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Cabinet Dissolution National Assembly Members, Others Hail Jonathan
Following the dissolution of the federal cabinet by Acting President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday, some members of the National Assembly and others have unequivocally stated their support for the action.
Speaking to The Weekend Tide on Thursday, Hon Ike Chinwu, a member of the House of Representatives, said the Acting President was on track.
“He now wears the shoes, and as the man at the helm of affairs, he has the absolute right to dissolve the cabinet.
“We in the National Assembly have urged him to make wide consultations across the board and make his nominations quickly, appointing those he knows can help him stir the ship of the state for the interest of the nation”, Hon. Chinwu said.
He continued that “we are in a hurry to develop, and there should be no time to waste in developing all sectors of the nation’s economy”.
Hon. Igwe Chinyere, representing Port Harcourt Federal Constituency, II, while supporting Hon. Chinwu, noted that the dissolution should give the Acting President the opportunity to “infect new blood into the system for the benefit of the nation.
In his view, the former Executive Council has served for about three years and there was need to try others.
Also speaking to The Weekend Tide, Tony I. Uranta expressed happiness that the Acting President “has finally taken up the challenges by dissolving the cabinet.
Uranta who is the local facilitator of the commission of Nobel Laureates to the Niger Delta, said the dissolution could enhance change and development, but urged the Acting President not to “re-appoint those 12 ministers who had earlier challenged his authorities and powers by writing a letter that amounted to insubordination.
He urged him to appoint persons with credible and international repute that will fast track development in the nation.
Uranta also urged the Acting President to “sack the INEC chairman, Chief Maurice Iwu, if he really wants to fulfil his promises by overseeing a free and fair election in the country”.
According to him, “He should also address the post Amnesty programme to further prevent the re-occurrence of last Monday’s bomb explosions in Warri”.
The Commission of Nobel Laureates to the Niger Delta also called on the Acting President to use the opportunity and address the issue of imbalance in the petroleum sector, “especially, the NNPC where certain ethnic group occupy top positions in the organisation”.
He also urged Dr. Jonathan to look critically into the Anit-Corruption Agency, EFCC, by not necessarily changing the leaders, but ensuring that no ethnic group have influence than others.
“The Acting President must give teeth to his promises and ensure that the electoral reforms is successful in his tenure.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene