Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed the safety, stability and investment readiness of the state, dismissing negative narratives circulating on social media over alleged security concerns.

The Governor spoke on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the grand finale of the 2026 Port Harcourt International Polo Tournament, declaring that Rivers State remains open for business, leisure and international engagements.

He said the peaceful and incident-free hosting of the week-long tournament stands as practical evidence of the prevailing peace and security across the state.

According to Fubara, the absence of any security breach throughout the event underscores his administration’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property.

He assured investors, visitors and residents that security remains the foremost priority of his government.
Explaining his presence at the polo finale, the Governor said he attended partly to honour the memory of his late brother, Architect Roland Cookey-Gam, whose wife and son were present, and also in response to encouragement from the leadership of the Port Harcourt Polo Club.

While acknowledging the prevailing political distractions in the state, Fubara stressed that such developments would not derail his administration’s mandate. “Notwithstanding these distractions, we must move on and continue to discharge our responsibilities to the people of Rivers State,” he said.

The Governor pledged continued government support for the Port Harcourt Polo Club to enhance its global sporting and tourism profile, urging visiting players and guests to leave the state with positive impressions.

Earlier, the President of the Port Harcourt Polo Club, Mr. Henry Prince Agbodjan, commended Governor Fubara for attending the finale, noting that the smooth conduct of the tournament further validates the security of Rivers State.

He added that the event also marked the 20th remembrance of the late Architect Cookey-Gam.
The event climaxed with the presentation of trophies to winning teams and outstanding players.

In the quiet but consequential rhythm of national appointments, some decisions resonate beyond official announcements.

The appointment of Senator Magnus Ngei Abe as Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) is one such moment — a development that reflects a long arc of public service, experience, and political consistency.

A statement by Hon. Sam Atasia Oburu, National Chairman and Convener
Renewed Hope Agenda – The Way Forward (RHATWF), stated that for years, Abe’s journey has unfolded steadily through Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

From his formative role in the Rivers State House of Assembly to his tenure in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he has remained a familiar figure in legislative debates and governance, known for his calm disposition and firm positions on issues of public interest.

Those who have followed his political trajectory say the new assignment is less a reward than a responsibility earned. In a sector as strategic as oil and gas, where regulatory clarity and institutional stability matter, his background in lawmaking and public policy is expected to bring measured leadership and institutional balance to the NUPRC.

For the Renewed Hope Agenda – The Way Forward (RHATWF), the appointment represents a vindication of years of support and belief. The group notes that its loyalty to Abe’s political course has been driven by confidence in his capacity, pedigree, and commitment to good governance — qualities it believes align with the broader objectives of national renewal.

Beyond the politics, the moment carries personal significance. It is a reminder that public service, when sustained with discipline and consistency, still commands trust in Nigeria’s political space.

As Abe steps into his new role, expectations are high, particularly from Rivers State, where his political roots remain strong.
In congratulating him, RHATWF extends goodwill to his family, friends, and political associates, expressing confidence that the new board chairman will approach the task ahead with the same sense of duty that has defined his public life.

Four members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have made a dramatic U-turn, withdrawing their earlier call for dialogue and declaring renewed support for the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.

The lawmakers are the Minority Leader, Sylvanus Nwankwo; Peter Abbey (Degema Constituency); Barile Nwakoh (Khana Constituency I); and Emilia Amadi (Obio/Akpor Constituency II).

They announced their reversal on Friday during a live broadcast from the frontage of the Assembly complex in Port Harcourt, barely days after publicly urging their colleagues to embrace political reconciliation to resolve the lingering crisis between the executive and the legislature.

Explaining the change in stance, Nwankwo recalled that he and Abbey had on January 12 appealed for a political solution to the impasse.

He, however, accused the governor and his deputy of undermining that effort through sustained media attacks on the Assembly.

“During the pendency of this appeal, we observed that the governor and the deputy governor deployed their media aides to consistently attack the Rivers State House of Assembly instead of seeking the political solution we proposed,” Nwankwo said. “It is on this basis that we have resolved that the impeachment proceedings should continue.”

In separate remarks, Nwakoh and Amadi said they were convinced that Governor Fubara and his deputy had shown no genuine willingness to resolve the crisis through dialogue, leaving the lawmakers with no alternative than to support the impeachment process.

The latest development comes amid heightened tensions within the Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, which last week formally initiated impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy over allegations of gross misconduct.

The allegations include the demolition of the Assembly complex and the alleged expenditure of public funds without legislative approval.
Earlier in the week, the four lawmakers had announced their withdrawal from the impeachment move, citing the need for dialogue and political reconciliation.

Their reversal, however, appears to have reinvigorated the process.
On Friday, Assembly members insisted that the impeachment was constitutional and represented the only viable path to resolving the political deadlock in the state.

The renewed push follows the Assembly’s failure to reconvene for plenary on Thursday, one week after adjourning its last sitting, a development that had fuelled speculation of deepening internal divisions.

With the lawmakers’ latest U-turn, the impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy appear to have regained momentum within the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The management of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) has commended the Head of Service of Rivers State, Dr (Mrs) Inyingi Brown, for her support in ensuring a conducive working environment for civil servants, including staff of the health insurance agency.

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of RIVCHPP, Dr Vetty Agala, stated this when she led the agency’s management team on a courtesy visit to the Office of the Head of Service on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

In a statement signed by Idanye Oruigoni
Head, Information/Public Relations Unit, RIVCHPP, Agala said the HoS’s leadership and continuous support had been instrumental to the progress recorded by the agency, assuring that RIVCHPP would remain accountable, transparent and result-oriented in delivering its mandate.

She also appealed to Dr Brown to convey the appreciation of RIVCHPP management to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his commitment to the welfare of Rivers people, particularly the ongoing renovation of the State Secretariat Complex.

The RIVCHPP boss further thanked the governor for making the health insurance scheme fully functional in the state, noting that its operationalisation had saved lives and improved access to quality healthcare for many residents.

Agala announced that, beginning from January 2026, the agency would dedicate one day weekly to sharing testimonies of beneficiaries, highlighting the impact of the programme and soliciting support to address challenges confronting the scheme.

She disclosed that several beneficiaries, especially those under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, would have been delisted for lack of National Identification Number (NIN) if not for the intervention of the state government.
Agala therefore called on local government chairmen, organisations and well-meaning individuals to assist vulnerable persons in their communities to obtain NINs in order to sustain access to healthcare services.

Responding, the Head of Service commended RIVCHPP for its performance and urged the management and staff to deepen their commitment towards expanding universal health coverage in the state.

Dr Brown expressed optimism that with sustained effort, Rivers State could become the leading state in healthcare coverage nationally. She pledged continued support for the agency, stressing that the onboarding of the formal sector into the scheme was crucial, as routine health checks in the workplace remained vital.

However, she urged RIVCHPP and other health agencies to ensure that quality drugs were dispensed at health facilities and called on health workers, particularly those in rural areas, to improve their attitude to work.

The visit featured the presentation of souvenirs to the Head of Service.

The North East Women for Peace has commended the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for initiating a welfare-focused programme aimed at improving the economic wellbeing of families of military personnel.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its President, Saratu Gambo, the group praised Gen. Oluyede for seeking the approval and support of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, through the Defence Headquarters, to engage financial institutions in the provision of soft loans for spouses of service personnel at highly reduced interest rates.

The group described the initiative as timely, strategic and people-centred, noting that it underscores the commitment of the military high command to the welfare and economic empowerment of service families.

According to the statement, the proposed loan scheme will enable spouses of military personnel to access affordable financing to support small businesses and other income-generating ventures, thereby reducing financial stress, strengthening household stability and enhancing overall family wellbeing.
North East Women for Peace observed that improved welfare for military families would directly boost the morale, focus and operational effectiveness of troops deployed across various theatres of operation in defence of the nation.

“The sacrifices made by officers and men of the Armed Forces are enormous, and initiatives such as this go a long way in boosting their morale, dedication and commitment to national service,” the statement said.

The group added that the initiative reflects a broader understanding that national security is not achieved solely on the battlefield, but also through sustained investment in the welfare of those who support the troops from the home front.
It also applauded the President and Commander-in-Chief for his continued support for policies and programmes targeted at improving the living conditions of members of the Armed Forces and their families.

Expressing optimism over the initiative, the group said the successful implementation of the soft loan scheme would set a new benchmark for military welfare interventions, strengthen trust in military leadership, and further reinforce the confidence, loyalty and fighting spirit of troops safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.

The National Coordinator of the All Progressives Congress (APC)
Grassroots Governance Group APC G3, Amech Chuks Onyema, has paid glowing tribute to former Osun State governor and founding national chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande, as the elder statesman clocks 87 years.

In a statement issued on Thursday to mark Akande’s birthday, Oyema described him as a towering symbol of principled leadership whose life exemplifies accountability, integrity and unwavering commitment to democratic ideals.

Oyema noted that at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with leadership and governance challenges, Chief Akande’s values remain both relevant and urgently needed.

“Chief Bisi Akande’s contribution to the growth of a virile and enduring democracy in Nigeria is profound,” the statement said.

“Through his active involvement in the pro-democracy movement and his dedication to progressive politics, he consistently affirmed that democracy must be anchored on truth, discipline and respect for the will of the people.”

The APC grassroots leader recalled Akande’s historic role as a founding pillar and the first National Chairman of the ruling party, noting that his leadership and moral authority were instrumental to the successful merger of diverse political tendencies into a single progressive platform.

According to Oyema, Akande helped shape the APC as a party founded on reform, internal democracy and national purpose, values which, he said, continue to define its ideological compass.

“His life teaches a timeless lesson: that public office is a sacred trust, and that sustainable progress can only be achieved through honesty, discipline and responsibility,” Oyema stated.

He added that Chief Akande’s personal example stands as a guiding light for younger politicians and public office holders, stressing that Nigeria’s democratic journey has been enriched by his consistency, courage and moral clarity.

“As he marks this remarkable milestone, we celebrate his legacy, honour his wisdom and express profound gratitude for his invaluable service to Nigeria’s democracy,” Oyema said.

Chief Akande, a respected elder statesman and pro-democracy icon, is widely regarded as one of the architects of progressive politics in Nigeria, with influence that spans decades of political struggle and party-building.
Oyema concluded by wishing the APC pioneer good health and long life, noting that “Nigeria still needs the values Chief Bisi Akande represents, now more than ever.”