Peace Deal: Fubara disbands Simplified Movement, other support groups

Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has officially disbanded all his social-political support groups, including the popular Simplified Movement, in a bid to fully embrace peace in the state.

Speaking on Saturday in Port Harcourt at a meeting with members of his political family—including his former Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie; former cabinet members; local government chairmen; elders; women; and youth leaders—Fubara said the decision was made in the spirit of reconciliation and sacrifice. His word

“I called for this meeting to address you formally, for you to have the first-hand information. It's not the one you are reading in the paper, it's not the one you are seeing on social media or wherever — you are now hearing from me.

“We have fought. I think, in my own assessment and in the assessment of anyone here who is genuine in this struggle, you will know that we have done what we need to do. At this point, if you want to be truthful to yourself, the only solution is peace. I did say that there's no price that is too big for peace — I meant it, and I'm still ready to follow it to the end.

“Nobody can take away the role the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, played — that's the truth. Yes, we might have our differences, but nobody here will say he doesn't know the role he played. Nobody can wish away the risk he took. Yes, at a point we had our differences and if today there's need for us to settle, please, anyone who genuinely believes in me should understand that it's the right thing to do.

“So, my dear fathers, brothers and sisters, no matter the level of peace that a mediator will arrange, the true peace is the one where both of you are sitting down together to say, “Yes, this is what we want.”

“At this point, I've met him and we have spoken. You can't take away the fact that he’s hurt — he's a human being. I also have my own share of pains too.

“If we believe that we are in one family and our interest is to support the President, then what is the issue? If you say you are with us and you believe in me, this is the time for us to show it.

“Because it's not even about me as a person — it's about the overall interest of the state. In the midst of this crisis between me and the FCT Minister, look at the projects we've initiated. Many have been abandoned. We know the progress we would have recorded and the areas that would have been developed. So, there's need for this peace — that's the truth.

“I can't abandon you people — that's one thing I need to say here. This is the time for me to prove to you that I care for you, and I make my commitment here that whichever way it goes, I will not abandon anybody. But the sacrifice that we are going to make for us to achieve this total peace is going to be heavy, and I want everybody to prepare for it.

“Without a total reconciliation — which, by the grace of God, the both of us have gotten to — there's no way we can make progress in this state. There's no way the President can come in to save the situation. So, I want to appeal to everyone — I have accepted that we must accept this peace, no matter how it looks, no matter how you feel, we must accept it.

“In my place, there's a fish they call Atabala — you call it Tilapia. The native Tilapia doesn't grow big. The mother Tilapia used to tell the kids that if you want to grow up to my own size, hide your head inside the mud. Every one of us should understand that at this time, we've done our best, and what we need now is this peace so that we can grow. I know it's difficult and heavy, but that's the true situation.”

Tinubu meets Wike, Fubara, lawmakers

          

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday held a closed-door meeting with key political actors from Rivers State in a move to resolve the prolonged crisis rocking the state.

The meeting, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, brought together the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule and other members of the state legislature.

              

Recall that Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, 2025.

During that declaration, Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the entire state House of Assembly, citing escalating insecurity and their inability to cooperate effectively.

However, Thursday’s meeting was said to be part of reconciliation efforts.

Photographs from the Villa showed Tinubu, Fubara, Wike and the state lawmakers who attended the meeting.

Earlier, report have it that Fubara also met with the suspended Speaker, Amaewhule, and other aggrieved lawmakers in Abuja.

Multiple sources said the session ended on a friendly note, with Fubara and Amaewhule seen holding hands and sharing laughter.

PDP Leaders, INEC Officials In Closed-Door Meeting

The leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are meeting behind closed doors with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

The electoral umpire had rejected a notification by the PDP for its 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

INEC who had said the letter of notification failed to comply with extant rules and guidelines also cited the internal crisis around the national secretary of the party as the reason for declining the request.

At the meeting on Tuesday, INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, informed the PDP leaders about the inconsistencies that the secretaryship tussle has generated.

                        

PDP leaders in attendance include the acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagum; former Senate President Bukola Saraki, as well as governors of Bauchi, Zamfara, Plateau and Oyo states.     

AKSG Set for Recruitment of 3000 Workers

Akwa Ibom State Government set to recruit 3000 workers into government employ.

The  Akwa Ibom State Head of Civil Service Elder Effiong Essien made this known on Monday in Uyo during a Media Parley organized by his Office to unfold the lined-up of activities for the celebration of the 2025 Public Service Week in the State.

Elder Effiong Essien said, the recruitment of new hands into government employ became necessary to fill the shortfall in the numerical strength of Workers realized during the recently concluded Staff verification exercise ìn the State.

The Head of Civil Service disclosed that, the 3000 workers to be employed shall be distributed to fill the vacancies in the Mainstream Civil Service, the Teaching Service and the Health sector with 1000 new employees going into each of the listed Service areas.

Accompanied by members of the College of Permanent Secretaries, Elder Essien used the occasion to applaud His Excellency the Governor of the State, Pastor Umo Eno PhD for approving the 2025 Public Service Week Celebration in the State barely a year after, on breaking the jinx in 2024, since the last celebration of the event a decade ago.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee for the 2025 Public Service Week celebration in the State and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Grace Akpan had said, this year's celebration is unique because it has been extended to include: workers in the Unified Local Government Service and those in the Federal Government employ.

Mrs. Grace Akpan said the celebration of the Public Service Week is a means of expressing a sense of Value and Worth to workers in the State emphasizing that this exercise will give workers a sense of belonging in government and exlressed appreciation to the Worker-friendly Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for giving the workers the opportunity to celebrate themselves as the engine room of government.

In a vote of Thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Ms Doris Ukpoho, expressed gratitude to God for a successful Media Parley which will aide in effective publicity of the weeklong event, expressed appreciation to the State Governor for approving the hosting of the event in the State and thanked the Permanent Secretaries and the Press Community for turning up for the event.

On his part, the Chairman of the State Council of NUJ, Comrade Amos Etuk acknowledged the great strides of Governor Umo Eno in Akwa Ibom State both to the Workers and the populace and described him as a fraction Pride in the heart of Nigerians.

Comrade Amos Etuk said, the Labour and Workforce is very Happy with the leadership style of the Head of Civil Service and expressed appreciation to him for the appointment of a Journalist in the person of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Grace Akpan as Chairman of the 2025 Public Service Week Celebration.

He pledged continous partnership and support by the Press Community to the Office of the Head of Civil Service and assured that, all activities lined up for the weeklong event will receive effective publicity by the Press.

The Media Parley was attended by the Dean, College of Permanent Secretaries, Bar Uduak Eyo-Nsa, Exco members of the College of Permanent Secretaries, distinguished Permanent Secretaries, Labour Union Leaders, members of the 2025 Public Service Week and the Press Community.

Ebonyi State Governor Hosts Senate Committee on Solid Minerals

The Committee on Solid Minerals, which is currently on Oversight Visit to Ebonyi State, was hosted yesterday by the Governor of the State, His Excellency, Rt Hon. Francis Nwifuru, at Government House, Abakiliki. 

Represented by his Deputy, Her Excellency, Princess Patricia Obila, Governor Nwifuru welcomed the Committee to Ebonyi, while suing for sustained synergy and collaboration between the State and Federal Government, regarding mining development.

Leader of the delegation and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Senator Ekong Sampson (Akwa Ibom South), had earlier in his address briefed the Governor on programmes and itinerary of the Committee in Ebonyi, including visit to some mining sites and engagement with stakeholders.

From Ebonyi, the Committee will arrive Enugu today, in continuation of its nationwide engagements with mining stakeholders across the country.

VP Shettima To Akwa Ibom Gov: Feel At Home, President Tinubu Is A Bridge Builder, Deep-Rooted Democrat

 

Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has assured Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno and his supporters who followed him from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to join the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) that they won't regret their decision to be part of the governing party.

He said the leader of the party, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, specifically asked him to inform the Governor that the APC will be home to him, and that no one will humiliate him or question his place in the party fold.

Senator Shettima spoke on Saturday in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, where he represented the President at the Grand Reception of Governor Umo Eno into the APC fold held at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Addressing the mammoth crowd of APC supporters who thronged the venue of the grand reception, the Vice President described his boss, President Tinubu, as a bridge-builder and deep-rooted democrat who sacrificed his resources to sustain the struggle to defend the nation's democracy.

The Vice President further gave the new APC entrants important insights into the workings of the party, saying the governing APC is "not a party of vanity metrics," which is why it has remained the party to beat ten years after.

On his part, Governor Eno said his decision to join the APC was necessitated by the desire to align with the renewed hope Tinubu administration at the centre so he can rise with the progressives.

He said joining the APC will help actualise the infrastructure drive in Akwa Ibom State, including the Deep-Sea Port project that has been lingering for as long as thirty years.

Also in his address, National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, described the mammoth crowd as intimidating, saying the people came out of their own volition to join Governor Umo Eno because they believe in the APC.

On his part, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the Vice President as the most intelligent and a man of integrity.

Noting that the crowd does not indicate a defection but a movement, he said the South-South has not only produced the wealth that has kept Nigeria going, but has always identified with the centre.

The Senate President said he was surprised when the zone went a different way in 2023, thanking the governor for the movement, assuring the people of the state that the Deep Sea Project and other requests from the state would be granted by the federal government.

Also, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, thanked “Governor Umo Eno for the wise decision he has taken to join the moving train on the path of national development.”

Welcoming dignitaries who graced the event, the Governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Otu, said it was a great day in the history of the South-South.

The highlight of the event was the handing of the flag and broom, which are the symbols of the party, to the Governor by the National Chairman, saying it is a symbol of progress and authority.

Bird Strikes Air Peace Flight

                 

A bird reportedly hit Air Peace flight operating on the Lagos–Owerri route, which led to the aircraft making air return on Saturday

Air Peace has confirmed that one of its flights, operating on the Lagos–Owerri route, made an air return on Saturday morning, 21 June 2025, after experiencing a bird strike shortly after take-off.

The affected flight, P47150, returned to Lagos for safety checks, leading to disruptions across parts of the airline’s network.

In a statement issued by the management, the airline apologised for the inconvenience and appealed for understanding from passengers.

Air Peace reiterated its safety-first approach, stating: “The safety of our passengers and crew continues to be our top priority.”

Bird strikes are known aviation hazards and typically require aircraft to return for inspection if damage is suspected.

The airline which has faced similar occurrences in the past, had its passengers recounting their experience on an incident flying from Owerri to Abuja adding that the pilot and Air Peace took a very wise decision by bringing the passengers back to Owerri.

Ekeremor Town in a Total Shutdown as Gov. Diri Takes PDP Thank You Tour to Ekeremor LGA

                         
The Council Area of Bayelsa State PDP Chairman, Hon. Solomon Agwana was in a total shutdown to receive the governor, Senator Douye Diri of Bayelsa State in anticipation of his heartfelt gratitude to the people of Ekeremor Local Government for their overwhelming support during the last governorship election.

The governor upon arrival was greeted by chiefs, political leaders, Women and Youths of the Local Government.

The state PDP Chairman, Hon. Solomon Agwana and the member representing Sagbama Ekeremor Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Chief (Hon.) Fred Agbedi, led other leaders from Ekeremor LGA to appreciate Governor Diri for the many developmental projects in the area.

The Governor during his address to the people reiterated his commitment to the development of Bayelsa State, emphasizing that his administration would continue to prioritize projects that would improve the lives of the people.

Dignitaries at the event were Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Senator Konbowei Friday Benson, Hon. Fred Agbedi, Hon. Marie Ebikake, Hon. Daniel Woyengikuro, Hon. Felix Omemu Hon. Michael Ogbere, Hon. Tare Porri, Hon. Living Mitin Secretary to the state government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, Chief of Staff Government House, Dr. Peter Akpe, Chairman of Ekeremor LGA, Hon. Issac Onniye, Commissioners, State Assembly members, Traditional leaders and other top government officials.

President Tinubu Arrives Benue State, Set For Townhall Meeting Over Rising Killings

                         

President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, as part of a high-level visit to address the recent surge in violent attacks across the state.

Tinubu arrived at the Tactical Air Command, Nigerian Air Force Base, Makurdi, at about 12:58 pm on Wednesday.

The visit comes in the wake of yet another deadly attack that claimed multiple lives and left several communities devastated.

Tinubu is expected to engage directly with key stakeholders across the state including traditional rulers, religious and political leaders, community representatives, and youth groups in a town hall-style meeting designed to foster dialogue and promote peacebuilding.

To lay the groundwork for the President’s visit, a delegation of top government officials was earlier dispatched to Benue.

The team, comprising the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police, heads of intelligence agencies, the National Security Adviser, and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Defence Committees, has been meeting with local authorities and security actors to assess the situation on the ground.

The visit also reflects a prioritisation of national security over ceremonial engagements, as President Tinubu rescheduled a planned trip to Kaduna State initially set for tomorrow to commission various state projects. That visit will now take place on Thursday, following his engagement in Benue.

Bayelsa Community in Lamentation Over 24 Hour Gas Flaring.

The local community people in Okolobiri Community of Gbarain Kingdom in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have cried out over continuous gas flares in the nearby Gbarain-Ubie Integrated oil and gas processing plant reported to be on 24 hours.

They alerted that it was affecting the health of the people and polluting their lands and water. The community is host to the Bayelsa State Government-owned Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital; with Ogboloma and Obunagha communities as two of its closest neighbours.

Following a call from the community on June 11, 2025, the field monitoring team of the Environmental Defenders Network, EDEN led by Mr. Alagoa Morris, the Deputy Executive Director, and a journalist, visited the community on Saturday, June14, 2025, and were received by Chief Judah Sukuruowei, Paramount ruler of the community.

According to EDEN’s observation, the sailing gas is said to be on and off and active for 24 hours every day with its bright light and vibrations putting the community on edge. It was also observed that the street solar lights with panels facing the direction of the gas flare goes off once the volume of the flare increases to certain levels.

Speaking to the visiting team, Chief Sukuruowei stated that the community is in a constant state of shock due to the vibrations coming from the gas flaring plant.

Also speaking on the issue, Mr. Bright Shadrack Esyine, a male indigene of the community, pointed out the implications of such continuous gas flaring on the climate and the environment of the surrounding communities, adding that houses in the community are experiencing cracks due to the vibrations from the gas flaring plant.

On her part, Mrs. Tuaweri Keniwenimo, Women Leader of the community, who noted that international standards for gas flaring are not being followed by the company, lamented that the volume of gas flaring in the community has affected soil quality, crops and farming activities, which has resulted in hardship for the women and children in the community.

Commenting on the issue, Mr. Chima Wiliams, Executive Director of EDEN, stated that in a sane and working country, open gas flaring should not be allowed around residential areas.

He faulted the relevant monitoring agencies including the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA which he claimed has failed to monitor such issues to call the errant companies to order.               

Bayelsa Communities, Stakeholders Back Federal Government on Oil Theft, Pipeline Vandalism

                  

Not less than 60 communities located along the Trans- Niger Pipeline in Ogbia, Southern Ijaw and Yenagoa LGA’s in Bayelsa have vowed to partner with the federal government to curb oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

They made this known in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa Capital, at an interactive meeting hosted by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd PINL for community leaders, traditional rulers, environmental rights groups and other stakeholders.

Mr. Timi Ogoriba, who represented the communities in Bayelsa axis, praised Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of state for Petroleum Resources, Oil, and the newly constituted NNPCL board for their transformative and visionary reforms aimed at restoring order, efficiency and accountability within Nigeria’s vital oil sector.

According to Mr. Ogoriba, the collaborative and transparent approach by the regulatory authorities has not only rekindled investor confidence but is also proving pivotal in unlocking long dormant opportunities within the energy landscape.

He commended PINL for its exceptional professionalism and community focused approach to pipeline monitoring and assets protection, adding that their proactive engagement with local communities and key stakeholders has contributed to increased crude oil output.

Mr. Timi Ogoriba, a former President, Movement of the Survival of Ijaw Ethnic in the Niger-Delta, MOSIEND, urged the federal government to complement security interventions with comprehensive policies that tackle the socioeconomic and environmental conditions driving pipeline sabotage and illegal bunkering.

Mr. Akpos Mezeh, a representative of PINL, said the interaction with stakeholders was called to assess its performance in its mandate areas.

Obasanjo Calls for Incentives to Retain Doctors in Nigeria

           

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo Former President has called on governments at all levels to provide incentives for medical professionals in order to stem the tide of migration, popularly known as ‘Japa’.

Speaking at the commissioning of a hospital in Zamfara State, the former President stressed the urgent need to retain trained doctors and healthcare workers within the country.

Chief Obasanjo emphasised that beyond infrastructure and equipment, quality healthcare delivery also depends on human resources.

His comments come amid growing concern over the exodus of Nigerian health professionals seeking better pay and working conditions abroad.

Federal Government Moves to Close 2.3 Trillion Dollar Infrastructure Gap Through PPP

 

Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that Nigeria is ready and open for business as he officially opened the Nigeria 2025 Public-Private Partnership Summit at the State House, Abuja on Monday.

The Vice President, delivered his remarks on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, at an event, organised by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, which brought together stakeholders from government and the private sector to explore strategies for closing Nigeria’s 2.3 trillion-dollar infrastructure gap.

He underscored that Nigeria can no longer build a modern economy on outdated infrastructure, adding that exclusive reliance on government funding for capital projects was unsustainable.

Highlighting the government’s reform efforts, Vice President Shettima said the President Tinubu administration had liberalized the foreign exchange market, removed fuel subsidies, and strengthened the ICRC in a bid to attract investment.

The Vice President noted that the goal, guided by the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan, is to raise infrastructure stock from 30–35 percent of GDP to at least 70 percent by 2043.

Senator Lokpobiri faults Senator Dickson’s criticism of president Tinubu’s Democratic Credentials.

Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Oil, has criticized Senator Seriake Dickson over his Democracy Day comments, which accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of complicity in the political crisis in Rivers State.

In a statement issued through Mrs. Nneamaka Okafor, his Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Senator Lokpobiri described Senator Dickson's remarks as regrettable and an unfair attack on a leader with proven commitment to democracy and regional development.

Senator Lokpobiri emphasized that President Tinubu’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey are well-documented.

He recalled President Tinubu’s sacrifices during the military era, including exile and personal hardship, which helped lay the foundation for today’s democracy.

He said Under President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, the Niger Delta has witnessed significant progress.

Senator Lokpobiri highlighted key achievements such as the activation of Host Community Development Trusts, accelerated Ogoni land cleanup, establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology, FUET in Ogoni, reconstruction of the East-West Road, and appointments of Niger Delta indigenes to critical positions.

Additionally, security improvements have led to reduced pipeline vandalism and increased investor confidence.

Senator Lokpobiri urged Senator Dickson to avoid politicizing the situation in Rivers State, stressing that President Tinubu's administration has consistently upheld constitutional order and dialogue.

He called for unity and collaboration in the Niger Delta, urging leaders to support the President's national renewal efforts.

Rivers lawmakers warn ex-Bayelsa gov against interference

The Rivers State National Assembly caucus has warned Senator Seriake Dickson, the lawmaker representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District to stop mingling in the affairs of the state, following the senator’s condemnation of President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day outing at the parliament on Thursday.

The group also said the state is not under military rule dismissing Dickson’s assertion that Rivers was under military rule, explaining that the current administrator, Vice Admiral (retd) Ibok-Ette Ibas, is a civilian by law adding that Senator Dickson, a retired police corporal himself, should understand that retired officers are civilians.

Addressing a press conference at the National Assembly Complex on Friday, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, the leader of the Rivers State National Assembly caucus noted that Senator Dickson’s utterances were not only inciteful but unbecoming of a lawmaker who equally had a security background as a former policeman.

The caucus maintained that President Bola Tinubu acted swiftly and decisively to prevent the escalation of violence and systemic breakdown that loomed over the state.

Dickson had on Thursday condemned Tinubu’s silence in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State during his address at a joint session of the National Assembly.

He further accused the Tinubu administration of backing unconstitutional governance in Rivers, saying it contradicted the spirit of June 12, which commemorates Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

But addressing journalists on Friday at the National Assembly, the leader of the rivers’ caucus at the National Assembly, Kingsley Chinda, described Dickson’s comments as inciting and unbecoming of a lawmaker with a background in law enforcement.

The statement was co-signed by Senators Barry Mpigi (Rivers South-East) and Allwell Onyesoh (Rivers East); and House of Representatives members Dumnamene Dekor, Solomon Bob, Felix Nwaeke, Kelechi Nwogu, Cyril Hart, Blessing Amadi, and Victor Obuzor.

The caucus insisted that the emergency rule in Rivers was a constitutional response to political instability, citing the Supreme Court’s February 28, 2025 ruling that there was no government in the state.

He accused Dickson of promoting ethnic bias and misleading Fubara during his visits, which allegedly led to the governor’s suspension.

Amnesty International tells President to Declare Ken Saro-Wiwa innocent

Amnesty International has criticized the recent pardon granted by President Bola Tinubu to Mr. Ken Saro-Wiwa, the late environmental activist and his eight co-campaigners, who were convicted and executed by the Gen. Sani Abacha’s military regime.

In a statement by Mr. Isa Sanusi, Nigeria’s Director of the Amnesty International, said while the government’s move was a step in the right direction, it did not go far enough in delivering justice.

In separate event, the Human rights organization has called on the National Assembly to take urgent legislative action to protect and promote human rights in the country, amid growing concerns over repression, insecurity, and shrinking civic space.

It may interest you to know that Saro-Wiwa, who was the leader of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, was executed alongside eight other activists on November 10, 1995.

The activists, known as the Ogoni Nine, had Saro-Wiwa, Barinem Kiobel, John Kpuinen, Baribor Bera, Felix Nuate, Paul Levula, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, and Daniel Gbokoo.

But Tinubu, during the June 12 Democracy Day on Thursday, pardoned the activists.

However, the international rights organisation stated that the pardon fell far short of the justice they deserve.

He accused the Nigerian government of using the executions to silence protests against oil pollution in the Niger Delta and shield multinational oil firms from accountability.

Sanusi also stressed that justice for the Ogoni Nine was only a starting point, urging the government to take further steps to address decades of environmental degradation in the region.

He, however, called on oil firms to pay full compensation and clean up the environmental mess caused by decades of oil spills and gas flaring in the region.

Speaking at the first-ever membership Annual General Meeting of the organisation in Abuja, Mr. Auwal Musa, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the organization expressed concern over the deteriorating state of human rights and persistent abuses across Nigeria.

Wike, Fayose, Ikpeazu, Ortom Visit Tinubu At Aso Villa

In what many political observers describe as an early step towards strategic realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday evening held a closed-door meeting with prominent figures of the opposition People’s Democratic Party, PDP, including key allies of the former G5 Governors faction.

The high-level meeting took place at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa and was reportedly convened by Chief Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Chief Wike, who served as the immediate past governor of Rivers State, played a central role during the last election cycle by leading the influential G5 Governors bloc, a group that famously broke ranks with the PDP leadership and opposed Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate.

Joining Chief Wike at the Saturday meeting were two of his former G5 colleagues, ex-governors Samuel Ortom of Benue State and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, as well as former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, another PDP heavyweight known for his maverick political moves and open support for Tinubu during the 2023 elections.

Although the Presidency has yet to issue an official statement regarding the details of the parley, sources close to the discussions revealed that the meeting explored the possibility of formal political collaboration and how the former PDP stalwarts could be integrated into the evolving power structure under the President Tinubu administration.

Political analysts believe the meeting is a signal that the President Tinubu camp is consolidating alliances across party lines, particularly with influential opposition figures who have a history of rebellion against their party’s national leadership.

Some sources described the move as a strategic attempt to further weaken the PDP, fortify the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and shape the political landscape ahead of 2027.

President Tinubu cancels National Broadcast, to address Nigerians from National Assembly

President Bola Tinubu has cancelled his previously scheduled nationwide broadcast for Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Day anniversary and will instead deliver his address during a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday, June 12, 2025.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, who attributed the change to the president’s scheduled attendance at the National Assembly.

Imohiosen also confirmed that despite the cancellation of the broadcast, other planned activities for Democracy Day will proceed as scheduled.

Additionally, an earlier notice sent to journalists disclosed that the traditional military parade, initially planned for June 12, has also been cancelled. However, no official reason was given for its removal from the program.

The revised lineup for the Democracy Day celebrations was outlined in a statement signed by Abdulhakeem Adeoye on behalf of the Director, Information & Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. It includes:

1. Presidential National Broadcast: Cancelled

2. Democracy Day Parade: Cancelled

3. National Assembly Joint Session: President Tinubu to attend at 12 noon

4. Public Lecture on Democracy Day Celebration: State House Conference Centre, Abuja, at 4 p.m.

The theme for the public lecture is “Consolidating on the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms.” The committee organising the event specified that the lecture would be covered exclusively by accredited State House correspondents.

President Tinubu’s decision to address the nation from the National Assembly instead of the traditional broadcast marks a shift in the observance of Democracy Day, as Nigerians anticipate his message on governance and national development.

Governor Eno welcome by a mammoth crowd Warns Against Destructive Criticism

Governor Umo Eno returned to a rousing welcome at the Victor Attah International Airport, where a mammoth crowd gathered to receive him. His Excellency had been in Nice, France, as part of the delegation to the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) 2025 Special Event on Ocean Rise and Coastal Resilience.

 

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called on the people of the State to ignore detractors and destructive critics who are hell bent on disrupting the inherent peace in the State, but to remain focused on the realization of the ARISE Agenda .

Governor Eno was addressing a mammoth crowd of supporters at the Victor Attah International Airport on his arrival from the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC); 2025 Special Event on Ocean Rise and Coastal Resilience held in Nice, France. 

He stressed that Akwa Ibom State will remain focused, peaceful and united in support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to continue and complete the life-touching projects initiated by the Federal Government for the people as well as Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

He said his 'progressive' movement to the All Progressive Congress, APC, was never meant to bring disunity to the State, but to strategically position the State for progress and greatness. 

He vowed to remain committed to leading Akwa Ibom on the path of unity, peace and progress, under the directive and influence of the Holy Spirit which found him worthy to lead the State at this critical period. 

The State Chairman of the APC, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, described the political criticism against the Governor's movement as unreasonable, adding that Governor Eno is the right leader at the moment who will continue to pilot the affairs of the State with passion irrespective of the criticisms. 

He called on the people to desist from listening to vain criticisms, and join hands to support the Governor to bring more dividends of democracy from the federal to the State.

Welcoming the Governor back to the State, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, said the warm and colourful reception was a demonstration of solidarity and love for a father and Governor who has performed creditably well.

Expressing the sentiments of the people of the State, he pledged the continued support of Akwa Ibom people who, he said, have promised to follow and stand by the Governor wherever he goes.

Governor Eno welcome back home with a mammoth crowd

President Bola Tinubu will deliver a nationwide address at 7 AM on Thursday, June 12, as part of the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations, marking 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria.

According to a statement by Abdulhakeem Adeoye, representing the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Democracy Day, the President’s speech will be followed by a joint session of the National Assembly at noon.

Later in the day, a public lecture themed “Consolidating on the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms” will take place at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja at 4 PM.

However, the traditional Democracy Day parade has been cancelled, with no official explanation provided.

Despite the milestone of 26 years of democracy, concerns over governance persist. Dele Momodu, a publisher and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, voiced his concerns on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, warning that Nigeria is sliding into a “civilian dictatorship.”

The Democracy Day National Broadcast is expected to unveil the direction of the Tinubu’s administration in the next two years.

There are also indication that the President will use the opportunity to grant State Pardon to deserving Nigerians, amongst other landmark decisions.