Politics
NLC Okays Amaechi’s Achievements
Most of the activities of Governor Chibuike Amaechi were done outside the state, as he was represented by other state officials within the week in various state functions.
He was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr George Feyii, during the inauguration of the new State Education Quality Assurance Agency.
Commissioner for Commerce, Chienye Chuma also stood in for the governor during the setting up of a Business Roundtable Committee in the state penultimate week.
Last weekend, the Secretary to the State Government, represented Governor Chibuike Amaechi as he bade farewell to visiting students of Institute of Security Studies (ISS), Abuja, who were in the state for a three-day study tour.
Last week Tueday however, the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Rivers State Chapter, led by its chairman and Mayor of Port Harcourt, Chimbiko Akarolo, briefed newsmen on the brewing wranglings within the fold of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
The body was responding to the controversial judgment by an Abuja High Court dissolving the Chief Godspower Ake-led PDP Executive on Monday. ALGON vowed not to recognise the court instituted exco led by Chief Felix Obuah, whom they said did not contest elections.
Mr. Akarolo declared that, “We shall not support or do business with new exco. The decision is a bad luck to democracy in Rivers State.” It, therefore, pledged support to the Chief Ake-led executive.
ALGON insisted that the country must be ruled on the platform of truth and therefore urged party faithfuls to be peaceful and law-abiding, as justice is sure to reign again with an appeal already instituted in the matter.
On Tuesday evening last week, the state governor played host to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which was in the state for the 5th Quadrennial Confereence and elections of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service, Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUCPTRE).
The NLC led by its president, Abdulwaheed Omar, was welcomed with a dinner party during which the Secretary to the State Government expressed happiness for AUCPTRE holding its conference in Port Harcourt.
The Rivers State Government scribe said, “it may interest you that Port Harcourt is 100 years and you will be duely informed about the centenary festivities.”
Mr Feyii urged the labour union to enjoy their stay in Port Harcourt as the state was peaceful, while reminding them that the government was labour-friendly.
The NLC and other AUCPTRE executives finally paid courtesy visit to Governor Amaechi on Friday. Comrade Omar thanked the Rivers State governor for the hospitality and love shown to them.
Omar described Governor Amaechi as “pillar of democracy in Nigeria,” noting that labour and Nigerians are watching with interest the political developments in Rivers State.
The NLC president assured that labour will continue to associate with “good things,” while lauding Amaechi for his educational programmes. “I have not seen anywhere children are learning under that kind of atmosphere,” he said.
On his part, Governor Amaechi thanked the group for choosing Rivers State as venue of their election and urged them to ensure they choose the right leaders, adding “I think it’s criminal not to allow workers elect those who will lead them.”
He further stressed, “the day we begin to elect our leaders ourselves then corruption will die.”
On Saturday, a massive solidarity rally besieged the gates of Government House, Port Harcourt. Youths, women, lawmakers in both the national and state assemblies spoke against the sack of Chief Godspower Ake-led PDP executive in Rivers State by an Abuja High Court on Monday.
A PDP youth leader, Bethel Oko-Jaja, described the judgment as a “collasal judgment” and vowed that the PDP will pursue the matter to a conclusion. He further said, “our support is total and we call for total endorsement and support for Chibuike Amaechi.
Senator Magnus Abe and Hon Chidi Llyod, including chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Reginald Ukwuoma all took turns to speak. Deputy Governor, Engr Tele Ikuru represented the governor at the rally.
Engr Ikuru warned that when once Nigerians lose their right to get justice then they have loost their fate. He added, “If we do not rise up now, we have lost our charter.”
Later, Saturday, Governor Amaechi took part in the coronation of Amanyanabo of Ogoloma in Okrika Local Government Area.
He assured the new king that his administration will work with him to bring peace and development to the area. “I tell my Okrika friends that you are peace-loving man, with you Okrika will know peace.”
Politics
EFCC Alleges Blackmail Plot By Opposition Politicians
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
Politics
Datti Baba-Ahmed Reaffirms Loyalty To LP, Forecloses Joining ADC
Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has dismissed speculation about a possible defection from the Labour Party (LP), declaring that he will not follow his former principal, Mr Peter Obi, to any new political platform ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, Senator Baba-Ahmed said his political allegiance remains firmly with the LP, the platform on which he emerged as vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election. He stressed that his future political aspirations are anchored on party loyalty and personal conviction, not shifting alliances.
The former senator representing Kaduna North stated that although he shared a joint ticket with Mr Obi in the last presidential race, he has no intention of joining him following Mr Obi’s recent alignment with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party now being positioned by an opposition coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Addressing journalists at the LP national headquarters, Senator Baba-Ahmed made it clear that he would not take the same political path, insisting that his decision was informed by long-term goals and a clear sense of purpose.
He expressed scepticism about the ADC-led coalition, describing its promoters as “disgruntled politicians” and arguing that the platform does not offer the kind of political vision Nigeria urgently requires.
Senator Baba-Ahmed also reaffirmed his commitment to national service, noting that he remained willing to contribute meaningfully to efforts aimed at fixing the country and would make himself available for service as the 2027 elections approach.
While acknowledging his past partnership with Mr Obi, he emphasised that political choices must be guided by principles rather than personal relationships.
According to him, his priority is to strengthen the LP and position it as a credible and enduring alternative for Nigerians.
It would be recalled that Mr Obi recently exited the LP and embraced the ADC as part of a broader opposition coalition seeking to unseat the APC in the next general election.
Politics
Bayelsa APC Endorses Tinubu For Second Term
The Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.
The endorsement was made on during a special stakeholders meeting of the party convened by Governor Diri in Yenagoa, the State capital.
Senator Konbowei Benson, incumbent Senator representing the Bayelsa Central, moved the endorsement motion, and was seconded by a former Speaker of the House of Assembly and one time deputy governor, Peremobowei Ebebi.
The Tide reports that Chairman of the new caretaker committee of the party, Dr Dennis Otiotio, Senator representing Bayelsa East, Chief Benson Agadaga, and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, attended the endorsement meeting.
Other attendees were, Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samson Ogbuku, Managing Director, Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, other stakeholders as well as the ex-officio member (South South) of the APC National Working Committee, Hon. Godbless Diriware.
The Tide also gathered that the meeting was the first expanded stakeholders gathering convened by the governor since becoming a member and leader of the party in the state in October 2025.
In his speech, Governor Diri expressed delight that the State’s APC was one big family which has resolved to work together to deliver President Tinubu for another term in office.
He underscored the need for the members to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness, humility and rise above politics of bitterness and divisive tendencies for the sake of peace, development and progress of the state.
The governor also urged the members to play by the rules and engage in politics of consultation, stating that those interested in political offices in the next election should shelve their ambitions for now.
“Here we are today in a very big family of the APC. Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the old members of the party for the reception accorded me and other Peoples Democratic Party members who crossed over. It was a welcome like no other.
“Political parties are vehicles for development. Let us truly be progressives. Whatever positions you want to contest for, whether governorship, House of Assembly or National Assembly, please put it on hold for now. Power comes from God. What should be uppermost is that we are all gathered here to make sure that President Tinubu returns for a second term”, he said.
In a brief remark, Senator Lokpobiri expressed joy to be part of the meeting and acknowledged that the Bayelsa APC now had one united and indivisible objective to wholly deliver the party for all elective offices in 2027.
Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, former APC governorship candidate in the state, Mr David Lyon, and Prince Ebitimi Amgbare lauded the governor for his maturity, noting that his inclusive governance style would lead the party to achieve its objectives.
Also, the APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, commended Governor Diri for uniting all facets of the party’s political leadership in the state, which he noted had been fragmented for over a decade.
Dr Otiotio stated that the purpose of the meeting was to enjoin members and supporters to participate in the party’s electronic membership exercise in order to capture genuine voters.
Meanwhile the stakeholders observed a minute silence in honour of the former Bayelsa West Senatorial District representative in the 5th National Assembly, Senator John Brambaifa, who died on Saturday, January 3, 2026 in Abuja.
By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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