EXCLUSIVE: How 26 Pro-Wike Rivers Lawmakers Collected ₦350m Each For Projects Never Done

At least 26 Rivers State lawmakers loyal to former governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, reportedly received ₦350 million each for constituency projects that were never executed.

Documents obtained by SaharaReporters show that the funds — totaling about ₦10.5 billion — were approved and released on September 12, 2025, during the period of emergency rule in Rivers State.

Sources within the Rivers State Government House revealed that none of the projects were carried out in the affected constituencies. Investigations also found that many of the companies nominated to handle the projects were inactive, dormant, or suspected to be shell companies.

The revelations have raised serious concerns over accountability and misuse of public funds in the state.

#RiversPolitics #CorruptionAllegations #NigeriaNews #PublicFunds

Rivers State Lawmakers Reject ₦100,000 Christmas Gift from Governor Fubara, Cite Unapproved Spending and Constitutional Violations

Rivers State House of Assembly members have rejected a ₦100,000 Christmas gift allegedly sent by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing it as unsolicited and unapproved. The lawmakers, loyal to Minister Nyesom Wike, returned the funds and stated that such expenditures violate constitutional provisions requiring legislative approval.

The Assembly accused Governor Fubara of consistently drawing from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Account without authorization since taking office in 2023, despite warnings, court judgments, and separation of powers principles. They also warned civil servants against participating in what they described as unlawful financial practices.

The rejection highlights the ongoing power struggle between the executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers State, which has intensified following the lifting of emergency rule in September 2025.

Supreme Court’s Emergency Politics: Odinkalu Faults Nigeria’s Apex Court for Expanding Presidential Powers Under Rivers State Emergency Rule

In this incisive opinion, human rights lawyer and scholar Chidi Anselm Odinkalu criticises Nigeria’s Supreme Court over its handling of the Rivers State emergency proclamation declared by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025. Odinkalu argues that despite declining jurisdiction in the case filed by PDP governors, the court went ahead to issue a far-reaching “discussion” that effectively legitimised presidential powers to suspend elected state officials under emergency rule. He describes the ruling as a cynical and political expansion of executive authority, warning that the court’s interpretation undermines federalism, democratic accountability, and constitutional safeguards. According to Odinkalu, the Supreme Court’s actions will have long-lasting consequences for governance and the balance of power in Nigeria.

I Inherited Over ₦600bn After Emergency Rule, Says Gov Fubara

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has disclosed that he met more than ₦600 billion in the state’s coffers at the end of the emergency rule, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the prudent and transparent management of public funds.

Supreme Court Did Not Approve Dissolution of Democratic Structures Under Emergency Rule — Falana Clarifies Judgment

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has clarified that the Supreme Court did not endorse the dissolution or suspension of democratic structures during the declaration of emergency rule in any Nigerian state. Addressing widespread media misinterpretations, Falana explained that while the apex court dismissed the suit challenging emergency rule for lack of jurisdiction, it nevertheless considered the substance of the case. According to the leading judgment by Justice Mohammed Baba Idris, Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution does not grant the President the power to dissolve or displace elected executive or legislative institutions at the state level. Falana stressed that the ruling reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to federalism, separation of powers, and the constitutional autonomy of state governments.

Emergency Rule: Supreme Court Judgment Threatens Democracy — PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the Supreme Court’s judgment affirming the president’s powers to declare a state of emergency and suspend elected officials in any part of the country, warning that the ruling poses serious risks to Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, the party described the apex court’s decision as a “dangerous democratic bend with far-reaching implications” for federalism and constitutional governance.

While acknowledging the authority and finality of the Supreme Court, the PDP said it was compelled to highlight what it termed the grave dangers that could arise from the interpretation and application of the judgment.

According to the party, the ruling could negatively alter Nigeria’s political landscape if unchecked, especially in relation to the balance of power, democratic accountability, and the autonomy of elected state governments.

#SupremeCourt #EmergencyRule #PDP #NigerianPolitics

SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS PRESIDENT'S POWER TO DECLARE EMERGENCY RULE

The supreme court has affirmed the president's constitutional authority to declare a state of emergency in a state threatened by breakdown of law and order, including the power to temporarily suspend elected officials as an extraordinary measure to restore stability.

The seven-man panel of justices of the apex court gave the order in a 6 to 1 split decision on a suit filed by Adamawa state and 10 others challenging president Bola Tinubu's march 18, 2025 declaration of emergency rule in Rivers state.

The declaration had led to the six-month suspension of the state's governor, deputy governor, and members of the house of assembly amid prolonged political crisis and security concerns.

Although the court initially dismissed the suit on jurisdictional grounds, ruling that the plaintiffs failed to establish a sufficient cause of action invoking its original jurisdiction, it proceeded to address the substantive issues for clarity.

In the lead judgment read by Justice Mohammed Idris, the court held that section 305 of the 1999 constitution (as amended) empowers the president with broad discretion to implement "Extraordinary measures" in an emergency situation to avert anarchy or restore public order.

While the provision does not explicitly list permissible actions, the court interpreted it as permitting temporary suspensions of elected officials, provided such measures are time-limited and aimed at achieving normalcy.

The lead verdict also states that "The president is vested with the responsibility to protect the federation, and this includes deploying necessary tools during crises where governance has collapsed,".

In a dissenting verdict, Justice Obande Ogbuinya, who maintained that the president's emergency powers, though valid for declaration, do not extend to suspending democratically elected leaders such as governors, deputies, or lawmakers.
He argued that such actions undermine federalism and the constitutional processes for removing elected officials.

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

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.

Court fixes October 31 for jurisdiction ruling on Dagogo’s suit against Tinubu.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled October 31, 2025, to deliver its ruling on the issue of jurisdiction in a suit filed by former House of Representatives member Farah Dagogo, challenging President Bola Tinubu’s constitutional authority to suspend democratically elected officials during the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.

The suit, No. FHC/PH/CS/50/2025, lists as defendants the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (Rtd.), who served as the Rivers State Administrator during the emergency rule period.

At Friday’s hearing, counsel to the plaintiff, Babafemi Adegbite, adopted his written arguments supporting the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

Presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, after taking submissions from both parties, reserved his ruling and adjourned the matter until October 31.

Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, Adegbite reiterated his client’s stance that President Tinubu exceeded his constitutional powers by suspending elected officials in both the executive and legislative arms of the Rivers State Government.

He said, “Even though they have now been reinstated, the action remains unconstitutional. We need a clear judicial pronouncement to prevent future occurrences.”

Adegbite maintained that the reinstatement of the affected officials does not make the case academic, noting that the core issue revolves around constitutional integrity and the scope of presidential power.

He further distinguished Dagogo’s suit from previous emergency rule cases that were struck out for lack of jurisdiction, insisting that the facts and legal issues in this case are different.

Peter Obi Slams Adamawa LG Bosses Over Wives’ Turkey Trip.

The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has faulted the alleged sponsorship of the wives of 21 local government chairmen in Adamawa State on a trip to Turkey, describing it as a “glaring case of waste.”
'Needless Constitutional Breach' - Peter Obi Reacts As Tinubu Ends Emergency Rule In Rivers State
In a post on his verified 𝕏 handle on Friday, Obi said the development ridiculed the very essence of governance.

He wrote, “I have just read the disturbing report that the wives of 21 local government chairmen in Adamawa State were sponsored with public funds to travel to Turkey under the guise of leadership training.

“Today, while our children at the basic education level, whose education is the responsibility of local governments, are out of school, and those in school lack classrooms and teachers.”

The former Anambra governor reminded local government officials that their funds were meant for the benefit of ordinary Nigerians.

He further stated, “Local government funds belong to the people, to the market woman, the farmer, the teacher, the pensioner, and every ordinary Nigerian who depends on government for basic amenities.”

Obi stressed that anything short of prudent and people-centred spending was an outright abuse of office.

“Anything short of that is an abuse of office and should not be condoned. This is not only a glaring case of waste but a mockery of the very essence of governance,” he added.

Fubara Storms Hometown After Returning to Rivers Govt House.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Sunday visited his hometown, Opobo, where he worshipped at St. Paul’s Cathedral, days after resuming at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

Fubara’s visit came barely 48 hours after the governor returned to office following the lifting of the six-month emergency rule in the state.

During his statewide broadcast on Friday, Fubara acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s role in brokering peace among key stakeholders, including Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“We believe the political crisis is now behind us and that peace and stability have once again returned to Rivers State,” the governor said, pledging renewed commitment to reconciliation and effective governance.

Fubara also outlined plans to complete ongoing projects in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, revive the state’s economy, and strengthen cooperation with the House of Assembly. He urged citizens to set aside divisions and unite in building what he described as “a stronger, more peaceful and prosperous Rivers State.”

The governor expressed gratitude to Tinubu, the National Assembly, political leaders, religious groups, and the people of Rivers State for their resilience and patience during the months of political uncertainty.

Kenneth Okonkwo Faults Tinubu Over Rivers Emergency Rule, Says Presidency Exploited LGA Elections

Veteran Nollywood actor and Labour Party chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, has faulted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s handling of the state of emergency in Rivers State, insisting that Tinubu merely exploited the situation to control local government authorities through proxies.

In a statement released on Saturday via his official 𝕏 account, Okonkwo argued that the President’s recent announcement lifting the emergency rule in Rivers was misleading, as the proclamation had already expired automatically after six months, in line with the constitution.

Citing Section 305(6)(c), Okonkwo stressed:

“A proclamation issued by the President under this section shall cease to have effect after a period of six months has elapsed since it has been in force.”

According to him, Tinubu had the power to revoke the emergency earlier—particularly after former Governor Nyesom Wike and incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara declared that they had settled their differences—but chose not to. Instead, he claimed, the President allowed the proclamation to linger so his administration could allegedly organize illegal local government elections using sole administrators as proxies.

Okonkwo further dismissed Tinubu’s claim of reinstating Governor Fubara, stating that such powers lie only with the people of Rivers State and their elected representatives, not the presidency.

“You cannot reinstate whom you cannot remove. Only the Rivers people, through their elected representatives and the state judiciary, can remove the Governor and his Deputy—not Tinubu,” he declared.


The actor-politician concluded that Tinubu’s actions were not only unconstitutional but also insulting to the sensibilities of Rivers people, warning that the presidency must respect the boundaries of democratic governance.

Breaking News: Rivers Gov, Fubara Returns to Port Harcourt After Emergency Rule | Fintter

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has returned to Port Harcourt after six months away from office.

Fubara arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport around 12:19 p.m. on Friday, a day after President Bola Tinubu officially lifted the emergency rule imposed on the state in March.

Dressed in a blue shirt and a black baseball cap, the governor was received by a cheering crowd of supporters who had waited at the airport’s VIP wing.

Although the Rivers House of Assembly resumed sitting on Thursday, Fubara did not immediately return to the Government House despite the large number of residents who gathered there to welcome him.

His predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, told Channels Television that Fubara was under no legal obligation to resume the same day the emergency was lifted.

Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, had been out of office since March 18, when Tinubu declared a state of emergency over political unrest in Rivers. The president had appointed retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as interim administrator.

Ibas officially stepped down on Wednesday night, calling on political actors in the state to embrace peace, respect, and dialogue.

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.

The Rivers State House of Assembly has asked Governor Siminalayi Fubara to submit a list of commissioner nominees for consideration. The request came as the Assembly resumed sitting, a day after President Bola Tinubu lifted the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State.

Although Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, were expected to take over leadership immediately, they had not arrived at the Government House in Port Harcourt as of Thursday evening. Supporters and officials gathered awaiting their return.

The emergency rule, declared in March due to a political crisis, suspended the governor, his deputy, and the Assembly. Retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, who administered the state during the period, handed over on Wednesday and urged politicians to embrace dialogue and respect.

Peter Obi Criticizes Rivers State Emergency Rule as a “Misstep”

Peter Obi, former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, has slammed the recent state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it a constitutional misstep that should never have occurred.

Speaking on Thursday via his 𝕏 account, Obi described the emergency rule as a disruption to the democratic process in the state, praising Rivers residents for enduring six months of political provocation.

His comments followed President Bola Tinubu’s announcement on Wednesday lifting the emergency rule and reinstating Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Obi wrote:

“The misstep that should not have happened.
The restoration of democracy in Rivers State after six months of needless disruption remains a sour side of our democracy today.
It was a constitutional breach that will hurt our democracy for a long time.
I just hope that some lessons were learned by all the gladiators in the Rivers State impasse. Great minds remind us that ‘The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.’
A true leader is the one who admits mistakes, learns from them, and is strong enough to correct them.
I would like to congratulate the good people of Rivers State for their endurance in the face of provocations.
And I appeal to Governor Fubara, the members of the state House of Assembly, and all political leaders in the state to embrace peace and forge ahead.
The real mistake is the one where we learn nothing. Be assured that a new Nigeria is possible and inevitable.”


Obi’s statement highlights concerns over constitutional overreach and emphasizes the importance of democracy, accountability, and lessons learned from political missteps.

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.

Rivers Budget Controversy: Fubara Proposed ₦1.1trn, Ibas Pushed ₦1.8trn Approved by NASS – Tariah

Former media aide to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Opunabo Inkor-Tariah, has raised alarm over alleged financial discrepancies in Rivers State under the six-month emergency rule, which is scheduled to expire on September 18, 2025.

In an interview reported by Vanguard on Wednesday, Inkor-Tariah insisted that Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) must provide a full account of how state funds were managed during the period.

He revealed that while Governor Siminalayi Fubara had initially presented a budget of about ₦1.1 trillion, Admiral Ibas submitted a revised budget of nearly ₦1.8 trillion to the National Assembly—an increase of over ₦600 billion—which was swiftly approved.

“Governor Fubara’s original budget was about ₦1.1 trillion, but Admiral Ibas presented a revised budget of nearly ₦1.8 trillion to the National Assembly, which was approved for spending during the emergency,” he stated.

According to Inkor-Tariah, Rivers generates more than ₦20 billion monthly from internally generated revenue (IGR), yet there has been little visible development on the ground to justify such massive spending. He argued that Rivers people deserve transparency and accountability in how public funds are utilized.

He further criticized the sidelining of Governor Fubara, describing him as a “ceremonial governor” with limited influence under the emergency arrangement.

“The Assembly will come back, the local government chairmen are Wike’s men, while commissioners will come from Fubara. So, Fubara will come and remain like that,” he warned, suggesting that the governor’s power may remain curtailed even after the emergency ends.

Inkor-Tariah dismissed Admiral Ibas’ claims of restoring peace, saying ordinary citizens, including youth corps members, insist that insecurity and hardship have worsened since Fubara’s suspension.

He described the emergency rule as a political tactic rather than a genuine response to insecurity, arguing that it was designed to weaken Fubara and consolidate control for entrenched political interests.

The former aide also maintained that political influence in Rivers is still firmly controlled by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who dominates both PDP and APC structures in the state. This, he noted, makes the 2027 elections a decisive moment for Rivers politics.

Beyond Rivers, Inkor-Tariah said dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s administration is deepening nationwide. He warned that if grievances are not addressed, there could be a push for a united opposition front to challenge the ruling party in the 2027 general elections.

Rivers Politics: Ibas Reportedly Orders Handover Report for Governor Fubara Amid One-Term Speculation

Reports from Rivers State suggest that former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), has allegedly instructed his close associates to begin preparing a comprehensive handover report for Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

According to emerging details, the move is linked to political calculations that the emergency rule in Rivers State may not be extended, and that Fubara’s tenure could be limited to just one term.

Ibas, who is currently on vacation, has long been seen as an influential power broker in the South-South. His reported directive is being interpreted not only as an administrative step but also as a political signal that Fubara’s time in office is already being measured.

The political crisis in Rivers has deepened in the past year, following escalating tensions between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The rift has drawn interventions from the Presidency and security agencies, sparking speculation about a possible extension of emergency rule. However, insiders linked to Ibas insist Abuja has no such plan, a stance that could further weaken Fubara’s grip on power.

The suggestion that Fubara may be restricted to a single term has added another layer to Rivers’ tense political climate. While the governor insists he is committed to serving the people, critics argue that his battles with entrenched political interests have already damaged his re-election prospects for 2027.

Analysts note that preparing a handover document this early in Fubara’s tenure could either be a show of foresight or a clear political message to both allies and rivals. It also raises the question of who might be positioned as Fubara’s successor, with factions in both the PDP and APC already maneuvering for dominance ahead of the next election cycle.

For now, Ibas has not publicly commented on the matter, and his reported instructions remain unconfirmed. But the development underscores the perception that Rivers State is at a political crossroads, with decisions made today likely to shape not only Fubara’s fate but also the balance of power across the South-South region.