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.

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.