The Rivers State Police Command has invited a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alabo Tammy Danagogo, for questioning over an alleged plot to assassinate the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Danagogo’s invitation is said to be linked to an allegedly leaked telephone conversation involving an already arrested suspect, although the official police letter sighted did not state the reason for the invitation.

However, a source familiar with the development, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the invitation followed a monitored phone call allegedly discussing plans to eliminate the former Rivers State governor.

According to the source, Danagogo was allegedly engaged in a conversation with a Port Harcourt–based pastor, Tombari Joseph Gbeneol, in which they discussed a plan to recruit Israeli nationals to carry out the assassination.

“The leaked phone conversation is already with the police. Danagogo and Pastor Tombari were allegedly discussing a plot to bring in Israelis to kill the Minister. That is why he has been invited for questioning,” the source claimed.

When contacted to confirm the development, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringo Koko, said she would verify the report and revert.

“Let me confirm and I will get back to you,” she told journalists.

The police had earlier arrested Gbeneol over the alleged assassination plot. His arrest reportedly followed the interception of a phone call between him and Danagogo.

During the monitored conversation, the two men were said to have discussed logistics for recruiting foreign nationals to execute the plot. The discussion allegedly ended with a suggestion to seek financial backing from Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to fund the operation.

As of press time, the police were yet to issue an official statement clarifying the allegations or the status of the invitation extended to the former SSG.

The 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2026 was nothing short of spectacular as Africa’s biggest music stars gathered in Lagos for a night of glamour, rhythm and continental pride.

Held at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, the ceremony celebrated the very best of African music — and Nigeria’s finest were front and centre.

The night firmly belonged to Rema, who delivered a historic outing by clinching three major awards.

The 24-year-old global sensation was crowned Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, Artiste of the Year, and Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African RnB/Soul for his smash hit “Calm Down”, reaffirming his status as one of Africa’s most influential pop exports.

Another big winner was Grammy-winning superstar Burna Boy, who walked away with the coveted Album of the Year award for “No Sign of Weakness”, a project widely praised for its sonic depth and global appeal.

Powerhouse vocalist Yemi Alade also had her moment, winning Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series or Documentary for “You Are”, featured in “Iyanu: The Animated Series”, further showcasing her versatility beyond mainstream Afrobeats.

Fast-rising street-hop star Shallipopi proved his growing influence, scooping Song of the Year for “Laho” and also winning Best African Collaboration alongside Burna Boy for the same track — a major statement for the Edo-born artiste.

Veteran rapper Phyno kept the hip-hop flag flying high for Nigeria, emerging winner of Best African Artiste in African Hip-Hop, while Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, Egypt and several other African nations also had strong representations on the winners’ list.

Beyond Nigeria, Tanzanian heartthrob Jux claimed Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa, while Cindy Le Coeur of the Democratic Republic of Congo won Best Female Artiste in Central Africa, underscoring AFRIMA’s truly pan-African reach.

AFRIMA 2026 once again highlighted Africa’s rich musical diversity, blending genres, cultures and languages into one unforgettable celebration.

With Lagos hosting the awards for the third time — after previous editions in Ghana and Senegal — the city reaffirmed its place as one of Africa’s undisputed entertainment capitals.

From Afrobeats to hip-hop, RnB, soul, reggae and inspirational music, AFRIMA 2026 was a powerful reminder that African music is not just thriving — it is leading the global soundscape.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the defence of democratic values and the protection of lives and property, assuring Nigerians of the military’s resolve to ensure lasting peace and security across the country.

In a goodwill message to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, Oluyede said the military high command would continue to build a highly professional Armed Forces driven by a collective mindset and guided by its constitutional responsibilities.

He noted that the Armed Forces, working in collaboration with other security agencies and civil authorities, and drawing from the invaluable lessons of veterans, would confront Nigeria’s security challenges with renewed determination.

The CDS paid glowing tribute to fallen heroes who, he said, paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation’s unity and sovereignty, describing Remembrance Day as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices that underpin the peace and freedoms Nigerians enjoy.

“Their ‘today’ was given for our ‘tomorrow’, and their legacy of courage remains etched in the annals of our nation’s history forever,” he said, adding that their devotion to duty was an expression of patriotism beyond measure.

He also acknowledged the pain and sacrifices borne by the families of fallen soldiers, commending their resilience and assuring them that although their loved ones could never be replaced, their legacies would endure and remain honoured by the nation.
Oluyede commended officers and soldiers currently deployed in various theatres of operation for their gallantry, professionalism and loyalty, noting that their unwavering dedication continues to strengthen national security.

“As your Chief of Defence Staff, I am immensely proud of your qualitative output and commitment to the values of discipline and selfless service,” he said.

“Your battle scars are silent testimonies of valour, devotion to duty and an unyielding resolve to defend our nation’s freedom and flourishing democracy.”

He declared that the Armed Forces would give “no quarter” to those seeking to undermine Nigeria’s peace and security, vowing that threats to national stability, whether local or trans-border, would be decisively confronted.

“Our Armed Forces will continue to root out all threats to our national security,” he said, warning that the ambitions of the nation’s adversaries would end in failure.

The CDS assured military personnel that their welfare remained a top priority under his Military Strategic Philosophy, stressing that the high command would continue to promote professionalism in partnership with sister security agencies and civil authorities.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “steadfast leadership, strategic guidance and unwavering support” to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“I assure Mr President and my fellow Nigerians of our enduring commitment to defending our democratic values while ensuring peace and security in our beloved country,” Oluyede said.

He urged Nigerians to reflect on the significance of the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day as a platform to promote national unity and reject divisive rhetoric, stressing that the sacrifices of the military underscore the need to strengthen the bonds of nationhood.

“Our shared destiny is undeniable,” he said. “We must remain one nation, united and never divided.”

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has appealed to residents of the state to remain calm and law-abiding amid ongoing moves by the State House of Assembly to impeach him.

The governor made the call on Sunday during a church service held in Port Harcourt to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

Addressing the congregation, Fubara expressed confidence that the political situation would be resolved, assuring the people that there was no cause for panic.

Explaining his silence since the impeachment process resurfaced, the governor said it was deliberate, stressing that his confidence and resilience are anchored in his faith in God.

He recalled remarks he made at the New Year banquet at Government House, noting that “dogs bark when they do not understand,” an apparent reference to his critics.

Fubara urged Rivers residents to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid actions that could further inflame tensions in the state, emphasizing that calm and restraint were necessary at a time of heightened political uncertainty.

Also speaking at the service, the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, echoed the governor’s message, calling on the public to act responsibly.

She aligned herself with the sermon of the Dean of the Anglican Communion, Archbishop Blessing Eyinda, who reminded worshippers that every action would one day be remembered.

Professor Odu further appealed to Rivers people to continue praying for the administration, describing their prayers as a vital source of strength and guidance for the government as it navigates the current challenges.

Coalition of Rivers State Leaders of Thought (CORSLOT) has strongly condemned the latest impeachment notice issued by the Rivers State House of Assembly against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, describing it as an act of political witch-hunt, banditry and a blatant abuse of constitutional processes.

In a press release signed and issued in Port Harcourt on January 10, 2026 by High Chief Sunnie Chukumele and His Highness O.R. Osundu, Chairman and secretary respectively of the Coalition of Rivers State Leaders of Thought, the group said recent political developments had vindicated its earlier position that the much-touted peace between contending political forces in the state was merely “the peace of the graveyard.”

According to the coalition, the impeachment allegations—ranging from reckless and unconstitutional expenditure to misappropriation of funds and obstruction of legislative duties—are spurious and politically motivated.

The group noted that this is the third impeachment attempt against Governor Fubara, adding that the inclusion of the deputy governor this time clearly exposes a “sinister motive.”

The leaders accused the House of Assembly of serially abusing the Constitution since its inauguration in 2023, arguing that lawmakers have repeatedly betrayed the oath they swore to uphold in service of Rivers people and Nigeria at large.

They further alleged that the Assembly has openly aligned itself with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of the state, Nyesom Wike, whom they claimed had publicly admitted to sponsoring the legislators’ elections.

According to the group, this relationship casts serious doubts on the independence and legitimacy of the Assembly and confirms that its actions are driven by external political interests rather than the welfare of Rivers State.

The coalition also accused the lawmakers of complicity in events that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, recalling how the governor was allegedly barred from accessing the Assembly complex and rebuffed in subsequent attempts at reconciliation. In contrast, the group noted, the legislators reportedly maintain regular meetings with a minister who holds no constitutional office within the state government.

Expressing concern over the Assembly’s post-emergency conduct, the leaders criticised lawmakers for demanding the submission of commissioner nominees and the 2025 budget, despite being aware that the budget had already been passed by the National Assembly during the emergency period and remains valid until July 2026. They described the demand as unconstitutional and indicative of “selective amnesia.”

The group warned that the persistent political hostility in Rivers State is damaging investor confidence, with critical investment decisions being delayed or diverted elsewhere due to instability allegedly fuelled by what it termed a “grandstanding legislature.”
Calling for restraint, the coalition urged members of the House of Assembly to embrace peace and constructive engagement with the executive arm of government in the interest of effective governance. It stressed that any legislative action must strictly comply with the provisions and spirit of Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution.

The leaders also appealed to the judiciary to remain vigilant, neutral and firm amid the escalating conflict between the executive and legislative arms of government.

In its closing remarks, the coalition commended groups such as the Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum and the Pan Niger Delta Forum for speaking out on the crisis.

It also directed a pointed message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, arguing that the political turmoil in Rivers State could have been avoided if earlier appeals to rein in the Minister of the FCT had been heeded.

“This brigandry would have stopped, and our state would have made progress in a peaceful atmosphere,” the statement said.