Political tension may be returning to Rivers State following fresh accusations by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, whom he accused of being dishonest about his relationship with lawmakers.

On Wednesday, Governor Fubara denied claims that his administration was at loggerheads with members of the House of Assembly.

He stated that he had not met with the lawmakers since the peace agreement because he was waiting for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to convene such a meeting as stipulated in the deal.

However, addressing journalists on Thursday evening in Port Harcourt alongside other legislators, Mr Amaewhule disputed the governor’s account, insisting that meetings had already taken place.

According to the Speaker, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive after the period of emergency rule in the state, Mr Wike arranged meetings between the governor and the lawmakers.

“We met with the governor twice, first at the residence of the FCT minister and later at the home of Ferdinand Alabraba,” Mr Amaewhule said.

“It is therefore untrue for the governor to say he has not met with us.”

He alleged that despite these engagements, Governor Fubara failed to honour the agreements reached during the meetings, warning that the governor’s statements and actions could spark another round of political instability in the state.

The Speaker further accused the governor of reckless spending and awarding contracts without legislative approval, claiming that over ₦600 billion was left in the state’s treasury by the former Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, when the emergency rule ended.

Mr Amaewhule also alleged that Governor Fubara was attempting to influence lawmakers financially.

“The members of the Rivers State House of Assembly are not for sale,” he declared.

He criticised the governor for allegedly making disparaging remarks about Mr Wike and urged him to act more responsibly as a leader instead of allowing media aides to attack lawmakers publicly.

Despite the accusations, Mr Amaewhule said the assembly remained committed to the peace process initiated by President Tinubu and to protecting the interests of Rivers residents.

This marks the second time in nine days that the Speaker has openly criticised Governor Fubara. Recently, Mr Amaewhule accused the governor of neglecting public primary and secondary schools, describing the state of education infrastructure as deplorable.

The governor later responded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to education despite existing challenges.

Rivers State has been embroiled in political turmoil stemming from a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, over control of the state’s political machinery.

The conflict split the House of Assembly, with 27 lawmakers aligned with Mr Wike and a minority faction loyal to Governor Fubara.

The crisis led President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in March, suspending the governor, his deputy, and all elected officials for six months.

A peace agreement brokered by the president in June resulted in the lifting of the emergency rule, and elected officials resumed their duties in September 2025.

Nevertheless, tensions appear unresolved, as the House recently adjourned plenary until January 26, 2026, effectively preventing the governor from presenting the 2026 budget before the end of the year.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), completing his registration as a member of the party on Friday at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

Photographs shared by Tony Okocha, media aide to the state APC chairman, showed Fubara thumbprinting the party register during the formal procedure.

Governor Fubara had previously announced his decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) earlier this week, stating that the move was in the best interest of the people of Rivers State.

He also described it as a gesture of appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, whom he credited for enabling him to continue serving as Governor.

Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal Government’s plan to borrow ₦17.89 trillion to fund the 2026 budget, describing it as fiscally irresponsible.

In a post shared on his official X account on Friday, Obi raised concerns over Nigeria’s growing debt burden, noting that nearly half of projected national revenues for 2026 are already expected to go toward debt servicing.

He also questioned why funds from the 2025 budget remain largely unspent despite reported revenue surges.

“Today, Nigerians woke up to troubling news that the Federal Government plans to borrow about ₦20 trillion for the 2026 budget,” Obi wrote.

“This comes at a time when debt servicing alone is projected to consume nearly half of our national revenue, and borrowing requirements have surged by over 72%. How can we discuss trillions in new loans when 70% of 2025 capital projects remain unimplemented?”

Obi warned against what he called “fiscal rascality,” highlighting that uncontrolled borrowing often fuels consumption rather than productive investment.

He stressed that Nigeria cannot achieve prosperity by borrowing its way out of economic challenges.

“We cannot keep mortgaging the future of our children with thoughtless borrowing. Nations develop by producing, exporting, creating value, and building strong institutions that ensure accountability, not by consuming more than they produce,” Obi said.

He added that governance must be rooted in transparency and fiscal responsibility, arguing that misleading revenue figures and historic borrowing levels are undermining the country’s economic potential.

Critics have increasingly questioned the Federal Government’s borrowing strategy, pointing out that non-oil revenues reached ₦20.59 trillion from January to August 2025, yet borrowing needs remain high.

Obi called for policies that prioritise production, infrastructure, and human capital over debt-driven consumption.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns about the political relationship between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, as early maneuvering for the 2027 general elections intensifies.

Speaking in an interview on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Friday, ADC spokesperson Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi described the unresolved dynamic between the two opposition figures as a challenge with potential implications for the wider political landscape.

He said, “I may not describe the situation in superlative terms to say it is the greatest threat to democracy. But is it a conundrum? Yes. Is it a challenge? Yes. Is it something we are concerned about? Yes.”

Abdullahi emphasized that, while the matter has drawn significant public attention, ADC’s current focus is on strengthening its organizational structure nationwide rather than engaging in discussions about presidential candidates.

“Nobody in ADC at this time is having a conversation about who the presidential candidates will be. We have so much work to do to establish our presence and contest elections in all 36 states of the Federation and the FCT. This has preoccupied us,” he said.

According to Abdullahi, ADC is considering various approaches to selecting its 2027 presidential flagbearer.

This includes the possibility of a consensus arrangement among aspirants.

If consensus cannot be reached, the party plans to open the contest to all interested candidates.

“The most important thing is, when we get to that point, we’ll try to engineer a consensus. But if we are not able to reach one, we’ll open it up for everyone to contest. And it’s not just about Atiku and Peter Obi; there are other people interested in the presidential race,” he explained.

He further revealed that ADC is engaging in ongoing discussions with other political parties as part of efforts to form a broader coalition ahead of the elections.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the appointment of caretaker committees for the party’s chapters in Enugu, Delta, and Rivers States.

The approval, made on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC), is in accordance with Section 29(2)(b) of the PDP Constitution (2025 as amended).

The announcement was issued by the National Organizing Secretary, Theophilus Dakas Shan.

According to the statement, the committees will oversee party affairs in their respective states for a period not exceeding 90 days or until new executive committees are elected.

“The Committees are expected to function strictly in line with the PDP Constitution (2025 as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Shan said.

The reconstitution of the party structures follows the defection of the governors of the affected states to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The latest to defect is Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who on Friday received his APC membership card from the state chairman, Tony Okocha.

Fubara confirmed that he was issued Card Number 001, formally establishing him as the leader of the APC in the state.

FULL LIST OF PDP CARETAKER COMMITTEES

Enugu State

1. Barr. Steve Oruruo – Chairman

2. Ugwu Uchenna Godswill – Member

3. Lilian C.C. Ugwuoke – Member

4. Anikezie Michael – Member

5. Cosmas Chinwe Ugwu – Member

6. Barr. Basil Aguigwo – Member

7. Chief Cosmas Onyia – Member

8. Barr. Peter Ajah – Member

9. Martin Ugwuamadieze – Secretary

Delta State:

1. Prof. Sylvester Monye – Chairman

2. Ujor Ucheonny – Member

3. Pharm. Victor Ofobrukueta – Member

4. Comdr. Johnbull Aghogho Kenairu – Member

5. Jackson Agbor – Member

6. Onajega Mike – Member

7. Chief Ekiyor Charles – Member

8. Hon. Mrs. Vero Egbuna – Member

9. Chukwunonso Alex Ndah – Member

10. Walter Uguoye – Member

11. Dr. Michael Tidi, Esq. – Secretary

Rivers State:

1. Dr. Nname Robinson Ewor – Chairman

2. Mr. Alalibo Graham Braide – Member

3. Princess Isioma Stella Braide – Member

4. Arc. Eldred Owpelu-Orubo – Member

5. Austin Ema Wali – Member

6. Mr. Ada Utong – Member

7. Mr. Edward Nubari David – Member

8. Dr. Paul Baribeful Nkor – Member

9. Ogbam Ojimah – Secretary