Rivers State Archives - Afinju FM

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike Warns APC National Secretary to Steer Clear of Rivers Politics

Boluwatife Ajayi — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:27:03 +0000

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, to steer clear of political affairs in Rivers State.

Wike’s warning followed comments attributed to Basiru, who had cautioned the APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, against what he described as disrespect towards Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, allegedly to curry favour with Wike.

Basiru’s remarks came after the minister’s recent “thank you” visit to Gokana Local Government Area.

Reacting while addressing residents of Oyigbo Local Government Area, Wike advised Basiru and other politicians to desist from actions capable of igniting tension in the state.

He stated that both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were now working towards a common objective of ensuring the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

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NSA Relays Tinubu’s Satisfaction, Says President Happy with Rivers Governor

Boluwatife Ajayi — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:43:02 +0000

National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has paid a visit to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, delivering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of satisfaction with the governor’s approach to leadership and governance.

Ribadu led a high-powered presidential delegation that included the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi; the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal; and senior officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

Speaking during the visit, the NSA described Rivers State as one of the most peaceful states in the country, noting that the delegation was in the state to reinforce and build upon existing peace initiatives, particularly in Ogoniland.

He said recent developments in the area marked a new beginning, stressing that Nigeria “will no longer be what it used to be,” with the transformation starting from Ogoni.

Ribadu disclosed that President Tinubu had specifically directed him to commend Governor Fubara for his leadership style and his effective coordination of engagements on the planned resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland.

Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, said the Ogoni peace initiative was vital to national unity and assured that key infrastructure projects, including the East–West Road and Bonny–Bodo Road, would be completed to standard.

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the Ogoni cleanup.

Source TVC

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Tinubu Suspends Emergency Rule In Rivers

Afinju FM — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 16:30:38 +0000

In a nationwide broadcast, Tinubu stated that the emergency, declared on 18 March 2025, had become “painfully inevitable” after a constitutional crisis paralysed governance in the state.

He recalled that disputes between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly had left critical economic assets vulnerable and halted budget approvals.

Tinubu said his intervention under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution was to “arrest the drift towards anarchy” after mediation attempts failed. “Considered objectively, we had reached that situation of total breakdown of public order and public safety in Rivers State, it would have been a colossal failure on my part as President not to have made that proclamation,” he said.

The President thanked the National Assembly, traditional rulers and the people of Rivers State for their support throughout the emergency. He also acknowledged dissenters who challenged the declaration in court, saying such actions were “the way it should be in a democratic setting.”

“With effect from midnight today, the emergency in Rivers State shall end,” he announced. “Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including Speaker Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from 18 September 2025.”

He urged governors and state legislatures nationwide to prioritise harmony and peaceful governance. “It is only in an atmosphere of peace, order and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to our people,” he said.

Source: TVC

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Police Arrest Man for Allegedly Macheting Girlfriend to Death in Rivers

Afinju FM — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 13:45:30 +0000

Police spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement posted on social media.

The suspect, identified as Kingsley Chinamezu, popularly known as Power Sharp, reportedly attacked and killed his girlfriend on 30 July in Umuebule community. After the incident, he allegedly fled to Egbeta village in Edo State, where he was said to have continued issuing threats to the victim’s family members.

“Upon a formal complaint by the victim’s family and proactive efforts by operatives of the command, the Commissioner of Police assigned the case to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit. The suspect was traced, located, and arrested on August 15, 2025, in his hideout at Egbeta village, Edo State,” Iringe-Koko said.

According to her, the suspect confessed to the crime during interrogation and gave details of how the incident occurred. She added that evidence was being gathered, and the suspect would be prosecuted after investigations are concluded.

This development comes barely 24 hours after another case of gender-based violence was reported in the state.

Source: Premium Times

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APC begins campaigns ahead of Rivers LG poll

Afinju FM — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 12:06:15 +0000

The rally is expected to feature the presentation of party flags to candidates who emerged in last Saturday’s primary election conducted by the party.

It was reported that the Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state, is a beehive of activities, with party leaders and supporters seen carrying flags and other party insignia.

Chairman of the party, Tony Okocha, arrived early with members of the state executive for the event and was welcomed with a loud ovation.

Some of the candidates sighted at the rally include Confidence Deko (Gokana LGA), Dr. Chidi Lloyd (Emuoha), Allwell Ihunda (Port Harcourt City LGA), and Vincent Nemienoka (Ogu/Bolo LGA), among others.

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Rivers Administrator, Ibas Appears Before Senate

Afinju FM — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 13:14:45 +0000

Ibas was accompanied by other key officials, including members of the economic team, to appear before the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Emergency Rule in Rivers State.

The Senate had reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the people of Rivers State were not shortchanged following the declaration of emergency rule by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, following the political crisis in the state.

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Rivers 2025 budget plans for Fubara’s return – Ibas

Afinju FM — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 15:19:46 +0000

Ibas made this known in Abuja while defending the budget before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight.

According to him, the proposed budget aligns with the strategic objectives of the River State Development Plan 2017-2027.

He also noted that the proposal presents a strategic and integrated framework designed to raise revenues and accelerate infrastructure development, enhance human capital, and promote inclusive economic growth across all sectors.

He, however, accused some suspected Rivers State officials of failure to provide the administration with useful information required to prepare the budget proposal.

Ibas added that some state officials withheld critical information required to ensure a more complete capture of those expenditures at the time of submission of the budget estimates.

The budget, totalling ₦1.48tn in expenditure with a projected ₦1.4tn in revenue, was transmitted to the National Assembly following presidential approval after the Supreme Court ruled on the legality of the Rivers State 2025 appropriation process.

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Senate constitutes 18-member committee to oversee emergency rule in Rivers

Afinju FM — Wed, 07 May 2025 12:44:31 +0000

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, made this known during plenary.

Akpabio stressed the need for a committee like that of the House of Representatives to oversee the functions of the Sole Administrator and the Rivers State Government under emergency rule.

He named the committee’s chairman as the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, and the Deputy Minority Whip, Rufai Hanga.

Other members are: Adamu Aliero (PDP- Kebbi), Osita Izunaso (APC-Imo), Osita Ngwu (PDP-Enugu), Kaka Shehu (APC-Borno), Aminu Abbas (PDP-Adamawa) and Adetokunbo Abiru (APC-Lagos).

Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC-Ondo), Sani Musa (APC-Niger), Simon Lalong (APC-Plateau), Asuquo Ekpeyong (APC-Cross River), Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) are also members.

The remaining members are: Ireti Kingibe (LP-FCT), Onyekachi Nwaenboyi (APC-Ebonyi), SIdiat Adebule (APC-Lagos), Ede Dafinone (APC-Delta) and Mohamed Maidori (APC-Jigawa), while Charles Bala will serve as the Clerk/Secretary of the committee.

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Emergency rule: I wanted Fubara’s removal – Wike

Afinju FM — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 14:26:51 +0000

Wike made this known during a press conference in Abuja where he noted that the emergency rule was not part of his desired outcome in the ongoing political crisis.

The political crisis in Rivers State led to Tinubu suspending Fubara for six months while appointing a Sole Administrator.

Tinubu also proclaimed a state of emergency in the state within six months.

However, Wike said the action of the president prevented calamity in Rivers State.

While speaking with the pressmen, Wike hinted that he was not happy because he wanted the outright removal of Fubara.

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Emergency rule: Rivers women protest Fubara’s suspension

Afinju FM — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:57:33 +0000

The women, led by Nancy Nwankwo described the emergency rule as a politically motivated move aimed at undermining democracy.

The protesters condemned what they described as an unconstitutional imposition of military rule disguised as a state of emergency, calling it unjustified and unacceptable.

They further appealed to respected stakeholders to intervene and urge President Bola Tinubu to reverse what they termed a grave injustice.

The women, however, reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful resistance while stressing their stand in the defense of justice.

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