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Fubara’s men absent at gov’s reunion with Wike

Published

3 months ago

October 6, 2025

Signs of a renewed reconciliation between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his political mentor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, appear to be emerging, following a high-level meeting of key political stakeholders in Port Harcourt.

The closed-door meeting, held on Saturday night, brought together Fubara, Wike, members of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Council, the leadership of the state House of Assembly, and several prominent politicians loyal to the FCT Minister, including members of the Rivers National Assembly caucus.

Although details remained sketchy as of the time of filing this report, sources said the meeting was convened at the instance of the Chairman of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Council, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba.

However, concerns have surfaced over the absence of Fubara’s loyalists, marking the second time such a peace gathering was reportedly dominated by Wike’s camp.

Governor Fubara returned to office on September 18, following the suspension of the six-month emergency rule in the state and the exit of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), who served as State Administrator under President Bola Tinubu.

Since his reinstatement, the governor has dissolved the Rivers State Pensions Board and the state Microfinance Agency, both reconstituted during Ibas’s administration.

Among those present at the Saturday meeting were Wike, Fubara, Alabraba, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol, House Leader, Major Jack, and Senate caucus leader, Senator Barry Mpigi.

Also in attendance were former and serving lawmakers, including Senators Magnus Abe, George Sekibo, Olaka Nwogu, Wilson Ake, Felix Nwaeke (Tai/Oyigbo Federal Constituency), and Kelechi Nwogu (Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency).

Other attendees included former NBA President Onueze Okocha (SAN); elder statesman and monarch Chief Sergent Awuse; former Attorneys-General Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor (SAN), Frank Owhor, Ken Chikere, and Worgu Boms; APC Deputy National Vice Chairman (South-South) Chief Victor Giadom; Rivers PDP Chairman Chief Chukwuemeka Aaron; and former Environment Minister Udi Odum.

Also present were Elder Chidi Wihioka, Dr. Chinyere Igwe, Pro-Chancellor, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Ikuinyi Ibani; Executive Director, Finance and Administration, NDDC, Chief Boma Iyaye;, Chief Marcus Nle Eji, Prof. Ogiri, Chief Chukwuemeka Woke, Dr. Sampson Parker, Dr. Fred Kpakol, and Chief Felix Obuah, among others.

Although the exact agenda was not disclosed, sources close to the meeting said it focused on reconciling Wike’s loyalists with Governor Fubara and fostering cooperation between both camps.

Recall that on September 19, when Fubara returned to the state after his reinstatement, neither members of the State Assembly, local government chairmen, nor known Wike loyalists were at the Port Harcourt International Airport to receive him.

Similarly, during the Independence Thanksgiving Service at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Garrison, last Sunday, most of the figures who attended Saturday’s meeting were noticeably absent.

Last week, the governor officially sacked all commissioners and public office holders affected by the Supreme Court judgment that recognised Martin Amaewhule as the authentic Speaker of the State Assembly.

The judgment invalidated the appointments of those screened by the faction led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, a Fubara ally.

A Fubara loyalist, who spoke to The PUNCH on condition of anonymity, expressed reservations about the meeting, describing it as one-sided.

“It’s like what happened during the emergency rule when we saw pictures of the governor, the FCT Minister, and Martin Amaewhule with President Tinubu in Aso Rock claiming reconciliation,” the source said.“Now again, it’s the same faces, known loyalists of the FCT Minister. Where are elders like Chief Rufus Ada-George, Dr. Gabriel Toby, or High Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, who stood by the governor? If this is reconciliation, it should be sincere and inclusive.”

However, a Wike loyalist, who also pleaded anonymity, defended the meeting, insisting it was meant to “bring the governor back to his political roots.”

“Politics is about loyalty. What you’re seeing is the governor returning to his original family. These are the same people who stood with Wike when he nominated Fubara in 2023. Many of those now complaining were not even part of the process.”

Following what appeared to be a harmonisation meeting, sources hinted that Governor Fubara may soon submit a list of commissioner-nominees to the Rivers State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

Meanwhile, the Rivers Peace Initiative has appealed for patience and trust in the ongoing peace efforts, describing them as a critical step toward lasting stability.

In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday, the group’s convener, Obinna Ebogidi, lauded the renewed dialogue among political and community leaders, urging all parties to protect rather than politicise the reconciliation process.

“Peacebuilding is a process that begins in phases, building confidence, establishing mutual respect, and preparing the ground for broader participation,” the statement read.

“What matters most is that the conversation has started again, and that leaders are finding the courage to meet, talk, and seek common ground.”

Ebogidi urged stakeholders, political actors, and citizens to exercise restraint, adding:

“No one wins in a divided Rivers State. Everyone stands to gain from a peaceful, stable, and prosperous state where governance and development can thrive again,”he said.

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PHOTOS & VIDEO: Fire razes part of Ogun free trade zone, Igbesa

Published

7 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

A fire outbreak has occurred at the mattress section of the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), Igbesa, on Sunday.

It was gathered that the fire was triggered by a gas explosion from a foam-producing company in the industrial park.

The incident has reportedly caused chaos and fear among students living around the Obanla axis of the area.

In a video obtained by our correspondent, students were seen running out of their hostels as the thick smoke covered the sky.

An eyewitness, Kuwhede Vincent, a student of the Ogun State Institute of Technology, OGITECH, Igbesa, disclosed that there was a loud noise followed by smoke and fire.

Vincent said, “ It started around 8 am in the morning, we first saw smoke then fire coming from the company.

“The company is very close to my hostel but I don’t think any hostel was affected. We just carried our bag because we don’t know what can happen next”.

He noted that the fire service were on ground to curtail the fire.

Reacting to the incident, President of the Student Union Government in OGITECH, Ilo Fadilu Temitope, in a statement signed by its secretary, Moses Josephine and PRO Segbetin Sunday, and made available to called for calm among students, urging them to be vigilant, and adhere strictly to safety measures.

Part of the statement reads, “The attention of the Students’ Union Government has been drawn to information reaching us regarding a fire outbreak at the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), Igbesa, which is in close proximity to some student hostels around the Obanla axis.

“While relevant authorities are reportedly responding to the situation, the Students’ Union deems it necessary to prioritize the safety and well-being of all students.

“In view of this, students especially those residing around Obanla axis and its environs are hereby advised to remain calm but vigilant, and to strictly observe the following safety measures: Avoid unnecessary movement towards the affected area or fire scene, stay indoors where it is safe to do so and keep doors and windows closed if there is smoke in the environment, switch off electrical appliances and gas sources as a precaution.”

As of the time of filing this report, there has not been any official statement on the cause of the incident.

When contacted by our correspondent, the Commissioner of the State’s Ministry of Environment, Ola Oresanya said, “Thanks for the information, I will work on it immediately.”

Many houses affected as fire guts Ogun Free Trade Zone pic.twitter.com/pYIjbLwGhJ

— Temitope Hassan (@temihat) January 11, 2026

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Demolition notice: Ogun communities cry out, call for Gov Abiodun’s intervention

Published

7 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

About 15 communities in the Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State have called for the intervention of Governor Dapo Abiodun over alleged plot to demolish their villages and acquire their land.

The communities include Itori Mogan, Laaki, Jaguna, Ogunu, Paashi, Kumapayi, and Abule Odo of Ijemoland among others.

According to the villagers, the community which is over 300 years was excised by former governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s administration.

It was gathered that the state government, through the its Planning and Development Permit Authority, Abeokuta Metro Zonal Planning Office, served a demolition notice with service number 00047932 on the occupiers of Itori Mogan village on Friday, accusing them of contravening the Land Use Act of Ogun State for residing in Hillcrest Estate.

In the demolition notice dated January 9, 2026, the government gave the occupiers three days deadline to vacate the affected villages that fell within its acquisition.

Expressing their displeasure on Saturday, the Baale of Ogunro, Chief Olakunle Bodunde, speaking on behalf of the villages marked for demolition, lamented that the present administration is bent on taking the remaining part of the community for an estate development, while rendering members of the community homeless.

He noted that the matter was in court and despite several meetings with the government, a demolition notice was pasted on their buildings.

He said, “We have taken significant steps to address this issue. We had meetings with the government, and now the matter is in court.

“We have served them, and the government has been notified, but they are not showing up in court, and now they have come to paste demolition notices on our buildings.

“We want things to be done with due process. The court has not made a pronouncement yet.”

Also speaking, Chief Oludare Salako, the Baale of Itori Mogan, said the communities have different ancestral gods which according to him cannot be relocated, saying that forceful eviction could spell danger.

He appealed to the state governor to intervene, expressing the belief that he may not be aware of the incident.

“We want Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene, as we believe he may not be aware of these alleged land grabbers in his government. We want him to look critically into the matter and stop their actions,” Salako added.

The Aro of Egbaland and Oluwo of Ijemo, High Chief Oluyinka Kufile, urged the villagers to engage in dialogue with the government and be hopeful.

“If you have a right, no government will stop you from exercising your right. So my advice is to dialogue.

“We have signed pacts with the present government on some particular land and villages. Go there, visit the office, and make inquiries. Why again are they trying to take back the land,” he said.

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Full List Of Countries Nigerians Travel To Without Visa

Published

7 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Nigerian passport holders can now travel to 45 countries worldwide without obtaining a visa in advance, according to the latest update from Visaindex.

The development significantly eases international travel for Nigerians, providing broader options for tourism, business, education and family visits.

Of the 45 destinations, 27 countries allow visa-free entry for Nigerian citizens, while the remaining operate visa-on-arrival or Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) regimes. Entry conditions vary by country, but the update signals an expansion of global mobility opportunities for Nigerians.

Several African nations have adopted open-border policies aimed at boosting regional integration, trade and tourism.

The Gambia – Since 2019, the country has declared itself a visa-free zone for all African travellers, extending the policy to Commonwealth nations, the European Union, and select Baltic states.

Benin – Inspired by Rwanda, Benin lifted visa restrictions for all Africans in 2019, strengthening its position as a commercial and transit hub in West Africa.

Kenya – In October 2023, President William Ruto announced the removal of visa requirements for all African visitors to enhance trade, tourism and continental connectivity.

Rwanda – Since November 2023, Rwanda has granted visa-free entry to all Africans without fees, reinforcing its reputation as a leading tourism and conference destination.

Ghana – Ghana recently joined the visa-free league for Africans, a move expected to attract investors, tourists and business travellers as it positions itself as a regional hub.

Other Visa-Free Or Easy-Access Destinations

Nigerian passport holders can also access the following countries either visa-free, via visa-on-arrival, or through eTA arrangements:

Barbados

Burkina Faso

Cameroon

Cape Verde

Chad

Cook Islands

Côte d’Ivoire

Dominica

Fiji

Guinea