News
Humbled: Fubara Buckles In Renewed Row With Lawmakers
Barely two months after the suspension of emergency rule in Rivers State and the reinstatement of democratic structures, tensions have resurfaced between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule.
During its 31st Legislative Sitting, the House condemned the vandalisation of property at the Township School in Port Harcourt and other schools across the state. Lawmakers lamented the decayed infrastructure in public primary and secondary schools and accused the executive arm of doing little to address the situation.
Acting on the report of the House Committee on Education, lawmakers questioned what Governor Fubara had done with the more than N600 billion reportedly left in the state’s coffers by the immediate past Sole Administrator, Rear Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas (rtd), when he exited office in September.
Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had in February 2025 suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the State House of Assembly for six months over a prolonged political crisis that was said to have crippled governance. When democratic structures returned on September 18, 2025, it was claimed that the governor, his predecessor and political benefactor Nyesom Wike, and the Assembly had resolved to work together for the stability of the state.
The latest exchanges now suggest that the fragile peace may be cracking.
Speaking during plenary, Speaker Martins Amaewhule accused the Rivers State Government of failing to address the deplorable condition of schools, alleging that available funds were instead spent on sponsoring protests.
“Public schools in Rivers State, particularly at the primary and secondary school levels, are in deplorable conditions; it is a fact,” Amaewhule said. “The reason is abandonment by people who were supposed to do the needful. As of yesterday, the House Committee Chairman on Education discovered a school where one teacher is teaching two classes. There is no toilet, no electricity, yet that school shares a fence with the PHED headquarters.
“That school is directly opposite the police headquarters, yet vandals have taken over and destroyed what little facilities they had. The worst is that despite the concerns we raised when this motion first came up, nothing has happened. The Rivers State Executive Council has done nothing to remedy the situation. It is a sad commentary.”
The Speaker said the state could not continue to operate schools without teachers and recalled that the last administration had initiated a process to employ 10,000 workers before leaving office. “What happened to that plan?” he asked.
“But when it is time for protest, funds will come. When it is time to employ teachers and put them in the classrooms, there will be no money. We cannot fold our arms while our children continue to suffer and our teachers continue to cry,” he added.
Amaewhule questioned why a state with significant financial resources had not moved to address the basic needs of its schools.
“Is it that we don’t have funds? Of course we have. As at the time Administrator Ibas was leaving, he left over N600 billion in the account of Rivers State. Can’t such funds be used to remedy the situation in our schools?” he asked.
He said it was unacceptable for schools near the Government House to be so short-staffed that “pedestrians are called in to help teach pupils.”
“We are the only people mandated by law to fight for our people. This should not happen in Rivers State,” he added.
Responding to the accusations, Governor Fubara said his administration would only employ workers based on the genuine needs of the state, not for political satisfaction.
Speaking at the 123rd/124th Combined Quarterly General Meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers on Monday, the governor said the rot in the education sector did not begin under his administration and that steps were being taken to address the challenges.
“Our vision is clear,” he said. “First, it is to ensure that Rivers State is safe. It includes providing quality healthcare services, which we are already delivering. The records are there.”
He listed ongoing work at zonal hospitals in Bori, Ahoada, Omoku and Degema, adding that his administration was focused on completing critical projects.
On education, Governor Fubara said the issues predated his tenure. “You are aware of the poor state of our schools. They never got to that state in one month or one year; it has been an issue,” he said.
He added that political distractions had slowed progress. “Before the unfortunate incident that led to the emergency, was there any month we had one week of rest? But even in the face of crisis, we remained focused.”
Addressing complaints over the halted employment of 10,000 workers, Fubara said his administration would not bow to pressure.
“I will employ, but it must be based on the needs of the state. I won’t engage in political employment to please everybody,” he said.
Meanwhile, the governor appear to be unable to walk his talk against the accusation of the lawmakers as an announcement credited to his office has approved teachers appointment he earlier suspended.
In fulfillment of his promise to bridge the manpower gap in public schools across Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, has approved the appointment of new teachers across the state, a statement signed by Hon. Sam Ogeh
Chairman, Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board read.
“As part of this initiative, His Excellency has directed the revalidation of the 1000 teachers recruited in 2023.
“”To this end, all the affected teachers are required to report to the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (RSUBEB) for the revalidation exercise.
“Date:Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
Time:* 10:00 a.m”.
Entertainment
NIBAD 2026: Abike Dabiri To Take Centre Stage As Bunmi Ebony, DJ X-One Host Baltimore Event
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa ( OON) has been scheduled for honour, among other awardees, at the 2026 and the 6th edition of the annual Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD),billed to hold in Baltimore, Maryland, on the 18th of October .
At the instance of Naija Times USA and Raindrop Group led by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, activities marking the 6th edition of NIBAD commenced on the 3rd of October with Independence carnival in Maryland.
As part of the expanded 6th edition, the Annual Independence stage play titled ‘Your Excellency Sir!’ …The saga of a nation, written and directed by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, was showcased at a very colorful event on the 9th of October.
Designed to be an unforgettable celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence celebration, the grand finale of the celebration is billed for Sunday, the 18th of October, 4.00pm, at Gabriel Community Centre, 6948, Dogwood Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244.
The evening will not only commemorate Nigeria’s rich history and vibrant culture but will also spotlight the exceptional contributions of Nigerians at home and abroad in various fields such as business, healthcare, education, community service, and more.
The evening will feature a grand awards ceremony to honor those who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and dedication in their respective industries. Among them, Dr Dabiri- Erewa
Hon. Dr. Abike Kafayat Oluwatoyin Dabiri-Erewa (OON) is a prominent Nigerian politician, public administrator, and former broadcast journalist who has been able to show leadership since her appointment as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
To add colour to the event also, is
Dj X-One, reputed as the best Disc Jockey in the DMV area. Bunmi Ebony, a fast rising Juju Artiste in Atlanta will also be on the bandstand to thrill guests at the event to celebrate Nigeria.
****About NIBAD: The Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD) is an annual event that celebrates Nigeria’s Independence while recognizing the achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora. NIBAD aims to highlight the cultural pride, resilience, and accomplishments of Nigerians globally, bringing together community leaders, professionals, and influencers for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and unity.
The Rivers State Police Command under CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju has condemned the purported renovation of the Abuloma Police Outpost by suspected cultists and ordered a full investigation into the incident.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, ASP Blessing Agabe disclosed this in a Friday statement.
She said the command’s action follows a trending social media report and circulating video alleging that suspected cultists renovated the outpost and visited the facility on Thursday, October 15, to celebrate completion of the renovation.
The command said it “strongly condemns any action or association capable of compromising the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force or conferring legitimacy, recognition or acceptance on suspected cult groups or other unlawful organisations.”
It added, “Police facilities are public institutions established for the protection of citizens and the enforcement of law and must not become platforms through which criminal groups seek public validation or influence.”
The command said CP Adepoju maintains zero tolerance for criminality and any conduct that undermines public confidence in the police.
Consequently, he has queried and relieved the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Abuloma Division and the Divisional Officer overseeing the affected outpost of their duties pending investigation.
The CP has also ordered a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the veracity of the allegations, including the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups who financed or facilitated the renovation; the police officers who authorised or approved the project; whether due procedures were followed; whether any officer breached professional standards or compromised the integrity of the force; and the extent of any involvement by police personnel.
The command said while it welcomes legitimate community support for improving police facilities, consistent with Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund, such support must not compromise police independence, professional standards or security.
“No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution,” the command stated, adding that the investigation will establish whether necessary approvals were obtained and appropriate checks conducted on those who financed the renovation.
It reiterated that it would not condone unprofessional conduct or any form of improper association with criminal elements and that appropriate disciplinary and legal action would be taken against anyone found culpable.
The Police Command in Benue State has confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Otache, Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Aondogu Orchia confirmed the incident on Friday in Makurdi.
Orchia said the command had commenced full investigation into the incident and efforts were ongoing to rescue the priest.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, in a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, said the priest was abducted on October 13.
According to Itodo, Otache was returning home from Otukpo when he encountered the abductors along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area.
He expressed sadness over the incident, saying the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, was deeply pained by the development.
He called on priests, religious members, the laity and other well-meaning individuals to pray for the priest’s safe and speedy release.
He also urged prayers for other persons held by kidnappers across the country, expressing hope for their safe return.
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