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Group Cautions Odili Over Alleged Inflammatory Remarks Against Wike
An interest group, Rivers Restoration Movement (RRM), has cautioned a former Governor of Rivers, Dr Peter Odili, against making comments capable of exacerbating the political crises in the state.
The group’s Director-General, Johnson Georgewill, stated this in a statement issued on Monday in Port Harcourt.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Odili had, during a Christmas ballad organised to honour Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, lauded the governor for thwarting ‘one man’s quest to capture River State as his private estate.’
Georgewill, however, alleged that Odili’s remarks were directed at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
He also claimed that Odili defamed Wike by insinuating that the political crises in the state arose from Fubara’s resistance to the FCT minister’s alleged attempt to control the state’s treasury.
“It is unfortunate, disappointing and absurd for a statesman like Odili to make such statements against Wike who has done much for Rivers State.
“Odili should uphold the dignity of an elder statesman rather than engage in partisanship,” Georgewill said.
He questioned Odili’s motives for making what he described as false allegations against Wike, more so when he had hitherto praised the FCT minister’s achievements as governor of the state.
“During the inauguration of Odili’s mansion built by Wike’s administration as well as a Cancer Cardiovascular Diagnostic and Treatment Centre named after him, among other projects, Odili lavished praises on Wike.
“He publicly declared that Wike’s administration out-performed all its predecessors, including his own tenure from 1999 to 2007,” he said.
The director-general expressed dismay at Odili’s apparent turn-around, accusing him of failing to support Fubara’s candidacy during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries and the governorship election.
In spite of this, Georgewill said that Wike had steadfastly supported Fubara by ensuring his emergence as the party’s candidate and his subsequent victory.
He further stated that during the PDP primaries and governorship election, Wike had faced opposition from the ‘so-called leaders who today take front seats at government functions in Rivers’.
“The FCT minister backed Fubara to uphold equity, fairness and justice for all the people of riverine communities from which Fubara hails.
“RRM and its affiliate groups across the 23 local government areas of Rivers warn that any further hostile media statements from Odili against Wike will be strongly resisted,” he said.
Georgewill, however, urged Wike to remain focused on his developmental projects aimed at transforming the FCT into a world-class city.
He also advised the minister to disregard criticisms from those he described as politicians who were merely pursuing their selfish interests.
(NAN)
News
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
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.
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