A political crisis has erupted in Edo State’s local government areas, leading to the impeachment of two local government chairmen and growing tensions in the state.

On Wednesday, councillors from Uhunmwonde and Orhionmwon local government areas ousted their respective chairmen, intensifying political instability within the area.

Meanwhile, Aminu Okodo-Kadiri, the chairman of Owan East Local Government Area, rejected claims of his own impeachment, describing the process as illegal and unconstitutional.

In Uhunmwonde, chaos ensued after gunmen, allegedly policemen from the government house, reportedly attacked bystanders, resulting in multiple injuries.

The Uhunmwonde chairman, Kenneth Adodo, accused the assailants of being sent by the state government.

In Orhionmwon, councillors impeached the Leader of the House, Daniel Osariemen, who was allegedly leading an attempt to impeach the chairman, Newman Ugiagbe, and his deputy, Midwest Ogbebor.

The councillors replaced Osariemen with Chuks Isan. Osariemen had reportedly taken over the council secretariat in Abudu and declared himself acting chairman, a move that Ugiagbe’s supporters labeled as illegal.

Ugiagbe’s spokesperson, Roy Osariemen, maintained that Ugiagbe remained the legitimate chairman, calling the actions in Abudu unlawful.

Okodo-Kadiri, on the other hand, spoke out against the impeachment proceedings in Owan East, claiming they violated the Edo State Local Government Law of 2000.

According to Okodo-Kadiri, the legal requirements for impeachment, including signed allegations, a seven-member investigative panel, and the opportunity to defend himself, were not met.

He also contended that the mace used during the impeachment was not the official one, rendering the process invalid.

Dismissing claims of financial mismanagement, particularly the alleged misappropriation of ₦50 million for salaries, Okodo-Kadiri insisted the allegations were unfounded and pointed to clear bank records to prove no salaries were owed.

He further argued that the councillors involved in the impeachment had been suspended for misconduct, further invalidating their actions.

Okodo-Kadiri vowed to seek justice through the courts, believing the judiciary would restore his position and uphold the rule of law.

Efforts to contact the Edo State Police Command for comments on the incidents were unsuccessful, as the Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, did not respond to calls.

The National Rescue Movement (NRM) has rejected the viral online registration scheme circulating on social media, which asks for a fee to become a member of the party.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, NRM’s National Chairman, Isaac Udeh, stated that the party’s national leadership was unaware of the fraudulent activity and has no connection to the online registration request.

“We are, therefore, issuing this disclaimer to warn the general public to disregard it and not fall prey to the scammers,” Udeh said.

The online post in question advertised a ₦500 fee for membership registration and card issuance, along with a monthly subscription fee of ₦500. It directed potential members to make payments to a bank account under the name “Concerned Stakeholders Forum” at Fidelity Bank, with promises of a 12-digit pin for online registration.

Udeh emphasized that the NRM did not authorize the scheme and urged the public to stay cautious of such deceptive practices.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has officially signed the 2025 Appropriation Bill, amounting to N1.1 trillion, into law.

The bill was passed by the state’s five-man House of Assembly, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, who presented it on Monday.

The signing took place on Thursday, and during the ceremony, Governor Fubara reaffirmed that Oko-Jumbo remains the legitimate Speaker of the state Assembly.

The governor further declared that Martins Amaewhule, along with 26 other lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), are no longer recognized as members of the Assembly, in accordance with the law.

Fubara addressed the issue of the defections, comparing the situation to a failed journey where the defectors realized their mistake too late.

He emphasized that the matter had been given enough time for resolution, and the state had moved on. “We are not going back,” he asserted, stressing the importance of prioritizing the interests of Rivers State.

The governor expressed his commitment to ensuring the full implementation of the 2025 budget, citing that the focus would remain on achieving even greater success in areas such as education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure, building on the achievements of 2024.

He also thanked all those involved in the passage of the bill, particularly his management team, including his deputy and the commissioner for finance.

He urged them to continue their hard work to meet the state’s larger goals.

In response, Speaker Oko-Jumbo praised Fubara’s leadership, particularly his initiatives that have enhanced the welfare of the people, including the civil servants who have benefitted from the N85,000 minimum wage and Christmas bonuses.

He assured that the Assembly would continue to collaborate with the governor to ensure further progress and development in 2025.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has openly sidelined his former mentor and predecessor, Nyesom Wike, in the state’s political landscape, instead praising former Governor Peter Odili as the cornerstone of Rivers politics.

Fubara’s remarks, made during the 2025 New Year State Banquet at the Government House in Port Harcourt, come amid an ongoing power struggle between him and Wike, as well as recent tensions between Wike and Odili.

The governor expressed that his administration would not tolerate any attempts by individuals or groups to obstruct its efforts in providing effective governance to the people of Rivers State.

Fubara emphasized that, with the backing of key political figures like Odili, Sir Celestine Omehia, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sir Austin Opara, and other leaders, his government would remain unshaken in its goals for the state.

Fubara assured the people of Rivers that his administration would fiercely defend the state’s integrity. “We won’t allow anyone to take this state for a ride,” he declared.

He also conveyed that the government’s approach would remain issue-focused, rejecting any form of confrontation.

He confidently stated that nothing would hinder the government’s progress, referencing how his detractors had previously backed down when they sought reconciliation.

While expressing his unwavering faith in God and the people of Rivers, Fubara made it clear that he was unfazed by opposition forces.

He praised the support from seasoned political leaders, stating, “Dr. Peter Odili is the face of Rivers politics, and if he stands with us, who do they have?”

He underscored that those who opposed the government lacked the kind of influential leadership present on his side, highlighting Odili and other prominent figures as the true architects of the state’s political success.

Reflecting on the previous year, Fubara acknowledged the challenges his administration faced but emphasized that his government had made significant progress.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the “Rivers First” policy, stressing that the safety and well-being of the state’s people would remain a top priority.

He also vowed to continue raising the standards of governance, despite the distractions and opposition.

Looking ahead to 2025, the governor declared it would be a year of major accomplishments.

He revealed that his administration would soon begin commissioning a variety of projects, particularly noting improvements to the state’s Fire Service.

He proudly mentioned that, after nine years without a functional service, his government had procured new vehicles and was remodeling fire service facilities.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has criticized President Bola Tinubu for spending over 30% of his time abroad during his first 580 days in office.

Obi, speaking at a media chat in Abuja on Thursday, pointed out that the president had made more than 30 recorded overseas trips, which amounted to roughly 180 days spent abroad.

Obi, who has long been a critic of the current administration, called on President Tinubu to dedicate more time to visiting Nigeria’s 36 states in 2025, saying that each state should receive at least two days of presidential attention.

He argued that this would provide the president with a better understanding of the nation’s economic and security challenges, while also improving his connection with the people.

“Mr. President, as you approach the new year, I implore you to use at least 20% of 2025—approximately 72 days—to visit each of Nigeria’s states, engaging with citizens and seeing firsthand the issues they face,” Obi said.

He also suggested that the president visit national hospitals to personally assess the condition of healthcare facilities, which, according to Obi, are in dire need of improvement.

Furthermore, Obi recommended that Tinubu travel by road to observe the state of Nigeria’s infrastructure, citing the poor condition of many highways.

He recalled his own experience as Governor of Anambra State, when former President Olusegun Obasanjo visited a federal highway and subsequently approved its reconstruction after seeing its deteriorating state.

The former governor also emphasized the need for Tinubu to visit military formations and security agencies to boost morale and provide support for operational efficiency.

He also urged the president to visit internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, emphasizing that many Nigerians are “refugees” in their own country due to ongoing insecurity.

In addition to these recommendations, Obi called for more aggressive action against corruption, stressing the importance of transparency in public procurement and the responsible management of the country’s debt.

He advocated for linking future borrowing to regenerative investments that would benefit Nigeria and support long-term development.

Obi concluded his remarks by calling for direct communication from President Tinubu to the Nigerian people, rather than relying on proxies, and urged for quarterly updates on the government’s progress in addressing the nation’s challenges.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has refuted claims of ongoing merger negotiations with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), or any other political party.

Obi made this clarification during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, where he discussed the current political situation and the state of the nation.

The former Governor of Anambra State stated that no discussions or agreements have been made regarding a merger with any party, despite recent speculations.

He further urged Nigerians to come together in preparation for the 2027 elections, emphasizing the importance of unity in overcoming the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and charting a new course for the country.

Marcel Ngogbehei, the Director-General of the Labour Party’s Directorate of Mobilization and Integration, has issued a stern warning to party members and supporters of the Obidient movement, urging them to avoid actions that could cause division within the ranks.

Ngogbehei stressed that disunity would weaken their chances of unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

In a New Year message, Ngogbehei emphasized the importance of unity and collective effort, urging Labour Party members to stay focused on the party’s goal of dismantling the APC’s hold on power.

He explained that only a united opposition could successfully challenge the ruling party, urging his colleagues to strengthen their internal cohesion as the Labour Party prepares for the 2027 electoral contest.

Ngogbehei referred to 2025 as the “Year of Unveiling,” signaling a crucial year for the Labour Party to move from vision to action.

He called on all members to maintain hope, work together, and continue rallying Nigerians to join the movement for a fairer and more prosperous nation.

Acknowledging the many challenges ahead, Ngogbehei encouraged party members to prioritize the broader goal of rescuing Nigeria from current inefficiencies, setting aside personal differences to ensure the success of the movement.

The DG stressed that integrity, equity, and justice must remain the foundation of their collective efforts.

Ngogbehei also called for deeper collaboration and stronger integration within the party and among all movement stakeholders, urging them to stay committed to the cause.

He concluded with a call for unity and collective action in order to make the dream of a transformed Nigeria a reality.

He stated, “As we enter 2025, I am filled with optimism and gratitude for the resilience and dedication of the Obidient Movement. This year, we must turn our collective hopes into concrete action and push forward with even greater unity.

“However, I must address a crucial point: any attempts to sow discord within the movement must be reconsidered. Divisions only undermine our strength and play into the hands of those who have no regard for the people’s welfare.

“Only a united, focused opposition can successfully challenge the APC and bring about the change Nigeria desperately needs. Together, we are stronger, and together, we will achieve the future we dream of.”

Ngogbehei urged Labour Party supporters to stay steadfast, keeping the flame of hope alive, and to continue working towards a united, prosperous Nigeria.