According to Vanguard reporting on February 14, 2026, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has made a surprise public acknowledgment of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, asserting that his emergence as governor would have been impossible without Wike’s mentorship. Speaking at a ceremony where he received the “New Telegraph Man of the Year Award,” Fubara dedicated the honor to the FCT Minister, describing him as the one who “discovered” him and provided the platform to achieve political prominence.
The governor’s remarks come at a time of high political tension in Rivers State, characterized by a long-standing standoff between his loyalists and those of the Minister. Fubara emphasized that regardless of current interpretations of their relationship, he remains grateful for the initial support that shaped his career. This gesture is being viewed by some as a potential olive branch, though the Governor also reaffirmed his commitment to the people of Rivers State.
Validating reports from The Punch and Daily Post confirm the Governor’s statement during the Friday evening event. The Punch noted that “the governor’s public appreciation was a shift from the recent hostile rhetoric,” while Daily Post quoted Fubara directly: “I do not care how you interpret it or misinterpret it… without him, I wouldn’t be standing here as governor.”
Echotitbits take: This development suggests a tactical pivot in the Rivers political crisis. While it may not signal a full reconciliation, Fubara’s acknowledgment of Wike’s role could be an attempt to lower the political temperature ahead of the 2027 cycle. Watch for whether this leads to a reduction in legislative and judicial skirmishes in the state.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/rivers-crisis-fubara-remains-my-political-son-despite-rift-wike/, February 14, 2026
Photo credit: The Punch
Tag: Nigeria Government
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Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara Credits Nyesom Wike for Political Rise Despite Rift
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Budget Crunch: NASS Pushes 2025 Fiscal Year to March 2026
Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-25 09:05:00Reporting by The Punch indicates Nigeria’s National Assembly has extended the 2025 fiscal year timeline to allow more time for budget implementation, amid delays in budget passage and execution. The move is framed as a pragmatic reset to reduce the usual year-end rush that leaves capital spending under-delivered.
The extension is tied to the broader issue of late appropriation cycles, where projects start too late in the year and MDAs struggle to complete procurement and releases before the fiscal window closes. Supporters say it improves planning realism; critics worry it normalizes delays.
In practical terms, the extension gives ministries and agencies more runway to draw down releases and push ongoing capital projects, especially where procurement timelines already spilled beyond the calendar year.
In related coverage, Vanguard quoted Senate President Godswill Akpabio describing the measure as a “major transformative step,” while Premium Times reported that the extension is aimed at “ensuring the full release and utilisation of budgeted funds for capital projects.”
Echotitbits take: The real test is whether the extra months translate into measurable capital delivery—not just paperwork. Watch Q1 2026 releases and project milestones, plus whether the executive also reforms procurement bottlenecks that routinely delay project starts.
Source: The Punch — December 25, 2025 (https://punchng.com/budget-crisis-nass-extends-2025-fiscal-year-to-march/)
The Punch 2025-12-25
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FG approves 4,000 telecom towers to expand rural coverage and boost security
PunchNG (illustrative image on article page)
2025-12-04The Punch reports the Federal Government approved deploying about 4,000 telecom towers to improve rural connectivity, citing security and inclusion benefits.
The plan targets underserved communities where weak coverage limits digital services and also constrains emergency response and security communications.
How the programme is funded and maintained will shape whether coverage gains are sustainable.
Xinhua: “about 4,000 telecom towers nationwide to expand digital access in underserved communities.”
The Guardian: “targets about 20 million Nigerians.”
Analysis/Echotitbits take: Execution risk is high: power, vandalism, right-of-way, and backhaul capacity. Watch for the financing model (PPP vs direct funding), rollout timelines, and alignment with fibre upgrades.
Source: The Punch — December 04, 2025 (https://punchng.com/fg-approves-4000-telecom-towers-to-boost-security-rural-connectivity/)