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Rivers elders appeal to Fubara, assembly to avoid further conflict

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The Rivers Elders Council has called on Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly to work together without any form of distractions as they resume office following the end of the emergency rule declared on the state.

While noting that the parties concerned must have learned a thing or two from the political crisis, the council urged all stakeholders to “embrace the peace and reconciliation that has now returned to our dear state.”

They appealed to all concerned to avoid a recurrence of the situation which culminated in an emergency rule in the state and focus on sustaining peace, unity and development of the oil-rich state.

Chairman of the Rivers State Elders Council, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday morning titled ‘End Of Emergency Rule: Let’s Unite For the Peace And Progress Of Our Dear State’ and sent to newsmen.

Alabraba commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike for the role he played in the reconciliation process, and also lauded Fubara and the House of Assembly for agreeing to put the past behind them, especially as they prepare to resume their constitutional duties.

The elders, however, warn persons or groups who may still be harbouring grudges to realise that the crisis is over and should therefore desist from making inciting comments or issuing statements that are capable of causing problems in order to achieve personal gains.

The statement partly reads, “As the end of the emergency rule in our dear State beckons, and restoration of full democratic governance ushers in Governor Siminilayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Rt. Hon Martins Amaewhule, to resume their constitutional duties, this affords us an opportunity to reflect on a number of issues:

“For us as leaders and members of the Rivers State Elders Council, we urge all stakeholders, without exception, to embrace the peace and reconciliation that has now returned to our dear state.”

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The elders’ statement further read, “We also quickly wish to admonish the few individuals and groups who are still fanning the embers of discord to come to terms with the fact that the crisis is over and stop making inflammatory statements, inciting rhetoric in the media and whipping up sentiments for their selfish interests.

“They should prioritize the interest of the state and allow Governor Fubara and the House of Assembly to work together without further distractions.

“We equally commend the Governor and the Leadership of the House of Assembly for making peace. At this point, we can only remind them that they did not only agree on peace in Abuja but also, on their own, went to the Villa and affirmed their reconciliation before His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.”

The elders added, “That vow Mr. President remains sacrosanct. Therefore, going forward, they must work harmoniously in the interest of the state. The people of Rivers State expect nothing less from them.”

The elders council commended people of the State for their patience and understanding throughout the period of the emergency rule, describing it as an attestation of faith in the administration of President Tinubu, “whose proactive action averted the disaster that was about to descend on the state.

“The indefatigable political leader of Rivers State, the former Governor of the State and Minister of the FCT, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, deserves a special mention for his role in mid-wifing the entire reconciliation process. Again, he demonstrated that he was a man with a large heart.

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“He (Wike) did not only bring the parties together but also ensured that the parties went to Mr. President to brief him first hand on the details of their understanding.

“And to our dear President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we say a very big thank you for bringing Rivers State back from the brink and taking actions to ensure the peace that we now enjoy in the State.”

They lauded Tinubu for the confidence reposed in the FCT Minister whom they describe as ‘cherished leader’ as a member of his cabinet, saying, “Your astute resolution of the Rivers crisis is yet another manifestation of your goodwill towards the state.

“Mr President, we appreciate you and assure you that you have already captured the hearts of the people of Rivers State and as your administration continues to pursue the Renewed Hope Agenda, you can count on the support of Rivers people amt all times.”

It was earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

The emergency declaration came amid a deep political crisis in Rivers, characterised by conflict between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike (now FCT Minister).

Among the flashpoints was the demolition of the House of Assembly complex in late 2023 and disputes over legislative membership and legitimacy.

Security concerns also weighed heavily. There were allegations of widespread pipeline vandalism by militants, and governance was considered paralysed due to constitutional breaches, including a Supreme Court decision that later criticised the governor’s handling of the Assembly as tantamount to “despotism,” and stated that there was “no functioning government” in Rivers.

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As part of his measures, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired) as the sole administrator to run the affairs of the state during the emergency. Judicial institutions were left intact.

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, defended the emergency rule as necessary to stop the collapse of governance in Rivers and to restore constitutional order.

He emphasised that the President’s actions followed careful evaluation, mediation efforts, and a Supreme Court ruling.

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Blackouts: FG moves to resolve gas supply crisis

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The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has said Nigerians will soon begin to enjoy improved electricity supply as the Federal Government moves to resolve ongoing gas constraints affecting generation.

Adelabu made this known in his Eid-el-Fitr message on Thursday, where he noted that recent interventions by the government are beginning to address persistent gas supply challenges that have limited power generation across the country.

According to him, the government is implementing concrete measures to ensure a reliable supply for homes and businesses.

“Concrete measures are being implemented to ensure more reliable and sustainable electricity for homes, businesses, and industries. The reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu are beginning to take root, and Nigerians will soon witness the full benefits,” he said.

The PUNCH recently reported that gas suppliers halted supply to thermal power plants over an estimated N3.3tn debt owed by power generation companies, a development that had deepened the nationwide power shortage.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Power Generation Companies, Dr Joy Ogaji, disclosed this, warning that the mounting debt across the power value chain is pushing the sector toward a major crisis.

Her comments came amid worsening electricity supply across the country, with many Nigerians experiencing prolonged blackouts since the beginning of the year.

Data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator shows that power generation dropped below 4,000 megawatts in recent weeks, largely due to gas constraints affecting thermal power plants, making the reliable supply of electricity impossible across their franchise areas.

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The minister expressed optimism that ongoing efforts would translate into noticeable improvements in electricity supply in the near term, stressing that resolving gas constraints remains central to stabilising the power sector.

Electricity consumers, regardless of the supply bands they belong to, have continued to lament the situation, especially amid rising fuel prices and the severe heat.

Recently, NISO provided operational data illustrating the scale of the shortfall, noting that thermal power plants require an estimated 1,629.75 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to operate at optimal capacity. However, as of February 23, 2026, actual supply stood at about 692.00 mmscf per day—representing less than 43 per cent of the required volume.

Several power generation companies have repeatedly appealed to electricity consumers for patience, stating that the worsening gas constraints are beyond their control.

The situation has left many homes and businesses struggling with prolonged outages, raising fears that the electricity supply may deteriorate further if the financial impasse in the power sector is not urgently resolved.

He explained that the government’s broader reform agenda is designed to unlock efficiency across the electricity value chain, adding that sustained progress would depend on continued public support and alignment with policy direction.

However, Adelabu, in its message on Thursday, urged Nigerians to maintain patience and commitment, noting that the challenges currently being experienced are part of a transition towards a more reliable and sustainable power system.

“The challenges we face today are, without doubt, the building blocks of a more prosperous tomorrow,” he said.

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The minister further called on citizens to sustain the spirit of discipline and sacrifice cultivated during Ramadan, urging collective responsibility in supporting national development efforts.

He added that ongoing engagements by the president, including recent meetings in the United Kingdom, are expected to attract investment into critical sectors such as power, ultimately strengthening infrastructure and service delivery.

Adelabu emphasised that with continued reforms and cooperation, the government remains confident of delivering improved electricity supply to Nigerians in line with its development objectives.

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Dele Momodu, Fani-Kayode, Omokri in war of words over Tinubu – See details

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A public disagreement has erupted between a media publisher and a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dele Momodu, former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri over President Bola Tinubu leadership.

The clash started after Momodu appeared on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday and compared Tinubu’s leadership style to that of former military ruler, Sani Abacha, a remark that drew sharp criticism from Fani-Kayode.

Reacting on his social media pages on Tuesday, Fani-Kayode said he was disappointed in Momodu and urged him to step back from political commentary.

He described Momodu as “completely unhinged” and accused him of acting out of emotion rather than logic.

“Dele’s lies, duplicity, and shameless perfidy have finally been exposed,” Fani-Kayode said.

He added that Momodu was “badly diminished” and “a shadow of his former self.”

Fani-Kayode also defended his loyalty to Tinubu, saying, “Not only did I fight for Tinubu in 2023 during the presidential campaign, but I have remained loyal and committed to him and his cause since then, and I have no apology for that either.”

He accused Momodu of hypocrisy, saying that even after benefiting from a long-standing relationship, Momodu did not support Tinubu’s presidential ambition.

“Unlike Dele, I did not benefit from him for close to 40 years… and yet refuse to support him in achieving his dream of becoming President,” he stated.

Fani-Kayode warned Momodu to be careful, saying, “He should stay in his lane, otherwise I will give him plenty to write about,” adding that comparing Tinubu to Abacha was wrong.

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“For him to compare Tinubu to Abacha was wrong, and if he was anything like the dictator that Dele claims he is, both Dele and those he speaks for today would either be dead or in jail. He should count himself lucky that our President is a democrat and not a monster,” he added.

Momodu, responding on Thursday via X, fired back at Fani-Kayode and questioned his suitability for a diplomatic role.

“He went to Cambridge University… but became an enfant terrible, fighting anyone and anything in sight. All supplications and intercessions by friends and family on his behalf have failed to cure his strange malady,” Momodu wrote.

“And this is the man President Bola Tinubu is about to unleash on Germany as an ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for God’s sake,” he said.

Momodu claimed Fani-Kayode had long expected a political appointment and had previously expressed frustration over delays. “Femi without power is like a fish out of water,” he added.

In a post on his X handle on Thursday, Fani-Kayode slammed Momodu for referencing his father and his educational background.

“Dele Momodu has got his knickers in a twist yet again. Poor soul. He is clearly tormented. He calls me a thug, speaks about my father and family, and claims that I wanted to work with Atiku even though I left PDP in 2021.

“No matter what you say about me, I have been active in the corridors of power for over 30 years,” he said.

He also criticised Momodu’s career and family background, saying, “All I know about you is that you were once a journalist, you followed Chief MKO Abiola around like a court jester and collected crumbs from him for much of your life.

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“You became a hustler and a photographer after he was incarcerated, and you ran for President a number of years back and got only one vote, which came from your wife.

“Outside of this, I do not have your time. I have been called to serve my country once again, and that is where my focus lies. The only thing that matters is Nigeria.”

Earlier, Momodu had said that Fani-Kayode and Omokri had contacted him to reconcile after their past disagreements.

However, in a post via his X handle on Thursday, Omokri criticised Momodu, calling him “too immature for politics” and denying contacting him to reconcile.

“I have never reached out to you privately for reconciliation. NEVER. If you have evidence about that, please publicise it now.

“The last time you and I had an exchange, I did not reach out to you privately to arrange a settlement or ask for publicity, as you claimed. Rather, I called you to warn you to always travel with aspirin or any other blood thinner to avoid sudden death syndrome caused by frequent air flights.

“Dele, you should focus on hyping fading Big Brother contestants and leave politics to those with a thick enough skin to take barbs and give back in good measure,” Omokri wrote.

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I have no regrets over my actions as minister – Malami

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A former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has said he has no regrets over his actions while in office, following his release from prison custody.

Malami, who is facing a 16-count charge of alleged money laundering alongside his wife, Bashir Asabe, and son, Abdulaziz, maintained that he intends to vigorously defend himself against the allegations.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The former minister was rearrested on January 19 by operatives of the Department of State Services shortly after his initial release from Kuje Prison.

On January 21, he accused the DSS of denying him access to his family and legal team.

On February 27, a Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail to Malami and his son in the sum of N200 million each over alleged terrorism-related offences.

He has since fulfilled the bail conditions and regained his freedom.

Malami, in an interview with DCL Hausa published on Wednesday, said that despite what he went through, he sees the experience as “God’s will” and pledged to vigorously defend himself against the allegations.

“I have spent time in EFCC custody, Kuje Prison, and with the DSS. I believe it is all God’s will, and I accept it, but I will defend myself against the allegations,” he said.

Malami also alleged violations of his rights during the investigation, claiming that security agencies searched his homes and business premises without notifying him.

“They violated my rights by searching my houses and business premises without notifying me during the investigation.

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“Constitutionally, I have the right to be present during a search to oversee the investigation of my property and to know exactly what is being looked for or taken.

Despite the ordeal, Malami said he remains resolute. “I have no regrets regarding what I did during my time as a minister,” he concluded.

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