Wahala Don Set Oo! PANDEF Steps In As Wike, Fubara Political Fight Rock Rivers State

Wahala don happen for Rivers State as the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has set up a seven-man peace committee to resolve the deepening political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike. The group has given the committee two weeks to restore calm and stability in the state. Chaired by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), the panel is tasked with de-escalating tensions between the executive and the Rivers State House of Assembly and encouraging dialogue among key stakeholders. PANDEF Chairman, Godknows Igali, urged both Fubara and Wike to respect the outcome of the reconciliation process. The committee will engage political leaders, traditional rulers and former governors before submitting a report within 14 days. Meanwhile, two lawmakers have withdrawn support for the impeachment move against the governor, calling for a political solution instead of removal from office.

Why Were At Least 17 Dubai–Iran Flights Suddenly Cancelled? Are Tehran Protests and a Nationwide Internet Blackout Disrupting Regional Travel?

Why are flights between Dubai and Iran being abruptly cancelled—and what does it reveal about the growing unrest inside the Islamic Republic? At least 17 Flydubai flights scheduled for Friday between Dubai and major Iranian cities, including Tehran, Shiraz, and Mashhad, were called off without prior notice, raising alarm among passengers and underscoring the widening impact of Iran’s escalating political crisis.

Data published on the Dubai Airports website confirmed the cancellations, showing multiple outbound and inbound routes affected. The disruption comes as Iran faces intensifying nationwide protests and a near-total internet blackout, reportedly imposed by authorities in an effort to restrict communication and contain the spread of demonstrations.

Iran has been gripped by widespread unrest since late December, driven by worsening economic conditions, soaring inflation, and deepening hardship for ordinary citizens. What began as localized protests has rapidly expanded across several cities, prompting a heavy security response from the government. Observers say the communication shutdown reflects growing concern within the Iranian authorities over the speed at which information—and dissent—is spreading.

A Flydubai spokesperson confirmed that all scheduled flights to Iran on Friday were cancelled, stating that the airline would “continue to monitor the situation” and adjust operations as needed. However, no specific reasons were publicly provided, leaving travelers uncertain about safety conditions, regulatory restrictions, and how long the disruption might last.

The cancellations were not limited to Flydubai. Turkish media reported that Turkish Airlines cancelled at least 17 flights to Iranian destinations, while Ajet reportedly suspended six flights. Pegasus Airlines was also said to have cancelled several routes. In the Gulf region, at least two flights between Doha and Tehran were reportedly cancelled, according to updates from Hamad International Airport.

The wave of suspensions points to a broader regional response to instability inside Iran. Airlines are increasingly forced to weigh passenger safety, operational risks, and regulatory uncertainty as protests grow and communication channels remain restricted.

The key question remains: Are these flight cancellations a temporary precaution—or an early sign of deeper regional disruption tied to Iran’s internal crisis? For travelers, airlines, and neighboring countries, the unfolding situation highlights how domestic unrest in one nation can quickly ripple across international transport, commerce, and security.

As protests persist and the blackout continues, aviation disruptions may expand further, signaling that Iran’s political turmoil is no longer confined within its borders but is now reshaping regional connectivity in real time.

Rivers APC Rejects Impeachment of Governor Fubara Amid Political Crisis and PDP Pressure

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has formally rejected ongoing impeachment moves against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Oduh, warning that such action could destabilize the state and tarnish the party’s image. The impeachment effort, reportedly signed by 26 lawmakers, alleges gross misconduct by the state executive.

In a statement, the Rivers APC acknowledged the legislature’s constitutional independence but stressed that it cannot support removing a governor elected on its platform. The party linked the impeachment threat to internal disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and cautioned against external pressures influencing APC lawmakers.

The APC also addressed claims that the move was related to budgetary issues, highlighting that the ₦1.485 trillion budget for 2025–2026 had been approved and that the governor has constitutional leeway in its execution. The party urged lawmakers to discontinue the impeachment process to preserve governance, democracy, and political stability in Rivers State.

The political tension follows a lingering rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, which continues to polarize the state’s political landscape. APC officials have emphasized that leadership positions are tied to current officeholders, underscoring the party’s commitment to defending its elected executives and maintaining internal cohesion.

This development adds to the ongoing narrative of political turbulence in Nigerian states, highlighting party loyalty, legislative tensions, and the complexities of state governance under partisan pressures.

Delcy Rodriguez Sworn In as Interim President of Venezuela After US Capture of Nicolas Maduro and Wife, Signals Conditional Cooperation With Washington

Venezuela’s former Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has been sworn in as interim president following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, by United States forces. The swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday at the National Assembly in Caracas, drawing global attention amid rising diplomatic tensions and cautious signals of possible engagement with Washington, according to AFP.

Rodriguez, who took the oath “in the name of all Venezuelans,” expressed sorrow over the detention of Maduro and Flores, describing them as “hostages in the United States.” While condemning the US operation, the National Assembly pledged full support for Rodriguez’s interim leadership. Lawmakers also re-elected her brother, Jorge Rodriguez, as parliamentary speaker, consolidating the family’s grip on both the executive and legislative arms of government.

During the session, legislators chanted slogans linked to Maduro’s controversial 2024 re-election campaign, which was widely criticised by opposition groups and foreign governments, including the United States, as fraudulent. Senior lawmakers accused President Donald Trump of overstepping international norms, vowing to pursue all avenues to secure Maduro’s return to power.

Venezuela’s Supreme Court authorised Rodriguez to assume the presidency in an acting capacity, a move later endorsed by the military. Maduro’s son, Nicolas Maduro Guerra, and the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) also threw their weight behind Rodriguez, insisting the country remains stable under her leadership. The PSUV and its allies currently control 256 of the 286 seats in parliament following elections boycotted by much of the opposition.

Despite insisting that Maduro remains Venezuela’s “only legitimate president,” Rodriguez extended a conditional offer of cooperation to Washington, which has indicated willingness to work with Caracas if its demands on political reforms and oil access are met. However, Trump warned that Rodriguez could face consequences similar to or worse than Maduro’s if she failed to comply with US directives.

The unfolding developments mark a dramatic turning point in Venezuela’s political crisis, deepening internal power consolidation while reshaping the country’s already strained relationship with the United States.

Ex-U.S. VP Kamala Harris Condemns Trump’s Military Action in Venezuela as ‘Unlawful and Unwise’

Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has strongly criticized President Donald Trump’s military operation in Venezuela, describing it as “unlawful and unwise.” Harris stated that while Venezuela faces a political crisis under Nicolás Maduro, the use of force does not advance U.S. security or economic interests and risks destabilizing the region further.

Harris condemned the capture of Maduro and warned that Trump’s actions reflect a familiar pattern of foreign interventions driven by oil and personal ambitions rather than democratic principles. She highlighted inconsistencies in Trump’s approach, including pardoning convicted traffickers while sidelining Venezuela’s legitimate opposition.

Harris urged a shift in U.S. leadership priorities, emphasizing the need to focus on the rule of law, alliances, lowering costs for families, and protecting American troops and taxpayers.



#VenezuelaCrisis #KamalaHarris #Trump #UnlawfulIntervention #USForeignPolicy #Maduro

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.

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.

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.

“I am afraid I have to disagree with the idea of withdrawing police from VIPs. That is another danger, because the VIPs are going to be the next targets” — Senator Aliyu Wamakko.

Coup Tension in Guinea-Bissau as President Embaló Says He Has Been Arrested

Guinea-Bissau descended into chaos on Wednesday as outgoing President Umaro Sissoco Embaló claimed he was arrested at the presidential palace around 1 p.m., describing the development as a “coup d’état” led by the army chief of staff.

He said no force was used during his detention. Gunfire was reported near the National Electoral Commission (CNE) in Bissau, with journalists covering the presidential election forced to hide inside offices as security rapidly deteriorated around them.

The arrests extended beyond the president. Those detained include the armed forces’ chief of staff, General Biaguê Na Ntan; his deputy, General Mamadou Touré; and the interior minister, Botché Candé. Embaló insisted he had legitimately won last Sunday’s presidential election with “65% of the vote,” according to his own tally, even though official provisional results are not expected until Thursday.

Both Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias de Costa had already declared first-round victory, reflecting the deep political fractures that have long troubled Guinea-Bissau. The exclusion of the major opposition party PAIGC and its leader Domingos Simões Pereira from the race had initially positioned Embaló as the favourite, but Dias de Costa’s strong performance unsettled expectations.

Analysts say the current rupture stems from years of mistrust between the presidency and the military, historically the most powerful institution in the country. Embaló’s push to centralise authority, restructure security agencies and sideline rivals reportedly intensified tensions.

His early self-proclaimed victory and alleged pressure on institutions appear to have triggered a backlash within the armed forces. The situation remains fluid, with the capital on edge and the country facing yet another political crisis that underscores its long-standing institutional fragility.

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.

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.

Tension Erupts at Rivers Government House as Aides of Outgoing Sole Administrator Protest Unpaid Allowances.

Drama unfolded on Wednesday morning at the Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt, when aides of outgoing Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), staged a protest over unpaid allowances and entitlements.

Eyewitness reports said the aides, visibly enraged, accused Ibas of attempting to vacate office without settling financial commitments owed to them. 

The situation, described as chaotic, saw some aides and members of his security team crying openly while chanting accusations that he was “sneaking away” with the state’s resources.

The uproar forced senior officials within the Government House to step in, calming the aggrieved staff with assurances that their grievances would be addressed. After much persuasion, the protesters dispersed, though not without lingering resentment.

Ibas, who was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the peak of the Rivers political crisis between Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor-turned-political rival, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, is expected to hand over to Fubara on Thursday, September 18, following a recent reconciliation brokered by the President.

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.

Thai Court Sacks PM Over Cambodia Phone Call Row

Thailand’s Constitutional Court has dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her cabinet over a leaked phone call with ex-Cambodian leader Hun Sen, ruling she failed to uphold ethical standards. The decision deepens Thailand’s political crisis, with no clear successor.

#ThailandPolitics #Paetongtarn #Cambodia

Election-Rigger Should Not Succeed Yakubu As INEC Chair — Datti Baba-Ahmed

Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, says Nigeria cannot afford to have an election-rigger succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as INEC chairman when his 10-year tenure ends on November 9, 2025.

Speaking on Politics Today, Baba-Ahmed blamed Yakubu for irregularities in the 2023 polls, which he said undermined constitutional requirements and deepened Nigeria’s political crisis.

He stressed that only a credible, independent successor could restore faith in Nigeria’s democracy, adding that electoral fraud fuels insecurity, corruption, and national instability.

Yakubu, 75, appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 and reappointed in 2020, will be succeeded by a nominee of President Bola Tinubu.

#INEC #DattiBabaAhmed #NigeriaElections

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,

FUBARA SPEAKS AFTER PEACE MEETING WITH WIKE.

There may finally be light at the end of the tunnel for Rivers State, as its suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed strong hope that peace is on its way back to the state following a high-level intervention by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Daily Post reported.

On Thursday night, President Tinubu hosted a crucial meeting at the Presidential Villa between Governor Fubara and his political rival and predecessor, Nyesom Wike, in a bid to resolve the prolonged political crisis that has rocked the oil-rich state.

The closed-door meeting reportedly ended on a positive note, with both parties reaching an agreement to lay down their swords and embrace peace.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Fubara sounded confident and relieved.

According to him, the state’s progress has been held back for too long by political infighting, and now is the time to move forward in unity.

“For me, it’s very important that this day has come. What we need for the progress of Rivers State is peace, and by the special grace of God, this night, with the help of Mr. President and the agreement of the leaders of the state, peace has returned to Rivers State,” Fubara said.

He further promised that his administration would do everything possible to sustain the peace and prevent a return to the chaos that has plagued the state in recent months.

"NO MATTER THE AGREEMENT YOU HAVE WITH WIKE, HE'LL MAKE YOUR LIFE MISERABLE"- ADEYANJU WARNS FUBARA.

Nigerian activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has warned the suspended governor of Rivers State to be wary of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

Adeyanju stated this while reacting to the recent declaration of peace by both politicians.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu met with Wike, Fubara, and the leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday night to discuss the lingering crisis in the state.

According to reports, the President was able to end the face-off between Governor Fubara, Wike, and the lawmakers.

Reacting to the development in a post on his Facebook page, the activist expressed pessimism that the agreement between the duo may still hit the rocks.

He urged Fubara not to hang loose, stating that the Minister may still make his life miserable.

According to the lawyer, “No matter the agreement you have with Wike, he will make your life miserable. Wike is an unreasonable man.

“Fubara will not be able to sleep with two eyes closed and 2027 will be worst. Even when Wike makes a vow, his vow is as useless as the T in buffet.”

Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated that the political crisis plaguing Rivers State would soon be resolved by the National Assembly.

He made the disclosure on Thursday during the commissioning of the Kugbo Taxi and Bus Terminal in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Akpabio promised that the National Assembly would play a key role in ensuring political stability and restoring peace in the state.

He disclosed that efforts were underway to address the root causes of the crisis and foster reconciliation among aggrieved stakeholders.

“We are determined to ensure that normalcy returns to Rivers State. The National Assembly will work closely with all parties involved to ensure lasting peace and progress for the people,” Akpabio said.

The political crisis in Rivers State had led to the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and the state legislature, three months ago.

President Bola Tinubu suspended Fubara for six months while declaring a state of emergency.

Since his suspension, Fubara had met with Tinubu and FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, his estranged political godfather, in a move to push for reconciliation.

Recently, Wike, who expressed readiness for reconciliation, had charged Fubara to meet with other aggrieved stakeholders in the state for settlement.

JUST IN: Fubara Praises Tinubu for 'Timely Intervention' That Saved Rivers State from Collapse


According to NigeriaStories, Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara has credited President Bola Tinubu with salvaging a dire political crisis in the state, saying the president “came in at the right time” and helped prevent a total breakdown of governance.

In a striking statement, Fubara acknowledged that an emergency rule-like intervention by the federal government played a crucial role in stabilizing the situation. Rivers State had faced intense political turmoil marked by internal rifts and power struggles that threatened to paralyze governance.

Fubara’s remarks are being seen as a rare public endorsement of President Tinubu’s crisis management approach, adding weight to the argument that federal mediation remains critical in preserving democracy and state stability in Nigeria.


#SimFubara #PresidentTinubu #RiversStateCrisis #NigeriaPolitics