News
Ministerial Nominee Faints, Journalist Dies In N’Assembly Shuttle
The Senate, on Wednesday, confirmed the ministerial nomination of Abbas Balarabe from Kaduna State, whose name was forwarded by President Bola Tinubu in replacement for ex-Kaduna governor, Nasir El-Rufai, whose nomination was rejected by the Senate.
The Senate also confirmed the ministerial nomination of 37-year-old Dr Jamila Ibrahim from Kwara State and 34-year-old Ayodele Olawande from Ondo State.
However, after the screening of Ibrahim, who took the podium first, the session was thrown into pandemonium during the screening of Balarabe, who fainted on the podium shortly after introducing himself to the Senate.
Balarabe had just finished sharing his experiences and track record with the senators when the incident occurred, about 15 minutes into his screening session.
Senator Sunday Katung from Kaduna South Senator was on his feet making submissions in support of Balarabe’s nomination when the nominee suddenly collapsed.
The incident saw the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, shouting, “Give him (Balarabe) sugar and water!”
Akpabio also instructed journalists and cameramen to stop filming and to leave the Senate chamber.
The nominee was then taken to the National Assembly clinic.
There was total confusion in the chamber when doctors rushed in with their first aid equipment, to revive the ministerial nominee who was already put on a seat.
After regaining his strength and composure, the nominee pleaded with the Senate to allow him to continue with the session but he was told to go and attend to his health.
The Senate then resumed after about a 45-minute break to screen the third nominee, Olawande.
The three nominees were subsequently confirmed by the Senate.
The three addition brings the President’s ministerial appointees to 48.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Senate, Yemi Adaramodu, explained that the Senate went on to confirm Balarabe notwithstanding that he fainted because he had passed all the necessary checks.
Adaramodu said, “The nominee has been stabilised and he is fine now. Due to fatigue, he went down during his screening.
“The nominee wanted to continue but the Senate told him to go and seek further medical attention and rest.
“We told him we had his resumé, which is very rich, so we didn’t see the need to belabour him anymore.
“The nominees wanted to continue with the screening but the Senate insisted that he shouldn’t. We told him that truly he wanted to serve Nigeria but he can’t serve Nigerian in death. He needs to be alive to serve.
“We have seen his resumé, we have heard from him and all necessary security checks have been confirmed.”
Adaramodu added that the Senate was also impressed by the performance of the two youthful nominees.
Journalist dies of cardiac arrest
Meanwhile, tragedy struck on Wednesday as Senate correspondent of the Tribune Newspaper, Tijani Adeyemi, died of cardiac arrest in one of the National Assembly shuttle buses.
The Tribune reporter had boarded one of the shuttles from the main gate, known as Mopol Gate around, at 10 am and by the time he got to the checkpoint, he was discovered to be lifeless.
Efforts to resuscitate him failed and he was pronounced dead when he was rushed to the clinic of the Secretary General of the Federation.
Adeyemi’s body was thereafter kept at the National Assembly’s clinic for evacuation and burial after being pronounced dead at the medical clinic.
His remains were laid to rest at the Gudu Cemetery in line with Islamic rites.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
News
Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says the second coming to office of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, after the elapsing of the state of emergency should have made him better.
Fayose’s remarks come as the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara as of January 8, 2026.
Speaking in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, Fayose said he was removed as governor and went to exile but became a better person upon his return.
Fayose said that President Bola Tinubu hates ingratitude just like any other person else does.
The former Ekiti governor also dismissed the claim that what is happening in Rivers state is politics taken too far.
According to him, the constitution provides rules of engagement for every politician, stressing that it is when one gets out of the rule that he begins to look for public sympathy.
“The coming back of Governor Fubara should have made him a better person .If you made a mistake the first time, the second time you are not supposed to go through that route.
“Politics is a power game. Nobody solves political game for you. With due respect, let me tell you. Fubara is the one enjoying the office of the governor of Rivers state. It’s not the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
“Some people are saying it’s about Tinubu’s election. No! Because Tinubu’s election will come first, don’t forget that. Both Wike and Fubara will all work for Tinubu. Two weeks after, there will be an election for Rivers state,” he said.
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