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INC Protests Over Fubara Impeachment Plot

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"No Single-Term Deal For Fubara," Declares Ijaw Youth President

The Ijaw National Congress says the people of Rivers State are against the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, warning the state Assembly loyal to ex-governor, Nyesom Wike, to shelve the plan.

Similarly, the Rivers State Elders and Leaders Council strongly condemned the Martin Amaewhule-led state House of Assembly over its ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.

The groups warned that the move is likely to fail and accused the lawmakers of pursuing selfish interests under the guise of constitutional procedure.

The INC described the impeachment as an exercise in futility, criticising lawmakers, particularly those of Ijaw extraction, who publicly supported the process despite Governor Fubara being one of their own.

In a telephone interview with The PUNCH on Sunday, INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, said the actions of some Assembly members amounted to betrayal.

“Yes, I’m very positive that at the end of the day it will all turn out to be a futile exercise,” Okaba said. “There is public outcry against them within and outside Rivers State because it is obvious that this is a clear case of vendetta using the instrumentality of impeachment.

It is not about the growth of democracy and development; it is all about personal interest above the interest of the state.” He criticised four lawmakers who initially withdrew from the impeachment process, only to reverse their position within 48 hours, saying it reflects a lack of principles:

“Some Ijaw brothers in the House came out to say they are Ijaw people and that they support the impeachment. People have asked me, don’t you consider that Ijaw people in the House are supporting it? My answer is no. They are not speaking for Ijaw people. They have not consulted their constituents, and they lack Ijaw spirituality and consciousness.”

Okaba also condemned lawmakers’ alleged acceptance of public funds and benefits while pursuing impeachment:

“Take for instance the issue of supplementary materials. These same persons have collected vehicles worth N350 million while they were on suspension with some cases being given to all of them. That Greek gift was collected in the public domain and nobody has refuted that. All of this shows it is about self-interest.”

He accused Assembly Speaker, Amaewhule, of orchestrating the impeachment to position himself for a future governorship: “Somebody is desperate to be governor by all means and therefore orchestrating impeachment. The Speaker should be told: when your time comes, contest; not to rubbish a system to become governor from the backdoor.”

Okaba emphasised that the deputy governor, Odu, had done nothing to warrant impeachment:

“Let’s say the governor fumbled, what did the deputy governor do that you’re also including her? All these displays of selfishness will not work. It will take our democracy several years back if allowed.”

Supporting INC’s position, Anabs Sara-Igbe, a member of the Rivers State Elders and Leaders Council and pioneer spokesman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, said the impeachment was embarrassing to President Bola Tinubu and the people of Rivers State.

“It is very obvious that the Assembly members are showing ingratitude to Mr. President and also to Rivers people. They think they are fighting Sim Fubara; no, they are fighting Rivers people. All they are trying to do is to stall development in the state,” Sara-Igbe said.

Sara-Igbe further criticised lawmakers for failing to respect the emergency rule imposed in the state, which brought in federal oversight following political unrest.

He alleged the lawmakers had already benefited financially during that period:

“If they can do something that made a stranger come and lavish our resources for six months and that is not enough, they still want to impeach the governor. Let them go ahead. But they should realise they are not fighting Sim; they are fighting Rivers people, and Rivers State will react appropriately.”

He also took aim at Minister Nyesom Wike for engaging in early political campaigning under the guise of ‘thank you’ visits, describing it as disrespectful to the President and the state:

“They said they have an agreement. I challenge them to publish the agreement they have that Sim refused to implement. If the agreement is in the interest of the state, let them publish it. Rivers people, as far as we are concerned, Sim is going for a second tenure whether they like it or not.”

Sara-Igbe warned that the impeachment could destabilize the state, region, and country if continued:

“The impeachment will hit the rocks. The process takes a long way, and as soon as the seven-man panel comes up to say the man is not guilty, that is the end of it. They cannot harass him with impeachment anymore. Rivers people are tired of their gimmick, we are tired of their tricks.”

He concluded with a caution to Wike and his supporters:

“What they are doing will trigger problems in the state, in the region, and in the country. So they should think well. If they continue with the impeachment, I wish them well. But at the end of the day, the impeachment will fail. And if it fails, that’s the end of impeachment.”

The INC and Rivers elders’ warnings come amid a politically charged atmosphere in Rivers State, where impeachment proceedings have deepened divisions within the House of Assembly and sparked wider debate over governance, accountability, and political ambition.

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[BREAKING] Fresh Controversy As Top Female Minister Got Pregnant

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Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi is facing intensified political scrutiny over allegations of having an affair with Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner.

The claims, which have spread widely on social media platforms, allege that the 43-year-old minister is pregnant with Tshisekedi’s child and that the matter has caused tension within the presidential household

DRC First Lady Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi is said to be demanding that the foreign minister step down from her position following the allegations.

DRC President

Wagner, who confirmed her pregnancy amid widespread public scrutiny and social media backlash, has also come under intense criticism.

Sources familiar with the DRC administration say President Tshisekedi is keen to contain the political fallout and protect the functioning of his administration.

Tshisekedi is reportedly supporting Wagner for the post of Secretary-General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), where she would compete against incumbent Louise Mushikiwabo of Rwanda.

The DRC government confirmed plans to field its own candidate to challenge Mushikiwabo, who seeks an unprecedented third term. The election is scheduled for the OIF Summit in November 2026 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Mushikiwabo, who has led the Francophonie since 2019, is widely viewed as the frontrunner due to strong backing from several member states and Rwanda’s sustained diplomatic lobbying.

Analysts say any rival candidate would face an uphill task, particularly given regional rivalries between Kigali and Kinshasa.

For Tshisekedi, the scandal complicates governance at a time of eastern Congo conflicts and diplomatic strains, turning a private matter into a high-stakes political maneuver.

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2027 Election: 20 Reasons Peter Obi Could Be A Good President For Nigeria [FULL LIST]

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As Nigeria continues to search for competent, accountable, and reform-minded leadership, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi remains a prominent figure in national political discourse. Supporters argue that his record, style, and vision position him as a credible option for the presidency.

Below are 20 reasons political analysts and supporters believe Peter Obi could make a good president for Nigeria.

1. Proven Fiscal Discipline
Obi is widely known for prudent financial management, leaving Anambra State with savings and minimal debt.

2. Strong Anti-Corruption Reputation
He is often cited as one of the few Nigerian politicians without major corruption allegations.

3. Investment in Education
During his tenure, Anambra ranked high in national examinations due to targeted education funding.

4. Focus on Economic Productivity
Obi consistently emphasizes production over consumption, especially in agriculture and manufacturing.

5. Experience as a Two-Term Governor
He understands executive leadership and state-level governance challenges.

6. Emphasis on Accountability
Supporters say his leadership style promotes transparency and responsible use of public funds.

7. Youth Appeal and Mobilization
Obi enjoys strong support among young Nigerians seeking political change.

8. Private-Sector Background
His business experience is seen as an asset for economic restructuring and job creation.

9. Data-Driven Governance Approach
Obi frequently relies on statistics and measurable outcomes in policy discussions.

10. Reduced Cost of Governance Vision
He advocates cutting waste in government to redirect funds to critical sectors.

11. Education and Human Capital Development Focus
Obi sees education as the foundation for long-term national growth.

12. Emphasis on Rule of Law
Supporters believe his respect for institutions would strengthen democracy.

13. Credibility with International Partners
His outlook appeals to foreign investors and development agencies.

14. Consistent Messaging
Unlike many politicians, Obi maintains a steady policy narrative over time.

15. Calm Leadership Style
His composed approach is viewed as beneficial in managing national tensions.

16. Commitment to Federalism
Obi supports restructuring and decentralization to empower states.

17. Evidence-Based Criticism of Government
He offers critiques backed by data rather than rhetoric.

18. Focus on Poverty Reduction
His economic proposals prioritize lifting Nigerians out of poverty through productivity.

19. Public Trust Among Reform-Minded Citizens
Many Nigerians see him as a break from traditional politics.

20. Symbol of Political Accountability
To supporters, Obi represents the possibility of honest leadership in Nigeria.

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‘Tinubu Is Wrong’ — Jega Slams President For Supporting Wike In Rivers Crisis

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A political analyst, Mahmud Jega, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the intervention in the political crisis between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Naija News reports that multiple sources who spoke with THISDAY said Tinubu’s intervention came with a blunt message to Fubara: that Wike remains the undisputed political leader of the party, whether in the All Progressives Congress (APC) or the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, and must be respected in that regard.

Reacting to the development, Jega, during an interview on Arise Television, stated that Tinubu’s position regarding Wike contradicts the APC’s constitution.

According to Jeka, Tinubu’s intervention in the Rivers State Crisis will perpetuate the crisis rather than solve it.

He said, “As far as I can see, president Tinubu’s intervention will perpetuate the crisis, instead of resolving it.

“To say that Wike is the undisputed political leader in Rivers, contradicts the APC constitution, as initiated recently by the party’s National Secretary and the National Chairman that governors are the leaders of the party in their states.

“Now, you are saying that Wike is the leader when he is not even a member of the APC. That says a lot because even the National Secretary was saying that Wike, if you want, you can come into our party, otherwise you shouldn’t meddle.

“But the President seems to be saying, if this report is correct, that Wike’s remaining in the PDP, and what he’s doing there really has my blessing, because he is there essentially to wreck the PDP as an opposition party in the service of the President’s 2027 re-election hopes.

“So, honestly, this does not look like an attempt to solve the problem. Instead, it is to hand over the knife and everything to Minister Wike to continue the role that he is playing as leader of Rivers politics in both APC and PDP. This has never happened in the political history of Nigeria.”

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