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The Rivers State Government has refuted claims circulating on social media that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has ordered the shutdown of oil operations in the state.

A viral post alleged that Governor Fubara issued a directive to close the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and other oil companies in Rivers State following a recent court ruling.

The post claimed, “Breaking News: Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara Shuts Down NNPC and All Oil Companies in Rivers State, Declares No Allocation for Rivers State, No Oil for Nigeria.”

The post further asserted, “In a bold move, Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara has ordered the shutdown of NNPC and all oil companies operating in Rivers State, declaring that without federal allocation for Rivers State, there will be no oil for Nigeria. Within minutes of the shutdown, Nigeria dropped in the global oil production ranking from 4th to 24th. Governor Fubara has openly challenged Minister Nyesom Wike and President Bola Tinubu to take action against this stance and see Nigeria boil.”

The backdrop to these claims involves a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, which restrained the Central Bank of Nigeria from disbursing financial allocations to the Rivers State government.

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Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued this verdict on Wednesday, determining that funds from the federation account should not be released to the state until a lawful appropriation act is passed by a validly constituted House of Assembly.

The Rivers State government has appealed this judgment, expressing confidence that the Appeal Court will overturn the decision.

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In response to the viral claims, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, issued a statement on Thursday, characterizing the report as false and a product of propaganda.

He emphasized that Fubara is dedicated to the rule of law and does not resort to unconventional methods to address governance issues.

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The statement reads, “The attention of Rivers State Government has been drawn to a spurious news item circulating on social media on ‘Gov. Siminalayi Fubara shutting down NNPCL and all oil companies in Rivers State.’ The report was not only false but concocted propaganda from the imagination of the author and enemies of the State. The story was also circulated by an inconsequential and unverified medium.”

Johnson concluded, “Governor Siminalayi Fubara is committed to the rule of law and does not rely on unconventional and crude approaches to respond to matters of governance. We, therefore, enjoin Rivers people and well-meaning Nigerians to discountenance the spurious and fake report as Governor Fubara at no time contemplated and/or directed such needless order of shutting down the economy for any reason.”

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Former senator Ishaku Abbo, who represented Adamawa North Senatorial District, has claimed that Nigerian democracy cannot thrive unless the judiciary is reformed to deliver true justice rather than injustice.

Abbo made these remarks during a recent interaction with journalists in Yola.

Abbo, who was ousted this year by the Appeal Court after initially winning a tribunal decision to return to the Senate for a second term, expressed deep concern over alleged corruption within the judiciary.

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He stated that the issue of vote-buying is more prevalent in the courts than in actual practice.

“My mandate was kidnapped in the courtroom by some judiciary bandits sitting on the throne of judgment,” he asserted. He emphasized the gravity of judicial appointments, saying, “Judgment is from God, so if you are appointed as a judge, it means you are representing God on earth. So, if you collect money to deliver injustice, you will answer before your creator on the last day.”

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Abbo further alleged, “A top judicial officer came to my hotel room in Abuja with his wife demanding money on behalf of the judges handling my case. I have the camera records. I want to talk to his people in Taraba State to caution him so that his career may not be terminated prematurely because of bribe money.”

The former senator criticized the political leadership in the north, stating that it has deteriorated due to the selfish interests of some leaders in the region.

He remarked, “You cannot blame president Bola Tinubu, because the majority of the northern leaders went to him and bargained for their personal gains and not on behalf of the north, so they have already harvested what belongs to the entire north.”

Regarding his political ambitions, Abbo revealed that he is considering a run for governor in the 2027 elections and is currently consulting with stakeholders.

He noted that he will soon make a public declaration about his intentions once his consultations are complete.

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However, he did not specify whether he would run under the banner of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressing dissatisfaction with the support he received during his judicial challenges.

“Like what former president Obasanjo said, I just dey watch if the crisis in APC Adamawa State is genuinely resolved. If yes, good and fine. If not, then the party is gone in Adamawa State,” he concluded.

A bill aimed at increasing the retirement age and years of service for health workers in Nigeria has successfully passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.

Sponsored by Wale Hammed (APC-Lagos), the legislation proposes to raise the retirement age from 60 to 65 years and extend the service years from 40 to 45.

During the debate, Hammed highlighted that the Harmonised Retirement Age for Health Workers in Nigeria Bill, 2024 was initially presented on October 10.

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He emphasized that the bill could significantly transform the healthcare sector by establishing a new mandatory retirement age and service duration for health professionals.

Hammed argued that increasing the retirement age would help retain experienced healthcare workers, enabling them to continue contributing their valuable expertise amidst a growing shortage of skilled professionals in the field.

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He noted that Nigeria’s healthcare system is grappling with a depletion of qualified personnel, primarily due to two factors: the migration of health workers seeking better opportunities abroad and the current mandatory retirement age of 60, which drives experienced professionals away.

“While we cannot control the migration of health workers, we can address the retirement age issue through this bill,” Hammed stated.

He also referenced precedents where the Federal Government had previously raised the retirement age for various public service categories, including judges and educators.

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The bill’s provisions state that health workers in Nigeria would be required to retire upon reaching 65 years of age or completing 40 years of pensionable service, whichever comes first.

Additionally, any existing public service rules mandating a 60-year retirement age or 35 years of service would not apply to health workers.

Hammed urged his colleagues to support the bill, highlighting its potential to improve the lives of millions of Nigerians and bolster the country’s economic growth.

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Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu referred the bill to the relevant committees for further consideration and legislative action.

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Lawmakers from Ekiti State are facing backlash for organizing an international retreat in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, scheduled for November 2024.

A letter from the Clerk of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Titilope Agbede, revealed that the retreat aims to enhance legislators’ skills in navigating complex policy issues and includes engagement with the Ekiti Kete Association in Canada.

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The letter, dated October 18, 2024, addressed to Barrister Adesina, the President of Ekiti Kete Canada, stated that the event seeks to equip lawmakers with knowledge to tackle policy implementation challenges.

The letter outlined the plan: “Members of Ekiti State House of Assembly and Officials, led by the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Honourable Adeoye Stephen Aribasoye, will attend an Executive Legislative Leadership Retreat in Brampton, Ontario. As part of our visit, the House intends to have a courtesy meeting with the Ekiti Kete Association to promote cultural development and governance.”

However, the announcement has drawn widespread criticism on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the timing of the trip amidst ongoing economic struggles in the country.

Reactions include:

@imOlatunj suggested, “Instead of this trip, why not enroll them in Afe Babalola University for leadership courses? Many politicians seem unaware of their responsibilities.”

@teebabah commented, “Let’s just say that Ekiti as a state is not thriving.”

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@djokaymegamixer highlighted, “The poverty in Ekiti is stark, and yet state resources are being used for this trip. It’s unfortunate that self-serving leaders continue to govern.”

@AdekunleOderind questioned, “How can this travel be justified? They could easily have online training, especially when people are struggling to make ends meet.”

@enitioluwafe expressed, “If true, this is a gross misuse of limited resources. For a governor who claims the state can’t meet the minimum wage, this is simply cruel.”

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@godblezme added, “Taxpayer money is being wasted. In 2024, these conferences could be held remotely, yet they choose to travel. It’s clear what’s happening here.”

@tarimartins10 remarked, “People in Ekiti sold their votes for N5k, so they must accept the consequences.”

@wilex_williams raised concerns about the inclusion of officials’ spouses on the trip, asking why they would accompany their partners on a government-funded visit.