Public affairs analyst, Ibrahim Modibo, has dismissed the allegations levelled against Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by the State House of Assembly, describing them as weak, frivolous and lacking the constitutional weight required to justify impeachment.

Speaking in a recent interview shared by ARISE News, Modibo argued that the renewed impeachment moves have little to do with genuine concerns about governance and more to do with entrenched political interests and power struggles within the state.

According to him, the accusations — largely centred on budgetary disagreements and administrative decisions — fall far short of the threshold of “gross misconduct” envisaged by the Constitution.

“Most of their allegations that they have brought along are just frivolous allegations that look very comical,” Modibo said, stressing that impeachment is a grave constitutional mechanism that must be anchored on clear, provable infractions, not political disagreements or personal grievances.

He warned that the continued trivialisation of the impeachment process could erode democratic institutions and undermine public confidence in governance. Modibo noted that many of the issues cited by lawmakers are either already covered by existing legal frameworks or lie squarely within the discretionary powers of the executive arm of government.

Questioning the timing and frequency of the impeachment threats, the analyst said the moves reveal a pattern of inconsistency that points to an ongoing struggle for political control rather than a sincere effort to enforce accountability. He cautioned that such actions could destabilise Rivers State and divert attention from governance and development.

Modibo also expressed confidence in Governor Fubara’s political resilience, insisting that the governor possesses the institutional backing and political strength to weather the storm. He noted that developments in Rivers State are being closely monitored by national political actors, adding that support from key stakeholders at the federal level could be decisive in preventing what he described as a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.

“Fubara can survive it and I think he has the capacity with the assistance of the national secretariat and the APC governors,” he said.

The analyst warned that repeated impeachment attempts without solid constitutional justification could encourage political impunity and weaken democratic norms. He urged political parties, particularly at the national level, to take responsibility for managing internal disputes to avoid governance paralysis in states.

Calling for restraint and dialogue, Modibo stressed that resolving the Rivers State political crisis through lawful and democratic means is critical, not only for the stability of the state, but also for the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic system.

Veteran journalists, publishers and media executives under the aegis of the Port Harcourt Press have strongly condemned the attack on an ARISE Television crew in Port Harcourt, describing the incident as an assault on press freedom and a dangerous signal of rising political intolerance in Rivers State.

At a world press conference held in Port Harcourt on Thursday, the media body decried what it called the “unprovoked and barbaric” attack on the ARISE TV crew by armed men at a hotel on Friday, January 2, 2026, while the journalists were conducting an interview with a former Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa.

The group warned that the incident reflects a broader attempt by desperate political actors to intimidate journalists and stifle free expression ahead of future elections in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the body, the conveners said the press conference became necessary because “society collapses quite fast when evil is allowed to thrive while good people keep silent,” stressing that any threat to journalism ultimately places the entire society under siege.

They described the attack, which reportedly involved the forceful seizure of broadcast equipment, as a direct threat to human lives and democratic freedoms.

According to the media veterans, allegations by Dr. Nwibubasa that the assailants boasted of acting to protect their political leader and warned against any statements critical of him underscore what they termed a return to “ancient and barbaric” political practices.

“This is nothing but intimidation,” the group declared, adding that an attack on journalists in the line of duty amounts to an attack on the larger society and the public’s right to know.

The Port Harcourt Press also expressed grave concern over the handling of the incident by the police.

While acknowledging reports that the seized broadcast equipment had been recovered, the body lamented that no arrests had been made nearly a week after the attack.
They further alleged that despite the mention of a specific perpetrator by the interviewee, no immediate action was taken by law enforcement authorities.

The silence of the police since the incident, the group said, raises serious questions and fuels suspicion of compromise or complicity.

Consequently, the media body demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the attack, insisting that all those involved must be arrested and prosecuted within two weeks.

Failure to do so, they warned, could attract sanctions, including the withdrawal of media coverage of police activities in Rivers State, in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

The group called directly on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju Adewole, to demonstrate professionalism and neutrality by ensuring the logical investigation and prosecution of both the attackers and those who allegedly sponsored them.

Beyond the immediate incident, the Port Harcourt Press warned that the attack appeared to be a “test-run” aimed at instilling fear in journalists and shrinking civic space ahead of the 2027 general elections. They cautioned politicians against overheating the polity, particularly at a time when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to declare the commencement of electioneering campaigns.

In a pointed remark, the media executives urged former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to exercise restraint and conduct himself as a statesman. They said his rhetoric and mannerisms during visits to local government areas often heighten political tension in the state.

The group noted that having served two terms as governor, Wike should accept the transient nature of power and allow peace to prevail. They also called on him, as a minister in the Federal Government, to promote tolerance and non-violence in line with the expectations of democratic leadership.

“The birth of dictatorship often begins with the suppression of the free press,” the group warned, declaring their collective opposition to any attempt to muzzle journalists or impose authoritarian practices in Rivers State.

The statement was jointly signed by Rt. Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke, Sir Ngo Martyns Yellowe and Rev’d Canon Jerry Needam, JP.

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has restated its commitment to work closely with the apex socio-cultural and political body of the Niger Delta region, the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the umbrella organisation of Niger Delta people at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Commission’s Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, stressed the importance of partnership.

He assured the delegation, led by the PANDEF National Treasurer, Mrs Ifeoma Agboma, that the NDDC would continue to collaborate with it, reiterating the group’s role as the voice of the Niger Delta people in the civic space.

He noted that 2025 was a remarkable year for the NDDC, as it marked its 25th anniversary, with series of activities, including the commissioning of completed projects.

The NDDC Executive Director Finance and Administration noted that the Commission was determined to complete its legacy projects, in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu.

He commended the National Chairman of PANDEF, Ambassador Godknows Igali for always working in the interest of the Niger Delta region.
Speaking earlier, the National Secretary of PANDEF, Mrs. Ifeoma Agboma, lauded the NDDC Management, led by its Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, for initiating projects and programmes that have impacted the people positively.

She emphasised the need to engage in activities that would keep the people of the Niger Delta region together as such solidarity had been beneficial to every one in the region. Agboma stressed that unity was critical to the development of the region.

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on all stakeholders in Rivers State to exercise restraint following the decision of the State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.

In a statement issued on Friday by its Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee, the apex socio-political organisation representing the South-South described the unfolding political developments as “deeply disturbing,” warning that the situation requires urgent intervention to avert further escalation and a possible breakdown of law and order.

PANDEF stressed the strategic importance of Rivers State to the stability of the Niger Delta and the nation’s socio-political and economic wellbeing, urging all parties to prioritise peace, dialogue and the collective interest of the people.

“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers State. We must now focus squarely on good governance and the development of the state,” the statement said.

The forum’s Board of Trustees is co-chaired by the Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, and former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Victor Attah, while Ambassador Godknows Igali serves as National Chairman.

PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State and other concerned Nigerians for their efforts aimed at restoring stability in the state.

In furtherance of its long-standing peace-building role in the Niger Delta, PANDEF announced the constitution of a high-level reconciliation committee to mediate the crisis.

Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi, will chair the committee. Other members include former Senator Obende Domingo; former Minister of Housing, Essien Nduese; retired Permanent Secretary, Timiebi Koripamo-Agari; retired Director of the Department of State Services, Chief Mike Ejiofor; and former Cross River State Attorney-General, Nella Rabana-Andem. Prince Godwin Okotie, PANDEF’s Deputy National Secretary, will serve as secretary.

The forum called for full cooperation with the committee, describing its members as distinguished and respected personalities committed to achieving a peaceful, fair and sustainable resolution through an inclusive and dispassionate process.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, on Thursday formally commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy during plenary. The Majority Leader, Major Jack, presented a notice signed by 26 lawmakers, detailing allegations of gross misconduct against the governor.

The allegations include extra-budgetary expenditure of over ₦800 billion without legislative approval, withholding funds due to the Assembly Service Commission, demolition of the Assembly complex, and alleged defiance of Supreme Court judgments on legislative autonomy.

A separate notice was also read against the deputy governor, accusing her of complicity in unconstitutional spending.
Speaker Amaewhule said the notices would be served on the governor and his deputy within seven days, in accordance with constitutional provisions.

The latest development signals a renewed escalation of the protracted political crisis in Rivers State, arising from the fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Previous impeachment moves in 2023 and 2025 were halted following presidential interventions, while a state of emergency was at one point declared by President Tinubu.

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Daboikiabo Warmate, has accused the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, of pursuing a covert agenda to assume the office of governor through unconstitutional means.

Warmate, reacting to the ongoing political crisis in the state, said Amaewhule stands to benefit personally from the budgetary impasse and impeachment threats against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing the Speaker’s actions as driven by selfish ambition rather than genuine concern for governance or the rule of law.

According to Warmate, the 1999 Constitution already provides a clear and lawful mechanism for resolving budgetary disputes, rendering the posture of the State Assembly unnecessary and provocative.

He cited Section 122 of the Constitution, which empowers a governor to authorise expenditure from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for a period of up to six months where a new budget has not been passed — a process known as default appropriation.
He argued that this constitutional safeguard ensures continuity of governance and makes any attempt to paralyse the executive through legislative brinkmanship untenable.

Warmate further described the conduct of the Rivers State House of Assembly as a slight on democratic institutions, adding that it constitutes an affront not only to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu but also to the National Assembly, including the Senate and the House of Representatives, which he described as senior legislative bodies.

He disclosed that the 2025 Rivers State budget was duly prepared by Governor Fubara, reviewed by the sole administrator, submitted to the President and subsequently forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration.

According to him, the National Assembly has since passed the budget, meaning that Rivers State already operates under a valid appropriation law.

Warmate maintained that any attempt to compel the governor to re-present the budget before the state legislature is both misguided and unconstitutional.

He stressed that expenditures incurred under the existing appropriation framework are lawful and should not be weaponised as grounds for political intimidation or impeachment.

He warned that continued legislative aggression under the guise of oversight could further destabilise the state and undermine democratic norms.

The organised labour movement has renewed its call on the Federal Government to immediately suspend the implementation of the newly signed tax laws, warning that failure to do so could trigger a nationwide confrontation with workers.

Labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), said the tax reform process and the resulting laws excluded Nigerian workers in both the public and private sectors, despite being the country’s major taxpayers.

The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, issued the warning on Wednesday in Abuja while speaking at the launch of a memoir in honour of a former NLC President, Hassan Summonu, to mark his 85th birthday.

His remarks came amid mounting opposition to the tax reform laws signed by President Bola Tinubu, with critics warning that the measures could deepen economic hardship and fuel social unrest.

Ajaero described the new tax regime as regressive and anti-poor, insisting that it places additional financial pressure on low-income earners, including workers on the national minimum wage.

According to him, labour was deliberately excluded from the Presidential Committee on Tax Reforms, a move he said signalled that workers and the poor were the primary targets of the policy.

“The tax laws went through a process that clearly excluded Nigerian workers and masses who are the major taxpayers in Nigeria,” Ajaero said.

“From the Presidential Committee on Tax, which Nigerian workers were deliberately excluded from, we knew that workers and the masses were going to be on the menu. We raised the alarm, warned of the dangers during the legislative process, but no one listened.

“Today, the outcome is clear: laws with serious alterations directed at making workers and the poor poorer. A tax law that imposes heavy burdens on workers and the poor is not progressive.”

He faulted provisions that subject the national minimum wage to taxation, describing such measures as unfair and insensitive in the face of widespread poverty.

“Tax that taxes the national minimum wage is not fair. Tax that taxes people living in excruciating poverty is regressive,” he added.

The labour leader urged the Federal Government to halt the implementation of the laws and review them through inclusive engagement with key stakeholders, warning that pressing ahead could erode public trust and weaken democratic institutions.

“Insisting on going ahead is like muddling along in confusion and darkness. It undermines tax administration and poses a serious threat to our democracy,” Ajaero said.

He accused the government of bypassing stakeholders, distorting legislative intent and ruling by force, warning that such actions could endanger national stability.

Ajaero also called on the government to urgently constitute the board of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) and to engage labour more meaningfully on policies affecting workers.

He further pressed for urgent action on workers’ wages ahead of the next statutory negotiations on the national minimum wage.
“Let the government move from agonising the people to organising with them,” he said.

“We will continue to organise, challenge power and fight for a Nigeria where no worker has to agonise over poverty, insecurity and heavy taxation.”

The 2026 edition of the Opobo International Charity Day has delivered widespread relief and renewed hope across Opobo Kingdom, as beneficiaries received scholarships, medical care, educational materials and other forms of support under the initiative tagged Project Make a Difference.

The annual charity programme, which has grown into a major humanitarian platform in the kingdom, recorded its most impactful outing yet, drawing individuals, professional groups, social clubs, non-governmental organisations and community associations committed to improving the welfare of the less privileged.

The event, marked by excitement and community bonding, featured the distribution of scholarships, back-to-school materials, food items, clothing and cash support, alongside cultural displays and entertainment.

Beneficiaries also accessed free medical services, including surgeries, provision of essential drugs, eyeglasses and ambulatory aids.

One of the highlights of the 2026 programme was the award of fully funded scholarships to 10 indigent students by the Opobo Foundation USA.

The scholarships, which cover academic levels from first year to final year in higher institutions, were described as a strategic investment in human capital development and the future of the kingdom.

Unlike previous editions, this year’s Opobo International Charity Day was held simultaneously across communities within the kingdom.

While the main event took place in Opobo Town, outreach activities were extended to satellite communities such as Kalibiama, Queenstown and Epellema, ensuring that support reached beneficiaries beyond the town centre.

The event in Opobo Town was attended by the Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Opobo Kingdom, His Majesty (King-Elect) Charles Douglas Macpepple Jaja, Jeki VI, while the Executive Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Barrister James James, led proceedings in Kalibiama alongside members of the Council of Alapu.

Dignitaries were received by the OICD team led by the initiator and Director-General of the programme, Dr Sofiri Peterside.

Also present were the President of Opobo Foundation USA, Prof. Iyalla Peterside; Engr. Dandison Diri; Dr Raphael Uranta; Mrs Jennifer Chile, and other prominent sons and daughters of the kingdom.

The programme was organised with the support of key volunteers and partners, including the de Chaplains Club of Opobo, led by Mr Victor Fubara, whose members played a central role in coordination and service delivery.

Organisers said the 2026 edition of the Opobo International Charity Day not only sustained the tradition of compassionate giving but expanded its reach and impact, reinforcing unity, solidarity and shared responsibility across the kingdom.

They added that Project Make a Difference underscored the power of collective action in addressing social needs and building hope for a more inclusive and compassionate society.