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Wike Leads Reconciliation Meeting With Fubara, Amaewhule and Rivers Elders

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PORT HARCOURT, Oct. 6, 2025 — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike hosted a closed-door reconciliation meeting with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Speaker Martins Amaewhule and top state elders on Saturday night in Port Harcourt, officials said Monday. The meeting is part of efforts to heal a long-running political rift in the state and restore unity ahead of the 2027 election cycle.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The gathering took place at the residence of Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, chairman of the Rivers State Elders Council. Sources who spoke to reporters said the meeting ran into the early hours of Sunday and drew a wide group of political leaders, former officials and federal appointees from Rivers State.

Wike convened the parley as part of a push to show that the state’s political family is united after months of tension that at one point prompted federal intervention. The meeting, attendees said, was aimed at consolidating peace, resolving outstanding grievances and laying the groundwork for closer cooperation among party leaders.

Participants included the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule; several senators and members of the Rivers caucus in the National Assembly; former attorneys-general of the state; and prominent party officials. A spokesman for the FCT minister shared photographs of the meeting on social media and described the gathering as a sign that “the political family is fully united.”

A key issue reportedly discussed was the future of Edison Ehie, the governor’s chief of staff, whose return to the office was widely reported to have been foreclosed by elders during the talks. Sources told reporters that Governor Fubara was advised to consult further with elders, lawmakers and the state party leadership before making wider personnel decisions.

Although the meeting did not produce a public statement detailing specific agreements, attendees said it created space for further consultations and paved the way for Governor Fubara to submit a fresh list of commissioner nominees to the state assembly. Observers said the outcome suggests an incremental, managed approach to reconciliation rather than a single sweeping settlement.

Political analysts in Port Harcourt described the meeting as significant because it brought together previously divided camps around a respected group of elders. “Elders’ councils often play a stabilizing role in state politics,” said a Rivers-based political consultant who asked not to be named. “This meeting shows leaders are choosing consultation over confrontation right now.” (Analysis provided for context; not part of primary reporting.)

Tension in Rivers State dates back to disagreements that followed the 2023 election and intensified over the past two years. That rift led to clashes between supporters of Wike and Fubara, a polarized state assembly and, at one point, a federal state of emergency and temporary federal oversight. The weekend talks come after Fubara’s return from suspension and President Bola Tinubu’s earlier efforts to encourage a truce.

Leaders who attended see reconciliation as important both for local governance and for the Peoples Democratic Party’s standing in the South-South region. Some federal appointees from Rivers were also present, signaling interest beyond state politics in a stable outcome. Observers say any sustained peace will depend on follow-up meetings, clear timelines for outstanding decisions and buy-in from lawmakers and grassroots leaders.

There was no immediate comment from Governor Fubara’s office Sunday night beyond confirmation that he attended. Wike’s media aide posted photos and called the gathering a sign of unity; details remained limited as leaders said they preferred private consultations for now. Reporters will seek direct comments from the principal offices as officials make further announcements.

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BREAKING: Oyo Budget Commissioner Resigns From Makinde’s Cabinet.

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The Oyo State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Ayobami Ojo, has resigned from his position in Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Ojo announced his decision in a letter dated Monday, November 2, 2026, addressed to the governor through the Secretary to the State Government.

In the letter, the commissioner stated that his resignation would take immediate effect, making reference to his appointment letter dated June 22, 2026.

“With reference to your letter dated 22nd June, 2026 (SP.S.662/2/VOL.IV/192), I respectfully write to formally resign my appointment as Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, with effect from today, 2nd November, 2026,” the letter read.

Ojo also expressed gratitude to Makinde for giving him the opportunity to serve the state, describing his time in office as a privilege and an honour.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation for the opportunity to serve our dear State under the administration of Your Excellency. Serving the Government and the good people of Oyo State has been a great honour that I do not take lightly,” he wrote.

The former commissioner, however, did not disclose the reason behind his decision to leave the cabinet.

His resignation is the latest in a series of departures from the Makinde administration.

Others who have previously resigned include the governor’s Executive Assistant on Security Coordination, Kabiru Salami; former Chief of Staff, Segun Ogunwuyi; and the Director-General of the Oyo State Due Process Office, Tara Adefope.

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2027: ‘Peter Obi Will Break One-Term Agreement’ – Sambo Raises Alarm.

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Arise News Political Editor, Sumner Sambo, has predicted that the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, will seek a second term if he wins the 2027 presidential election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Sambo made the prediction during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday.

The journalist dismissed claims by some political figures that Obi would serve only one term in office before handing over power to another person.

“Nothing will stop Peter Obi from seeking a second term if he wins. He will betray a one-term pact,” Sambo said.

He argued that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees Obi the right to seek re-election if elected president, adding that no informal agreement could prevent him from exercising that constitutional right.

Sambo further maintained that politicians who secure the presidency generally seek a second term, insisting that Obi would be no exception.

In a related development, former Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has expressed doubts about the willingness of voters in Northern Nigeria to support a presidential ticket featuring Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Baba-Ahmed also cautioned Obi’s supporters, popularly known as Obidients, against attacking him over his position.

The economist made the remarks during an interview with Symfoni TV, explaining that his assessment was informed by his personal experience as Obi’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election.

“First, these people (Obidients) are always eager to attack. I said it is very unlikely that the North will support Peter Obi, very unlikely because I know what I have faced,” he said.

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Finidi Blasts Rangers Over Alleged Time-Wasting Tactics After NPFL Draw.

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Chijioke Mbaoma gave Rivers United the lead in the 17th minute at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium after taking advantage of a defensive mistake. However, Rangers drew level eight minutes into the second half through Godwin Obaje.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Both sides pressed for a decisive goal but were unable to find the breakthrough, settling for a share of the points.

Speaking after the encounter, Rivers United head coach Finidi George accused Rangers players of deliberately disrupting the flow of the game, particularly towards the closing stages.

“They got a draw, and they should not complain,” Finidi said.

“You saw the way the players were falling as if they were not fit, but I wasn’t pleased with their time-wasting tactics.”

The draw left Rivers United and Enugu Rangers level on points at the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) standings, with the Port Harcourt-based side maintaining first place on goal difference.

Meanwhile, Kano Pillars head coach Daniel Ogunmodede praised his players after they secured a 2-0 victory over Nasarawa United at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

Ibrahim Yahaya opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Fabian Nworie added a second in the 65th minute to seal maximum points for the hosts.

The victory extended Kano Pillars’ unbeaten run to three matches and moved them to fourth position with 18 points.

Ogunmodede acknowledged the pressure that comes with playing before the club’s demanding supporters but said their high expectations could serve as motivation for the team.

“Most of the time we play with so much pressure here. Obviously we want to win; our fans want us to win every game. We know what it means when we are leading 2-0, and they still want more. But for me that is the kind of hunger I want from the spectators, from the players. The good thing is that we are adapting gradually to it,” he said.

The coach also attributed the victory to his tactical adjustments, explaining that his decision to use inverted wing-backs during the opening 20 minutes unsettled Nasarawa United’s full-backs and opened up spaces in central areas.

After the break, Pillars altered their approach and focused on exploiting the wide areas. The adjustment created several scoring opportunities, although they failed to increase their advantage.

Ogunmodede described the win as significant for the club’s position on the league table, the players’ confidence and the satisfaction of supporters. He also expressed satisfaction with the team’s clean sheet.

In another Matchday 11 encounter, Katsina United technical adviser Azeez Audu Mohammed praised his players following their 2-1 victory over Sporting Lagos at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.

Luis Dadong scored twice in the 10th and 28th minutes to put the Chanji Boys 2-0 ahead before Aliyu Baba pulled one back for Sporting Lagos in the 65th minute.

Katsina United, however, held on to secure all three points.

Mohammed said defeating a strong opponent was more important than keeping a clean sheet, highlighting Sporting Lagos’ impressive away record.

“It’s not about a clean sheet. The important thing is that we won against a quality side. In 11 matches, they picked up 10 points away from home, so it’s not a small feat for us to beat them,” he told the NPFL media.

The coach also praised his players for executing their instructions but admitted that the team’s defensive organisation declined in the second half.

“I think my boys did well, aside from conceding. We will continue working hard until we get it right,” he said.

“I think we didn’t defend well in the second half. We are going to talk to the defenders on how to do things right. Overall, they did well and played according to instructions because we faced a very good team. The plan was to stop them from playing, which we did.”

Katsina United will next travel to Ozoro to take on Warri Wolves as they seek to build on their Matchday 11 victory.

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