The Rivers State Women Association of Nigeria (RIVSWAN) has strongly condemned what it calls an “unwarranted and malicious attack” by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against Dame Judith Amaechi, former First Lady of Rivers State.

The backlash follows Wike’s recent remarks on a national television programme, where he alleged that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was disbursing ₦4 billion monthly to Dame Amaechi for the training of Niger Delta women.

In response, Ichechi Welendu, RIVSWAN’s acting president, issued a statement rejecting the claims and accusing the minister of spreading misinformation.

“The entire allegation is not only laughable but an embarrassment to public discourse,” Welendu said.

“It reflects either a gross misunderstanding of the NDDC’s budgetary structure or a deliberate effort to smear the name of a respected woman of substance.”

Describing Wike’s claims as “baseless falsehoods driven by bitterness, ignorance, and a worrying lack of self-restraint,” RIVSWAN urged the public to dismiss what it called “a concocted story fueled by personal vendetta and misinformation.”

Welendu praised Dame Judith Amaechi’s record of service and highlighted her work through the Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI), a non-governmental organisation focused on girl-child education and women’s empowerment across the Niger Delta.

The group stressed that the former First Lady had used her personal resources to uplift women and should not be “subjected to public ridicule based on unfounded accusations.”

They further criticized Wike’s remarks on live television, calling them a “slap on the face of Rivers women” and a “disgraceful abuse of national platforms.”

RIVSWAN went on to demand that the FCT Minister either present documentary evidence to back his allegations or formally retract the statement.

“Dame Judith Amaechi is a moral compass, a gospel preacher, and a champion of good governance,” the group declared.
“Her support for her husband, former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, during his era of infrastructural transformation is well documented.”

The association warned that if Wike fails to substantiate his claims, it may trigger “legitimate actions, including peaceful protests across Rivers State.”

They also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to call Wike to order, describing his comments as “unguided utterances” and “unbecoming of a federal cabinet member.”

Reaffirming their support for Dame Amaechi, the women described her as a symbol of progress and leadership.

“Her contributions helped restore Rivers State to its cherished status as the Garden City. We stand with her,” Welendu concluded.

Human rights lawyer and civil rights advocate Dele Farotimi has stressed that any coalition of opposition parties aiming for political success in the 2027 elections will be pointless unless meaningful electoral reforms are pursued and demanded by the Nigerian people.

Farotimi made the assertion while speaking on Channels TV’s State of the Nation programme, where he underscored the urgent need for a transparent and accountable electoral process in Nigeria.

“Every coalition of opposition will work in vain, if the people fail to demand electoral reforms. The system is rigged ab initio,” Farotimi declared.

Expressing doubt over the current administration’s willingness to initiate such reforms, Farotimi questioned the sincerity of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led APC government, which he accused of benefiting from electoral malpractice.

“I think it will be not only simplistic but exceedingly foolish when you want to expect that All Progressives Congress (APC) government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be interested in an electoral reform that would ensure transparency in the electoral process. This is a government that is beneficial of an electoral hijack,” he stated.

The activist’s concerns were also grounded in his personal experience during the 2023 election cycle.

He recounted his role in overseeing part of the election process in Lagos State, raising serious allegations against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“I was charged with the duty of collecting Form EC8A from INEC in Lagos State, and I can say without equivocation that the then INEC commissioner in Lagos State could not produce a single Form EC8A because the entire result in Lagos State was a fraud,” he alleged.

Farotimi emphasized that Nigerian citizens must not remain passive but should be bold in making demands for electoral accountability and justice, even through peaceful demonstrations if necessary.

“Power is not served; you grab it, snatch it, and you run with it. But it is the right of citizens to expect to be given the power to vote and decide who rules them,” he said.

He further stressed the importance of citizens’ voices being not only heard but respected in shaping the country’s democratic future.

“We should be making that demand very clearly,” Farotimi emphasised.

According to him, electoral reform is not merely a political issue but a civic necessity that demands the attention of all citizens, civil society, and government alike.

“The Nigerian people are the victims of gross abuse of power and process,” he concluded, reaffirming their right to demand a fair and credible electoral system.

Minister of Power Bayo Adelabu has formally declared his intention to contest for the governorship of Oyo State in the 2027 general election.

The announcement came during consultations with All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders and stakeholders across the Ogbomoso and Oyo zones of the state on Friday.

Speaking at the residence of a key APC leader, Ayoade Adeseun, in Ogbomoso, Adelabu revealed that the visit was part of ongoing efforts to build consensus and rally support for his bid.

“I’m here to tell you that I want to contest for governor of Oyo State in 2027. I’m ready to put to test all experience I’ve gathered from the past two elections,” he said.

Adelabu, who was the APC governorship candidate in 2019, sought to ease concerns about internal party imposition, assuring stakeholders that the race would be open and competitive.

“I’m up to the task, I want to show them that I can withstand and survive competition and come out victorious,” he asserted.

Addressing past grievances within the party, he urged aggrieved members to bury the hatchet and unite behind the goal of reclaiming the state in 2027.

“I’m not against other zones becoming governor of the state, all I know is that God’s time is the best,” he added.

“Ogbomoso is very important in this state election, I’m here to seek for your support and backing, I’m happy to see that all the factions in Ogbomoso are now one.”

Adelabu also emphasized the significance of supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election for the continuity of Yoruba leadership at the national level.

“This is another turn of Yorubas to serve their two terms as President of Nigeria. Nigeria has a lot to benefit if Tinubu is re-elected,” he said.

In Oyo town, he reinforced his commitment to inclusive governance and equitable representation.

“I will run all inclusive government where everybody will be involved in governance of the state and no one will be left behind if I become governor of the state in 2027,” he promised.

“I’m here for people to know that no one can impose anybody, I want to work and prove to our party members that I’m up to the task, I want to show them that I can withstand and survive competition and come out victorious.”

Adelabu described Oyo as a personal political base, expressing gratitude for the continued loyalty of his supporters.

“Oyo is like a second home to me, my supporters, followers, associates and allied are all here, they have been supporting me in the past and they are ready to support me again,” he said.

“I will give what is due to Oyo. Oyo zone deserves better treatment because it is symbolic, Oyo is historical, symbolic and blessing to the entire state.”

Also speaking at the event, Adeseun and Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, son of former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, urged APC members to unite ahead of the 2027 elections and work collectively to ensure the party’s return to power in the state.

The Federal Government has expressed its willingness to negotiate the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), but emphasized that such discussions should not be tied to political bargaining or regional support.

Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, made the statement on Friday night during an interaction with journalists in Lagos.

Dismissing suggestions that the South East had made Kanu’s release a precondition for supporting President Bola Tinubu, Umahi said:

“Somebody asked me about Nnamdi Kanu, and I said his matter is not a condition for the South East to support the President.
We are willing to negotiate his release, but no one should make it a condition because the President did not put him there.”

The minister praised President Tinubu’s performance since assuming office, describing him as a responsive and reform-driven leader.

Umahi expressed optimism that a resolution to Kanu’s detention would be achieved, but stressed that it must happen through non-confrontational means.

“President Tinubu may not be perfect, but he is doing most things right.
Look at where he picked up the economy from.
The international community has confidence in his reforms.
That is why we are getting support for our projects.”

Umahi affirmed the South East’s support for President Tinubu and indicated the region’s readiness to back his re-election in 2027.

He pointed to various ongoing infrastructure projects in the region, many of which he said had been long abandoned—as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to development.

“Let those criticising the President show us what they have done for the country,” he added.

Responding to concerns over alleged marginalisation in federal appointments, Umahi dismissed the claims and argued that the current administration had done more for the South East than many of its predecessors.

He urged political unity in the region, regardless of party affiliation, and commended even opposition governors for cooperating with the Tinubu-led government.

Regarding his own political future, Umahi addressed rumours of a potential presidential bid in 2027:

“I will not run. I will work for my boss, President Tinubu.
APC is the path to achieving what we want.
The South East now has a voice at the centre.
We will not return to Egypt.”

A sharp disagreement has emerged in Akwa Ibom State as the Ibibio ethnic group has firmly opposed the proposal to create an Obolo State from parts of Akwa Ibom, stating that they will not surrender any of their ancestral lands currently occupied by the Obolo people.

This firm stance was articulated by Ifim Ibom Ibibio, the apex traditional leadership body of the Ibibios, during the South-South public hearing on the 1999 constitutional amendment, held in Ikot Ekpene.

The session was officially opened by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Dr. Samuel Udonsak, President-General of the Ekid People’s Union, delivered the memorandum on behalf of the Ifim Ibom Ibibio.

He noted that although the Ibibio people support the creation of new states in Nigeria, they are strongly opposed to any move that would involve taking parts of their land to form the proposed Obolo State.

He said: “In the current constitutional amendment process/exercise, Ifim Ibom Ibibio notes that Nigerian people have made requests to the National Assembly for the creation of 31 additional (new) States across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

“As shown in the public hearing invitation document recently published by the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution, we know and note in particular that there is a request for the creation of Obolo State from the present Akwa Ibom State and Rivers State of South-South Nigeria.”

Dr. Udonsak clarified that the Obolo people, who reside in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, have every right to seek a state of their own, but that right does not extend to appropriating land from the Ibibios.

“Ifim Ibom Ibibio recognizes and respects the right of the Obolo people currently living in Eastern Obolo LGA of Akwa Ibom State, to seek a geopolitical entity (a State) of their own.

Ifim Ibom Ibibio, however, firmly holds the position that no part, no inch of Ibibio land, in any of the 16 Ibibio LGAs shall be excised or carved out to create Obolo State, or any other State for that matter, which is not formally, legitimately and collectively demanded by Ibibio people, the owners of the ancestral lands they occupy.”

He listed the 16 Local Government Areas identified as Ibibio territories in the First Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, including Eket, Esit Eket, Etinan, Ibiono Ibom, Ini, and Uyo, among others.

He emphasized that the April 27, 2023 gazetted map of Akwa Ibom clearly demarcates these boundaries.

“The ancestral/authentic boundaries of these LGAs are clearly demarcated and delineated in the APPROVED, OFFICIAL, AND GAZETTED (APRIL 27, 2023) MAP OF AKWA IBOM STATE.”

Summarizing the Ibibio position, Udonsak said:

“In sum, the position of Ifim Ibom Ibibio and all Ibibio people at large, home and in the diaspora, is that no village, no section, no part, no inch of any of these Ibibio LGAs shall be made part of the proposed Obolo State, or any other State.”

Citing historical claims, he argued:

“As evident from established historical facts, all the parcels of land currently occupied by the Obolo people in the Eastern Obolo LGA of Akwa Ibom State were leased to their forebears by the Ibibio people on a royalty-paying basis.”

While maintaining that the Ibibios seek peaceful coexistence, he stressed their opposition to any forced land concession:

“Ifim Ibom Ibibio and Ibibio people at large, have no problem with the request of their Obolo brothers and sisters for the creation of Obolo State for their separate identity.

However, the Ibibio are totally opposed to the annexture of any part, any inch of Ibibio land to the proposed Obolo State. This is our firm conclusion and position on the matter.”

Meanwhile, the Obolo people, during their presentation at the hearing, maintained their demand for a state of their own, citing marginalization within Akwa Ibom as justification.

The Nigerian Senate has stated it will not immediately recall suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan until she complies with a Federal High Court directive mandating her to issue a formal apology.

Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, clarified the Senate’s position in reaction to the recent court ruling.

He emphasized that while the court acknowledged the Senate’s authority to discipline its members, reinstatement would be subject to Akpoti-Uduaghan fulfilling the court’s orders.

“The court has not ousted the Senate’s statutory right to punish any erring senator,” Adaramodu said.
“It was established that the senator in question erred. The court has already told her to go and do some things, like restitution, so after the restitution, the Senate will now sit again and consider the content of that restitution, and that will inform our next line of action.”

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was suspended in March for six months over alleged gross misconduct.

The suspension followed her clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, reportedly over sitting arrangements.

The conflict escalated when Akpoti-Uduaghan, in a national TV interview, accused Akpabio of retaliating after she rejected alleged sexual advances—an accusation the Senate President strongly denied.

Akpoti-Uduaghan subsequently filed a lawsuit (FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025), challenging her suspension.

In her ruling, Justice Nyako declared parts of the Senate’s Standing Rules and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act as overreaching, especially since they lacked a time limit for disciplinary suspensions.

The judge ruled that: “The court is not saying that the Senate lacks the power to sanction a member. However, such sanctions must not negate the constitutional right of constituents to be represented in parliament.”

Justice Nyako emphasized that the Senate’s suspension of the senator for 180 days, nearly the entire 181-day legislative year, effectively denied the people of Kogi Central proper representation in national affairs.

However, the court also found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of civil contempt for a satirical apology she posted on Facebook on April 27, which was deemed to have mocked the legal proceedings. Justice Nyako ruled:

“After reviewing the post and the application before her instituted by the third respondent, she was satisfied that it was linked to the suspension matter before the court and therefore found the plaintiff guilty of contempt.”

As part of her judgment, the judge ordered the senator to issue a genuine apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days, and to pay a ₦5 million fine.

When asked if the Senate would appeal the ruling, Adaramodu replied:

“Which judgment are we appealing when they (court) said the Senate has the right to discipline its erring members?”

He added that the Senate would only reconvene to deliberate after Akpoti-Uduaghan complies with the court’s instructions.

“The onus is no more on us now; it is already on her doorstep to go and apologise. Once she does that, then the Senate will sit and look at the content of her reaction as prescribed by the court.”

Legal counsel to the Senate, Paul Dauda, SAN, described the ruling as a partial victory for the upper chamber, particularly regarding the contempt issue.

“The first application filed by the Senate, that no social media posts should have been made, was decided in our favour.”

“The court directed that the satirical apology be taken down and that a proper apology be published in two national dailies. Additionally, damages of ₦5 million were awarded to be paid to the court.”

Dauda also noted that the court did not explicitly order Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement but suggested that the Senate could reconsider the issue after her compliance.

“There was no relief asking for the suspension to be lifted. The judge only made what we call an obiter dictum, a non-binding remark, that the suspension may have been excessive. We will consult with our colleagues, read the full judgment, and respond accordingly.”

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has officially dispelled recent speculation suggesting he is defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement released by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke reassured his supporters that he remains firmly rooted in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and continues to serve as its leader in the state.

Stressfully countering the widespread rumors, he declared:

“I assure the good people of Osun that I remain part and parcel of the PDP family. I am not defecting to any party.”

Adeleke also reaffirmed his commitment to his administration’s ongoing five-point development agenda, urging citizens to ignore the false reports and focus on the delivery of “good governance and democratic dividends.”

The Osun State PDP, represented by Chairman Sunday Bisi, also condemned the defection rumors as deliberate distraction tactics by political outcasts. Bisi asserted:

“Those peddling the lie of decamping are merely rejected politicians and agents of retrogression, who are terrified by the growing popularity and performance of Governor Adeleke, despite their continued attempts to derail the people-centred progress being made.”

He urged party members and the wider public to stay confident in the administration’s direction, emphasizing that the PDP remains united and committed to deepening its mission:

“Let it be firmly stated that the PDP remains intact, cohesive, and more committed than ever to the renewed mission of rescuing and rebuilding Osun State.”

Highlighting the government’s approach to leadership, Bisi emphasized the administration’s openness to public participation:

“The PDP administration, in line with its open-door policy, remains transparent and inclusive. The good people of Osun will continue to be carried along in all political and governance processes. Your voices are heard, your feedbacks are valued, and your concerns are being addressed with utmost sincerity.”

He added a warning to those behind the rumor campaign:

“We urge the citizens of Osun to dismiss the mischief of those whose only legacy is to plunder the resources of our dear state. The Adeleke administration, backed by the PDP, is focused on service delivery, responsive governance, and the upliftment of all communities across our dear state.”