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Rivers Crisis: Youths Tell Tinubu To Call Wike To Order
Youths of Rivers State have urged President Bola Tinubu to take action and call his Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nysom Wike, to order over the continued political crisis in the state.
The youths also called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to maintain neutrality in the face of the political disagreement in Rivers State while also urged the police operatives in the state to remain apolitical in their operations.
The youths, who came together on the platform of Sim Media Volunteers (SMV), in Port Harcourt, further commended the President for the efforts he has made to restore total peace in the State and his Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.
Speaking, the Convener of SMV, Frank Kilsi, urged President Tinubu to take steps that could ensure peace in the state, urging the president to call his FCT minister to order in order to bring to rest the political turbulence in the state.
Kilsi said: “We further seize this opportunity to commend the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his painstaking efforts at actualising the renewed hope agenda for the nation.
“As the father of our dear country, we call on Mr President to use his exalted office to caution the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike and his co-travellers who have declared total war on Rivers State, as seen by their daily actions against Rivers people and victimization of innocent citizens of Rivers State, both at home and beyond.”
Kilsi called on the IGP to advise police operatives in the state to be professional while carrying out their duties in the state and stop intimidation and harassment of the governor’s loyalists.
He said: “We call on the Inspector General of Police to rein in his men and exercise restrain by stopping the unnecessary attack or wanton arrest on any of the Governor’s supporters, as further harassment could lead to anarchy and breakdown of law and order that may not do our state any good.
“We further applaud the sterling leadership in the governance of Rivers State by the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS. Particularly commending his tireless efforts in improving the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from N12 billion to an unprecedented N27 billion within a year of his administration.
“These remarkable achievements reflect Governor Fubara’s acumen and steadfast dedication to prudent fiscal management of resources, ensuring equitable and sustainable development of the state.”
The group added that a thorough evaluation has revealed that Fubara’s administration is people-oriented and therefore, passed a vote of confidence on the governor, urging him to continue on the part of peace and development.
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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