President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially revealed his administration’s intention to construct a new All Progressives Congress (APC) national secretariat in Abuja. Speaking during the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Thursday at the State House Conference Centre, Tinubu called on the APC National Working Committee (NWC), the Progressive Governors’ Forum, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to jointly collaborate on executing the new secretariat project. “We are going to identify a suitable plot of land to erect a state-of-the-art national secretariat,” Tinubu affirmed. The President emphasized the need to form a dedicated committee responsible for identifying a suitable location and managing the construction process of the proposed APC national headquarters. At present, the party operates from its existing office at 40 Blantyre Crescent, Wuse 2, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. In another development during the NEC meeting, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda was formally sworn in as the APC’s new National Chairman. The newly appointed chairman, a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and previous APC governorship candidate in Plateau State, received his nomination from Governor Hope Uzodimma and was seconded by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday shared an emotional revelation about how suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara caused him to shed tears. During a monthly press conference in Abuja, the former governor of Rivers State reflected on the deeply personal and political betrayal he experienced. He recounted how reviewing Fubara’s past public statements about him stirred emotions and brought him to tears. Wike, who governed Rivers State for two consecutive terms, revealed that he was the driving force behind Fubara’s emergence as governor, despite significant pushback from other political stakeholders within the state. Shortly after Fubara assumed office in 2023, tensions escalated between the two political figures. The power struggle severely impacted governance in Rivers State, leading President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a six-month state of emergency. During this period, the president suspended the governor, his deputy, and members of the state assembly and appointed a sole administrator to manage the affairs of the state. In a surprising turn of events, Fubara recently visited Wike to seek peace and reconciliation. Wike, while addressing the media, said: “When I go back in my quiet moments, I play the video of speeches of the governor (Fubara), what he said; what he did to me; I weep.Was it necessary? This was somebody who brought you, gave you food, gave you everything, did this for you, and then you became a tool for his enemies to fight him.”
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The escalating political crisis in Rivers State has taken a new turn, with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, downplaying concerns over threats from Ijaw-linked militant groups. These groups have reportedly warned of dire consequences, including attacking crude oil pipelines, should the 27-member Rivers State House of Assembly, aligned with Wike, move forward with Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s impeachment. Speaking during a live television interview in Abuja, Wike firmly stated that the impeachment of Fubara, if executed lawfully, would not disrupt the country’s stability. He dismissed claims that such an event would lead to violence, emphasizing that no ethnic group has exclusive rights to unrest or aggression. Tension Escalates in Rivers Assembly The faction led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule boycotted a reconciliation meeting convened by Governor Fubara and barred him from presenting the 2025 budget at the Assembly complex. In response, Fubara insisted that he had formally informed the House and was prepared to re-present the budget despite the restrictions. Ijaw Leaders Warn of Economic Consequences The Ijaw National Congress (INC) reiterated that impeaching Governor Fubara, an Ijaw indigene, could lead to severe economic repercussions. According to the INC, such an action could escalate tensions in the Niger Delta, potentially disrupting the country’s oil-dependent economy. Similarly, the Pan Niger-Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF) condemned the legislators’ moves, calling them provocative and a direct affront to the people of Rivers State. Various oil communities also cautioned against triggering unrest in the region. Wike Rejects Monopoly of Violence Claims Wike argued that no ethnic group, including the Ijaw, has a monopoly on violent responses. He stated that the Niger Delta region comprises multiple ethnic communities, each capable of similar actions. He specifically questioned the threats of pipeline destruction, pointing out that surveillance contracts had been awarded to Tantita Security Services, owned by an Ijaw leader, Tompolo. Political Rifts and Allegations The crisis has deepened longstanding tensions between Wike and his successor, Fubara. The FCT Minister criticized Fubara’s governance approach, accusing him of playing to the gallery instead of engaging in direct dialogue with legislative leaders. Wike also dismissed PANDEF’s stance, claiming the group lacks credibility and is biased. External Perspective and Legal Concerns Legal experts have pointed out that impeachment is a constitutional process and not a criminal offense. Wike challenged those opposing Fubara’s potential impeachment to provide legal reasons rather than resorting to threats. He also criticized Fubara’s handling of the budget presentation, stating that the proper political approach should have been taken instead of issuing formal letters without prior consultations. Conclusion The political turmoil in Rivers State continues to unfold, with growing tensions between Governor Fubara, Wike, and the State Assembly. As key stakeholders voice their concerns, the coming days will determine the future governance and stability of the state. For a detailed analysis of the legal implications of impeachment processes in Nigeria, visit a reliable legal resource. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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Learn how FCT Minister’s aide Lere Olayinka responded to Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed’s criticism of Nyesom Wike’s ministerial appointment, citing historical precedents and exposing political hypocrisy. ABUJA – Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has strongly responded to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed’s remarks regarding Wike’s ministerial appointment. Olayinka accused the Bauchi Governor of using Wike’s role as an excuse to deflect attention from his failure to effectively lead the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum. In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, Olayinka emphasized that appointing opposition members into ministerial positions is a common occurrence in Nigeria’s political history and is far from unprecedented. He cited several historical examples to substantiate his claims. Historical Precedents of Opposition Appointments Olayinka pointed out that Barrister Wike’s current appointment as an FCT Minister under the All Progressives Congress (APC) government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is consistent with Nigeria’s political tradition. “From Chief Bola Ige to Bala Mohammed himself, the precedent is clear: opposition figures have often served in ruling party governments,” he said. He further elaborated with examples: Olayinka also highlighted that Wike, a staunch PDP member, now serves under the APC-led government, and Bianca Ojukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) currently holds a ministerial position in the APC administration. Accusations of Hypocrisy Olayinka did not hold back in accusing Governor Bala Mohammed of double standards. He pointed out that Mohammed himself defected from the ANPP to accept a ministerial position under the PDP government in the past. “His actions are a clear example of opportunistic politics, and his attempt to claim the moral high ground is hypocritical,” Olayinka stated. Focus on Service, Not Distractions In his closing remarks, Olayinka dismissed Mohammed’s criticisms as distractions fueled by personal ambition. “Governor Mohammed seems more focused on launching a futile bid for the 2027 presidency than on delivering meaningful leadership to his state. Wike’s commitment is to serve diligently, and baseless attacks will not deter him from his duties,” he concluded. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
