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Tag: Siminalayi Fubara

  • Rivers: Residents anticipate end to State of Emergency

    Rivers: Residents anticipate end to State of Emergency

    Some residents of Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State have expressed optimism that the Local Government election conducted in the State on Saturday will restore true democracy in the State.

    The residents, who made the remark at the polling stations for the LG elections, said they believed that the aftermath of the election might be the end of the emergency rule in the State.

    As at 8:20 a. m. on Saturday, the residents have gathered at some polling units awaiting the arrival of sensitive/non-sensitive voting materials for the commencement of voting.

    Oyigbo LGA is made up of 10 wards with over 139 polling units and about 121, 815 registered voters as at 2023 general elections.

    According to NAN, the area also has some popular markets like the Eke-Oyigbo general market and the Building materials market which were shut in adherence to the movement restriction order to enable traders participate in the election.

    Mr Collins Odili, a traders at the Building materials market said that businesses were shut down including transportation due to the movement restrictions order by the Police, adding, ‘’this is normal during elections in Nigeria.’’

    Some electorate said they were moved by robust campaign earlier conducted by the APC Chairmanship candidate, Mr Okechukwu Akara, who visited the area with ten concillorship candidates in his team and an encouraging manifesto.

    Mr Timothy Ndudi, a youth leader in Ogboso community, said that Akara, a fresh politician from Okoloma Afam area, would play a unifying role in restoring grassroots democracy and effective local governance.

    He expressed optimism that Akara would win the election and would restore that which had eluded the people in the area.

    ”We believe election materials have arrived the rack centre in Afam, the council headquarters and soon distributions will be made across wards and units.

    “For us here at the Village Square Polling Unit (PU), we are ready with our PVCs,” Ndudi said.

    In the past, youths engaged in street football exercise on election days, but this election is different as the streets are calm with little movements around polling centres.

    According to Mr Peter Ejimofor, a community leader in Izioma area of Oyigbo, the LG election should represent part of an end process to emergency rule and the possible return of all democratic formation in the state.

  • Fubara to resume as Governor Sept 18 – Wike assures

    Fubara to resume as Governor Sept 18 – Wike assures

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has assured that the local government election conducted on Saturday in Rivers State will usher in the return of Mr Siminalayi Fubara as Governor of the State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mr Wike gave the assurance after casting his vote at Polling Unit 007, Ward 9, Rumuepirikom community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA).

    Wike further stressed that the polls would pave the way for the expiration of the State of Emergency by September 18, noting that the election was to ensure that elected council chairmen and councillors could access funds directly from the federation account, in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling against caretaker committees.

    “Now that the process is very clear, and done according to law, nobody is worried. The local government election will ultimately restore democratic governance at the local level,” the FCT Minister said.

    While commending the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for organising the election, Wike expressed satisfaction with the conduct and turnout of voters, describing the exercise as a significant step toward restoring democratic governance at the grassroots level.

    Speaking after partaking in the polls, the FCT Minister said the exercise was necessary following the Supreme Court’s earlier nullification of a previous election, which it ruled was conducted outside the ambit of the law.

    “The Supreme Court said there was no election. They nullified the election held earlier. Today we are holding an election, which is why you see people have come out. If you do something unknown to the law, of course, it would be set aside,” the minister stated.

    Wike noted that while commercial areas witnessed lower voter participation, turnout in residential and rural areas was impressive. He attributed the enthusiasm of voters to the clarity and legality of the current process.

    The minister also commended President Bola Tinubu for “taking the bold step” to ensure the elections were conducted, adding that the outcome would stabilise grassroots administration ahead of the restoration of full democratic structures in the state.

    By the end of the polls, Wike said, newly elected officials would emerge and be sworn in to manage council affairs.

    The FCT Minister said: “The local government election will ultimately restore democratic governance at the local level. Of course, the State of Emergency will lapse by September.

    “That is why we have to thank Mr President for taking the bold step to make sure that this election is conducted.

    “First of all, if elections are not conducted, you know that the Supreme Court has said that there is nothing like caretaker committee in local government.

    “And when there is no election, there will be no funds that will come to the local government from the federal accounts.

    “And that means that if the emergency rule is lifted and there is no local government election, we will still have the same problem.

    “And now the local government election is taking place, which means that they have elected people, and they will be able to get funds directly from the federal accounts”.

    He added: “By the time the State of Emergency is lifted on the 18th of September, it means that the Governor and the State Assembly will come back.

    “So, without the local government election, it would not have been possible. So, we are very glad that today we are conducting this election and by the end of the day, the elected people will emerge and they will be sworn in”.

  • BREAKING: We have reached final agreement – Wike, Fubara open up after meeting with Tinubu

    BREAKING: We have reached final agreement – Wike, Fubara open up after meeting with Tinubu

    Both the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike have opened up after having a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Tinubu hosted the high-stakes reconciliation meeting between Fubara and Wike at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday night.

    ‎The closed-door meeting, held at the State House in Abuja, included the suspended Speaker, Martins Amaewhule and some members of the Rivers State House of Assembl, and other key political stakeholders.

    ‎This latest peace meeting is seen as a last-ditch attempt by the presidency to end the political feud in the State.

    Speaking shortly after the meeting Wike said: “I want to give God the glory that today is the 26th of June 2025, that peace has finally come to the State.

    “We have all agreed to work together with the Governor and the Governor has also agreed to work together with all of us.

    “We are members of the same political family. Just like humans, you will have disagreements, and then you also have a time to also settle your disagreements, and that has been finally concluded today.

    “We came to report to Mr President that this is what we have agreed. For me, everything is over and I enjoin everybody who believe to work with us to also work together with everybody.

    “There is no more acrimony. There is nothing to say. We have disagreed, and we have all agreed on everything. So, we thank God. For me, it is a day we have to thank Almighty God”.

    On his part, Fubara said: “For me, it is very important that this day has come to be. What we need for the progress of Rivers State is peace.

    “By the special grace of God, this night with the help of Mr President, and the agreement of the leaders of the State, peace has returned to Rivers State. We will do everything within our power to make sure that we sustain it this time around”.

    Recall President Tinubu had on March 18 declared a state of emergency in Rivers, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and all the State House of Assembly members.

  • JUST IN: Wike, Fubara mum after meeting Tinubu behind closed-door

    JUST IN: Wike, Fubara mum after meeting Tinubu behind closed-door

    President Bola Tinubu on Thursday night held a closed-door meeting with suspended Rivers State Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Mr, Nyesom Wike, who is now the FCT Minister.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports suspended Speaker Martins Amaewhule and other members of the Rivers State House of Assembly also attended the closed-door session.

    Although, none of the parties who attended the closed-door session has opened up, it was gathered that the meeting was geared towards finding lasting solution to the political impasse in Rivers State.

    Recall that political hostilities between Fubara and Wike, including lawmakers loyal to both parties, had forced the declaration of state of emergency in the State by President Tinubu.

    Subsequently, the President suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly, and went on to appoint retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator.

    The meeting is expected to end the prolonged political standoff that had crippled democratic governance in the oil-rich state as sources close to the presidency confirmed that both Wike and Fubara agreed to cease further public confrontations.

    TNG reports President Tinubu hosted the closed-door meeting geared towards reconciliation at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

  • Democracy Day: Fubara commits to rule of law

    Democracy Day: Fubara commits to rule of law

    Suspended Rivers Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting fundamental human rights, and promoting inclusive participation in the democratic process.

    Fubara made the remarks in his Democracy Day message, released to journalists on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Nelson Chukwudi, in Port Harcourt.

    The governor emphasised the need to safeguard lives and property through robust security measures, while maintaining a government rooted in transparency and accountability.

    Reflecting on Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, Fubara called for collaboration across political divides to build a society where every citizen’s voice is heard and supported.

    Acknowledging the recent political turbulence in Rivers, Fubara noted that democracy must be actively protected and nurtured, especially during challenging times.

    He stated that his administration remained focused on fairness, civil liberties, and responsible governance, prioritising inclusive policies and strong oversight mechanisms.

    Fubara also urged citizens to unite, innovate, and pursue common goals, stressing the importance of honoring the legacy of those who sacrificed for Nigeria’s democratic journey.

    Expressing optimism about the state’s future, he said Rivers would emerge stronger and more united in spite of current challenges.

    He appealed to residents of the state and Nigerians at large to commit themselves to building a society where everyone could contribute meaningfully to national and state development.

  • June 12: Forgive Fubara as you did Sanwo-Olu – Bode George tells Tinubu

    June 12: Forgive Fubara as you did Sanwo-Olu – Bode George tells Tinubu

    Former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to, in the spirit of the June 12 anniversary, reinstate suspended Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers.

    George made the appeal on Wednesday in an open letter to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential election that was won by the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, but was  annulled on June 23, 1993 by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

    Recall that Fubara was suspended by Tinubu on March 18 due to political tensions in the oil-rich  state. Meanwhile, Fubara visited Tinubu in Lagos during Sallah celebration.

    George said: “If Tinubu could forgive Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, then he should extend same gesture to Fubara.

    “On June 12, we will be celebrating Democracy Day. This is a reminder of the true meaning of democracy – the will of the people.

    “Since Tinubu has forgiven Sanwo-Olu, then it makes a lot of sense, spiritually, to also forgive Fubara and let him return to office. I am talking as an elder”,he said.

    George noted that  Tinubu was in the forefront of those who fought the military, seeking a return to civilian rule.

    The PDP chieftain said Tinubu was  passionate  about return to civil rule during the military era, aspiring for top political positions in Lagos.

    “He later joined NADECO to fight for democracy. Some of those who fought alongside him for democracy have died. It is not of his making that he is alive today.

    “So, he should thank God, honour the memory of those who fought alongside him for democracy and return Fubara to office immediately.

    “I also appeal to him, in the spirit of my maternal grand uncle who founded the first political party in Nigeria in 1922, Herbert Macaulay, to please reinstate Fubara.

    “Tinubu should listen to, and honour this appeal in memory of all those who died in the journey to our democracy,” George said.

  • Fubara meets Tinubu in Lagos; mute after visit

    Fubara meets Tinubu in Lagos; mute after visit

    The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara on Tuesday visited President Bola Tinubu in Lagos State. The suspended Governor has maintained absolute silence after the visit.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mr Fubara was received by Tinubu at the President’s residence in Lagos, according to Dada Olusegun, Special Assistant to the President on Social Media.

    The purpose of the visit was not disclosed to the press, and no official statement has been issued by the Presidency or the suspended Governor Fubara at the time of filing this report.

    Recall that President Tinubu suspended Fubara as Governor on March 18 and declared a state of emergency in Rivers.

    The Governor’s Deputy, Ngozi Odu and the House of Assembly were also suspended alongside Fubara for six months.

    Subsequently, the president appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas as the sole administrator of the state.

    The emergency rule was declared following the lingering political face-off between  Fubara and the state assembly, and subsequent threats of violence and protests by some stakeholders in the state.

  • ‘He is my boy’ – Wike dismisses rift with Fubara

    ‘He is my boy’ – Wike dismisses rift with Fubara

    Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has denied claims of a political feud with suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing the embattled governor as “my boy” and “my son.”

    The former Rivers State governor in an interview with BBC Pidgin,  said his disagreement is not with Fubara but with unnamed political actors he accused of manipulating the governor for selfish gains.

    “That one is not a battle,” Wike said in the interview. “He (Fubara) is my boy; he is my son. Why will I fight with him? I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for.”

    Wike, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been at the center of a prolonged political crisis in the state that began in 2023.

    The conflict has revolved around control of the state’s political machinery and deepened when Fubara allegedly began to assert independence from his political benefactor.

    According to Wike, the crisis is the result of external influences aiming to divide them.

    “When you don’t defeat them, they will think you’re weak… so, defeat them to the end,” he stated. “Now, they are ashamed because they are being defeated. They are the ones pushing Fubara.”

    The political crisis amongst the duo escalated when President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Fubara for six months.

    Tinubu appointed retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of the state arguing it was to stabilize governance amid general disapproval.

    Following his appointment, Ibas swiftly suspended all political appointees who had been installed by Fubara, further deepening the crisis and raising questions about executive overreach and political interference.

    Amid growing speculation about his political ambitions, Wike also used the interview to deny reports that he plans to seek the PDP’s presidential ticket in 2027.

    Some analysts had tipped him as a potential candidate if the PDP zoned its ticket to the South.

    “I will not contest. Why will I contest against someone I’m working for?” Wike said, referring to President Tinubu. “He is my leader.”

    He went further to express confidence in Tinubu’s re-election prospects.

    “There is absolutely no one in the opposition strong enough to challenge the president,” he declared.

    “They said they will zone it to the South; let them zone first. When we get to the bridge, we will know how to cross it.”

    Wike also confirmed media reports that Governor Fubara recently paid him a reconciliatory visit, accompanied by two governors from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “Yes, he (Fubara) came with two governors and another person,” Wike confirmed. “But unfortunately, the two of them are APC governors. I wouldn’t pursue him. He said he wants peace, and I said I want peace too.”

  • Money behind Wike, Fubara violent fight – Amaechi

    Money behind Wike, Fubara violent fight – Amaechi

    Rotimi Ameechi, a former Governor of Rivers State, has claimed that money sharing was the reason behind the lingering strife between suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the former minister made the claim during an interview with DW on Saturday.

    He also said the emergency ruling on the state by President Bola Tinubu was unconstitutional.

    According to him, “The fight bewtween the current governor of Rivers State and the FCT minister is about sharing money. If not, what is the quarrel. Nigerians don’t dislike corruption again. I’ve not seen anybody on the street querying what the problem is. Can both of them speak to the public and tell us what the problem is about.”

    Details later…

  • Gov Fubara quashes reports of Bayelsa relocation with first public appearance [Photos]

    Gov Fubara quashes reports of Bayelsa relocation with first public appearance [Photos]

    Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, on Sunday made his first public appearance in the state, dismissing reports that he has relocated to Bayelsa State since the declaration of a state of emergency and his subsequent suspension from office.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the suspended governor, was seen alongside his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie,  arriving for worship at the headquarters of Salvation Ministries in GRA, Port Harcourt.

    The suspended governor’s appearance comes days after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, citing escalating political tensions and security concerns.

    As part of the declaration, Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended, with Ibok-Ete Ibas appointed as the Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs for an initial period of six months.

    The president’s decision sparked mixed reactions from political stakeholders, legal practitioners, and civil society groups.

    See photos below: