Peter Ameh, the National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), has expressed disappointment over the decision of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to return to office following his suspension.

During an appearance on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme, Ameh criticized Fubara’s planned return, saying it reflects a personal ambition rather than a commitment to democratic principles.

“I’m disappointed in Fubara,” Ameh said.

“He chose to return to office instead of standing firm for what he believes in. He had an opportunity to fight for future generations, but instead, he prioritized getting back into power.”

Ameh accused the state of using its power structure to suppress the governor, claiming that Fubara’s decision to return indicates that he was “beaten to surrender.”

“This is not good for our democracy,” he added. “The instruments of the state were used against him, and he gave in. It sends the wrong signal about how fragile our democratic institutions still are.”

The comment follows reports that Fubara’s supporters have begun counting down to his expected return on September 18, 2025, after a six-month suspension.

Ameh emphasized the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process, saying even if it is currently flawed, it must be nurtured.

“Whether it’s a semi-democratic process or not, we must support its growth so future generations can freely participate in elections,” he said.

President Bola Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy,and the state House of Assembly.

The move came amid a worsening political standoff between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

To restore order, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator.

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has fired back at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Kaduna State Government (KDSG), insisting that both entities are deflecting from serious issues by accusing him of politicising national security.

In a detailed statement released via his social media handles on Monday, El-Rufai reiterated his claims that government agencies are complicit in funding bandits and are using national security as a political weapon.

“As usual, the combined voices of the Government of Kaduna State (KDSG) and ONSA, instead of responding to the core issues I raised, seek to deflect responsibility by alleging that exposing them amounts to politicising security,” El-Rufai wrote.

He was responding to criticisms that followed his recent interview on Channels Television, in which he accused the federal and state governments of secretly negotiating with bandits and making undisclosed payments to armed groups.

El-Rufai doubled down on his previous comments and raised new questions about the mechanics of alleged payments to bandits.

He asked: who delivers the money?, How much is paid?, Are intermediaries or “middlemen” taking a cut?, Who has been buying prime real estate in Abuja in recent years, and with what funds?

“What exactly constitutes ‘negotiations with bandits’? Why is non-kinetic approach to addressing banditry and criminality equal to withdrawals of huge amounts of money from state treasuries and handing them over to bandits and terrorists?” he queried.

“Which officials and their intermediaries deliver this money, and how much personal withholding tax do they apply before delivery of the funds? Who are the most prolific purchasers of prime real estate in Abuja in the last two years, and what is the source of their newfound wealth?”

He described the current situation as a “charade” carried out by ONSA at a high cost to national finances and ethics, alleging that it was enabling a culture of corruption and impunity.

While harshly critical of the civil leadership of the security apparatus, El-Rufai expressed deep respect for the military and frontline officers, citing his family’s military background and experience working with multiple service chiefs during his time in office.

“As a person whose three siblings served in the Nigerian Army and the Air Force, with one of them rising to the rank of general, I will also continue to appreciate the immense work that continues to be done by gallant officers of the military and security agencies,” he said.

However, he accused ONSA, under its current leadership, of politicising security more than ever before.

“It is a well-known fact to discerning Nigerians that the face of the politicisation of national security for politically intended purposes resides, for the first time in our recent history, in the ONSA under its present leadership.”

Citing recent attacks, El-Rufai questioned the effectiveness of “non-kinetic” approaches to security, particularly in Kaduna State.

“After the much-publicised negotiations with bandits in Birnin Gwari… did the bandits not kill five citizens in the same Birnin Gwari LGA last month?”

He claimed that violent incidents continue to occur in multiple LGAs even after purported peace talks.

El-Rufai also criticised what he called performative gestures by security agencies and political figures, such as the public display of rescued victims and participation of senior officers at political events.

He accused the Kaduna State Government of tolerating or enabling violence against political opponents, pointing to the recent disruption of an ADC meeting in Kaduna as a case in point.

“Our appreciation for the sacrifices made by our military and security officers is deep. That is why we speak out about those saddled with immense responsibility two years ago who seem to view security management as a persistent exercise in propaganda,” he added.

El-Rufai concluded his statement by calling on the ONSA and the Kaduna State Government to focus on solving insecurity, rather than attempting to silence criticism.

“This charade by ONSA is being done gleefully at a steep cost to the finances of the country and the ethical fabric of our society.”

A convoy carrying former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, was attacked by suspected political thugs in Birnin Kebbi on Monday, resulting in several injuries and damaged vehicles.

Malami, who now leads the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State, had just returned to the state and was on a condolence visit to several bereaved families in the metropolis when the incident occurred.

Eyewitnesses reported that about 10 vehicles in the convoy were vandalized during the assault, and numerous supporters sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Speaking to journalists, Malami condemned the attack, calling it politically motivated:

“I was in Birnin Kebbi solely to pay condolences to families who lost their loved ones while I was away, not for political campaigns.

It’s painful and unfortunate. Some thugs emerged from the APC state headquarters, armed with weapons and stones, and attacked our convoy, destroying vehicles and injuring our supporters,” he said.

He added emphatically:

“When it comes to politics in Kebbi State, there is no retreat, no surrender.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State has denied any involvement in the incident. In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Isa Assalafy, the party condemned the violence and emphasized the state’s reputation for peace.

“No government that enjoys the massive support of the people and is confident of victory in 2027 would want the peace of the state disrupted,” Assalafy said.

However, he also alleged that the confrontation was escalated by armed security personnel attached to Malami’s convoy, who he claimed opened fire during the altercation.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kebbi State Police Command had not yet released an official statement regarding the attack.

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has named renowned technocrat and former Minister of Power, Professor Bart Nnaji, as the Chairman of a newly constituted 15-member Economic Team aimed at advancing the state’s industrialisation agenda.

The appointment was confirmed in a statement released by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor, who noted that the team is composed of carefully selected economists, industrialists and technocrats tasked with providing strategic direction for Ebonyi’s economic future.

Associate Professor Ben Uruchi Odoh will serve as the team’s Secretary.

Other appointed members include Chief Ben Oka, Chief Mrs. Augustina Nwaoma Ekuma, Dr. Joe Abah, High Chief Ituma Chukwuemeka Enviable, Gen. Abel Obi Umahi, Chief Chibuike Orogwu and Chief Dominic Nwibo.

Others are; Chief Elechi Innocent Ojiugwo, Anayo Omoke, Dr. Mark Abani, High Chief Ifeanyi Clement Okorie, Dr. Edward Nkwegu and Mr. Mike Chukwu.

Governor Nwifuru outlined the primary objectives of the team during its inauguration, stressing that the state faces significant development hurdles, particularly in the areas of power supply, resource utilisation, and industrial growth.

“People will be commending us for bringing industrialists, technocrats to guide us in the development of our dear State. We are badly challenged; that is why we say we must sit down and bring people to guide us.”

“Our manifesto is christened the People’s Charter of Needs. We want to industrialise this State. We want to show the world that we have what it takes to do business,” the governor declared.

He specifically directed the committee to focus on reviving the Nigerian Cement Company (NIGERCEM), initiating the creation of a new cement plant and establishing a salt production factory in line with Ebonyi’s identity as the “Salt of the Nation.”

“We need to establish a Salt production factory. We have the issue of power and I am happy the Chairman was a former Minister of Power.”

“We are the only State without the required energy for industrialisation. We want you to address the issue of power through your recommendations. We have created an industrial zone. You have the capacity to put an industry in this place,” Governor Nwifuru added.

Responding, Professor Nnaji applauded the governor’s bold vision and commitment to development.

“A visionary leader who reflects vision, boldness, and courage to drive the development process for the State,” he said, describing Nwifuru’s leadership style.

The team is expected to begin work immediately.

The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), has officially sworn in the 23 newly elected Local Government Chairmen, following the conclusion of local elections held across over 6,000 polling units on August 30.

The inauguration came just hours after the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) issued certificates of return to the winners.

In his address during the swearing-in ceremony, Ibas reminded the new officials that public office is not a reward but a responsibility.

“This victory is not a prize to be enjoyed. It is a burden to be carried… not a call to self-interest, but to selfless service,” he stated firmly.

Calling for a shift away from patronage politics, Ibas urged the chairmen to focus on service delivery, transparency and reforms that directly benefit citizens at the grassroots level.

The retired naval chief also linked the successful and peaceful conduct of the election to broader national efforts to restore constitutional order.

He referenced President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in March 2025, highlighting the election as a crucial step toward political normalization.

“You proved that democracy belongs to the people… and that no obstacle can weaken the resolve of a united citizenry,” he said, praising voters for their discipline.

Ibas commended RSIEC for conducting what he described as a transparent and peaceful poll and charged the new chairmen to familiarize themselves with the Nigerian Constitution and local government laws, which he called the “compass of stewardship.”

He also emphasized the importance of collaborating with traditional rulers, security agencies, and community leaders to ensure peace, supporting small businesses and improving local infrastructure as well as investing in education and participating in the ongoing biometric enrollment of local government staff to enhance payroll management and planning.

Ibas acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Council Administrators, applauding them for their leadership during a critical chapter in the state’s governance.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the recently held local government elections in Rivers State, describing the process as illegal, undemocratic, and a threat to Nigeria’s constitutional order.

Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, Obi criticized the conduct of the polls, which were overseen by a sole administrator, an appointment that has already stirred controversy across political and legal circles.

Obi did not mince words in his criticism, branding the exercise as “rascality taken too far” and warning that such undemocratic practices pose a serious danger to the future of governance in Nigeria.

> “The conduct of the Rivers State local government election is rascality taken too far,” Obi wrote. “It represents a double tragedy for our democracy when a sole administrator—himself illegally appointed—dares to conduct an election that should empower the people. This is not democracy; it is the outright desecration of its very foundation.”

The former Anambra State governor argued that the election process violated both the spirit and letter of the Nigerian Constitution, stripping the people of their right to choose their leaders, particularly at the grassroots level where governance has the most direct impact.

He further described the process as morally indefensible and legally untenable, stating that “illegality can never give birth to legitimacy.”

Obi’s remarks come amid growing outrage over the rising use of caretaker committees and sole administrators to oversee local governments across the country—an issue many legal analysts say undermines Nigeria’s federal structure and local government autonomy.

Calling for a return to democratic accountability, Obi urged political leaders to respect the will of the people by safeguarding the sanctity of the ballot box.

> “We cannot pretend to practise democracy while silencing the will of the people,” he said. “True progress can only be achieved when leaders derive their mandate from the people’s votes—not from contraptions that mock democracy.”

Observers have noted that Obi’s statement reflects widening calls for electoral reform and constitutional compliance, especially at the third tier of government. Civic groups, legal experts, and pro-democracy activists have continued to warn that failure to uphold democratic processes at the local level could further erode public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.

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