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.

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.

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.

Political leaders in Rivers State have rallied behind Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing his decision to align with the Federal Government and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a strategic move for peace, stability and development in the state.

Former Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Alabo Tammy Wenike Danagogo, gave the assurance during the 2026 New Year banquet held on Thursday at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

He said influential political stakeholders in the state were united in their support for the governor, describing his posture as one driven by national interest rather than personal ambition.

Danagogo commended Fubara’s decision to pitch his tent with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that cooperation with the centre would enhance governance outcomes and accelerate development in Rivers State.

According to him, synergy between the state and the Federal Government under President Tinubu would open doors to greater opportunities, policy alignment and infrastructural growth.

He described Fubara as a peacemaker and bridge-builder, stressing that the governor had consistently demonstrated a commitment to unity and reconciliation, even in the face of opposition.

“We may not always say it individually, but we are all behind you,” Danagogo said.

“In this effort to align with the centre, to create synergy with the ruling party and the Federal Government, we are with you.”

He added that the governor’s approach would not only benefit Rivers State but also contribute to national progress, urging him to remain steadfast in his pursuit of peace and cooperation.

“It will certainly bring progress to Rivers State and Nigeria. You are a peacemaker and a unifier. No matter the opposition, God remains in charge,” he said.

Danagogo reaffirmed that political leaders across divides were solidly behind Governor Fubara, particularly in his support for President Tinubu, which they see as a pragmatic pathway to stability, inclusive governance and sustainable development for the state.

Fubara Vows To Overcome Political Hurdles, Welcomes PDP Leaders’ Support For Tinubu

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed confidence that his administration will surmount any political challenge when the time comes, declaring that his government remains focused, unafraid and guided by truth.

Fubara spoke at the New Year banquet organised by the Rivers State Government at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Port Harcourt, where leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and prominent supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar publicly resolved to work with him in his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Urging his supporters to always take the path of righteousness, the governor said he would not compel anyone to do what is wrong, stressing that history would judge decisions taken at critical moments.

“We will not ask you to do what is not right. We will never do that. But stand on the side of truth wherever you find yourself,” Fubara said. “At the end of the day, it is about you and the decision you took when it mattered most. We have no fear anywhere. When the time comes, we will cross the bridge.”

He noted that his administration has put in place all that is required to ensure a smooth political and governance journey, assuring that those who have stood by him would ultimately be proud of their decision.

The governor declared that 2026 would usher in what he described as a period of “complete liberation” for Rivers State, pledging that his government would continue to deliver on its mandate with renewed vigour.

“We are not barking because we understand. We know where we are going, and we have set all the things needed to make the journey smooth,” he said. “Governance will continue in its full force. By the time we are done, everyone who stood with us will be proud.”

Fubara named former PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara; former Rivers State Governor, Celestine Omehia; and former Minister of Transport, Abiye Sekibo, as PDP leaders who have aligned with him in the state.

He said their decision had effectively laid to rest claims and blackmail suggesting that he was working with forces opposed to the interests of President Tinubu.

Reaffirming his resolve in the face of political pressure, Fubara said his faith in God remains the source of his confidence and strength, assuring Rivers people that his administration would remain steadfast and purposeful.

A Federal High Court has issued an interim order restraining the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) from enforcing the Tinted Glass Permit policy nationwide.

The Police had earlier announced on December 15, 2025, that enforcement of the policy would resume from January 2, 2026, as part of efforts to enhance public safety and internal security. However, the plan has now been suspended following a court directive.

According to the Force, it was served with an interim order on December 17, 2025, in Suit No. HOR/FHR/M/31/2025, which barred it from proceeding with the enforcement pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit or the vacation of the order.

In compliance with the order, the NPF said it has entered appearance in the matter, raised preliminary objections and applied for the vacation of the interim injunction. The court has adjourned the case to January 20, 2026, for further proceedings.

Consequently, the Police have placed the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy on hold across the country until the court reaches a decision.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to the rule of law, stressing that the Police would always respect judicial authority while carrying out their constitutional mandate of protecting lives and property.

He noted that the NPF would continue to rely on lawful and intelligence-driven strategies to tackle security challenges and safeguard public safety nationwide.

The Police also assured members of the public that further updates and clear guidance would be communicated after the court’s determination of the matter, in the interest of public order and national security.

The statement was signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, and issued from Force Headquarters, Abuja, on January 1, 2026.

The controversy surrounding the implementation of Nigeria’s new tax laws escalated on Wednesday as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) announced plans for a nationwide protest, warning that the reforms lack legitimacy amid unresolved disputes over their authenticity.

NANS said it has commenced mobilisation of students across the country to resist the implementation of the Tax Reform Laws, which took effect on January 1, 2026, declaring January 14, 2026, a National Day of Action.

In a statement, NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, criticised the Federal Government’s decision to proceed with implementation despite lingering allegations that the gazetted versions of the laws differ from those passed by the National Assembly.

He described the move as “unfortunate” and “a dangerous precedent,” arguing that it undermines democratic values and participatory governance.

“The decision to implement the Tax Reform Laws from January 1, when numerous issues in the gazetted law remain unresolved, reflects hegemony, high-handedness and a blatant disregard for Nigerians,” Oladoja said.

He called on all NANS structures — campus chapters, state joints, zonal coordinators and the national secretariat — to begin immediate mobilisation for a peaceful mass protest and march to the Presidential Villa in Abuja. According to him, the protest will converge at Unity Fountain, Abuja, with further details to be announced later.

“Our demands are clear and non-negotiable: the immediate suspension of the implementation of the otherwise beautiful but deeply controversial Tax Reform Law,” he added.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, however, had on Tuesday insisted that the reforms would proceed as scheduled, stating that “no substantial issue has been established that warrants a disruption of the reform process,” despite calls by several stakeholders for a suspension.

The tax reforms have generated intense debate following allegations that the gazetted copies contain provisions not approved by lawmakers. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the minority caucus of the House of Representatives are among groups that have raised concerns.

A member of the House of Representatives, Abdussamad Dasuki, had earlier alleged discrepancies between the versions passed by the legislature and those gazetted.

Adding to the pressure, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), warned that the new tax laws could face legal challenges if the controversies surrounding their legitimacy are not resolved.

Speaking to journalists in Ilawe-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Falana said the government ought to have used the final days of 2025 to address public concerns and produce “clean copies” of the laws before commencement.

“There are questions about the authentic tax laws — so which laws are we talking about? Until we have clean copies, you cannot talk of commencement,” he said, adding that allegations of inserted provisions amounted to forgery, for which the National Assembly must take responsibility.

Falana also criticised the lack of transparency, describing it as unacceptable that bills passed and signed into law were not readily accessible on the National Assembly’s website.

He further threatened legal action over what he described as discriminatory provisions that allegedly exempt wealthy companies, particularly those operating in Free Trade Zones (FTZs), from taxes and duties.

“Progressive taxation requires the rich to pay more, not less,” Falana said, describing such exemptions as unconstitutional, unjust and illegal.

Meanwhile, a group known as House to the Rescue intensified the controversy by offering a N3 million public reward to any serving member of the National Assembly who can produce a verifiable and authentic copy of the tax law being enforced.

In a joint statement signed by Hon. Jika Adamu, Hon. Bassey Ewah and Hon. Nko Nkole, the group said any attempt to enforce the law without producing an authentic version was “illegal, oppressive and morally indefensible.”
They accused the government of “ruling by announcement, not legislation; by coercion, not consent; and by fear, not legality,” insisting that Nigerians were being misled.

“A tax law that cannot be publicly produced, independently verified and legally cited does not exist, no matter how aggressively it is marketed,” the group said, warning that taxation without legitimacy amounted to “economic violence.”

Despite the growing backlash, an FCT High Court has declined to halt the implementation of the new tax regime.

In a ruling dated December 30, 2025, Justice Kawu Bello dismissed an ex parte application filed by the Incorporated Trustees of African Initiative for Abuse of Public Trust, which sought to restrain the Federal Government from implementing the tax laws pending the determination of a substantive suit.

The judge held that the court lacked the power to stop the implementation of a law already signed and gazetted without concrete evidence of wrongdoing, noting that any offending sections could only be set aside through due judicial process.

He ruled that the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 and other related laws would remain in force from January 1, 2026, pending the hearing of the substantive suit, which has been fixed for January 9, 2026.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that 2026 will mark the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth for Nigeria, citing moderating inflation, stronger foreign reserves, rising investment inflows and sustained GDP expansion as evidence that recent reforms are beginning to yield results.

In his New Year address to the nation, the President said the fiscal, monetary and structural reforms implemented in 2025 had stabilised key economic indicators despite persistent global headwinds.

He pledged to deepen tax reforms, expand infrastructure investment, strengthen security operations and accelerate inclusive growth initiatives aimed at improving living standards across the country.

Tinubu assured Nigerians that the new tax regime, which takes effect today, is designed to lay the foundation for shared prosperity, sustainable growth and long-term economic stability.

“The new year marks a critical phase in implementing our tax reforms, designed to build a fair, competitive and robust fiscal foundation for Nigeria,” he said.

“By harmonising our tax system, we aim to raise revenue sustainably, address fiscal distortions and strengthen our capacity to finance infrastructure and social investments that will deliver shared prosperity.”

He stressed that the reforms were not intended
to overburden citizens but to eliminate multiple taxation and reduce the excessive burden of taxes, levies and fees.

He commended states that have aligned with the national tax harmonisation agenda, noting that a streamlined system would enhance Nigeria’s capacity to fund development priorities.

The President said the difficult reforms undertaken in 2025 were already producing measurable gains and expressed confidence that their benefits would increasingly be felt by ordinary Nigerians in the new year.

Unveiling an ambitious inclusive growth agenda, Tinubu said his administration would empower at least 10 million Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, targeting a minimum of 1,000 beneficiaries in each of the country’s 8,809 wards across agriculture, trade, food processing and mining.

According to him, Nigeria closed 2025 on a strong economic note, recording robust GDP growth in every quarter, with annualised growth projected to exceed four per cent. He said inflation had declined to below 15 per cent in line with government targets, while exchange-rate stability improved and trade surpluses were maintained.

Tinubu also highlighted the performance of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, which posted a 48.12 per cent gain in 2025, and said foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, providing a strong buffer against external shocks.

Foreign direct investment, he added, rose sharply to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025 from $90 million in the preceding quarter, reflecting renewed investor confidence.

He noted that global credit rating agencies, including Moody’s, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s, had consistently affirmed Nigeria’s economic direction.

On security, the President acknowledged ongoing threats from criminal and terrorist groups but said decisive actions, including coordinated operations with international partners, had been taken against terrorist targets in parts of the North-west.

He pledged deeper cooperation with regional and global partners in 2026, reaffirming his commitment to decentralised policing and properly regulated forest guards.

Calling for national unity, Tinubu urged Nigerians to see nation-building as a shared responsibility, anchored on patriotism, integrity and collective purpose.

He wished the nation a peaceful, productive and prosperous New Year, while praying for divine protection for the country, its armed forces and the defeat of all forces threatening national peace and stability.