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Why Mahmood Yakubu, Fani-Kayode, Omokri Made Ambassadorial List — Presidency

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Demola Oshodi, the Senior Special Assistant (Protocol) to President Bola Tinubu, has outlined some reasons why figures such as former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu; former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode; and a former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, were named in the recently published ambassadorial list.

 

President Tinubu last week forwarded a list of ambassadorial nominees to the National Assembly for screening and confirmation.

 

Names such as Fani-Kayode, Reno Omokri, and Yakubu on the list have generated significant reactions from Nigerians. Many feel that personalities like Fani-Kayode and Omokri may not be suitable for such appointments.

 

But speaking on Arise News – The Morning Show, Oshodi said that in any appointment, there are always people who oppose and others who support such moves. He noted that what matters is maintaining balance in the appointments, adding that Nigerians should understand the President’s considerations for what would make his administration successful.

 

“We voted for him. We give him the right to choose his executives, so we have to trust his judgment,” he said.

 

When asked about the controversies surrounding the nominations of Yakubu, Omokri, and Fani-Kayode, and how they are strategic to aiding Nigeria’s foreign policy direction between now and 2027, Oshodi added:

 

“We can look at the professor’s years of career. He’s been in charge of Nigeria’s electoral body for many years. He helped conduct the 2019 and 2023 elections, and I think it’s generally considered a good job.

 

“So these non-career diplomats are political. Their first priority is loyalty. They have been loyal to the administration and understand its vision.”

 

Asked how Yakubu had demonstrated his loyalty to the administration, and whether it was through his conduct in the last election, Oshodi clarified:

 

“No, it’s the criteria of national service. I’m just giving you different reasons why the President made his judgment. There’s also ethnic and state balance.

 

“He needs to ensure there’s a general federal character. I don’t know specifically the President’s judgment on the professor, but I can tell you for a fact that his national service has been exemplary. That is why he has been rewarded with this high office. Of course, as you said, his loyalty to the President is based on all four criteria.

 

“I said specifically, we don’t know exactly what the President decided on. It could be national service, because you can say he served this country for a long period in a commendable way.

 

“So you can’t just focus on loyalty and say that is the reason. I gave three reasons why he’s there, apart from his competence in this field.”

 

On Fani-Kayode, he added: “It’s not really that simple. The President’s reason for appointing diplomats, especially ambassadors and high commissioners, is based on how he assesses their competence and capacity.

 

“Some countries and situations require certain skills and attributes, and I want to believe the President’s judgment is based on that. There are reasons why these people are appointed.

 

“Mr. Fani-Kayode has served this country in many capacities. Being divisive does not eliminate him from serving further.

 

“Everyone’s personal life is personal. The President’s decision is based on national service and, in many ways, a balance of competence.”

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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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