Sam Amadi, former chairman of the Nigeria Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC), has said Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, should have known he had no leverage in the fight with his political opponents and godfather cum Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Amadi made this known in a post via his 𝕏 handle on Monday after the All Progressives Congress (APC) screened out Fubara’s loyalists in the upcoming 2027 elections in favour of Wike’s associates.

It was reported that all the 32 aspirants that Fubara sponsored failed to scale the APC’s screening committee for the 2027 Rivers State Assembly election.

The four-man committee also gave the go-ahead to 29 serving members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Wike, led by Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol to participate in the APC primaries.

Reacting to the latest development, Amadi said Fubara lacked the political might to challenge his adversaries.

He said Fubara should not have fought Wike, adding that every fight is on principle.

He wrote: “Sad. Fubara should have known he was without leverage. He can’t do what his opponent can in the political economy of election rigging.

“Sometimes it’s good to fight even if you can’t win. To fight as a dignified person is reward enough.

By the way, Fubara should have not fought his mentor as there is no real reason to fight. Every fight must be principled and not opportunistic. If it be principled, you can sustain it, even if you be bloodied.

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Following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the protracted political dispute in Rivers State, the United States revealed preparations to deport 18 Nigerians on its “criminal list,” and Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister Nyesom Wike left the Presidential Villa together in a symbolic show of reconciliation.

In other news, Oyo princes filed a legal challenge to maintain the supremacy of the Alaafin’s stool, the Senate met again in response to public outcry over changes to the Electoral Act, and the Federal Government denied requests from northern governors to halt mining operations in the face of the banditry crisis.

The top stories from this morning are shown below:

1. Tinubu mediates a settlement as Wike and Fubara leave Villa together

Following separate talks late Sunday, Fubara and Wike exited the Presidential Villa in the same car, seemingly as a symbolic peace gesture for President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the protracted political turmoil in Rivers State. Officials interpreted the event as a potential sign of a thawing of hostilities between the political personalities who had been at odds for almost two years.

2. The US will deport 18 Nigerians on the criminal list once more.

There are now 97 Nigerians on the removal list after the US Department of Homeland Security added 18 more to its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal list that is set to be deported. The revised list, which reflects the ongoing US crackdown on criminal immigrants, includes people convicted of crimes like identity theft, mail fraud, and wire fraud.
3. In light of the banditry crisis, FG denies the northern governments’ request to halt mining.

Despite a united call from northern governors and traditional leaders for a six-month stop to reduce insecurity associated with illegal mining, the Federal Government has ruled out a complete suspension of mining operations in northern Nigeria. A complete ban, according to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, would have dire economic repercussions. Instead, he presented a focused security plan to deal with criminal elements near mining facilities.

4. Amid controversy around Electoral Act revisions, the Senate reconvenes.

Due to widespread indignation at its handling of Electoral Act revisions, namely the removal of the provision requiring the real-time electronic transmission of election results, Nigeria’s Senate will convene an extraordinary plenary session on Tuesday. In response to protests by political activists, labor unions, and civil society organizations calling for the preservation of the real-time transmission clause in order to preserve election credibility, an extraordinary session was called.

5. Oyo princes struggle in court to maintain Alaafin’s dominance

Oyo State princes have taken legal action to defend the Alaafin of Oyo’s supremacy and customary authority. The royal family and other interested parties are worried that legal and political developments may jeopardize the Alaafin’s long-standing cultural place and power within the established hierarchy, which is why the court case was filed.

The post Morning Recap: Tinubu Brokers Truce in Rivers Crisis, US to Deport Nigerians, Senate Session in Focus appeared first on TheNigerian.

President Bola Tinubu has been encouraged by Arise Television personality Rufai Oseni to prevent the imminent impeachment of Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara.

On the platform of the All Progressives Congress, or APC, Oseni said that the impeachment of Fubara is an indictment of Tinubu’s failure to defend governors.

“If Fubara is impeached, then it’s a big indictment on President Tinubu’s ability to protect APC governors,” Oseni stated in a Facebook post.

Additionally, this impeachment notice disproves the claims made by government officials that the state of emergency was necessary to save Fubara.

“President Tinubu’s state of emergency did not save Fubara because an impeachment is still ongoing, despite the state of emergency, peace, and settlement.

Right now, one thing is certain: Wike is in the lead in this battle. President Tinubu 50, Wike 100.

Will Fubara be spared from Wike by President Tinubu? Will President Tinubu support Fubara?

Will the Chief Judge proceed with the procedure? Will the court’s order be upheld?

Will Wike likely join the opposition and work against Tinubu? Time will tell.

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According to Comrade Austin Okai, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the conflict between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara would destroy the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is currently in power.

According to reports, Wike and Fubara recently rekindled their spat after the Minister promised to thwart the governor’s attempt to win reelection.

However, several of the top leaders of the APC support Fubara, who is currently a member of the ruling party.

However, Wike advised the party veteran to avoid getting involved in Rivers State politics, which led to a verbal spat between him and the ruling party’s national leadership.

In a Tuesday interview with TVC News, Okai forecasted that the issue would spread to other regions of the nation.

“Wike did not just attack the APC National Secretary, he attacked the NSA and all of them,” he declared. The ruling party crisis has often begun in Rivers State for more than ten years.

“Unless the president muster political courage and summon the FCT Minister to order, what you see happening in Rivers will destroy the APC.” We do not know the terms of his deal with the president, but he has stated that Rivers State is essential to his political survival.

“Wike is speaking harshly to the President even more than the NSA, the APC National Chairman, and the Chief of Staff.” The president is not speaking as much as Wike.

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Rivers State has witnessed yet another explosion at a gas station in the Soku axis of the Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, marking the third major incident involving oil and gas facilities in the state within a week.

Reports indicate that the explosion, which occurred around midnight on March 23, affected a section of the Soku gas pipeline operated by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited. This incident follows two previous explosions in the Oga/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area and the Ogoni region, raising concerns about the safety of oil infrastructure in the state.

The recurring attacks on oil and gas installations have caught national attention, with President Bola Tinubu referencing these incidents in his nationwide broadcast on March 18. In response to the escalating crisis, the president declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, citing security concerns and the state government’s failure to curb these attacks. Additionally, he suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, while appointing Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the state’s Sole Administrator.

Dr. Dumnamene Fyneface, an environmentalist and Executive Chairman of the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), confirmed the explosion through reports from local youth volunteers. In a statement released in Port Harcourt, Dr. Fyneface described the explosion as being accompanied by massive fireballs, with flames still burning at the time of the report.

“It is currently unknown whether the explosion was caused by equipment failure, sabotage, or a deliberate attack on the facility,” Dr. Fyneface stated. He further urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 to determine the cause of the explosion and hold responsible parties accountable.

Despite the widespread concerns, the leadership of the Soku community has dismissed reports of an explosion at the gas facility. In a statement issued by Mr. Witness Alasia, the General Secretary of the community, he described the reports circulating on social media as “untrue and misleading.”

“I am writing on behalf of the Soku Kingdom’s leadership to refute the growing rumor on social media that the Soku Gas Plant exploded,” Alasia stated. “It is disheartening that people would spread false and misleading information. The Soku Gas Plant is fully operational and safe.”

However, Alasia did acknowledge that a fire outbreak occurred along the Soku-Abua-Rumuji gas pipeline right-of-way, although the cause of the fire remains undetermined. He emphasized that the company managing the facility has yet to release any official information regarding the incident.

“We want to assure the public that Soku and its satellite communities remain safe and peaceful,” Alasia concluded.

The conflicting reports regarding the explosion have left residents and industry observers seeking clarity on the situation. While advocacy groups are calling for investigations into the cause of these recurring incidents, local community leaders are urging the public to disregard what they describe as exaggerated reports.

With three explosions recorded in one week, concerns over the security of oil and gas infrastructure in Rivers State continue to mount. The federal government’s declaration of emergency and intervention measures will be closely watched as stakeholders await further updates on the Soku explosion and other recent incidents.

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Asari Dokubo, a traditional leader and former Niger Delta agitator, has expressed strong views on the current political situation in Rivers State and questioned the recent Supreme Court decision.

Dokubo criticized the court’s ruling, saying it exceeded its constitutional authority.

Despite being the highest court in the land, he contended that the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the circumstances in Rivers State did not conform to Nigerian law.

Dokubo made the comments during Monday’s Morning Brief on Channels TV.

He expressed disapproval of the Supreme Court’s role in local elections, arguing that cases of this nature ought to be resolved at the High Court rather than the Supreme Court.

The dispute stems from a Supreme Court decision that suspended federal funding for Rivers State until the state assembly had given its approval and the budget was properly presented. The October 2024 local government election was likewise declared invalid by the court.

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“What is happening in Rivers State is one individual wanting to pocket Rivers State,” Dokubo said in response to the situation. In addition, numerous analysts have examined the circumstances in Rivers State and urged President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to intervene and bring about an end to the crisis.

On December 12, 2023, I did a live broadcast. The first actual meeting we had was incredibly slanted and skewed in favor of Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister. Due to the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, these live broadcasts have gone viral.

Since nothing in the Supreme Court’s statement had anything to do with Nigerian law, I won’t refer to it as a ruling. It is a complete violation of Nigerian law. We are all aware that the Supreme Court is meant to be the ultimate arbitrator.

The Supreme Court’s rulings are final. The Supreme Court must therefore presume that since their rulings are final, they will impose morally reprehensible rulings that are obviously against the Nigerian constitution and the people, even though they do not have such authority. We are discussing more than just Rivers State.

He questioned the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction to make decisions regarding elections for local governments:

For example, does the Supreme Court actually have the authority to rule on matters pertaining to elections for local governments? It’s really obvious. The court of first instance, a high court, decides local government election cases. Therefore, where did the Supreme Court get the authority to rule on elections and post-election cases resulting from the Rivers State elections?

Dokubo also chastised the court for rendering decisions on matters that had not been brought before it in the first place.

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Second, how would the Supreme Court discuss a topic and render a decision on a case that wasn’t before it? Does the Supreme Court have the authority to import cases that weren’t before it and begin rendering decisions on them on its own? The Supreme Court was not considering the defection question. The top court is still considering the defection question. So, how did the Supreme Court bring those cases before it so that it could rule on them? Apart from that, the Supreme Court was being told what to say by individuals working behind the scenes.

They’ve stated it, then. Additionally, I believe the governor accepted the ruling in a hurry,” he continued.

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Following the situation in Rivers State, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has cautioned the federal government from discounting the potential of assaults on oil pipelines.
According to reports, Obiuwevbi Ominimini, PANDEF’s national publicity secretary, stated that the state’s crisis could only be resolved politically.
Ominimini stated in an interview with Arise News on Wednesday that a compromise between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike is necessary to address the problem.

“We are making our point very clear. It goes without saying that there are expectations in this situation from both the Wike and Fubara sides. According to PANDEF, there must to be a medium ground,” he stated.
In response to Wike’s claim that the Ijaw people did not constitute a sizable portion of the Niger Delta’s population, he predicted that ethnic coloration would cause a domino effect.

We are saying that a political solution is necessary because, he said, “what we are seeing is that if this thing is not giving a political solution, it will boomerange into a crisis that will affect not just the Niger Delta but Nigeria at large.”

He went on to say that Wike was wrong to say that if Fubara was impeached, nothing would happen. Nigeria would not want to see attacks on gas and oil sites, he said.

Read Also: Fubara Safe from Impeachment, Has Committed No Offence – Epelle to Wike

As you can see from this speech, a crisis is imminent. Furthermore, Nigeria wants to boost oil production in the area, so this impending issue is not helpful. You are well aware that Nigeria’s economy depends on gas and oil, and anything that restricts the free flow of these resources is detrimental to the country,” he continued.

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In order to address the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has promised to mobilize senators from the Niger Delta.
When a delegation from the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum paid him a visit on a solidarity mission on Friday in Abuja, Akpabio made this announcement.
In order to guarantee that Rivers State and other sub-national entities facing comparable political tensions experience enduring peace, the Senate President reportedly promised to work with other lawmakers from the area.

The Supreme Court’s ruling to stop the state’s funding allocation until a legitimate House of Assembly, headed by Martin Amaewhule, is established has resulted in further political unrest in Rivers State. The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Amaewhule, gave Governor Siminalayi Fubara a 48-hour ultimatum to submit the 2025 budget to the House in response to the ruling. Wednesday at midnight was the deadline.

Governor Fubara was also instructed by the Assembly to fire all commissioners and political appointees and to present a new list of commissioner-nominees for consideration.

Akpabio Issues a Warning to Opponents of Senate Decisions
Akpabio also criticized those he called “armchair critics,” telling them to stop making ignorant remarks about Senate operations.

He said people who don’t know much about parliamentary procedures should stop criticizing the Upper Chamber.

His comments follow Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central being suspended by the Senate for allegedly breaking Senate rules.

The amount of public outrage over the decision surprised Akpabio, who questioned why no one was curious as to why the Senate unanimously decided to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Before you start making television commentary, you should try to find out the facts. He said, “We advise the public to refrain from running commentaries on things they do not know, misquoting the Senate rules.”

The Senate Leadership Interest of the Niger Delta
When Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr., the delegation’s leader, pointed out that it had been 46 years since a senator from the Niger Delta had served as Senate President, Akpabio promised that the people of the area would not take the role lightly.

He said, “The Senate President of today is not representing himself alone. He is representing a group who are very vital to the economic life wire of this country.

“So when people gang up and conspire, I hear voices from Adamawa shouting, I hear voices from Kwara State shouting, I hear some young people from the southwest being used for something they don’t know, they don’t know the rules of the Senate, you cant be a herbalist and start quoting the Bible, you won’t know what to quote.

“If you have not studied the Bible or you have nothing to do with Christianity, you cannot claim to know the bible more than the Pope. Similarly, it is impossible to quote the Quran if you are not an Imam.

“But you see people who are not well informed sitting down like they do, like football commentators, and then they say that if you were Messi, you would have kicked from the center and that Ronaldo should have scored from the left. After that, you commentate on television.

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It is impossible to quote what you have never seen, however, when it comes to matters pertaining to the National Assembly’s sacred chamber. Only when you are elected to the Senate or the House of Representatives will the Red Book be presented to you as your first official document upon your inauguration.

“That Red Book includes the Standing Orders that will uphold decorum and discipline as well as a step-by-step guide to lawmaking that you must read and adhere to.” To represent the Green Chamber, you will be given a Green Book in the House of Representatives.

I get concerned, though, when people start debating provisions they don’t understand because they are ill-informed about the procedures.

“So, we understand your concern about the current state of affairs. We’ve resolved this issue and will continue to do so using our internal dispute resolution process.

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