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Polaris Bank Announces New Board Appointments

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has constituted a full Board of Directors for Polaris Bank, Nigeria’s leading digital commercial retail Bank in a major transition that signals the remarkable achievements of the new management and the future of the Bank.

The 10-man board is headed by Dr Kassim Gidado as Board Chairman. Other Non-Executive Directors include: Dr. Akwa Effiong Okon, Mallam Ambursa Abubakar Umar, Mrs Ayaba M. Ayo-Joseph, Mrs Giwa-Amu Subulade Ibironke and Dr Onosode Christopher.

Mr Kayode Lawal, MD/CEO of the Bank said the diverse expertise and experience of the new board members would further enrich on-going strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening their position as a leading digital bank

“These appointments mark a significant step in Polaris Bank’s journey towards achieving sustained growth and delivering exceptional value to our stakeholders.”

Dr Kassim Gidado, the new Board Chairman, is an academic with over 35 years of experience in the fields of Engineering, Project Management and Strategic Development. He has held prestigious roles, including Group Managing Director and Chief of Staff at MAG Group Limited where he managed a diverse portfolio of companies across 35 countries.

Dr Akwa Effiong Okon is an accomplished professional with a rich educational background, including attending the Senior Executive Programme on Strategy, Leadership and Transformation at the London Business School. He holds fellowships with both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

Mallam Ambursa Abubakar Umar is an expert in Enterprise Transformation and Development Finance with over 30 years of experience in the banking industry, including a distinguished tenure at the CBN.

Mrs Ayaba Ayo-Joseph has over three decades of experience in the banking industry. A member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), she brings to the Board as a Non-Executive Director a wealth of experience in Corporate Management, Business Development, and Strategy Execution.

Mrs Giwa-Amu Subulade Ibironke, a Lawyer by training, holds an MBA degree from the University of Warwick, UK and brings over 27 years of experience in financial services, real estate investment & development and business process re-engineering across the West African region to the Polaris Bank Board.

Dr Onosode Christopher holds a doctorate in Economics and energy major from Kent University, UK. He joins the Board with over 30 years of experience in business systems analysis and design, strategy and operations, project management and policy analysis.

Mr Kayode Lawal is a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience in the banking industry. Prior to his appointment with Polaris Bank, he had a distinguished tenure at Sterling Bank Plc, where he held the position of Executive Director in charge of Corporate & Investment Banking.

Mr Chris Ofikulu is the Executive Director in charge of Retail and Commercial Banking for the bank. He 30 years experience in the banking sector. Prior to his appointment by the CBN on January 10, 2024, he held the position of Country CEO at UBA Ghana and Managing Director at Diamond Pension Fund Custodian Limited.

Mrs Abimbola Ozomah is the Executive Director in charge of Corporate and Investment Banking. She brings over three decades of experience in the banking and financial services industry, with a proven track record of driving growth and innovation.

Mr Sharafadeen Muhammed is the Executive Director in charge of Operations of the Bank. With over 15 years of experience in high-level finance roles, including a notable tenure at Citibank Nigeria, he has demonstrated strong strategic insight and financial acumen.

The new Board is also a subtle endorsement of the silent but admirable business re-engineering being done by the Kayode Lawal-led executive management.

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How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit

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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.

 

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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly

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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.

 

 

 

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Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara

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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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