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Popular Pastor Arrested Over Alleged Plot To Assassinate Wike
Rivers has come under a fresh tension as Pastor Tombari Gbeneol was arrested for allegedly plotting to assassinate FCT Minister Nyesom Wike
Security source disclosed that the arrest followed the interception of his phone conversation discussing a plan with the former Secretary to Rivers State Government
This came amid the political tension escalating between Wike and successor Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while the police said further information would be released after completing the investigation
A Port Harcourt-based religious leader, Tombari Gbeneol, has reportedly been arrested by the police over the allegation of plotting to assassinate the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Benjamin Hundeyin, the public relations officer of the police, reportedly made the revelation in a statement on Tuesday, January 6, where he disclosed that further information on the issue would be made available after the interrogation has been completed.
His statement reads in part:
“He (Gbeneol) is in our custody. Investigation is ongoing. I would not say more than that. When we are done with the investigation. You will know.”
Who is PH pastor planning to kill Wike?
According to The Nation, Gbeneol is the founder of the Life Forte Chapel Church in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital and was arrested two weeks ago by men attached to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Intelligence Response Team (IRT).
Sources disclosed that the arrest was made after a phone conversation between him and Tammy Danagogo, the immediate past Secretary to Rivers State Government (SSG), was intercepted.
One of the sources disclosed that the pastor, who is also a medical doctor, in the recorded conversation, discussed the plan to bring an Israeli national to eliminate Wike, who was the immediate past governor of the state.
The source statement reads in part:
“The content of the call was considered a grave national security threat. That was what triggered the immediate action by the IRT.”
Security source speaks on Wike’s security A security source further disclosed that there were ongoing efforts to arrest the former SGF, who has denied his involvement in the claim.
Danagogo, in a statement by his special assistant, Obele Briggs, denied having such a conversation and that he would “readily make himself available” once he is invited over by any security agency. He added that he has remained a man of peace and a citizen who abides by law and that he served the state and the country with integrity and distinction.
This is coming amid the heated political tension between Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Since the Christmas holiday, the two political leaders have been throwing banters at each other. The governor has been accused of ignoring the peace agreement he signed with President Bola Tinubu in 2025.
Daily voice earlier reported that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike celebrated Kenneth Kobani’s nomination to the NMDPRA board amidst mixed reactions.
President Tinubu’s nominations aim to enhance governance in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, considering the Petroleum Industry Act.
Public commentary reveals divided opinions on Wike’s influence and political manoeuvres within Nigerian governance.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has approved the payment of a 13th-month pension bonus to all pensioners in the state, as well as a one-off welfare support of N10,000 in November 2026.
Speaking at the Ibom Hall grounds in Uyo on Friday, during the presentation of a merit award by the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and an endorsement of his second-term bid, Eno said pensioners deserved to rest well after their meritorious service to the state.
Eno said he was particularly impressed by the pensioners’ sense of gratitude and assured them that the state government, under his leadership, would continue to prioritise the welfare of pensioners and elderly citizens.
He said, “This is indeed humbling to me. It shows that you are truly technocrats with a laudable sense of organisation. You may be retired but not tired. I celebrate and appreciate you greatly.
“I am now directing that N10,000 be added to the November 2026 pension payment of every pensioner in support of your welfare.”
He urged them to enrol in the state’s health insurance scheme, which he said was free for people aged 65 and above, to enable them to enjoy quality healthcare.
Eno recalled that he had promised to clear the backlog of gratuities, adding that N100bn had so far been paid from the accumulated N111bn owed since 2012. He assured the pensioners that the outstanding balance would be cleared before the end of his first term.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for making funds available to states, saying this had enabled him to fulfil his promise to clear the gratuity arrears.
Eno called on the pensioners to vote massively for Tinubu in the 2027 elections, saying this would ensure the continued availability of funds for the prompt payment of gratuities and pensions, as well as other welfare packages.
He also urged pensioners from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District to vote for the re-election of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
Responding, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Comrade Mazi Godwin Ikechukwu Abumisi, commended Eno for what he described as his compassion and care for pensioners in the state.
Abumisi also praised Eno’s leadership and development efforts and urged pensioners across the state to support his second-term bid in 2027.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Pastor Sylvester Nkodo, thanked Eno for his leadership, saying his commitment to the welfare of elderly people and retired public servants was heartwarming.
“Governor Umo Eno is a true leader with the heart for humanity who deserves prayers and support from the people. I urge pensioners to support his administration,” he said.
The National Assembly has confirmed that 28 State Houses of Assembly have approved the proposed establishment of state police in Nigeria, paving the way for the constitutional amendment bill to be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
According to the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the 28 approvals exceed the two-thirds majority required under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, which translates to 24 states. The National Assembly can therefore proceed with the next stage of the process towards presidential assent.
The bill was forwarded to the 36 state assemblies on September 16, 2026, for consideration, with October 15 initially set as the deadline for them to communicate their decisions. Ogunlana, however, said his office would continue to receive and verify reports from the assemblies ahead of the bill’s transmission to Tinubu.
The 28 states that have approved the proposed establishment of state police are listed below:
Adamawa
Delta
Edo
Kwara
Nasarawa
Ogun
Osun
Oyo
Plateau
Rivers
Taraba
Zamfara
Enugu
Anambra
Imo
Ekiti
Kebbi
Akwa Ibom
Bayelsa
Benue
Cross River
Abia
Yobe
Kaduna
Lagos
Kano
Sokoto
Ebonyi
A new political prediction has emerged ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with a state-by-state electoral map showing the states former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi are projected to win.
The prediction, published by Statecraft, outlines the expected performance of the three major political figures across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to the prediction, Tinubu is projected to win 15 states and the FCT, Atiku is expected to secure nine states, while Obi is tipped to emerge victorious in 12 states.
The map, which uses orange, blue and white colours to distinguish the three presidential contenders, provides a breakdown of the states each candidate is projected to win.
States Tinubu Is Projected to Win
According to the prediction, Tinubu is expected to win.
The FCT is also included in Tinubu’s projected victories.
States Atiku Abubakar Is Projected to Win
The former vice president is projected to win nine states.
States Peter Obi Is Projected to Win
Meanwhile, Obi is projected to secure 12 states.
The breakdown suggests a competitive presidential contest, with the three political figures projected to command support across different regions of the country.
Interestingly, the prediction places Tinubu ahead with 15 states and the FCT, followed by Obi with 12 states and Atiku with nine states.
However, it is important to note that the map represents Statecraft’s political prediction and not an official election result, an opinion poll or a declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The actual outcome of the 2027 presidential election will be determined by voters when Nigerians head to the polls.
The prediction has also raised questions about the possible political realignments, regional voting patterns and factors that could shape the contest in 2027.
JUST IN: Nigerian Gov Approves 13th-Month Bonus
Full List: 28 States That Approved State Police
