I returned as governor because of President Bola Tinubu’s special favour. ~ Rivers state Governor, Fubara says Okwy Chris fired back; problem with puppet like Sim is not knowing that he’s even an elected Governor and can't be removed unless by a vote in his state House of Assembly. Why do we keep allowing the worst among us to lead us?

Fubara Says He Remains Rivers Governor by Tinubu’s ‘Special Favour’ After Emergency Rule Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has stated that he remains in office after the six-month emergency rule only through the “special favour” of President Bola Tinubu. Speaking at the Rivers State University convocation, Fubara linked the institution’s funding challenges to the political instability triggered by his rift with former governor Nyesom Wike. He assured that full administrative control has resumed and pledged priority funding for infrastructure, security, staff welfare, and struggling satellite campuses in 2026. The governor also commended the university’s progress and congratulated over 13,000 graduating students. Rivers State had experienced months of turmoil, prompting federal intervention and the suspension of parallel legislative activities. Fubara’s reinstatement to full executive power followed high-level negotiations led by President Tinubu. #RiversState #Fubara #Tinubu

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.

Court Sets December 9 for Hearing in Tonye Cole’s ₦40B Defamation Suit Against FCT Minister Wike The FCT High Court has scheduled December 9, 2025, for the mention of Tonye Patrick Cole’s ₦40 billion defamation lawsuit against FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Channels Television. Cole, the 2023 APC governorship candidate in Rivers State, accuses Wike of making false and damaging statements during a September 18 broadcast, alleging financial misconduct involving state resources, Rivers State gas, and the Olympia Hotel. Represented by senior lawyer J.S. Okutepa, Cole seeks ₦40 billion in damages, ₦500 million in legal costs, a public apology, retraction of the statements, and a perpetual injunction restraining further defamatory publications. The defendants have been ordered to enter appearance within 21 days of receiving the writ.

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.

Wike Loses Influence With Tinubu as Rivers Assembly Plans Defection to APC Nyesom Wike is reportedly losing political influence with President Bola Tinubu despite efforts to prove loyalty, including orchestrating a vote of confidence from the Rivers State House of Assembly. As pressure mounts from international and religious leaders, Wike is said to be pushing lawmakers to defect to the APC. Meanwhile, Governor Siminalayi Fubara gains stronger support following the lifting of the state of emergency, leaving Wike increasingly isolated. The former governor also faces multiple controversies involving alleged corruption, land racketeering, abuse of office, and a deepening rift with Tinubu over INEC leadership appointments.

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.

Rivers State University VC Warns of Wider Security Threat After Abduction of Five Students The Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, has warned that the recent abduction of five students from an off-campus hostel poses a broader security threat that could extend beyond the university community if the perpetrators are not apprehended. In a video address, he confirmed that the institution has suspended lectures and is advising students in vulnerable areas to relocate temporarily. The university is coordinating with government authorities as efforts intensify to secure the safe return of affected students and track down the gunmen. The incident sparked a protest on campus and marks the second time students of RSU’s Emuoha campus have demonstrated over rising criminal attacks. The VC stressed that unchecked incidents of this nature could embolden criminal networks and endanger surrounding communities. #RiversStateUniversitykidnapping #RSU student abduction

JUST IN: Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Tuesday, approved the recall of 1,000 teachers recruited in 2023 for public schools across the state. This was disclosed in a public announcement issued on Tuesday by the Chairman of Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board, Sam Ogeh.

Gunmen Kidnap Five Rivers University Students in Midnight Attack on Off-Campus Hostel Five students of Rivers State University were abducted early Tuesday after armed men believed to be cultists raided a private off-campus hostel in Emuoha Local Government Area. The attackers reportedly stormed the lodge around 2 a.m., shooting into the air before seizing their victims. Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident, describing it as a cult-related assault and stating that tactical teams have been deployed to track the kidnappers and secure the students’ release. A student who escaped the attack recounted how the gunmen killed the hostel’s security dog, fired shots at fleeing occupants, and pursued her into the darkness. Police say investigations are ongoing as the search intensifies for the missing students.

Former Governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has departed Abuja for Port Harcourt today.

Rivers State Governor, SIM Fubara, just arrived in Abeokuta, Ogun State, for the Southern Governors’ Forum meeting.

Senator Oshiomhole blasts Rotimi Amaechi, says he shut down Rivers' judiciary for two years because he wanted to appoint his favourite as Chief Judge of Rivers State and didn't have his way.

PDP Breaks Silence: Why Wike, Fayose & Others Were Suspended The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has finally explained why it suspended former Rivers State Governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, along with several top party figures. According to VANGUARD, the party said the affected leaders engaged in activities harmful to the PDP, prompting decisive action during its national convention in Ibadan on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Party officials revealed that Wike, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose were accused of taking steps that directly worked against the party’s interests. The motion for their suspension was moved by Chief Bode George and seconded by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, receiving unanimous approval from PDP members. This decision came shortly after Wike’s widely criticized altercation with an armed soldier in Abuja—an incident many believe worsened tensions within the party. The announcement triggered intense online debate. While some Nigerians felt the sanctions were long overdue given the internal crises linked to Wike and others, others argued that the decision was abrupt and politically charged. PDP outlines why Wike and key figures were suspended — sparking shockwaves and sharp reactions nationwide.

Thirty-one years after the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others, the people of Ogoniland have renewed their call for justice and the recovery of the remains of the Ogoni Four — Edward Kobani, Theophilus Orage, Samuel Orage, and Albert Badey. The Gokana Unity Forum and families of the victims urged the government to retrieve the corpses for a dignified burial, saying it is key to true reconciliation. Former Minister Kenneth Kobani, son of one of the victims, emphasized forgiveness but insisted that peace must be built on truth and justice. The youth also called for full implementation of the Ogoni Bill of Rights and an end to political marginalisation in Rivers State.

"Over 200k people are living with HIV in Rivers state"— Nedu’s podcast guest says, as they raise awareness about the high HIV rate in Lagos. A recent episode of The Clarity Zone Podcast hosted by media personality Nedu Wazobia sparked conversations online after a guest opened up about the growing concern of HIV/AIDS in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria. Speaking on the show, the guest highlighted the alarming statistics of HIV prevalence across several states, naming Rivers, Benue, Akwa Ibom, and Anambra as some of the states with the highest number of people living with the virus. “Rivers State has over 200k. The next is Akwa Ibom with over 100k, and funny enough, Anambra State also has about 100k,” the guest said. The speaker, also discussed efforts being made to promote awareness and connection among people living with the virus, citing the idea of ‘positive bondship’ a space where HIV-positive individuals can meet and build relationships safely. “We’re trying so hard to curb it, that’s why we have positive bondship that’s why if you’re HIV positive, you can meet your fellow HIV positive. But on this part of the Island, people just believe because I’m positive doesn’t mean I cannot be with who’s negative,” the guest added. They went on to address the widespread stigma and denial surrounding HIV, noting that many Nigerians, including influential figures, live with the virus in silence. “A lot of people are in denial. Some of them are like, ‘Anything can kill a man, no be to die?’ Even our politicians, some of them are like that they are HIV positive. Most times people don’t know,” the guest said. The emotional confession has stirred discussions on social media, with many praising the speaker’s courage to break the silence on a topic often treated as taboo in Nigeria.

“When We Ask for ₦1, Give Us ₦5!” — Wike Tells Senate as He Reacts to Gov. Diri’s Defection to APC The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stirred fresh political waves after telling the Senate to “increase the FCT budget” while simultaneously addressing the defection of Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, Wike revealed that Diri — who officially joined the APC earlier that day — had previously accused him of working with the APC to destroy the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “When Diri was in the PDP, he said I was working for the APC to destroy the party,” Wike recounted. “Now that he has joined the APC, he should come and tell me, ‘Thank you, master, for opening my eyes to see the light.’” Wike mocked Diri’s move as hypocritical, noting that the Bayelsa governor had once branded others “undertakers” attempting to bury the PDP — yet has now joined the same party he once criticized. The former Rivers State governor highlighted his long-standing loyalty to the PDP, reminding Nigerians that he has been a “bona fide member since 1998.” “When I was governor under Buhari’s administration, everything was done to kill PDP, but I fought back. Leadership is key. Everyone wants to make excuses, but the man they claim is killing PDP is still in the PDP,” Wike said. The fiery minister also used the opportunity to press the National Assembly to expand the FCT budget, boldly declaring: “When we ask for ₦1, give us ₦5!” Wike’s comment has since sparked discussions about his assertive leadership style, his complicated relationship with the PDP, and his growing influence in national politics.