Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Rivers State

  • Wike Asserts Authority in Rivers State Amid Lingering Political Crisis

    Wike Asserts Authority in Rivers State Amid Lingering Political Crisis

    In an update published by The Punch on February 1st, 2026, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that he remains the dominant political force in Rivers State. Speaking at a civic reception in his honor, Wike assured his supporters that they could “sleep with both eyes closed” because his camp remains firmly in control of the state’s political structure despite his role in Abuja.

    According to Vanguard News, Wike’s comments have reignited the cold war between his loyalists and the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The report highlights that Wike used the event to showcase his influence, including his role in recommending top officials for federal appointments. “I have always said that appreciation is the currency of loyalty, and we will continue to reward those who stand with us,” Wike reportedly told the crowd.

    Reporting by Daily Post indicates that the political atmosphere in Port Harcourt remains tense following the Minister’s pronouncements. The outlet quoted a local activist who warned: “The continued power struggle between the FCT Minister and the Governor is distracting from governance and could lead to further instability in the Niger Delta region.”

    Echotitbits take: The Rivers crisis is no longer just a state matter; it is a significant government policy and security headache for the presidency. Wike’s “I am in charge” stance suggests that no reconciliation is in sight, which could impact the 2027 presidential calculations for the South-South region.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/rivers-crisis-were-in-charge-says-wike/, February 1, 2026

    Photo credit: The Punch

  • Court Halts Impeachment Move Against Rivers Governor Fubara

    Court Halts Impeachment Move Against Rivers Governor Fubara

    A Rivers State High Court in Oyigbo has issued a temporary injunction restraining the House of Assembly from proceeding with impeachment steps against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, pending determination of a suit challenging the process.

    Reports indicate heightened political tension, shifting allegiances among lawmakers, and increased security around the Assembly complex as rival factions contest institutional control.

    Echotitbits take: The crisis has moved decisively into the courts. The injunction buys time, but governance risk persists until political actors find a durable settlement beyond litigation.

    Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/850064-court-stops-impeachment-move-against-fubara-deputy.html (January 17, 2026)

    Photo Credit: Premium Times

  • Rivers Assembly Re-ignites Impeachment Proceedings Against Governor Fubara

    Rivers Assembly Re-ignites Impeachment Proceedings Against Governor Fubara

    In a report by The Punch, the political crisis in Rivers State intensified as the State House of Assembly reportedly commenced a third attempt at impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy. The development follows months of fragile calm that appears to have broken down.

    Lawmakers divided into rival factions cited alleged “gross misconduct” as the basis for the move. Security personnel were reported around the assembly complex as members met to consider formal notices.

    Legal observers have raised questions about constitutionality given earlier court actions, while pro-Fubara supporters described the effort as a political vendetta meant to destabilize governance and disrupt projects.

    Channels TV and The Sun also reported heightened tension in Port Harcourt and security presence around the assembly.

    Echotitbits take: Rivers remains a flashpoint for Nigerian political volatility. Expect prolonged litigation and political brinkmanship, potentially escalating to higher courts in 2026.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/breaking-rivers-assembly-begins-impeachment-proceedings-against-fubara/ 2026-01-09

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Fresh Turmoil in Rivers as Wike Challenges APC National Leadership

    Fresh Turmoil in Rivers as Wike Challenges APC National Leadership

    Reporting by the Nigerian Observer indicates that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, to stay clear of the political affairs of Rivers State. Speaking during a visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area, Wike described Rivers as a ‘no-go area’ for external meddlers, signaling a deepening rift within the political alliances supporting the current administration.

    The friction intensified after the APC secretariat cautioned against the ‘disrespect’ of Governor Siminalayi Fubara by some party members. Wike countered this by claiming that those now intervening were absent when the struggle to support the Presidency was ‘hot,’ and accused them of only showing interest now that ‘food is ready’ in the form of state resources.

    The political spat was further validated by Premium Times and Channels TV. Premium Times noted the ‘APC national secretary calls for Wike’s resignation as minister,’ while Channels TV reported that ‘Wike accuses Rivers political leaders of misleading Fubara,’ emphasizing that existing political agreements must be honored to maintain order in the state.

    Echotitbits take: The Wike-Fubara feud has evolved from a local state crisis into a national party headache. Wike’s public rebuke of his own party’s national secretary shows he is unwilling to cede his role as the ultimate power broker in Rivers. Watch for how the Presidency manages this ‘civil war’ to prevent it from affecting the stability of the ruling coalition.
    Source: Guardian  – https://guardian.ng/news/apc-draws-battle-line-with-wike-over-rivers-political-control/ January 6 2026

    Photo Credit: Guardian

  • Governor Fubara Assures Residents of Stability Amid Heightened Political Rhetoric

    Governor Fubara Assures Residents of Stability Amid Heightened Political Rhetoric

    According to Premium Times, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has addressed the state, urging calm in the face of what he termed ‘sounds of war’ coming from political opponents. The Governor’s broadcast was a direct response to recent threats of administrative disruption by factions loyal to the former Governor, Nyesom Wike.

    Fubara maintained that his administration remains focused on delivering infrastructure and social services, despite the intense political friction within the state assembly. He also announced the appointment of new special advisers aimed at strengthening his team’s ‘execution capacity’ for the 2026 budget.

    The Guardian Nigeria reported that ‘Fubara tells new special advisers to strengthen teamwork,’ reinforcing his message of administrative continuity. Daily Post also highlighted the tension, quoting the Governor’s speech where he sought to ‘assure Rivers people of peace’ despite the political climate.

    Echotitbits take: Fubara is attempting to project the image of a focused leader unbothered by ‘distractions,’ but the underlying struggle for control of the Rivers State treasury is far from over. Investors will be watching the state assembly closely to see if political deadlock stalls the N1.8 trillion budget.

    Source : The Punch — https://punchng.com/ignore-sounds-of-war-fubara-tells-rivers-people/
    The Punch January 3, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Rivers State Council Proposes N1.8 Trillion Budget Amidst Continued Political Tension

    Rivers State Council Proposes N1.8 Trillion Budget Amidst Continued Political Tension

    Reporting by Daily Post indicates that the Rivers State Executive Council has approved a N1.8 trillion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year. The budget is intended to facilitate the completion of major infrastructure projects and advance social development across the state’s 23 local government areas.

    The announcement comes at a time of heightened political friction between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Despite the administrative progress, the political environment remains volatile, with both sides trading accusations regarding the leadership of the state.

    Premium Times reported on the ‘sounds of war’ following recent threats, highlighting that the political divide is affecting governance. Meanwhile, The Cable quoted former Governor Orji Kalu, who stated that ‘Governors, not Tinubu, are responsible for tackling insecurity,’ placing the onus of regional stability back on state leadership.

    Echotitbits take: Rivers State’s massive budget reflects its status as an economic powerhouse, but political instability could deter the very investors the state needs. Watch for whether the House of Assembly, currently split by loyalty, provides a smooth passage for this appropriation bill.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/rivers-executive-council-approves-n1-8tn-2026-budget/
    The Punch January 3, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Rivers assembly rejects N100,000 Christmas credit, cites due‑process breach

    Rivers assembly rejects N100,000 Christmas credit, cites due‑process breach

    2025-12-31 09:14:00

    In a report published by PUNCH, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly said they rejected—and moved to return—N100,000 credited to each lawmaker’s account as a Christmas bonus, arguing it did not follow proper authorisation.

    The lawmakers framed the transfer as an ‘unapproved’ payment and linked it to the wider political standoff in the state, insisting the executive must adhere strictly to constitutional and budget processes.

    The development adds another flashpoint to Rivers’ tense political climate, with analysts watching for how it affects governance, budgeting and the executive‑legislature relationship in early 2026.

    Vanguard reported that assembly members “have returned the N100,000 Christmas bonus given to them by the governor,” while Leadership said lawmakers “have rejected the N100,000 Christmas Bonus credited to their personal bank accounts.”

    Echotitbits take: Beyond the headline, this is a proxy fight over legitimacy and control of state institutions. Expect more legal manoeuvres and competing public narratives. Watch whether public finance processes (appropriation, releases, oversight) become the next battleground.

    Source: The Punch — December 31, 2025 (https://punchng.com/rivers-lawmakers-reject-fubaras-n100000-christmas-bonus/)

    The Punch December 31, 2025

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Yule travel boost: FG temporarily opens Bodo–Bonny Road to ease movement

    Yule travel boost: FG temporarily opens Bodo–Bonny Road to ease movement

    Photo credit: The Punch

    2025-12-22 09:00:00

    According to *The Punch*, the Federal Government has temporarily opened the Bodo–Bonny Road corridor to ease movement for residents during the yuletide period, offering partial relief on a long-awaited route.

    The opening is being framed as a humanitarian and economic lift for communities whose travel and commerce have been constrained for years by difficult terrain and limited road access.

    Authorities say the temporary access is meant to improve safety and reduce travel bottlenecks, even as construction continues toward full completion.

    For residents and businesses, the real benefit is time-cost: faster transport can lower prices of goods, shorten emergency response times, and improve local trade flow.

    A Ministry of Information/official government release described the road as “temporarily opens, connecting communities and commerce,” while *The Guardian (Nigeria)* also reported the project as a major yuletide milestone and quoted the framing around safer travel on the legacy route.

    **Echotitbits take:** Temporary openings are good headlines—but the public will judge by durability. Watch the restrictions (hours/vehicle types), security presence, and whether the final completion timeline holds in early 2026.

    Source: The Punch — December 22, 2025 (https://punchng.com/fg-opens-bodo-bonny-road-ahead-of-yuletide/)

  • PDP Warns of Shrinking Democratic Space After Fubara’s Exit

    The PDP criticised the APC following Siminalayi Fubara’s defection, alleging the ruling party engineered political pressure in Rivers State. The opposition insisted its structures in the state remain intact.

    The episode adds to national debate over high-profile defections and concerns about competitive balance ahead of future election cycles.

    2025-12-10

    Punch Newspapers

    2025-12-10

  • Bodo–Bonny Road Opens Daytime for Light Vehicles

    Bodo–Bonny Road Opens Daytime for Light Vehicles

    President Tinubu approved a phased opening of the Bodo–Bonny Road in Rivers State for light vehicles, restricted to daytime travel. Heavy-duty vehicles and night movement remain barred pending full completion expected in Q1 2026.

    The opening is framed as relief for long-standing access challenges to Bonny Island.

    Source:Punch, 2025-12-08