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APC Rallies Behind Fubara, Insists No Individual Can Undermine Its Governor

The Atlantic Bell
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APC Rallies Behind Fubara, Insists No Individual Can Undermine Its Governor

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has closed ranks around Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, declaring that no individual or interest can frustrate a governor elected on the platform of the ruling party, despite renewed political hostilities involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Top officials of the party, including members of the National Working Committee (NWC), affirmed that Governor Fubara enjoys the full backing of the APC and would be accorded all the rights, protections and political support due to any serving governor of the party.

National Secretary of the APC, Ajibola Basiru, told The Guardian that the party’s constitution and internal tradition do not permit the undermining of its governors, stressing that Fubara’s administration in Rivers State aligns with the APC’s governance objectives.

“Nobody can frustrate any APC governor. Governor Fubara, like other governors on our platform, is running the affairs of his state effectively, and the party must identify with him,” Basiru said.

Fubara’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on December 9, alongside 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, has reshaped the state’s political landscape and intensified tensions with Wike, who has publicly questioned the governor’s prospects for a second term.

However, the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has already declared Fubara the leader of the party in Rivers State, noting that while internal coordination is required, the governor’s position within the party structure is not in doubt.

A senior APC official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, dismissed claims that any single political actor could determine Fubara’s fate, insisting that the ultimate authority within the party rests with President Bola Tinubu and its recognised organs.

“By our rules, APC governors are respected and supported. The Governors’ Forum is a major stabilising force in the party. No individual can override that,” the official said, adding that incumbency naturally confers political advantage in any re-election contest.
Party leaders also cautioned against disparaging remarks directed at elected officials, with Basiru describing as “unfortunate” comments attributed to the APC’s South-South Vice Chairman that appeared dismissive of the Rivers governor.

Similarly, Deputy National Organising Secretary, Duru Eze, and National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, reiterated that Fubara enjoys the endorsement of the President, the National Executive Committee and the NWC, and would not be treated differently from any other APC governor.

At the state level, Rivers APC spokesman, Chibike Ikenga, maintained that only the President and the party’s national leadership could determine the governor’s political future, stressing that Wike, not being a member of the APC, had no role in its internal decisions.

Elders and stakeholders in Rivers State also weighed in, warning against attempts to personalise political power and insisting that the electorate, not political godfathers, would ultimately decide the state’s leadership.

Despite Wike’s renewed insistence that Fubara’s re-election would be blocked, APC leaders remain firm that the party’s structure, constitution and leadership would not allow any of its governors to be politically frustrated.

Reps Make Public Tinubu’s Tax Reform Laws After Discrepancy Alarm

The Atlantic Bell
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Reps Make Public Tinubu’s Tax Reform Laws After Discrepancy Alarm

The House of Representatives has released the four tax reform Acts recently signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following concerns over alleged discrepancies between the versions passed by the National Assembly and copies circulating in the public domain.

The move, aimed at safeguarding legislative integrity and restoring public confidence, followed deliberations at plenary where lawmakers raised alarm over inconsistencies in the gazetted texts of the new tax laws.

Members warned that unresolved doubts could undermine trust in both the laws and the National Assembly.

Acting in concurrence with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, directed the immediate public release of the Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the Acts, complete with the endorsement and assent pages signed by the President, to enable verification and scrutiny.

The Acts made public are the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025; the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025; the National Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025; and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act, 2025.

The controversy emerged after a lawmaker from Sokoto State, Abdussamad Dasuki, raised a point of privilege, alleging differences between some versions of the tax laws in circulation and the texts debated and passed by the legislature. He cautioned that failure to address the issue could erode confidence in the legislative process.

In response, the House resolved to investigate the matter, prompting an internal verification of the Acts and their subsequent release.

In a statement on Saturday, House spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, said the action underscored the leadership’s commitment to transparency and the sanctity of legislative records.

He said the Speaker provided firm leadership throughout the tax reform process, which involved extensive stakeholder engagement, committee scrutiny, clause-by-clause consideration and plenary debates, all anchored on constitutional and parliamentary procedures.

According to the House, the four Acts constitute the backbone of Nigeria’s tax reform framework, designed to modernise revenue administration, improve compliance, reduce inefficiencies and strengthen fiscal coordination across the federation.

Abbas was quoted as assuring Nigerians that the National Assembly remains an institution of records, where every bill and amendment follows a clear constitutional pathway, stressing that only certified versions issued by the legislature constitute the law.

The House advised the public and stakeholders to disregard any other versions not certified by the National Assembly, disclosing that the Clerk to the National Assembly has aligned the Acts with the Federal Government Printing Press to ensure uniformity and accuracy.

Meanwhile, the Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the alleged circulation of unauthorised versions of the tax laws, chaired by Rt. Hon. Muktar Betara, will continue its work to establish the circumstances surrounding the matter and recommend safeguards against future occurrences.

The House reaffirmed its commitment to constitutionalism, transparency and the protection of Nigeria’s legislative process.

Ogoni Day: Fubara Urges Unity, Reaffirms Rivers’ Commitment To Ogoni Cause

The Atlantic Bell
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Ogoni Day: Fubara Urges Unity, Reaffirms Rivers’ Commitment To Ogoni Cause

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has called for unity among the Ogoni people as they mark this year’s Ogoni Day, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering support for the historic struggle for justice, environmental remediation and sustainable development in Ogoniland.

In a goodwill message to commemorate the occasion, Governor Fubara described Ogoni Day as a profound symbol of resilience, cultural pride and collective resistance, noting that the Ogoni struggle remains one of the most defining narratives in Nigeria’s socio-political history.

In a statement dated January 4, 2026, and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, Governor Fubara paid glowing tribute to the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), acknowledging its pioneering role in deploying peaceful advocacy to draw global attention to issues of environmental degradation, human rights abuses and social inequities in Ogoniland and the wider Niger Delta.

According to the governor, the sacrifices, courage and perseverance of the Ogoni people have not only shaped national consciousness but have also influenced international discourse on environmental justice and democratic accountability.
Fubara said Ogoni Day provides a solemn moment for reflection and a renewed commitment to the ideals that have sustained the Ogoni cause over the decades, despite persistent challenges.

He urged Ogoni leaders, elders and key stakeholders to set aside internal divisions within MOSOP and the broader Ogoni community, stressing that unity of purpose is critical to advancing the collective aspirations of the people.

The governor noted that the call for unity is especially timely, given what he described as renewed efforts by the Federal Government through dialogue processes aimed at addressing long-standing grievances in Ogoniland.

He assured that the Rivers State Government remains firmly committed to supporting a united MOSOP and a cohesive Ogoni nation, pledging continued backing for initiatives that promote peace, reconciliation, dialogue and sustainable development across Ogoniland and the state at large.

Ogoni Day is an annual event observed on January 4 to commemorate the identity, resilience and long-standing struggle of the Ogoni people of Rivers State, Nigeria, for environmental justice, political inclusion and socio-economic rights.

The celebration traces its roots to the early 1990s, following the emergence of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) as a unified platform for articulating Ogoni grievances against decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in Ogoniland.

On January 4, 1993, more than 300,000 Ogoni people staged a historic, peaceful mass rally, drawing unprecedented national and international attention to their demands for environmental remediation, fair resource control and respect for human rights.

That landmark mobilisation marked a turning point in Nigeria’s environmental justice movement and firmly established January 4 as Ogoni Day.

The date later gained deeper significance after the execution of MOSOP leader, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and eight other Ogoni activists in 1995, which further globalised the Ogoni struggle and transformed Ogoni Day into a symbol of sacrifice, resistance and moral courage.

Over the years, Ogoni Day has been marked by cultural displays, remembrance ceremonies, lectures and advocacy activities, serving both as a memorial to past sacrifices and a rallying point for renewed calls for unity, justice, environmental restoration and sustainable development in Ogoniland.

Rivers PDP Suspends Caretaker Chairman, Ewor Over Alignment With Wike

The Atlantic Bell
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Rivers PDP Suspends Caretaker Chairman, Ewor Over Alignment With Wike

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State has suspended its Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr Nname Robinson Ewor, over alleged actions and utterances deemed supportive of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The decision was taken on Saturday after an emergency meeting of the Rivers State PDP Caretaker Committee in Port Harcourt, where party leaders reviewed Ewor’s recent political conduct and public comments on the lingering crisis within the party.

In a statement issued after the meeting, the party accused Ewor of acting in a manner prejudicial to the stability, cohesion and future of the PDP in the state, particularly by openly associating with Wike, who has been expelled from the party.

Tensions escalated after Ewor was sighted alongside Wike during one of the former Rivers governor’s “thank you” tours across local government areas, an appearance that party leaders described as an act of defiance.

Ewor had earlier accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of misleading party stakeholders during the height of the political crisis in the state, alleging that the governor encouraged a confrontational stance against Wike before retreating.

He further claimed that PDP members were left politically exposed following Fubara’s defection to the All Progressives Congress in December 2025.

Addressing journalists, the Caretaker Committee Secretary, Chief Ogbam Ojimah, announced Ewor’s suspension both as chairman and as a member of the party, stressing that the PDP had distanced itself from his statements and actions.

Reading from the resolutions, Ojimah reaffirmed that Wike remains expelled from the PDP and has no authority to interfere in the party’s affairs in Rivers State. He also announced his appointment as Acting Chairman, alongside Dr Baribefu Fidunko as Acting Secretary.

The party pledged loyalty to the national leadership under Dr Kabiru Turaki and reiterated its commitment to repositioning the PDP in Rivers State amid deepening internal divisions and shifting political alliances.

Rivers Assembly Bye Election: RSM Diaspora Endorses Jude Lawrence Nwibie for KHANA II Constituency

The Atlantic Bell
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Rivers Assembly Bye Election: RSM Diaspora Endorses Jude Lawrence Nwibie for KHANA II Constituency

Arising from an extra ordinary meeting of the body, the leadership of River Sim Movement (RSM) Diaspora wing have endorsed one of her members – Mr. Jude Lawrence Nwibie who is in the race for the House of Assembly Seat to represent the good people of Khana in the Khana II Constituency.

The body decided to throw her weight behind Mr. Jude because he is an astute politician who is loved by his people of Khana, a dedicated and loyal member of RSM who has stood tall behind the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir. Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS.

In a Statement released by the body and signed by the Director, Diaspora Mobilization, Amaopusenibo Shedrack Fubara, RSM Diaspora urge all members of the group at Home to immediately mobilize members across the State and especially in Khana II Constituency to massively support Mr. Jude Nwibie to win the House of Assembly Seat. It also called on the leadership of the APC at the Local Government and State Level to support the emergence of Mr. Nwibie to fly the flag of the party in the upcoming election scheduled to hold on 21 February 2026.

RSM Diaspora also called on all her members around the world to continue to rally support for our leader & Grand Patron, His Excellency Sir. Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, Governor, Rivers State as he continues to embark on people oriented leadership, projects and programs that are uplifting the State and living standards of the people.

The group finally called on the good people of Rivers State to avoid any attempt at using them to cause another round of political tension & instability in the State and urged the people to remain calm and peaceful because it is only in an atmosphere of peace that good Governance can be achieved.

Military Unmasks Alleged Ringleader Of North-East Suicide Bombing Network

The Atlantic Bell
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Military Unmasks Alleged Ringleader Of North-East Suicide Bombing Network

The Nigerian military has identified Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, as the alleged mastermind behind a network of suicide bombings responsible for recent deadly attacks in the North-East, including the December 24 bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri.

The disclosure followed intelligence-led operations conducted by troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, 2025, during which 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities were arrested.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Maiduguri, the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said investigations uncovered the structure, roles and operational linkages of the terror cell.

According to the military, a detained suspected suicide bomber, Ibrahim Muhammad, provided critical information during interrogation, identifying Shariff Umar as the coordinator and ringleader of the network.

Lt. Col. Uba said Umar was responsible for recruiting, indoctrinating and deploying suicide bombers, as well as coordinating logistics and the supply of improvised explosive device (IED) components.
Investigations further revealed that Umar allegedly coordinated the suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque on December 24, 2025, during which an accomplice, Adamu, now deceased, detonated a suicide vest.

He was also accused of organising a foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, Yobe State, and personally delivering IED components to a would-be bomber.

The military said additional links within the network had been uncovered, including the alleged involvement of Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, while his stepdaughter, Amina, reportedly confirmed seeing a suspected bomber within their residence.

“All suspects remain in custody and are undergoing intensive, multi-layered investigations aimed at dismantling the network, identifying additional collaborators and recovering any remaining explosives or logistical assets,” the statement said.

The military also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that cooperation between civilians and security forces remains critical to preventing attacks and saving lives.

APC Governors Lead Party Structures in States, National Chairman Clarifies

The Atlantic Bell
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APC Governors Lead Party Structures in States, National Chairman Clarifies

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has clarified the party’s leadership structure at the state level, stating that governors are recognised as the leaders of the party in their respective states, including Rivers State.

Yilwatda made the clarification during an interview on Channels Television aired on Friday, January 1, 2026, while responding to questions on the party’s hierarchy in the southern part of the country.

Asked specifically who heads the APC in Rivers State, the national chairman said the party operates a uniform structure nationwide, with governors providing leadership at the state level.

“In all the states, we have the state governors. They lead their parties in their own respective states,” he said, adding that this arrangement is a deliberate policy of the APC. “In APC, we give that privilege to the governors.”

However, Yilwatda stressed that the leadership role accorded to governors is guided by principles of inclusion and collective participation, particularly where there are other influential party figures.

“At the same time, we normally ask the governors, where we have leaders at national level, to respect inclusion in all the states,” he said.

He cautioned against the concentration of authority, noting that leadership within the party does not translate to the exclusion of other stakeholders. “You being the leader doesn’t mean that you can disenfranchise people who are within the state,” he added.

The APC chairman said the party deliberately creates space for broad participation, describing inclusion as a core element of its internal governance.

Drawing a parallel with his own role, Yilwatda described the office of the national chairman as largely coordinative. “Just like I’m more or less a coordinator,” he said. “As National Chairman of the party, I only coordinate what’s happening at the local government and state levels.”

His comments come amid ongoing discussions over party leadership and influence within the APC across several states.

Rivers EXCO Approves N1.8tn 2026 Budget, Targets Recovery, Growth

The Atlantic Bell
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Rivers EXCO Approves N1.8tn 2026 Budget, Targets Recovery, Growth

The Rivers State Executive Council has approved a N1.8 trillion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year, signaling the Siminalayi Fubara administration’s determination to consolidate ongoing reforms and accelerate development across critical sectors of the state.

The approval was granted at the State Executive Council meeting held on Friday evening.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the newly sworn-in Special Adviser to the Governor on Economic Matters and Social Development, Prof. Peter Medee, said the 2026 appropriation proposal was crafted to enable the state complete ongoing projects, advance priority programmes and clear outstanding obligations.

According to Medee, the budget has been christened the “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” reflecting the administration’s resolve to sustain governance momentum despite prevailing challenges.

He explained that the thrust of the 2026 estimates is anchored on recovery, restoration, reassurance, consolidation and inclusivity, noting that the government has remained focused and committed to delivering dividends of democracy to the people.

“The proposed estimate has been fashioned to enable the state accomplish and conclude ongoing projects as well as address obligations in critical sectors such as infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, human capacity development, youth empowerment, culture, tourism and information and communications technology,” Medee said.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, said the robust budget size was a deliberate decision aimed at bridging developmental gaps and repositioning Rivers State for sustainable growth.

He noted that the Fubara administration remains determined to reclaim lost ground and place the state on a firm trajectory of economic and social advancement.

Fubara Sets Agenda For New Special Advisers, Stresses Results-Driven Service

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Fubara Sets Agenda For New Special Advisers, Stresses Results-Driven Service

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged newly appointed Special Advisers to see their appointments as a call to serious service, stressing that effective governance thrives on collective responsibility, discipline and unwavering commitment to public good.

The governor gave the charge on Friday, January 2, at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt, shortly after administering the oath of office to five Special Advisers — Barrister Eloka Tasie-Amadi, Professor Peter Medee, Barrister Emmanuel Frank Fubara, Hon. Victor Ekaro and Dr. Darlington Orji.

Governor Fubara explained that the appointments were carefully considered and strategically made to deepen collaboration within government and enhance the efficiency of the state’s administrative machinery.

According to him, the advisers were selected based on their familiarity with the philosophy, vision and direction of his administration.

“We have deliberately brought these individuals on board because they understand what this administration stands for and where we are headed. They are well positioned to contribute meaningfully to the realisation of our goals,” the governor said.

He cautioned that the roles were not ceremonial, but demanding responsibilities that require hard work and selfless service. “This is not about pleasure or titles. Governance is about shared responsibility and delivering results that positively impact the lives of Rivers people,” he noted.

Governor Fubara expressed confidence that the new advisers would work as a cohesive team to translate government policies into measurable outcomes, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to purposeful leadership and people-centred service delivery across the state.

King Charles Mac Pepple Jaja’s Emergence And Sustenance Of Opobo’s Royal Legacy: A Convergence of Civility And Culture

The Atlantic Bell
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King Charles Mac Pepple Jaja’s Emergence And Sustenance Of Opobo’s Royal Legacy: A Convergence of Civility And Culture

The emergence of King Charles Mac Pepple Jaja as the Amanyanabo-elect of Opobo Kingdom, following the transition of Dandeson Douglas Jaja, represents more than a royal succession; it is a profound reaffirmation of heritage, continuity, and enlightened leadership.

Rooted in the illustrious legacy of King Jaja of Opobo, the choice of the new monarch embodies a rare convergence of civility and culture, where tradition is preserved without resisting the demands of modern governance and social harmony.

Opobo Kingdom, long celebrated for its disciplined monarchical institutions and deep respect for ancestral customs, once again demonstrated its maturity through a seamless transition that balanced reverence for the past with clarity of purpose for the future.

King Charles Mac Pepple Jaja’s emergence reflects the strength of a system that prioritises order, consensus, and legitimacy, ensuring that royal authority remains a unifying force rather than a source of contention.

Hi emergence on December 31, 2025, truly underscores the depth, order and resilience of Opobo’s traditional governance system.

Alabo Charles Mac-Pepple Jaja, now proclaimed Amanyanabo-Elect, King Charles Douglas Mac Pepple Jaja, Jeki VI, Treaty King, Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Opobo Kingdom, ascended the throne following the passing of his elder brother, King (Dr.) Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Jeki V, whose death was formally announced by the Amanyanabo-in-Council at dawn the same day.

At 65, the new monarch brings to the throne a lineage deeply rooted in Opobo’s royal history. He is a son of a former Amanyanabo, King Douglas Jaja, and a member of the ruling Mac-Pepple War Canoe House, where he has served as head since January 10, 2010.

His emergence is, therefore, seen not only as a constitutional outcome but also as a continuation of a long-established royal tradition.

Educated and widely exposed, King Charles Mac-Pepple Jaja is a graduate of Political Science and Administration from the University of Port Harcourt.

He also attended Government Technical College, Abak, and the Rivers State School of Basic Studies, and holds a Diploma from the Sondore Institute of Management as well as a Postgraduate Certificate in Law from Rivers State University. His academic and administrative background is regarded as an asset as the kingdom navigates the intersection of tradition and modern governance.

Despite the grief that followed the death of the late monarch, Opobo’s traditional institutions acted with remarkable speed and discipline.

Guided by Ibani customs and under the authority of the Council of Alapu (Chiefs), a traditional election was convened by late afternoon to prevent any leadership vacuum.
Three princes contested the succession. Alabo Fredrick Sunday Jaja polled one vote, Alabo Reuben Saturday Jaja secured seven votes, while Alabo Charles Mac-Pepple Jaja emerged with nine votes, a clear majority that affirmed the council’s confidence in his leadership.

The process, completed within hours of the former king’s passing, reflected Opobo’s long-held belief that continuity and stability are essential to effective traditional governance. Founded in 1869 after its historic break from the Bonny Kingdom, Opobo has endured as a major cultural and commercial force in the Niger Delta, sustained by institutions built on consensus, defined authority and respect for tradition.

The new Amanyanabo is generally described as calm, measured, and approachable—qualities considered vital at a time when the kingdom is mourning a revered monarch while preparing for renewal under new leadership.

As Opobo Kingdom enters a formal period of mourning for the late King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, the emergence of King Charles Mac-Pepple Jaja has provided reassurance of continuity.

Official details and timelines for his coronation and formal installation are expected to be announced by the Opobo Council of Alapu (traditional rulers) in due course, marking the next chapter in a living tradition that continues to guide the kingdom through loss, renewal and the demands of modern leadership.

Beyond the ceremonial weight of the crown lies a responsibility to sustain the values that have defined Opobo for generations—dignity, unity, and cultural pride.

As custodian of this enduring legacy, the monarch stands at the intersection of history and progress, charged with preserving Opobo’s identity while guiding its people through evolving social and economic realities. In this balance lies the true essence of Opobo’s royal legacy.

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