The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has asked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to immediately resign his appointment and face his “obsession with Rivers State politics,” following a heated exchange over the leadership and affairs of the party in the state.

In a strongly worded statement on Monday, Basiru faulted what he described as an “uncouth tirade” by Wike against his person and office, insisting that his position on party supremacy and respect for sitting governors was both orthodox and constitutionally grounded within the APC.

Basiru said it was shocking that a member of the Federal Executive Council would react so aggressively to his assertion that governors remain the leaders of the party in their respective states and must be accorded due respect by party organs.

“For the avoidance of doubt, our records indicate that Minister Nyesom Wike is not a member of our party,” Basiru declared, stressing that Wike therefore lacked the locus standi to interfere in APC affairs. He added that, as National Secretary, he was duty-bound to protect the interests of the party and its structures nationwide, including Rivers State.

Dismissing allegations by Wike that he and other APC leaders were scrambling for an alleged N600 billion “largesse” in Rivers State, Basiru described the claim as “cheap blackmail” and a familiar tactic of the former Rivers governor. He challenged Wike to substantiate the allegation or be prepared to defend it in court.

The APC scribe also rejected what he termed veiled threats from the FCT minister, warning that Wike was “overplaying his political card.” Basiru said his confidence was rooted in faith and democratic struggle, recalling his role in the pro-democracy movement against military rule, at a time he claimed Wike was not politically visible.

Basiru further noted that Wike’s public support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not translate into APC membership, arguing that millions of Nigerians outside the party also supported the President.

“His attempt to destabilise our party in Rivers State will not be tolerated,” Basiru said, cautioning that Wike could not import “the spirit of the PDP” into the APC.

He concluded by stating that it was improper for a serving minister in an APC-led government to foment discord within the party using the influence of public office, insisting that the “honourable thing” for Wike to do was to resign from the Federal Executive Council.

The latest exchange underscores deepening political tensions in Rivers State and highlights the fragile alignment between the ruling APC and influential non-party actors within the Tinubu administration.

The Rivers State Government has approved a comprehensive Youth Agribusiness Training Programme aimed at empowering young people, strengthening food security and driving sustainable economic growth across the state.

The approval, granted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, underscores the administration’s resolve to reposition agriculture as a viable, profitable and youth-driven sector, while addressing the twin challenges of unemployment and economic diversification.

According to the state government, the programme is designed to equip youths with practical skills, modern agricultural knowledge and entrepreneurial capacity across key agricultural value chains. These include crop production, livestock farming, aquaculture, agro-processing, agribusiness management and agricultural technology.

By focusing on hands-on training and mentorship, the initiative seeks to move young people beyond subsistence farming into commercially viable, market-oriented agribusiness ventures. Participants will be exposed to modern farming techniques, value addition processes and agribusiness best practices, enabling them to become self-reliant and competitive contributors to the state’s economy.

Officials said the programme aligns with Governor Fubara’s broader vision of youth empowerment, job creation and economic resilience. With agriculture recognised as a critical driver of inclusive growth, the training is expected to open new income streams for youths, reduce dependence on white-collar jobs and encourage innovation within the agricultural sector.

Beyond individual empowerment, the initiative is projected to have wider socio-economic benefits for Rivers State. Increased youth participation in agriculture is expected to boost local food production, reduce food shortages, stabilise prices and strengthen rural economies. By promoting value addition and agribusiness development, the programme also aims to create employment opportunities along the agricultural supply chain.

The training is scheduled to hold from January 19 to 29, 2026, at the School-to-Land Authority, Centre of Excellence, Rumuodomaya, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, with daily sessions commencing at noon.

The Rivers State Government has urged interested youths with a genuine passion for agriculture and agribusiness to take advantage of the opportunity, describing it as a strategic investment in the future of the state.

Signed by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr. Victor Kii, the statement reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to building a resilient agricultural sector, empowering the youth population and laying the foundation for a more prosperous Rivers State.

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has stated its commitment to completing the sand-filling and reclamation project in Okochiri, Okrika Local Government Area, and the 4.5-kilometre Nonwa-Uedeme-Ogu Road linking Tai and Ogu-Bolo Local Government Areas of Rivers State.

Speaking during an inspection of the projects, the NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, reiterated the Commission’s resolve to ensure that all ongoing projects across the region were completed and inaugurated for the benefit of the people.

Iyaye expressed satisfaction with the progress of work at the Okochiri reclamation project and noted that it would help the community gain more land for economic activities.

He said: “We are here in Okochiri to monitor and appraise the performance of the contractor working for us. We felt the need to assess the project’s progress to ensure timely completion.

Iyaye said the reclamation project was significant to the Okochiri people because it had increased their land space, noting that it had helped to boost the Okochiri International Beach Festival and Carnival, which, according to him, “promotes peace amongst the people.”

Earlier, during a courtesy visit to the Amayanabo of Okochiri, King Ateke Tom, at his palace, the NDDC Executive Director remarked that the Commission had tremendous respect for the traditional institution.

He informed the monarch that he was in Okochiri to inspect the Commission’s ongoing projects in the area and ensure they were completed on schedule.

Iyaye Said: “For us to succeed, we believe that we need the cooperation of everybody. We need the cooperation of the traditional institutions, the state governments and the youth.

Responding, King Ateke Tom commended the NDDC for executing impactful projects in his domain, especially for the sand-filling and reclamation project. He observed that the projects would enhance the economic development of the Okochiri kingdom.

Briefing the NDDC Executive Director on the project, the contractor, Dr Jude Moroh, commended the Commission for undertaking the project, noting that the area, which had previously been a mangrove swamp, had been sand-filled.

Also speaking at the reclamation site, the Secretary of Ijaw Youth Council, Eastern Zone, Mr Tamunokuro Dango, said the Okochiri people were happy with the progress of work at the beachfront.

He noted: “We are delighted because this project has enhanced our economic and social activities, improving the lives of our people.”

Inspecting the Nonwa-Uedeme-Ogu Road, Alabo Boma Iyaye assured that the NDDC, under the leadership of the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, was actively working to implement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He stated that, as an intervention agency, the NDDC would endeavour to leave its footprints in communities within the NDDC mandate states, working in collaboration with the state governments.

The contractor for the road project, Hon. Deinma Iyalla, affirmed that the NDDC had transformed the area by linking various communities through good roads. He assured that the first phase of the project would be completed by the end of January.

The NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, also inspected ongoing work on the 1,500-seater Ogu Civic Centre and the Ogu Community Pavilion in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State.

History was made on Saturday as Opobo Kingdom marked a pivotal moment with the formal presentation of Alabo Prince Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja as the Amanyanabo-Elect of the ancient city.

The ceremony took place within the sacred precincts of Opuwariku, King Jaja Palace Complex, under the watchful eyes of the King Jaja Group of Houses and the Opobo Kingdom Council of Alapu.

Addressing the Vice Chairman and members of the council, Prince Charles Jaja spoke with humility and resolve, acknowledging the weight of the crown yet to be placed upon him. He pledged to uphold the sacred trust of tradition, ancestry, and the collective will of the people.

The Atlantic Bell reports that the Amanyanabo-Elect outlined a vision that balances development with cultural preservation. He emphasised that growth must not come at the expense of Opobo’s identity. “Our heritage is our strength,” he said, reiterating his commitment to sustainable development, environmental protection, and the safeguarding of traditions for future generations.

Education, youth empowerment, and skills acquisition form the cornerstone of his developmental agenda. Prince Charles Jaja stressed the need to prepare young Opobo sons and daughters for success in an evolving world, while also promoting cultural continuity through documentation of traditions, establishment of cultural centres, and the active use of the Ibani language.

He further pledged institutional reforms within the Council of Alapu to enhance transparency, accountability, and collective governance, ensuring shared responsibility in leadership.

Drawing inspiration from King Jaja, the legendary founder who resisted colonial domination to defend the kingdom’s autonomy, the Amanyanabo-Elect promised that Opobo would remain proud, independent, and resilient.

In his address, he also expressed his commitment to collaborative engagement with the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government, Rivers State Government under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Federal Government, and multinational stakeholders.

Speaking on the traditional selection process, Senibo Enyinna Idawari Seigha Jaja, Immediate Past Chairman of the King Jaja Royal War Canoe House, affirmed that the process was conducted peacefully and in strict accordance with custom.

“There was no rancour. The process was seamless, and the kingdom is happy,” he said.

Vice Chairman of the Opobo Kingdom Council of Chiefs, Alabo Princewill Dappa, described the occasion as historic.

“This is something you may witness only once in a lifetime.

“The kingdom is united, the process peaceful, and the joy genuine. After coronation, he will be known as His Royal Majesty, King Prince Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, but today, we proudly receive him as our Amanyanabo-Elect,” he said.