NewStats: 3,264,316 , 8,183,318 topics. Date: Tuesday, 10 June 2025 at 02:55 PM 2p2b2b

The statements infers Abati's former wife likely approached Wike for money
If that is true, it is difficult for Abati to say he is not aware
From henceforth, Abati will likely take it easy on Wike

Quite an insightful analysis.
However, I still maintain my stand that Asiwaju should forgive Tinubu
The President's rank of reliable lieutenants is depleting everyday
I don't know how Sanwo Olu also planned to pull Obasa's impeachment off, without the President' involvement
He might have assumed Asiwaju is too busy in Abuja to bother about little issues in Lagos parliament
That was a grave mistake on his part

Dr Abati was clever by half with this response
Obviously, someone solicited funds from Wike on Abati's behalf. Who is the Ex-Partner Abati referred to in that response?
Naturally, when you live in glass houses, you shouldn't throw stone
Unfortunately for Wike, he possibly does not have Video recordings of the visit of Abati and his partner to his house to solicit for the help, but obviously, Lere would not make such claim publicly if it is not true. Am sure it was Wike that briefed him.
If Lere's claim was an outright lie, Abati would have threatened litigation.
Even if it is half-truth, it means there is an iota of truth

Politics is messy in Nigeria. Don't ever allow Nigerian politicians to have a dossier on you.
And everyone will be extra-careful in approaching Wike for help now, because several years or even months after, the whole world will hear about it, once you are no longer in sync with him. It is even possible Wike will now install hidden cameras in his meeting rooms so he can record his dealings with people, in case they want to deny it in the future.

And that is a terrible character. Secrets in times of peace, must remain secrets in times of war.

But Tinubu is encouraging Wike to forgive Fubara,
I don't think Sanwo Olu's disloyalty to Tinubu can be compared to Fubara's disloyalty to Wike
So if Wike can forgive Fubara, Tinubu can forgive Sanwo Olu

Asiwaju must learn how to forgive
He is encouraging Wike to forgive Fubara for his disloyalty. Asiwaju should be able to do same to Sanwo Olu
Sanwo Olu's errors cannot outweigh the good he has done to Asiwaju
One of the hallmarks of a great leader is the ability to forgive. He may not necessarily forget (of course that will be difficult as humans), but he should be able to forgive.

And Asiwaju is incredibly petty. Must he snub Sanwo Olu in public, even if he is having beef with him? That's a low for a sitting president

Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, was absent on Thursday when President Bola Tinubu flagged off the reconstruction of the deep seaport access road in Epe, Ijebu-Ode area of the state.

Several dignitaries, including Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, and Femi Hamzat, deputy governor of Lagos, attended the event.

Sanwo-Olu’s seat was clearly labelled, but he was noticeably absent, with his deputy, Hamzat, seated behind it.

Speaking at the event, Tinubu directed his remarks at the deputy governor rather than Sanwo-Olu.

The president also cautioned governors against issuing planning approvals for unauthorised islands and developments that encroach on designated road setbacks and maritime zones.

“Please, our dear governors, let’s work together. Don’t give planning approvals without collaborating with the surveyor-general of the federation and the ministry of works on these roads,” the president said.

“I’m glad the deputy governor of Lagos state is here. Take it that we will revoke all those approvals given on setbacks, and please note that we are very serious about it. No more approvals for those unapproved islands being created illegally.”

While the Lagos government has not given an official reason for Sanwo-Olu’s absence from the event, it may be linked to the alleged rift between the two politicians.

On Saturday, Tinubu snubbed Sanwo-Olu during the inauguration of the completed phase 1, section 1 (30km by six lanes) of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.

The event was attended by personalities, including former Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Zulum, Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa, and Bassey Otu, governor of Cross River.

Tinubu exchanged pleasantries by shaking hands with the dignitaries as he proceeded along the line of officials.

However, when Tinubu reached Sanwo-Olu, he ignored the Lagos governor and extended a handshake directly to greet Ahmed Ododo, the governor of Kogi, who was next in line.

There has been speculation that Sanwo-Olu and Tinubu are not on good following the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa as Lagos assembly speaker.

Obasa was removed from office by a majority of lawmakers in February over allegations of financial misconduct but was later reinstated after 49 days following the alleged intervention of Tinubu.

https://www.thecable.ng/spotted-sanwo-olu-absent-as-tinubu-flags-off-reconstruction-of-lagos-deep-seaport-access-road/

2Face is looking fresh and chubby here. How come there was a picture of his on front page some days ago where he was looking thin and haggard? I fear who no fear A.I.

Rauf is really a charasmatic politician. A very lovable person but he went completely overboard when he lambasted his benefactor in public. He really crossed the line and it seems irredeemable. However, if the Tinubu Political Family do not wish to forgive him and welcome him back into the family as a prodigal son, Rauf will have to find another political family to . We can't expect him to retire from politics, when he is still young and has a political following. If Atiku's are favourable to him, I see no reason why he should not take the opportunity

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the last election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar on Friday had a breakfast meeting with the immediate past Minister of Interior, Mr Rauf Aregbesola at the latter’s country home in Ilesa, Osun State.

The former vice president visited Aregbesola alongside Alhaji Namadi Sambo, Nigeria’s vice president during the istration of Dr Goodluck Jonathan.

The former governor and his guests were seen looking on with interest inside the living room as a group of drummers politically aligned with Aregbesola were heard singing that in 2027, “Tinubu maa lu’le” (meaning in 2027, Tinubu will lose).

Atiku was in town for the coronation of the new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup Ajimoko III.

In a Facebook video posted by Atiku, Aregbesola was seen welcoming the Waziri of Adamawa to his residence alongside chieftains of his new political group.

Those who welcomed Atiku alongside Aregbesola included a former speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam, former secretary to the state government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, the immediate past Senator representing Osun West, Adelowo Oriolowo, the chairman of Aregbesola’s group in the state, Alhaji Isaa Adesiji and some of his cabinet when he was the governor of the state.

https://tribuneonlineng.com/aregbesolas-drummers-say-tinubu-will-lule-in-2027/

A very selfless, altruistic and highly commendable effort from the CEO of Educare. This is how to make impact

Extension is looking more likely. The ego of the two parties involved won't make them to genuinely reconcile

Wike said Bala Mohammed is a betrayal
Atiku said Bala Mohammed is a betrayal
Given that Wike and Atiku are political enemies, who then did Bala Mohammed worked for?
Perhaps, the bigger question would be- Who really is Bala Mohammed?

Yeah, I think I agree with your logic
He possibly firm up his grip on the assembly after seeing Fubara's actions
Because the assembly are Wike's only leverage in the political game.
Without the assembly in his grip,by now Wike might have been confined to the dustbin of history

SpiritMoney:


Not necessarily. He may have taken his hold over Fubara for granted believing he didn't need much beyond politica patronage to hold him down.

But after the Fubara revolt, he made sure to strengthen his hold on the 27 clowns.

Besides its common sense..it is easier for Fubara who is one man more powerful than lawmakers to go against his godfather.. very easy!

Infact if he had made Martins Amaewhule governor, the same would have happened.

I don't agree with your theory


If Wike istered on House of Assembly in order to command their loyalty, he definitely would have istered bigger oath on the gover

We have no evidence that some of the House of Assembly are also not political neophytes

SpiritMoney:


You are either Naive or living under a rock these past 30 years.
Why do you think Wike chose Fubara? Because he wanted a lackey who wouldn't question him.
A civil servant without a political bone in is body. So he didn't even bother putting in enough effort to cage him in "other" ways.

I agree absolutely with you
Perhaps, if Fubara had waited to get a full grip of power before starting the onslaught against Wike, he would have been able to buy some of them over

If not all, at least the seven house from the Ijaw areas.

Fubara started the war without clear strategy

Alexis11:


Fubara didn't play his game well. The guy is not a politician. He betrayed Wike too early before doing his work on the legislatures.

Also, the Federal status that Wike has is a big incentives for them. Had Wike not made the FCT minister, things would probably have been different.

So how did Fubara secure Wike's commitment to sponsor him? From your theory, maybe they also had blood oath. If that theory is true, how did Fubara now went away from Wike and no harm from the supposed blood covenant has happened to him? Lol

SpiritMoney:


Because a blood oath was taken. You think its ordinary? Dey play. Their lives and that of their families are on the line.

Wike is wiling to destroy any of them and I mean it literally who goes against him.
It is fear...not respect!!!

Fubara doesn't have the balls to go the extra mile to secure loyalty.

How these guys have been able to maintain absolute loyalty to Wike, despite all possible offers from Fubara, is really worth studying

After all, the same way Wike funded their election, was the same way he funded Fubara's election. So they could also have betrayed Wike and move with Fubara

How they have maintained absolute loyalty should be a Case study in Schools of Public Governance.

He was Special Adviser to Vice President Shettima, not to President Tinubu
The official nomenclature is usually written as Special Adviser to the President (Office of the Vice President)
This is because the Presidency is ONE, and all staffs of the Presidency as deemed as working for the President
However, they have their specific posting. Some are staffs of the President, some are staffs of the Vice President

But seriously, Wike's temperament, fighting multiple battles simultaneously, and bottling up so much bitterness and betrayals, might have a toll on his cardiovascular and neurovascular health. We really can't overburden our human frailty

It means Tinubu really tried. With the volume of bitterness and struggles he had survived, he being hale and hearty at 73 (officially) is really God's grace.

ABUJA – THE Federal Government on Wednesday said that the allocation for Rivers State will be released to the , Vice iral Ibok Ibas (retd).

The government also said President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State was timely and meant to avert an implosion in the state.

This is as it has said that the former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike has no role in the political crisis in Rivers State that culminated in the declaration of a state of emergency.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, stated this while briefing State House correspondents at the presidential Villa, Abuja.

While fielding questions on whether the Federal Government would release the allocation from the federation to the state in view of the latest development, the Minister said if the requests for it, it will be released to him.

“And to me, it will be in order for the release of that fund because the event of the extraordinary situation has brought them out of the normal situation of things.”

He justified the decision of the President to declare a state of emergency in the state.
According to him, “We have about two years into the istration in the state.

“Now, when do you think he (President Tinubu) should have come in? Is it when everything has been destroyed? I don’t think so.

“I think the President has acted timeously. He has given the opportunity to all the parties involved, to make amends. Before then, he had to assemble them, he had tried to mediate,” he stated.

President Tinubu had on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

In a national broadcast, Tinubu cited prolonged political instability, constitutional breaches, and security threats as reasons for the extraordinary measure.

The crisis, which had paralysed governance in the oil-rich state, stems from a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

As part of the directive, the President also appointed Vice iral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as the sole to oversee the state’s affairs until normalcy is restored. Ibas served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Tinubu announced, “In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State having failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, March 18, 2025 and I so do.

“By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.

“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice iral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) as to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function by their constitutional mandate.”

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/breaking-fg-to-release-rivers-allocation-to-/

— Warns other states not to dare FG

THE Attorney General of the Federation, AGF and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, on Wednesday, alleged that Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State tele-guided militants to blow up pipelines in the state.

The AGF made the accusation while rationalizing President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency following the protracted political crisis in the state.

He said if the governor was not culpable, he did not also do anything to dissuade the militants from taking action against the critical national infrastructure.

He said: “We are in a democracy. So now then, there were what I will call telegraphing of the militants, I will say, by the governor. And the reason I said so was when he began, he said oh, he will let them know when it was time to act to the militant.

“Let us say it was wrong. Did he come out to disown them? The answer is no. And a week after, they swung into action, you see or witness vandalization of oil pipelines.”

Noting that the nation’s almost totally rely on oil, he said for anyone to touch the pipeline, he is not only an enemy of Rivers but Nigeria.

He said that the judgment of the Supreme Court was the base upon which Tinubu imposed the state of emergency in Rivers State to protect the critical infrastructure in the state.

The AGF observed that the governor and the of the state house of assembly had to be suspended because they had failed to ensure a conducive atmosphere for governance in the state.

He pushed back on criticisms that the president’s action was hasty noting that people were living in fear while others were dying.

He said both the Governor and his deputy were suspended because it is an extraordinary situation.

He faulted the argument in some quarters that the Supreme Court in previous judgement on the declaration of State of emergency in states, stressing that situations and events were different.

The AGF said the ball is now in the court of the National Assembly who he said could reverse the suspensions by denying it the two-thirds majority to ratify the action.

He also said that the declaration of State of emergency in Rivers State was a warning signal to other states, giving the impression that the government would invoke stricter sanctions.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/fubara-tele-guided-militants-to-blow-up-pipelines-agf/amp/

The Rivers State House of Assembly has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, by the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule.

Amaewhule said the Assembly would abide by the president’s decision, even though it was not what they had hoped for.

“We assure our constituents that we will abide by this declaration, even though it is not what we prayed for. Mr. President has acted in the best interest of the country,” Amaewhule said.

The Speaker blamed Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the crisis in Rivers State, accusing him of ignoring court judgments and failing to govern in line with the constitution.

“The condition of our dear Rivers State today is mainly because of the malfeasance of the governor, who serially disobeyed court judgments and obstructed the Rivers State House of Assembly,” he stated.

Amaewhule called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with the Sole appointed by the president to oversee the affairs of the state.

“We urge everyone to remain calm as the Sole assumes duty. Rest assured that the Assembly will give him all the necessary to restore order,” he added.

The Speaker also thanked the people of the state for their patience, prayers and during this period of emergency.

On Tuesday, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu and all elected of the state House of Assembly for six months.

He said the decision was taken to restore stability in the state that has been witnessing political turmoil as a result of the disagreement between the state governor and the state lawmakers.

Following his declaration, the president appointed a former Chief of Naval Staff, iral Ibokette Ibas, as an for Rivers State.

https://punchng.com/rivers-assembly-backs-emergency-rule-pledges-sole--/

The Supreme Court has dismissed two appeals filed by the Attorney General of Rivers State and the Speaker of the state’s Assembly, which sought to overturn the leave granted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to challenge a 2007 order preventing it from investigating the tenure of former Governor Peter Odili.

In 2007, Odili obtained a perpetual injunction from the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, barring the EFCC from investigating or arresting him. The court order also restrained the anti-graft agency from probing the finances of the Rivers State Government.

Subsequently, the EFCC applied to the Court of Appeal for permission to challenge the Federal High Court’s ruling after the statutory appeal period had elapsed. The appellate court granted the request, prompting the Rivers State Attorney General and the Speaker of the Assembly to appeal the decision at the Supreme Court.

During Monday’s proceedings, Justice John Okoro, who presided over a five-member , questioned the substance of the appeal filed by the Rivers Attorney General, marked SC/CV/318/2018.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) S. A. Somiari, representing the appellant, explained that the case was an interlocutory appeal challenging the Court of Appeal’s decision to grant EFCC leave to appeal the 2007 ruling.

However, Justice Okoro interjected, stating, “This is not the type of appeal we hear here.” He advised the parties to return to the Court of Appeal to resolve the substantive matter before approaching the Supreme Court.

Upon realizing the court’s stance, Somiari applied to withdraw the appeal. The EFCC’s legal team, led by Abubakar Mahmud (SAN), along with Sylvanus Tahir (SAN) and B. O. Obialo, did not oppose the request.

Justice Okoro subsequently ruled: “Appeal is dismissed, having been withdrawn without any objection.”

A similar ruling was issued for the appeal marked SC/CV/447/2018, filed by the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/odilis-probe-supreme-court-dismisses-rivers-case-against-efcc/

Fubara is playing a game. The Governor should present the budget first. The House of Assembly wrote him first. There is no need for unnecessary friendship. Fubara is not doing the House any favour by paying their entitlement. It is their right under the law. He started the fight, He said they were gone. They shouldn't allow him to unnecessarily hoodwink them.

He is trying to build a case against impeachment. He knows the lawmaker might not honour the invitation, so he is trying to build public sympathy. They gave you 48hours to present budget. You didn't honour it. The next thing you are inviting them over. To do what?

There is nothing like Victor Oko-Jombo house. There is nothing like Edison Ehile's house. The Supreme Court already pronounced that the since the day Fubara demolished the House of Assembly, the House has not been functioning (technically on vacation) and only just resumed back after the Supreme Court declaration. Victor Oko-Jombo and Edison Ehile's sittings are tantamount to Fubara just hosting his committee of friends in a social setting

Even though the mata never finish, as far as defection of those 27 lawmakers is concerned, the mata don finish. If you read the Certified True Copy of that judgement very carefully, you will see that the matter has been concluded. When they say, "if you must approach equity, you must do so with clean hands", this is what it means. Fubara already soiled his hands by demolishing the house of Assembly building. He cannot get any favourable judgement at the supreme court on this issues. The Supreme Court deliberately punished him. Even when you are reading the Certified True Copy of the judgement, you will feel the anger of the judges in their writing.

Eriokanmi:
I understand that. I'm only harping on the law makers defection, which will be decided at the party level..the mata never finish. The Court is already aware of the case. Before you can say you're leaving a party, there must have been crises ongoing, right? Though demolition was one of the reasons they claimed, fubara stated the reason for doing this even though you and I know it's politically motivated lol. the edo's lawmakers case under obaseki? The rivers law makers said they're leaving and sent a letter to the governor, duly signed. That's a sure evidence to nail them. Let's see what happens in coming days.

The building of the House of Assembly was already demolished by Fubara before the purported decamping of the law makers. That action angered the Supreme Court judges and they decided to punish Fubara for it.

Eriokanmi:
Hope you got my point. Demolition of building or not. You cannot tell your employer say you no do again, com submit a resignation letter duly signed by you and your employer com sign an acknowledgement copy. And the same you, now say you wan go back there , go work. Whatever you do or did with your life after leaving the company is none of your former employer's business(whether you remained unemployed but lied to yourfriends you're working at Guinness, or you ed another company).

Did they resign due to building demolished? That's a different case. Fubara had stated the reason for the demolition ,even though it's politically motivated. Court dwells on evidence, not story or emotions.

How do we rationalize Fubara demolishing the State House of Assembly complex?

The Supreme Court is a policy court. They have the capacity to punish rascal politicians. That was exactly what they did to Fubara.

ddippset:
Meaning what?

At least we all have brains to reason for ourselves.

This one is not law not but logic.

How does this make sense to anyone?

As far as the supreme court is concerned, all the alleged swearing of false affidavits never happened from the point when Fubara demolished the House of Assembly complex

No Court will adjudicate on the defection of the 27 lawmakers again. Whatever is left of that matter has become merely academic. The Supreme Court already pronounced that from the point Fubara demolished the State House of Assembly, all subsequent actions of the lawmakers, including their purported defection never happened. You cannot build something on nothing.

Eriokanmi:
Court dwells on evidence to adjudicate as you know. They all submitted a written letter with their signatures well appended to Fubara, ceasing to be of the PDP. Even if they're not card carrying or ed of the apc or any political party, the road is clear enough. That will be used against them.

It's just like you reg from working with a company. Whichever company you ed or whatever you do with your life subsequently is none of your ex-empkoyer's business. You cannot resign and now want to come back to work. That letter you submitted is enough to nail you, should you wish to play smart.

When the supreme court said the law makers aren't of the apc, the court was right. They're also not of the pdp. The letters they submitted is a proof.

Like I said earlier, the Supreme Court deliberately decided to punish Fubara for demolishing the Assembly complex. And I think their decisions were justified

CaptainGo:


Based on Number 1, is the HOA the building or the elected legislators?

From the day Fubara demolished the State House of Assembly, every other actions of the lawmakers were not recognized by the Supreme court. It was a way of the Supreme Court punishing Fubara for demolishing the State House of Assembly. That offense was deemed terrible by the Supreme Court. It is a valid ground for Fubara's impeachment

franugo:


I do have issues with the supreme Court judgement, does it mean that they no longer recognize a sworn affidavit from a valid court as a legal document? The part about the lawmakers not being in apc member is not really important here, the issue at hand was about whether there is evidence that they defected from pdp, not on whether they're ed in apc. Nevertheless, the supreme Court have given their judgement, however flawed it is, and has to be obeyed.