PDP Slams Rivers Lawmakers Over Fresh Defection to APC, Moves to Recover Mandates The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the renewed defection of 16 Rivers State House of Assembly members, including Speaker Martin Amaewhule, who announced their move to the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the second time. The lawmakers, loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, claimed internal division within the PDP as their reason. In response, the PDP accused them of acting as “political puppets” and vowed to begin legal proceedings to recover the mandates the lawmakers won under its platform. The party said their actions amount to “defection from APC to APC,” insisting they had long abandoned PDP values. The development intensifies the political crisis in Rivers State and reflects broader power struggles involving Wike, who is reportedly trying to retain influence amid declining favour from President Bola Tinubu.

17 Rivers Assembly Members Defect from PDP to APC Seventeen members of the Rivers State House of Assembly an to the Speaker have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (#PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (#APC). The defection was formally announced by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, during Friday’s plenary session in Port Harcourt. The lawmakers cited ongoing internal crises within the PDP as the primary reason for their decision to switch allegiance to the ruling APC at the federal level.

Rivers State House Assembly Speaker, Hon. Martin Amaewhule ~ "All 16 members, including the Speaker, have decided to leave the PDP for the APC."

16 Rivers Lawmakers, Speaker Defect from PDP to APC, Confirming SaharaReporters’ Exclusive Sixteen members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, have officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The move, announced during Friday’s plenary, confirms SaharaReporters’ earlier exclusive report that the lawmakers loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike would dump the PDP. Amaewhule said the defection was triggered by a “clear division” within the PDP. The development marks a major escalation in the political crisis in Rivers State and further highlights the strained relationship between Wike and President Bola Tinubu, despite Wike’s attempts to regain favour with the presidency.

Fubara Orders Return of 1,000 Teachers Amid Fresh Tensions With House of Assembly | #Politicsnigeria Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the return of 1,000 teachers earlier recruited in 2023, marking one of the most decisive steps his administration has taken in recent weeks. The directive was issued on Tuesday through the Chairman of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (RSUBEB), Sam Ogeh, who announced that the teachers must undergo a fresh revalidation exercise before resuming duties. The move comes less than 24 hours after the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly sharply criticised the governor over the state of public schools, accusing the executive of failing to address worsening infrastructure and a severe shortage of teachers. According to the RSUBEB chairman, the governor’s latest order is aimed at filling the teaching gaps that have persisted across primary and junior secondary schools in the state. Ogeh explained that the administration is determined to restore manpower in schools and ensure learning conditions improve significantly. He said, “In fulfilment of his promise to bridge the manpower gap in public schools across Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the appointment of new teachers across the state. As part of this initiative, His Excellency has directed the revalidation of the 1000 teachers recruited in 2023.” He added that the affected teachers are expected to present themselves at the RSUBEB office on Wednesday for documentation. The exercise will take place at the board’s headquarters along Elechi Beach, Port Harcourt. The announcement followed a tense session at the House of Assembly, during which lawmakers examined a report presented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Aforji Igwe. Igwe described the condition of some schools as alarming after leading an inspection of Township State School 1 and 2 on Moscow Road, where he reported broken structures, poor sanitation, and insufficient teaching staff. During the deliberation, Speaker Martin Amaewhule faulted the executive arm for failing to prioritise education despite claims that previous administrators left behind substantial funds. He questioned why classrooms remained overcrowded and in poor condition. Lawmakers also pointed to situations where one teacher handles two classes at the same time, while some schools operate without electricity, toilets, or basic learning materials. In his reaction, Governor Fubara dismissed the suggestion that the problems began under his administration. He argued that the neglect of basic education facilities stretches back many years and noted that the six-month emergency period declared in the state slowed down several planned rehabilitation projects. The governor, however, assured that recruitment of teachers and health workers would continue, stressing that employment under his watch would not be influenced by political interests or patronage.

BREAKING: Governor Fubara, Rivers Assembly Clash Once More Just two months after emergency rule was lifted in Rivers State and democratic institutions were restored, fresh tensions have emerged between the Governor and the State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule.

Fubara Fails to Return to Government House After Reinstatement. Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Thursday failed to return to the Government House in Port Harcourt despite being reinstated following the lifting of the six-month emergency rule in the state. The development came as thousands of supporters gathered at the gates of the Government House from as early as 6 a.m., expecting the return of the governor. By midday, however, many of the supporters left for their homes as the governor’s whereabouts remained unknown. Among those at the scene were sacked local government chairmen loyal to Fubara, including Chijoke Ihunwo of Obio/Akpor and Ezebunwo Itche-Mati of Port Harcourt City. Notably absent were allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and newly elected local government chairmen seen as loyal to him. Fubara’s absence followed Wednesday’s declaration by President Bola Tinubu formally ending emergency rule in Rivers State, which had suspended the governor, his deputy Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the House of Assembly. During the period, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) served as sole administrator. Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly resumed plenary on Thursday at the legislative quarters conference hall, with Speaker Martins Amaewhule presiding. State lawmakers have launched a probe into state finances under Ibas’s tenure and requested Governor Fubara to forward a list of commissioner-nominees for screening.

UPDATED: Fubara, Amaewhule Resume Thursday As Tinubu Ends Emergency Rule In Rivers Tinubu says Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly will resume work in their offices from 18 September, 2025.

Headline: Tinubu: We’ve Upgraded 8,800 Health Centres, Spent N45.9bn; Over 100,000 Nigerians Benefit from Credit Scheme President Bola Tinubu announced that his administration has spent N45.9 billion to upgrade 8,800 primary healthcare centres, improving maternal care and diagnostics in underserved communities, though specific locations weren’t mentioned. Speaking at the 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings in Abuja, Tinubu also revealed that over 100,000 Nigerians have so far benefited from the national consumer credit scheme, with 400,000 more set to join in the next phase to boost small businesses and financial inclusion. He highlighted achievements in infrastructure, including completion of 279 roads, construction of major highways like the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road, and expansion of rural roads. Nigeria has reportedly received over $52 billion from Afreximbank, supporting projects in energy, health, manufacturing, and creative industries, such as the Dangote Refinery and the Africa Medical Centre of Excellence. Tinubu confirmed Nigeria’s approval of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and announced the launch of the Africa Energy Bank in Abuja with $5 billion capital to support clean energy transition. He praised Afreximbank President Prof. Benedict Oramah for growing the bank’s assets from $5 billion to $37 billion, and commended the institution’s role in Africa’s pandemic response, trade integration, and SME development. #Tinubu #Fubara #Wike #Amaewhule #RiversStateCrisis #TinubuPeaceTalks #HealthcareNigeria

Fubara, Wike, Amaewhule Reunite Publicly After Tinubu-Brokered Peace Talks Rivers State’s suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and suspended State Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule made a rare joint public appearance at a funeral in Rumueprikom, just two days after President Bola Tinubu hosted peace talks in Abuja aimed at resolving their nearly two-year-long political rift. The gathering, which took place in Wike’s hometown, comes after months of tension that previously led to a state of emergency declaration in the state. Though no political statements were made, the event signals possible progress toward reconciliation. Prominent political figures, including Senators Allwell Onyesoh, George Sekibo, and Olaka Nwogu, were also in attendance, alongside other top leaders from the PDP and APC. Their shared presence has reignited hopes that the prolonged political crisis may finally be drawing to a close. #Fubara, #Wike, #Amaewhule, #RiversStateCrisis, #TinubuPeaceTalks,

TINUBU SET TO REINSTATE FUBARA, BARS HIM FROM SEEKING RE-ELECTION. President Bola Tinubu has agreed to reinstate Siminalayi Fubara as Governor of Rivers State, but under the condition that Fubara must not seek re-election in 2027. The decision followed a closed-door meeting held on Thursday night at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. In attendance were FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Governor Fubara, suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly Martins Amaewhule, and several lawmakers. It is understood that the agreement is part of a broader peace deal aimed at restoring political stability and democratic order in Rivers State. Under the terms of the truce, Fubara will serve out his current four-year term but is barred from contesting for a second term. “The arrangement is clear: no second term, no local government control, and peace will return,” a presidency source familiar with the negotiations said. The deal also grants Wike political leverage. According to sources, the FCT Minister will nominate all local government chairpersons across the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State. This move is expected to restore grassroots control to Wike’s camp. “The president made it clear that Rivers cannot afford a prolonged crisis. The deal is about restoring calm, but it comes at a steep cost for Fubara,” another source explained. In addition, Fubara has agreed to pay all outstanding allowances and entitlements owed to the 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike, who were earlier suspended by the state assembly. In exchange, the lawmakers will refrain from pursuing any impeachment proceedings against him. “Wike is the real winner here. By controlling the local government chairmen, he retains significant influence over the state’s political machinery, which will be crucial for 2027,” a source added.