Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced plans to present the state’s 2025 budget to the State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo.

The governor expressed his commitment to continued collaboration between the executive and legislative branches, noting the positive working relationship that has facilitated the swift passage of executive bills and the smooth screening of nominees.

Fubara made this announcement during the commissioning of two modern community town halls and the launch of a scholarship and empowerment programme in Akiama and Aganya communities, located in Bonny Local Government Area, on Saturday.

The event was attended by key state officials, including the Speaker, Oko-Jumbo, and was highlighted in a statement issued from Port Harcourt by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi.

In his address, which was delivered by his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, Governor Fubara extended congratulations to the Speaker, commending him for his role in facilitating the government’s agenda.

He assured that while the legislative arm of government remains independent, the executive would continue to work closely with the Assembly to foster the prosperity of Rivers State.

He particularly thanked the Speaker for his leadership in the screening of caretaker committee chairmen and the rapid passage of executive requests.

The governor also took the opportunity to contrast the Speaker’s proactive engagement with the Assembly with the inaction of 25 former lawmakers, who he described as “Abuja-based politicians. Constituency projects are a reflection of the commitment of elected representatives to their people. I ask, where are the projects from the former 25 members? Are they initiating or inspecting anything? They are nowhere to be found.”

Fubara praised the Speaker for the town hall projects, financial empowerment initiatives for 100 Bonny indigenes, and the award of tertiary scholarships to 30 students from Bonny.

Speaker Oko-Jumbo thanked the people of Bonny for their continued support for the 10th Assembly and reiterated his confidence in the Governor’s leadership.

He assured the people that despite any opposition from former lawmakers or other detractors, the Assembly would remain focused on delivering for the state.

He also highlighted the inclusion of Bonny Local Government in the upcoming 2025 budget, ensuring that the community’s infrastructure needs would be addressed.

“The 2025 budget, to be presented soon by His Excellency, will include critical infrastructure projects for Bonny Local Government,” Oko-Jumbo affirmed.

Alhaji Khamisu Mailantarki, the governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Gombe State, has officially defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), bringing along thousands of his supporters.

Mailantarki made the announcement during a political event held in Gombe on Saturday, where he expressed his belief in the leadership of former Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, citing his leadership qualities as a key reason for his return to the PDP.

He explained, “We began our political journey with the PDP, later helped form the All Progressives Congress (APC), and then joined the NNPP. Now, we are returning to the PDP, where we feel most at home under the leadership of Dankwambo.”

Mailantarki also criticized the current APC administration in the state, accusing it of neglecting the poor.

He pointed to the government’s actions, such as land seizures and the introduction of a biometric attendance system for public servants, which he argued unfairly burdened workers struggling to make it to the office due to the harsh economic conditions.

“The biometric attendance system has been especially detrimental to those already struggling to cope with the economic challenges, as some states have even reduced workdays to just three per week,” he added.

In his remarks, the PDP Chairman in Gombe State, Gen. Abner Kwaskebe (rtd), welcomed Mailantarki into the party and emphasized the PDP’s enduring influence in the state.

He declared, “In 2027, we will do everything possible to regain leadership in Gombe State.”

Kwaskebe assured that the PDP would embrace both long-time and new members in the spirit of unity, stressing that the party would work towards strengthening its base and fostering cohesion.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will secure re-election in 2027, despite the recent US election results which saw former President Donald Trump defeat Vice President Kamala Harris.

The APC urged opposition parties in Nigeria not to become overly optimistic following Trump’s victory, asserting that Tinubu’s leadership and policies will lead him to another win.

Trump’s comeback victory in the United States presidential election on Wednesday shocked the world, as the 78-year-old businessman became the 47th president, making history as the oldest person ever to hold the office.

In response to the US election, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, described the result as a testament to democracy.

Ifoh also pointed out that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nigeria could learn valuable lessons from the US electoral process, particularly in how the American electorate disregarded the incumbency factor, a major influence in African, and particularly Nigerian, politics.

Similarly, Ladipo Johnson, spokesperson for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), questioned when Nigeria would move past the era of leaders who use the power of incumbency and security forces to stifle opposition.

He praised the US system for its complexity and progression but lamented Nigeria’s reliance on incumbency.

However, APC National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, urged the opposition not to draw parallels between the US and Nigerian elections.

He emphasized that the political and electoral contexts of the two countries are very different.

Ibrahim reminded critics that in Nigeria, the incumbency factor does not always guarantee success, citing the 2015 election where former President Muhammadu Buhari defeated then-incumbent Goodluck Jonathan.

Ibrahim expressed strong confidence in Tinubu’s chances in 2027, stating that as the president’s economic reforms begin to yield results, Nigerians would rally behind him.

He argued that the benefits of these reforms would start to become apparent by 2026 or 2027, leading to widespread support for the APC and Tinubu’s re-election.

“The reforms may be painful initially, but in the long run, the country will see the rewards,” Ibrahim said.

“It will be difficult for anyone, especially an outsider who has failed the country before and is still grappling with internal crises, to defeat an incumbent president who is delivering results.”

Ibrahim also dismissed concerns about the opposition, which he claimed is still dealing with leadership challenges.

“The opposition is not a threat. The APC is strategically preparing for 2027, and we are confident in the president’s ability to secure a second term. We are not resting; we are already planning for the future.”

He concluded by asserting that the APC and the president are fully aware of the opposition’s tactics but remain focused on delivering the necessary reforms that will ensure victory in the next election.

“When the time comes, the APC will be ready and will not be caught off guard,” he added.

The outgoing Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a loan of between N2 billion and N5 billion to fund the upcoming inauguration of the Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, scheduled for November 12.

Obaseki made this claim during the inauguration of a caretaker committee for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benin City.

He expressed concern that, despite the state facing financial obligations amounting to nearly N27 billion for ongoing projects, the APC was borrowing funds for the inauguration, rather than addressing pressing state debts.

He lamented that the outgoing administration was being excluded from the transition process, highlighting that he was not even invited to the inauguration ceremony.

“Instead of using available funds to pay off outstanding debts and project costs, they have resorted to borrowing money for the inauguration,” Obaseki said, emphasizing that this could complicate the state’s financial situation further.

Obaseki also accused the APC of trying to manipulate public perception by spending excessively during this transition period. “They are doing all this to confuse the people and alter their perception of the incoming government. They are presenting it as though it is a brand-new state and government, completely disconnected from the outgoing one.” He said.

Despite the tension, Obaseki assured PDP members that he would remain involved in the party and continue to offer guidance.

He also reiterated his commitment to fighting for the restoration of what he described as the “stolen mandate” of the PDP, insisting that the struggle was not just for the party’s candidate, but for the future of Nigeria’s democracy.

In response, Prince Kassim Afegbua, a member of the APC transition committee, rejected Obaseki’s claims.

He questioned why the outgoing government was not fulfilling its duty to organize the inauguration of the new governor.

“Shouldn’t it be the outgoing administration organizing the inauguration? Does it make sense for someone coming into office to plan their own swearing-in?” Afegbua remarked, dismissing the accusations as baseless and arguing that the APC had no obligation to include Obaseki in the event.

Ahead of the November 12 inauguration of Sen. Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the new governor of Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki has officially dissolved his cabinet.

The dissolution took place following a valedictory session at the Government House in Benin on Friday.

Obaseki, whose tenure began on November 12, 2016, is set to conclude his eight-year term on November 12, 2024.

At the session, Obaseki expressed his gratitude to members of the State Executive Council for their support in advancing the government’s vision of making Edo a great state.

His deputy, Godwins Omobayo, moved the motion for the dissolution, which was seconded by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Osilama Okuofu.

During the event, members of the cabinet praised Obaseki for his leadership and the opportunities he provided during his administration.

They also highlighted his achievements in various sectors of the state.

The outgoing commissioners and heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) presented awards and gifts to Obaseki as a gesture of appreciation for his leadership.

The valedictory session culminated in a dinner hosted in honor of the governor, marking the end of his tenure and the transition to the new administration.