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Again Political tensions rise in Rivers State ahead of Local Govt elections

With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, political maneuvering is intensifying in Rivers State, as a grand plot to secure victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is already in motion.

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This follows the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission’s (RSIEC) announcement of a new date for the local government elections.

The polls, initially scheduled for October 5, 2024, under the administration of then-Governor Siminalyi Fubara, were annulled following a state of emergency declaration on March 18, 2025.

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The former RSIEC Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retired), had set a new date for August 9, but this was also postponed.

The new RSIEC Chairman, Dr. Michael Odey, whose appointment drew widespread condemnation, has now set a new date of August 30, 2025, for the chairmanship and councillorship elections across the state’s 23 local government areas.

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Odey defended the change, citing Section 13(5) of the RSIEC Law, which allows for a shift in date “in the event of likely breach of peace or other emergencies.”

The announcement has exacerbated the deep-seated crises within the state’s two major political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

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The APC in Rivers State is mired in a leadership tussle between Chief Emeka Beke and Chief Tony Okocha. Beke, who claims his state executive council is the authentic leadership, recently met with the new APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, to assert his authority.

On the other hand, Okocha, a strong ally of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, has the backing of the party’s national leadership. Both factions have submitted separate lists of candidates for the upcoming elections, creating a state of uncertainty.

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The Beke camp, while agreeing to participate, has raised concerns about the RSIEC’s procedural irregularities. Darlington Nwauju, the faction’s publicity secretary, alleged that the commission failed to provide the constitutionally mandated 90-day notice to stakeholders.

He also expressed suspicion about the commission’s composition, claiming it is “flooded with card-carrying members of known political parties,” which casts doubt on the election’s outcome.

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The PDP is also fractured, with two individuals laying claim to the state chairmanship: Chief Aaron Chukwuma, an ally of Wike, and Hon. Robinson Ewor, a supporter of the suspended governor, Fubara.

A Rivers State High Court judgment had reinstated Ewor, nullifying the congresses held in July and August 2024. However, the Wike camp appears to be ignoring the ruling, deepening the party’s crisis.

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Amidst the internal turmoil, unconfirmed reports suggest a power-sharing arrangement has been struck for the local government elections.

Of the 23 chairmanship seats, eight have allegedly been allotted to the PDP and 15 to the APC. The beneficiaries are said to be Wike’s loyalists who were politically sidelined by the Fubara administration.

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Meanwhile, sources close to the suspended governor, Siminalyi Fubara, report that his camp is in disarray. An anonymous loyalist claimed Fubara has “thrown all of us under the bus” and has not issued any instructions, leaving his supporters feeling abandoned.

While unconfirmed, sources hint that Fubara rejected an offer of three slots on the PDP platform to nominate candidates, a decision that has further isolated his camp.

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Governor mourns as unknown persons kill Woman and six Children in her residence

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Governor mourns as unknown persons kill Woman and six Children in her residence

Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has expressed deep sorrow, over the brutal killing of a woman, Fatima Abubakar, 35, and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters of the state.
The governor described the incident as barbaric, senseless, and a grave assault on human dignity.
In a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Mr Sunusi Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday, Gov. Yusuf extended his condolences to the bereaved’s family, the people of Dorayi Chiranchi, and the entire Kano State.
He prayed that Allah grants the departed souls, eternal rest and gives their loved ones the fortitude to bear the painful loss.
Meanwhile, the governor vowed that his administration would ensure that perpetrators of the tragic incident, are brought to justice.
He directed the Kano State Police Command to immediately hunt down the perpetrators and ensure they are arrested and prosecuted.
According to the statement, Gov. Yusuf also ordered the Kano Neighborhood Corps, to intensify patrols and community surveillance across vulnerable areas, to prevent a recurrence of such tragedy.
He called on residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report suspicious activities, while assuring that the government remains committed to protecting lives and property.( NAN)

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‘This bronze feels like gold’, President Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ AFCON third place victory

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‘This bronze feels like gold’, President Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ AFCON third place victory

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles for winning the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

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Tinubu described the achievement as a “bronze that feels like gold,” praising the team’s resilience and fighting spirit.

“This bronze medal surely feels good like gold. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles and our national team players,” the President said.

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This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday in Abuja.

The Super Eagles defeated Egypt, seven-time AFCON champions, via penalties after regulation time ended in a draw.

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Tinubu commended the team for overcoming the disappointment of their semi-final loss to host nation, Morocco, on Wednesday.

He said the players demonstrated determination, persistence and the can-do spirit for which Nigeria is known.

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“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.

“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off,” Tinubu said.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bronze medal is Nigeria’s ninth in AFCON history.

Nigeria has now won the AFCON title three times, finished runners-up four times and claimed third place on record nine occasions.

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Tinubu said Nigerians would be proud as the team receives their bronze medals on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco.

“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco,” he said. (NAN)

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Governor, Emir, over 3 million crowd gather for Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud

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Governor, Emir, over 3 million crowd gather for Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud

An estimated 3 million followers of Tijaniyya Islamic Sect from within and outside the country, on Saturday, converged on Katsina for the celebration of Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud, 2026.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event which took place at Muhammad Dikko Stadium, Katsina, was organised by the “Majma’u Ahbab Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass”.

The Chairman, organising committee, Sheikh Muhammad Hadi-Balarabe, said that they anticipated about 4 million guests from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as West and North African countries.

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NAN gathered that almost all hotel rooms in Katsina metropolis were occupied by those who came from far places, the situation made some residents to provide their unoccupied houses for their visitors as a demonstration of hospitality.

Those who could not afford to lodge in hotel rooms slept in the stadium in spite of the cold weather.

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Before 9a.m. of Saturday, the stadium had already filled to capacity, both the seats and pitch were occupied by people, while all available surrounding spaces inside the stadium were later occupied by people.

The dual carriage road linking to the venue from the WTC roundabout up to Barhin roundabout was filled up by people.

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NAN also observed that the event presented opportunities for traders, especially those selling food, water, soft drinks, herbal medicine, clothing materials, books, among others to make brisk businesses.

Addressing the gathering, Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru-Bauchi, thanked the Katsina State Government for hosting the historic event and prayed Allah to bring lasting peace, stability and prosperity to the state, Northern Nigeria and the country in general.

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In his remarks, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, urged Muslims to continue to stand firm in obeying the commandments of their creator.

He advised them to intensify efforts in seeking Allah’s forgiveness, follow the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), endeavour to seek for knowledge, and engage in business activities to become self reliant.

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Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina, thanked the organisers for choosing his state to host the 2026 Maulud.

He appreciated the scholars for offerings prayers for peace and stability in the state and the country at large.

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Radda revealed that with such prayers, peace was gradually returning to the state and urged them to sustain the prayers for the overall betterment of the state and Nigeria.

Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ eldest son, Sheikh Mahi Ibrahim-Nyass, represented by his younger brother, Sheikh Muhammad Ibrahim-Nyass, prayed Allah to repose the soul of the revered Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman-Bauchi, who passed away some months ago.

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He urged the Muslims across the globe to continue to be united, love one-another and uphold the sect firmly.

A special prayer was also offered for Katsina, Nigeria and the leaders. (NAN)

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