The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that he went against his political ally and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretary, Sam Anyanwu, to support the re-election of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Anyanwu was the PDP candidate who challenged Uzodinma in the governorship election, Naija News reports.

Speaking during a media chat in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike said he preferred working with people who were honest and straightforward, while insisting that the Rainbow Coalition would remain active despite opposition.

The minister made the remarks while addressing his disagreement with Uzodinma over the political coalition.

Wike challenged anyone questioning his past relationship with the Imo governor to recall the support he offered during Uzodinma’s second-term bid, despite the fact that the PDP candidate was his party’s national secretary at the time.

He said, “When you see Hope Uzodinma, ask him, when he was going for a second term, did I support him or not?

“I supported Uzodinma against the PDP candidate who was my national secretary.

“Rainbow Coalition has come to stay, and there is nothing anybody can do about it.

“I deal with people who are straightforward.”

The disagreement between the two politicians reportedly followed Uzodinma’s efforts to discourage All Progressives Congress (APC) governors from backing the Rainbow Coalition established by Wike ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike Defends Rainbow Coalition

Meanwhile, Wike has defended the political coalition formed to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, dismissing suggestions that the arrangement could undermine the APC or create divisions among its governors.

The former Rivers State governor made the clarification during the same media engagement in Abuja on Tuesday.

He explained that the Rainbow Coalition was designed to bring together APC members and supporters of Tinubu from other political parties to pursue a common objective.

According to Wike, support for the president’s re-election should not be limited to members of the ruling party, arguing that individuals from different political backgrounds could also contribute to the campaign.

He maintained that the coalition was intended to strengthen support for Tinubu rather than weaken the APC or create political difficulties for its governors.

Wike said, “If you see that word, PBT/APC, it means those who are supporting the president who are not members of the party, together with the party, are working together to achieve that purpose.

“The major thing is Mr President. Whatever we are going to do, whoever has any idea or anything to contribute is to the success of Mr President. That is the whole thing.

“I don’t know what concerns there are. As far as I am concerned, there is no problem.”

The Catholic Diocese of Gboko in Benue State has announced the indefinite closure of its schools, healthcare facilities and parish in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area, following repeated attacks on church properties.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The diocese also ordered the withdrawal of priests, religious personnel, teachers, healthcare workers and other staff, explaining that it could no longer guarantee their safety amid the persistent security concerns.

The decision was announced in a pastoral letter and decree dated October 12, 2026, signed by the Bishop of Gboko Diocese, Most Rev. William A. Avenya, and the diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Wende.

According to the letter, students’ hostels at St. Winifred Secondary School in Ihugh were set ablaze on four separate occasions.

The incidents reportedly occurred on October 28, 2025; May 10 and May 15, 2026; and October 11, 2026.

“Over a considerable period, the Catholic institutions in Ihugh have suffered repeated disturbances, attacks and acts of destruction,” Avenya stated.

The bishop explained that the attacks had destroyed students’ accommodation and damaged years of investment in the institutions, while exposing students, teachers and other workers to significant danger.

He also raised concerns over repeated burglaries at St. Winifred Parish and criminal incidents reported at St. Thomas Hospital.

The pastoral letter further disclosed that some members of the community had displayed placards and chanted slogans demanding the withdrawal of Reverend Sisters during the hospital’s reopening on June 21, 2024.

The diocese described these incidents as part of a recurring pattern of hostility that had created fear among its workers and people who depend on its services.

Avenya said the church had made several efforts to resolve the situation through consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders, government authorities and security agencies.

However, he noted that the engagements had failed to produce the desired outcome, leaving the diocese with no option but to shut down the affected institutions and withdraw its personnel.

The facilities affected by the decision include St. Winifred Secondary School, St. Winifred Nursery and Primary School, St. Thomas Hospital, Salus Mind Care Centre and Hospital Chaplaincy, as well as St. Winifred Parish in Ihugh.

The bishop confirmed that the closures would remain in effect indefinitely.

He added that arrangements would be made to help affected students continue their education at other Catholic institutions.

Similarly, patients who would ordinarily receive treatment at St. Thomas Hospital would be referred to alternative healthcare facilities, while staff members would be redeployed as necessary.

The diocese maintained that the measures were taken to safeguard its personnel and protect those who rely on its educational, medical and pastoral services.

Popular Nigerian comedian and Nollywood actor Okey Bakassi has debunked reports claiming that his marriage has broken down.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Reports emerged over the weekend alleging that the entertainer had divorced his wife.

According to the claims circulating online, Bakassi’s wife had moved to the United States to study nursing, while the actor remained in Nigeria, working and sending money to support her education for 15 years before she allegedly requested a divorce.

However, Bakassi has dismissed the reports as fake news, describing them as an attempt to disrespect him and his family.

In a video shared on his social media accounts, the comedian explained that the false claims had prompted numerous calls from friends, relatives and fans across the world seeking clarification about the state of his marriage.

The actor reassured his supporters that he and his wife were still together, stressing that his wife and children remained the most important people in his life.

He said, “While I was on set today filming a new movie with my colleagues, someone was busy on social media trying to disrespect me and my family. Someone went on social media and created an article with my name, my picture and that of my wife, alleging that we have gone our separate ways.

“And since then, friends, family and fans have been calling me from all over the world, calling my wife with this troubling news.

“Please, let me say to our friends, family and fans, my wife and I, we are still together. God forbid anything will ever happen to us. Everyone knows that my wife and family are very special to me; we just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary.”