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Suntai Resumes Duties, Notifies Assembly …May Sack Cabinet
Indications are rife that Taraba State Governor, Mr. Danbaba Suntai, may dissolve the State Executive Council “any moment” from now, even as he has officially notified the state House of Assembly of his return from medical treatment abroad, and “resumption of duties”.
The move may be the anti-climax of a protracted power tussle between Suntai and his Deputy, Alhaji Garba Umar.
Before Suntai’s return to Nigeria on Sunday, after a 10-month absence in Germany and America, it was gathered that Umar had perfected moves to effectively take over the reins of power as governor.
Umar had, during Suntai’s absence, allegedly orchestrated the sacking of principal officers of the state legislature.
He had followed up in July by sacking 11 top appointees of Suntai.
The governor’s return, it was learnt, has already sent jitters down the spines of the state legislators, some of whom, not wanting to lose out politically, have begun serious political realignments.
Suntai, who underwent series of medical treatment abroad as a result of head and limb injuries sustained when his aircraft crashed last October, on Monday formally notified the Assembly Speaker, Hon. Haruna Tsokwa, of his return.
Suntai’s sudden return and letter to the Speaker, it was gathered, have greatly unsettled the Umar camp.
The legislators, it was learnt, had Assembly replied the governor, asking him to come and address them on the floor of the House to prove that he is capable of performing his official duties.
Legal experts said that, by transmitting a letter notifying Speaker Tsokwa of his return, Suntai has fulfilled the provisions of Section 190 (2) of the Nigerian Constitution as amended.
“Section 190 (2) makes it mandatory for a governor who has returned from a leave he or she embarked on with or without the knowledge of the Assembly, to transmit a letter to the Speaker that he or she is back.
“By the provision of that section, the governor on AWOL assumes full powers the moment such letter is transmitted, even if by email,” a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who prefers not to be named, submitted.
The senior lawyer scoffed at reports that the Assembly may sit to consider Suntai’s letter.
“Consider what? There is nothing to consider. The governor has played his part by transmitting a letter to the Speaker. Whatever the Speaker does with the letter is none of anybody’s business. The Assembly, I believe, should have members who are lawyers. They should know better,” he added.
On claims by Umar that he remains acting governor until the Assembly considers Suntai’s letter, the lawyer dismissed it as “idle talk.”
He stressed, “I don’t want to believe deputy governor said that. It will be sad if he actually said that because you cannot have a governor and an acting governor at the same time. As far as the law is concerned, until Suntai is removed from office, he remains the governor and Umar, his deputy.”
It would be recalled that in late April, the state Assembly sacked its principal officers who were primarily considered Suntai’s loyalists, and prominent politicians blamed the change of guard in the Assembly on Umar.
Hardly had the dust on the Assembly palace coup settled than Umar, on July 9, sacked 10 principal appointees of Suntai, including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ambassador Emmanuel Njiwah.
While Umar said the sack of the SSG, six commissioners and four advisers was in compliance with the recommendations of the Assembly, some argued that it was political vendetta since all the affected officials were considered Suntai’s loyalists.
Umar was nominated by Suntai to become deputy governor after the Assembly impeached the former deputy governor, Sani Abubakar.
Suntai’s plane crashed three weeks after Umar’s swearing-in as deputy governor.
Three weeks after the air accident, Umar was made acting governor by the state legislators.
The sack of the House leadership and top appointees of Suntai, some argue, were acts of desperation by Umar to supplant Suntai as governor.
Meanwhile, the Acting Governor of Taraba, Alhaji Garba Umar, has lauded the people of the state for turning out peacefully to welcome Governor Danbaba Suntai back to the state.
Umar made the commendation in a short address on Monday in Jalingo.
He also thanked the people of the state for the show of love and affection to the ailing governor.
However, a group known as Coalition of Taraba Youth Movement, has called on the state’s House of Assembly to summon Suntai to speak to the people of the state.
The President of the coalition, Malam Abubakar Waziri, made the call at a news conference on Monday in Jalingo.
Waziri noted that people of the state had been praying for the ailing governor for the past 10 months and now that he had returned, the uncertainty surrounding his health should be put to rest.
“We want Governor Suntai to speak to the people of the state, either through the media or at the House of Assembly.
“The state is in a state of confusion now because the people do not know what to believe,” he said.
Some constitutional lawyers in Abuja yesterday said governance in Taraba was built around an individual instead of institutions, and described the situation as sad.
The lawyers further described the situation as unfortunate as some people were making things difficult for the deputy governor to perform his duties.
“So, if Governor Danbaba Suntai is not around then, the development of the state and the policy thrust of governance must come to a standstill.”
Mr Jibrin-Samuel Okutepa, a lawyer, said people should begin to realise that Nigeria or any part thereof was greater than any individual, no matter how highly placed in the society.
He said it was so unfortunate for anyone in the state of mental and physical unfitness to want to cling to power, not minding the challenges facing him.
Okutepa said that for Suntai to transmit a letter of fitness and intention to resume work to the Taraba State House of Assembly was in fulfilment of Section 190 sub-section 2 of the constitution.
In his remarks, a human rights lawyer, Mr Festus Keyamo, said that going back to work was not so significant at this time for Suntai, rather he should endeavour to make a state-wide broadcast to the people.
He said this action was the only way to assure the people that “all is well with him”.
Keyamo also noted that “What he did by writing to the House was constitutional, but he needs to clear the air on the state of his health and eligibility to face the rigours of office’’.
According to him, if the governor fails to address the public then, there can be need for a comprehensive medical examination for mental and physical fitness.
Keyamo cautioned the loyalists of the governor against playing politics with the health of their principal in their own selfish interest.
Our correspondent reports that Suntai has not uttered a word neither has he made any public appearance as his family and personal aides said that his doctors had advised that he should rest for at least 72 hours after his return.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo