.

Responding, Generals Babangida and Abdulsalami commended the COAS for his professionalism, dedication and vision, congratulating him on his appointment and offering prayers for wisdom and success as he leads the Army through current security challenges.

At the Niger State Government House, Deputy Governor Dr. Yakubu Garba, who represented Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, praised the Nigerian Army for its proactive role in supporting the state’s security architecture.

Garba acknowledged existing security challenges but expressed confidence that sustained collaboration with the Army would restore peace and stability across the state.

“With the partnership of the Nigerian Army, we are confident that we will overcome current challenges and protect lives and communities,” he said.

The visits underscore the Nigerian Army’s renewed push for operational excellence, inter-governmental collaboration and the safeguarding of national security.

2027: ADC Returns to Grassroots, Sets Up 20-Man Membership Revalidation Committee

By
Roland Edet
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0

 

In a decisive move to reposition ahead of the 2027 presidential election, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has launched a nationwide membership registration and revalidation exercise, signalling a renewed focus on grassroots mobilisation and internal restructuring.

The initiative was formally flagged off on Wednesday in Abuja with the inauguration of a 20-member Membership, Revalidation, Mobilisation and Registration (MRMR) Committee, tasked with admitting new members, sanitising existing records and harmonising the party’s membership database nationwide.

The committee is chaired by Kashim Imam, with activist Aisha Yesufu as Deputy Chairman, while Dr. Sekonte Davies will serve as Secretary.

Inaugurating the committee, ADC National Chairman and former Senate President, Senator David Mark, described the exercise as a critical milestone in rebuilding the party from its base and strengthening its internal cohesion.

Mark said the revalidation drive was more than a routine administrative exercise, noting that the party’s founding ideals of justice, equity, accountability and people-centred governance could only thrive on a credible and verifiable membership structure.

According to him, the committee was constituted following a resolution of the National Working Committee (NWC), prompted by the urgent need to revalidate members across the country, register new entrants, intensify mobilisation and harmonise party records.

“Membership is the lifeblood of any political party. Without a strong, active and verifiable membership base, national relevance and electoral success are impossible,” Mark said.

He explained that the committee would oversee fresh registrations, supervise a nationwide revalidation exercise and design both electronic and manual registration platforms to ensure transparency and credibility.

Mark added that the committee would also harmonise existing membership data, eliminate irregularities and strengthen party structures through proper integration of members.

He disclosed that newly introduced ADC membership cards would be customised by state and embedded with security features to enhance transparency and trust in the process.

Urging committee members to discharge their duties with integrity, fairness and impartiality, Mark stressed that the exercise was aimed at promoting unity and inclusion, not exclusion. He directed the committee to work closely with state and local party leaders and submit an interim report to the NWC within 30 days.

Responding on behalf of the committee, Chairman Kashim Imam pledged diligence, transparency and selfless service, describing the inauguration as the beginning of a new chapter for the ADC.

Imam said the assignment reflected the premium the party placed on grassroots mobilisation, adding that the committee would work to rebuild the ADC as a people-driven movement.

According to him, the focus would be on inclusive membership, particularly among the poor and marginalised, stressing that Nigeria’s abundant resources should not coexist with widespread poverty.

He assured that members of the committee would mobilise and register Nigerians across urban centres, rural communities, creeks and deserts, noting that work had already commenced ahead of the 30-day deadline for submitting its report.

No Budget, Illegal Spending: Fubara Running Rivers Without Approval — Ewor

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

A former Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Robinson Ewor, has raised the alarm that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is running the state without a legally approved 2026 budget, describing the situation as illegal and dangerous for governance.

Ewor made the allegation on Wednesday in Ahoada East Local Government Area during a “thank-you” visit by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

According to him, Rivers State currently has no appropriated budget for the 2026 fiscal year, insisting that any expenditure of public funds without the approval of the State House of Assembly amounts to illegality.

“Rivers State has no budget for 2026. Any money being spent without legislative approval is illegal,” Ewor declared.

He blamed the situation on the lack of cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government, stressing that governance cannot thrive where there is no synergy among the three arms of government.

Although the Rivers State Executive Council reportedly approved a ₦1.85 trillion budget proposal on January 2, Ewor said the document has not been forwarded to the House of Assembly for debate and passage.

He linked the development to the lingering political crisis in the state, which earlier forced President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in March 2025, before it was lifted in September of the same year.

Earlier, Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Council, Solomon Ochoma, praised Wike for his grassroots approach to governance, saying the visit would strengthen unity and development in the area.

Also speaking, the lawmaker representing Ahoada East I Constituency, Queen Williams, thanked Wike for empowering women during his tenure as governor, assuring him of continued support.

In his remarks, Wike said the visit was to appreciate the people for supporting President Bola Tinubu in 2023 and to mobilise them ahead of the 2027 elections.

He accused his successor of abandoning key projects and halting job programmes initiated under his administration, describing Governor Fubara as an ungrateful leader.

Wike urged Rivers people to continue to align with what he called progressive leadership for the sustained development of the state.

Ex-FCTA Development Control Boss, Mukhtar Galadima, Dumps Neutrality for APC in Taraba

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

A former Director of Development Control at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), TPL Mukhtar Galadima, has joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State.

Galadima officially registered with the ruling party on Monday at the APC secretariat in Ibi, headquarters of Ibi Local Government Area, where he pledged loyalty to the party and commitment to its manifesto.

Recently retired as Director of Development Control, Galadima was reappointed as Senior Special Adviser on Development Control to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. He said his decision to venture into partisan politics was driven by persistent calls from the people of Ibi Local Government Area to join the APC, whose ideals, he noted, align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

Describing himself as an obedient son of the soil, Galadima said he could not ignore the collective will and aspirations of his people.

He highlighted several contributions made to Ibi and Wukari Local Government Areas during his years in public service, including securing employment opportunities for youths, empowering women and youth groups, and providing solar-powered boreholes to various communities.

Other interventions, he said, include support for Islamic and Christian religious bodies, the ongoing construction of a hospital in Ibi, and active participation in key stakeholder meetings aimed at driving development in the Ibi–Wukari axis.

In his remarks, the APC Chairman in Ibi Local Government Area, Mallam Shaibu Samaila, thanked Galadima for heeding the call of the people and choosing the APC as his political platform.

Samaila said Galadima made the right choice, describing the APC as the most popular and acceptable party in Nigeria and particularly in Taraba State. He called on party members to give maximum support and cooperation to ensure the party’s continued success.

Highlights of the event included the presentation of Galadima’s APC membership card, chanting of party slogans and a rally through major streets of Ibi town.

Despite the short notice, hundreds of party loyalists and residents turned out to welcome Galadima, cheering his convoy as it toured the town in a show of support.

Wike to Rivers Voters: Re-Elect Tinubu in 2027 to Sustain Unprecedented Federal Gains The

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has appealed to the people of Rivers State to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 to consolidate the remarkable progress the state is currently enjoying under the present administration.

Wike issued the call on Tuesday during his “thank you” tour to Degema Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State.

Highlighting the extraordinary federal attention Rivers has received, including massive infrastructure projects, strategic appointments, and significant human capital investments, Wike declared that “Rivers people have never had it this good.”

He urged residents to sustain their support for Tinubu to protect and expand these achievements, noting that the state’s elevated status has drawn envy from other regions.

“Supporting President Tinubu’s re-election will take Rivers to even greater heights,” Wike stressed, while explaining that the visit was to appreciate the people’s steadfast backing and encourage them to repeat their strong showing in 2027.

In response, the member representing Degema in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr. Peter Abe, praised Wike for his visionary leadership, stating that communities statewide benefited immensely from the minister’s efforts in 2023.

Abe assured Wike of the people’s full readiness to follow his direction in 2027.

Degema LGA Council Chairman, Michael Williams, also pledged unwavering support, affirming that every community structure in the area would mobilise for Tinubu’s second term.

Williams emphasised that Wike’s bold decision to back Tinubu in 2023 has delivered tangible development to Rivers, adding that re-electing the President is crucial to maintaining and building on that momentum.

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