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Rivers Assembly Raises Alarm Over Alleged Court Plot to Ground Lawmakers

By
Shehu Danladi
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PORT HARCOURT – The Rivers State House of Assembly has raised the alarm over an alleged plot by individuals linked to the executive arm of government to cripple its legislative duties through a court injunction.

The Assembly said it uncovered moves to secure an ex-parte court order from a High Court outside Port Harcourt Judicial Division to stop lawmakers from performing their constitutional responsibilities.

In a statement issued by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Dr. Enemi Alabo George, the lawmakers described the alleged plot as “dead on arrival,” insisting it violates the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

According to the Assembly, the move runs contrary to Sections 272(3) and 188(10) of the Constitution and existing Court of Appeal judgments on similar matters.

Dr. George said the House had credible information that some persons were shopping for court orders to illegally halt legislative proceedings, despite clear constitutional provisions that bar courts from interfering in such matters.

He urged the governor and deputy governor, who have been served with notices of alleged gross misconduct, to face the issues squarely by responding to the allegations rather than seeking legal shortcuts.

“The Rivers State House of Assembly has received information of plots by certain persons to use some Rivers State High Courts, especially outside the Port Harcourt Judicial Division, to issue ex-parte orders to illegally stop the House from performing its constitutional duties,” George said.

He noted that the Constitution clearly states that issues relating to the tenure of the governor, deputy governor or lawmakers fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, adding that matters relating to impeachment proceedings cannot be entertained by any court.

The lawmakers also referenced recent Court of Appeal pronouncements which nullified similar ex-parte orders issued in Rivers State, warning that those behind the alleged plot were fully aware of the legal implications.

The Assembly called on those involved to exercise restraint and respect the rule of law, stressing that democracy thrives only when constitutional provisions are obeyed.

Lawmakers further warned against the use of proxies to malign the Assembly in the media, insisting that the proper and lawful step is for affected officeholders to respond to the allegations of gross misconduct item by item.

Reaffirming its commitment to the Constitution and democratic principles, the House expressed optimism for peace and stability in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.

Wike Defends Political Choices, Reaffirms Support for Tinubu at Obio/Akpor Rally

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed criticisms of his political alignment, urging detractors not to begrudge him for choosing politics as a vocation and insisting that governance is ultimately driven by interests, power and the will of the electorate.

Wike spoke at the grand finale of his “thank you” tour to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, where a large crowd of supporters gathered to receive him.

Addressing the audience, the former Rivers State governor said his visit was informed by a sense of gratitude to the people for their steadfast support over the years, describing appreciation as a defining element of leadership.

“When people do good to you, you must acknowledge it. Gratitude matters, and that is why I came back to say thank you,” he said.

Wike rejected claims that he was a traitor or impostor, stressing that his political decisions were deliberate and guided by a clear understanding of leadership and loyalty.

“I never said I wanted to be anything else. I chose politics, and politics requires clarity, not emotion,” he said.

He maintained that politics should not be driven by sentiment, but by the collective interests of the people, noting that electoral strength remains the foundation of political power.

“Politics is about interest — the interest of your people. Power is not automatic, and it is not for everyone. Our real power lies in the vote,” he said, adding that no government can endure without the support of the electorate.

Earlier, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, said Wike remained firmly rooted in his home base, describing Obio/Akpor as his strongest political constituency.

Chinda disclosed that Obio/Akpor accounts for over 684,000 of Rivers State’s more than 3.5 million registered voters, stressing that Wike’s political influence in the state remains solid.

He recalled that Wike had mobilised support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, adding that the outcome had validated the decision.

According to him, the people of Obio/Akpor were ready to intensify their support for Tinubu in 2027.

Also speaking, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, assured Wike of the legislature’s continued backing, pledging sustained support for the President’s second-term bid.

The rally, attended by lawmakers, political leaders and supporters from across Rivers State, marked the conclusion of Wike’s statewide appreciation tour and underscored his enduring influence within the state’s political structure ahead of the 2027 general election.

Police Nab ‘One-Chance’ Gang Behind Murder of Abuja Lawyer, Recover Deadly Weapons

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested three notorious “one-chance” armed robbery suspects linked to the brutal murder of Abuja-based legal practitioner, Barrister Princess Chigbo Nwamaka Mediatrix, in a major breakthrough against violent crime in the nation’s capital.

 

The suspects were arrested following a manhunt ordered by the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller Dantawaye, who directed operatives to ensure that all those connected to the killing were swiftly tracked and brought to justice.

 

Police said the arrests were made between January 5 and 10, 2026, by operatives of the Command’s Scorpion Squad, led by ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey, through intelligence-led operations and digital reconstruction that traced the victim’s mobile phone to parts of Kubwa.

 

Those arrested were identified as Saifullahi Yusuf (22), Ishau Yusuf (24) brothers from Kaduna State and Minka’ilu Jibril, also known as Dan-Hajia. The suspects were apprehended at Dei-Dei, Dakwa and Dan-Tata communities in the Kubwa area of the FCT.

 

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of a long-standing “one-chance” robbery syndicate that operates mainly during festive periods within the FCT.

 

According to police, the suspects confessed that on January 5, 2026, at about 5:50pm, the deceased lawyer unknowingly boarded their black Volkswagen Golf 3 along the Kubwa Expressway. After winding up the tinted windows, the suspects allegedly threatened her with weapons and attempted to force her to pay ransom.

Police said when the victim resisted, she was assaulted and pushed out of the moving vehicle, leading to fatal injuries that caused her death.

 

The suspects also admitted dispossessing the victim of her Android mobile phone, which was later sold at Dei-Dei for ₦120,000. Police disclosed that Minka’ilu Jibril received ₦30,000, Saifullahi Yusuf ₦15,000, while Ishau Yusuf and another suspect, Musa, who is currently at large, shared the balance.

 

Items recovered from the suspects include five scissors, two dagger knives, two knives, a long chain used to restrain victims, and a plier, all believed to be tools used in their criminal operations.

 

The FCT Police Command said investigations are ongoing, with efforts intensified to arrest the fleeing suspect and dismantle other criminal networks linked to the syndicate.

 

Commending the operatives for their professionalism, CP Dantawaye reassured residents of the FCT of the Command’s resolve to rid the territory of criminal elements.

 

He urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid boarding suspicious or unregistered vehicles, and promptly report suspicious movements through the police emergency lines: 08032003913 and 07057337653.

Further updates, the police said, will be provided as investigations continue.

FG Begins Final Interviews for Health Fellows Programme, 150,000 Applicants Battle for 774 Slots

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The Federal Government will on Monday, January 12, 2026, begin the final interview stage of the National Health Fellows Programme (NHF) 2.0, following a nationwide selection process that attracted over 150,000 applicants.

The programme, coordinated by the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is designed to produce one health fellow from each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas to support ongoing health sector reforms.

Officials said the fellowship, which targets young Nigerians, aims to build a new cadre of health system leaders who will drive innovation, accountability and community-based interventions at the grassroots.

According to the ministry, the selection process has been transparent and merit-driven, starting with digital screening and multiple stages of shortlisting before the final in-person interviews scheduled to hold across the states.

Each interview panel will include representatives of the World Health Organisation, State Ministries of Health, State Primary Health Care Development Agencies, academia, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, traditional institutions and the SWAp Desk Office.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the programme reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to fairness and excellence in public service recruitment.

“We commend the massive interest shown by young Nigerians. This process is about nation-building and empowering outstanding candidates from every LGA to transform our health system,” Pate said.

Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, described the fellowship as a new model for talent discovery in the health sector, noting that the integrity of the process would ensure only committed candidates are selected.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Kachollom S. Daju, mni, said the programme was institutionalising transparency and excellence in public sector recruitment, adding that the selected fellows would represent the future of Nigeria’s health system.

Successful candidates will undergo a residential national training programme in Abuja before deployment to their respective local government areas.

2027: Rivers Safe for Tinubu, Says Wike

By
Toyin Adebayo
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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

By
Gladys Phillip
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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

By
Olajumoke Sanusi
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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

By
Roland Edet
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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

By
Roland Edet
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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

By
Roland Edet
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0

 

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.

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