The political standoff in Rivers State intensified this week, but Governor Siminalayi Fubara used the moment to reinforce his administration’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding key public infrastructure—especially in the education sector—despite persistent attempts by political detractors to undermine his efforts.

The most recent controversy arose after comments by the factional Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, in a video circulated by Viable TV. Amaewhule had raised alarm over the condition of Township School 2 in Port Harcourt following an oversight visit by the House Committee on Education. He described the school’s state as a troubling reflection of deeper systemic decay, warning that facilities in rural communities could be in even worse condition.

However, Governor Fubara countered the claims, dismissing them as exaggerated and politically orchestrated to distort public perception. He stated that while the education sector faces undeniable challenges, his administration has already initiated a phased, methodical rehabilitation of schools across Rivers State.

According to Fubara, the Amaewhule-led faction is more interested in generating political drama than contributing to constructive governance. He argued that the assessments being circulated fail to acknowledge the years of neglect inherited by his administration—neglect he is now addressing through a clear developmental blueprint.

The governor outlined key steps already taken under his education renewal agenda, including a comprehensive audit of school infrastructure, mobilization of contractors for renovation projects, and the launch of targeted interventions to upgrade classrooms, laboratories, and sanitation facilities. He noted that several schools have already undergone repairs, while others are in various stages of rehabilitation.

Fubara reiterated that his government’s approach prioritizes lasting solutions over media sensationalism. He encouraged Rivers people to remain patient and focused on the progress already unfolding, assuring them that every part of the state urban and rural will benefit from his infrastructural renewal drive.

Beyond education, the governor emphasized that his broader development agenda also includes improved healthcare, rural road expansion, youth empowerment, and enhanced service delivery. He expressed confidence that, despite political distractions, his administration will continue to deliver tangible results.

Political observers say the exchange highlights the deepening rift between the governor and the Amaewhule faction of the Assembly, but many believe Fubara’s insistence on staying focused on development rather than confrontation—positions him as a leader committed to moving Rivers State forward.

Nigeria’s defence minister, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned his appointment, with immediate effect.

In a letter dated December 1, sent to President Bola Tinubu, Abubakar said he was quitting on health grounds.

A statement signed by Bayo Onanuga,
Special Adviser to the President,
(Information and Strategy), said President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and thanked Abubakar for his services to the nation.

President Tinubu will likely inform the Senate of Badaru’s successor later this week.

Badaru Abubakar, 63, was a two-term governor of Jigawa state from 2015 to 2023. He was appointed as a minister on August 21, 2023, by President Tinubu.

His resignation comes amid President Tinubu’s declaration of a national security emergency, with plans to elaborate on its scope in due course.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, says his policy focus on employment is strictly on a needs-basis and will not be used for political patronage.

The Governor stressed that recruitment would be targeted at filling critical gaps in essential sectors like teaching and medicine.

This has been so decided following a planned massive overhaul of the education sector outlined in the forthcoming 2026 budget.

Governor Fubara made the commitment on Monday while declaring open the 123rd and 124th Combined Quarterly Meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers at their Secretariat Council in Port Harcourt.

Emphasising the state’s focus on essential services, the Governor argued that employment must wait for infrastructure improvements in education and health sector.

“Do you employ people to go into school where there is no classrooms? Employment will be based on the need of the state,” he stated firmly, insisting that the primary need is for teachers and health personnel.

He cited the progress made on the Bori Zonal Hospital as evidence of his administration’s commitment, noting that similar projects in Ahoada and Degema are nearing completion and set to follow.

Governor Fubara expressed profound gratitude to the traditional rulers, thanking them for their “fatherly role” in mediating the state’s recent political crisis and ensuring the return of peace.

He also promised to soon resolve the decades-old issue of the Council’s official vehicles, which he noted has lingered for 10 years.

The Governor urged all traditional rulers to be extra vigilant.

He asked them to collaborate closely with local government chairmen and security heads to safeguard life and property, particularly in communities bordering other states.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty Eze Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, commended Governor Fubara for his sustained support and for maintaining the tradition of quarterly meetings.

Eze Worlu-Wodo appreciated the Governor’s responsiveness despite economic constraints, observing significant improvements in peace and stability across the state under his leadership.

He, however, reiterated the Council’s long-standing request for official vehicles, including buses, a Hilux vehicle, and cars for principal officers, to assist traditional rulers in carrying out their crucial oversight duties.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Engr. Charles Amadi, highlighted the vital role traditional rulers play in conflict resolution and maintaining community stability, encouraging them to deliberate sincerely on progress and challenges.

The Federal Government has restated its commitment to achieving the global target of ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, as Nigeria joined the international community to mark the 2025 World AIDS Day.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, gave the assurance on Monday at the State House during the national commemoration, with the theme “Overcoming Disruptions; Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response.”

The event was organised in collaboration with the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

Salako noted that government had introduced several programmes and invested more than N300 billion to strengthen HIV/AIDS response and supported health agencies nationwide.

He added that Nigeria had increased domestic funding for HIV interventions to reduce dependency on foreign aid, with expanded local production of antiretroviral drugs and test kits improving national self-sufficiency and long-term sustainability.

Salako said HIV testing, counselling and treatment coverage continued to expand, with about 1.6 million Nigerians currently on antiretroviral therapy out of an estimated 1.9 million people living with the virus nationwide.

The Federal Government in 2024 inaugurated the Free to Shine Campaign, championed by the First Lady, to eliminate HIV, syphilis and tuberculosis, particularly preventing mother-to-child transmission.

In spite of the absence of a cure or vaccine, Nigeria aims to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, transitioning HIV into a manageable, endemic condition through sustained treatment and prevention efforts.

In her remarks, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, said the country had recorded notable progress in HIV prevention, treatment and care.

She urged continued commitment to ensure all Nigerians in need accessed lifesaving services.

The First Lady stressed that ending AIDS required compassion, innovation and continuous advocacy.

She emphasised the need to tackle persistent stigma and discrimination, saying every Nigerian deserved dignity and non-judgmental access to healthcare.

Mrs Tinubu noted that national efforts over the past year had focused on eliminating vertical transmission, expanding paediatric HIV treatment, and advancing local sustainability of the HIV response across all states.

She applauded the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; the National AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases Control Programme (NASCP); and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) for their continued support.

She said that the Federal Ministry of Health had also played a crucial role in advancing national progress, noting that the combined efforts of those institutions had significantly strengthened the fight against HIV/AIDS nationwide.

Mrs Tinubu added that, in partnership with the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), the Free to Shine Campaign had expanded its reach across all six geopolitical zones of the country.

She said the initiative was promoting the elimination of HIV, hepatitis and syphilis among mothers and children, strengthening early testing, treatment access and preventive healthcare services nationwide.

The First Lady warned that Nigeria’s response remained heavily donor-funded in spite of shifting global financing trends.

She called for increased local investment to prevent disruptions to critical HIV services.

She disclosed that the Federal Government had approved the disbursement of 200 million dollars to support HIV, tuberculosis and malaria programmes, while NACA was engaging state governments to ensure long-term ownership of the national response.

Director-General of NACA, Dr Temitope Ilori, said stigma was gradually decreasing and Nigeria was on track to end AIDS as a public health threat, in spite of recent global and economic disruptions.

Ilori noted that challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic fluctuations and declining donor support, had strengthened Nigeria’s resolve to build a more self-reliant, sustainable and homegrown HIV response.

She stated that adult HIV prevalence had dropped to 1.4 per cent, with an estimated 1.9 million Nigerians living with the virus, reflecting progress made through improved access to treatment and testing.

Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, represented by Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom, described the effort to sustain Nigeria’s HIV response amid disruptions as both timely and essential.

She said Nigeria had weathered pandemics, economic shocks and pressure on the health system, yet remained resolute in its commitment to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat through strengthened sector reforms.

Walson-Jack added that HIV services continued to be integrated into broader health-sector reforms, including the Health Sector Renewal Initiative and revitalisation of primary healthcare, to ensure more resilient service delivery nationwide.