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‘External Forces, Not Fubara, Are Fueling Rivers Turmoil’ – Ihunwo.
Chijioke Ihunwo, former Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, has blamed the lingering political crisis in Rivers State on external interference in the State House of Assembly, insisting that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has committed no offense warranting impeachment.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking on Arise News on Saturday, Ihunwo said the unrest persists despite presidential intervention and emergency measures because certain political actors are determined to control state affairs.
According to Ihunwo, the governor is being pressured by forces that want to limit his constitutional authority.
“Rivers State belongs to all of us, and the people elected a governor to manage its affairs. He was elected on the mandate of the Rivers people, not by anyone else,” he said.
Ihunwo accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory of influencing lawmakers, claiming the Assembly is being instructed on how to act against both the governor and deputy governor. “They want to remove the governor. What offense has he committed? They also want to remove the deputy governor. What is his offense?” he asked.
He argued that many lawmakers have abandoned their constitutional independence, noting that several of them served during previous administrations and would not have attempted such actions under former governors.
“Most of these assembly members were in the ninth assembly under a former governor and the FCT minister. Can they do what they are doing now? They couldn’t. They were afraid even to speak to the governor then,” Ihunwo said.
On the controversy surrounding the 2025 budget, Ihunwo explained that a valid appropriation already exists. “The budget was prepared by the administrator, submitted to the President, returned to the National Assembly, and approved as a working document for the people of Rivers. The governor continued from where it left off, but the Assembly insists on a supplementary budget,” he said.
Ihunwo warned that the political instability is hurting the state’s economy, discouraging investors, and shifting economic activity to neighboring states.
“Since this crisis began, investors are wary. People are scared, and economic activity is moving to other states. This is harming the economy of Rivers people,” he said.
He described the crisis as driven by personal ambition and greed, accusing a former governor of attempting to control state affairs from behind the scenes.
“No one man can own Rivers State. The governor is working to maintain peace while fulfilling his duties, but some individuals are trying to manipulate the system for personal gain,” Ihunwo said.
Rejecting claims of any binding political agreement between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Ihunwo stressed that no private arrangement can override the will of the electorate. “Any agreement must involve the people, not just one individual,” he said.
He repeatedly described Governor Fubara as a peaceful leader exercising restraint under pressure. “The governor has a conscience and prioritizes peace in Rivers State,” Ihunwo added.
Appealing directly to President Bola Tinubu, Ihunwo urged decisive intervention, noting that most lawmakers are acting out of fear rather than conviction.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Ihunwo said Rivers people remain politically stable and supportive of both President Tinubu and Governor Fubara, dismissing fears that the crisis could weaken the ruling party.
“It is only God that grants authority. Governor Fubara will run for a second term, and there will be peace in Rivers State,” he said.
Ihunwo also issued a broader warning to political parties across Nigeria, urging them to reject godfatherism and respect internal democracy. “Whoever wins primaries should be allowed to contest freely. No one man can dictate who governs,” he said.
The 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, has said Nigerians may need to wait another two to three years before the full impact of the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu becomes evident.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Architect Ahmed Dangiwa has reacted to his removal as Minister of Housing and Urban Development by Bola Tinubu.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a statement issued on Tuesday through his Special Assistant on Media and Strategy, Mark Chieshe, Dangiwa expressed gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his tenure as both a privilege and a call to national duty.
He noted that during his time in office, he contributed to the development of policies and programmes aimed at improving access to affordable housing for Nigerians.
Naija News recalls that President Tinubu earlier relieved him of his position and nominated Muttaqha Rabe Darma as his replacement.
Dangiwa said he was thankful for the confidence reposed in him, adding that his time in office allowed him to play a role in advancing housing initiatives across the country.
He further stated that under the Tinubu administration, the ministry made notable progress in repositioning the housing sector as a driver of economic growth, job creation, and social inclusion.
Among the key achievements he highlighted were the rollout of the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, the strengthening of public-private partnerships in housing delivery, and reforms in land administration and housing finance.
Dangiwa also appreciated members of the Federal Executive Council, stakeholders in the housing sector, development partners, and ministry staff for their support and collaboration.
He added that the collective efforts of all parties helped lay a solid foundation for a more structured and sustainable housing delivery system in Nigeria, while assuring a smooth transition in line with presidential directives.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of the 16-member governing council of the Nigeria Police Academy.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President appointed the Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, as chairman of the council.
The council also includes key officials such as the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, the Inspector-General of Police, and representatives from the Federal Ministries of Education, Finance, and Justice.
In addition, six individuals were appointed to represent the country’s geopolitical zones: Babagana Zannah Adam (North East), Emmanuel Torkuma Manger (North Central), Maigari Abati Dikko (North West), Dubem A. Obaze (South East), Ajibogere Toyin (South West), and Udom Udo Ekpoudom (South South).
The Commandant of the academy, the Provost, and the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of training will serve as ex officio members, while the Registrar of the institution will act as secretary to the council.
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the establishment of a new campus of the Police Academy in Erinja, located in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The approval, also announced by Onanuga, includes a special take-off grant of ₦15 billion for the new campus.
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