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Rivers Politics: Wike Loses As Loyalists Switch Allegiance to Fubara

Published

1 year ago

March 12, 2024

Eric

Leaders of the Rivers State GrassRoots Development Initiative (GDI), founded by the former Governor, Nyesom Wike, have warned that “actions will be taken” if the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) does not cease interfering with politics in the State.

The GDI leaders spoke in Port Harcourt on Monday after a meeting with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who welcomed the former members of GDI and the Coordinators Forum at the Government House.

They pledged their dedication and allegiance to the Rivers State Government and the “Simplified Movement”.

A former Chairman of the Coordinators Forum of the Grassroots Development Initiative and Chairman of GDI, Hon. Collins Onuwo, said: “Yes, two days ago, Coordinators of the Grassroots Development Initiative from Ogugbolo, Gokana, Agba-Egbema Ndoni, Borno, Akuku-Toru, Asari-Toru, Ahoada-East resigned to join three of their members who had earlier resigned.

“These members are Kinikawa Amada of Port Harcourt Local Government, Daddy Green of Ahoada-West, Elder Ogolo of Opobo-Nkoro LGA, and Agumuo Eze of Oyibo LGA. We want the public to know that the GDI is the movement, the association, the group founded by the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike. He founded that group.

“That group brought him to power. That group supported him for a second term. That group is his strength. Whoever he is today, it is because of the GDI. However, today, we have all collectively decided that we are no longer members of that group.

“The reason is that we want to stand with the people of Rivers. Rivers’ interest is paramount. When we started GDI in 2012 and 2013, we were told to stand for Rivers’ interest. What was Rivers’ interest then? We were told to ensure the protection of our brother-in-law, the President of Nigeria at that time, who happened to marry our beloved daughter, Patience Jonathan.

“That was Rivers’ interest then, and we all supported that interest, which led our chief, our leader, to become the Governor. In his second term, the interest was that people in Abuja said it should not happen, but Rivers’ interest demanded it.

“People died, blood was shed, those who survived did so with injuries, and those who were killed, may their souls rest in perfect peace. He won that election. We stood firm for Rivers State and the entire nation.

“Women came out to protest. Back then, women protesting naked was not considered an abomination. Today, what is Rivers’ interest? It is to ensure the protection of our votes that were brought in Siminalayi Fubara.

“The Supreme Court has affirmed that indeed, he won that election. It was the most peaceful election, devoid of bloodshed, accidents, or gunshots, and Fubara won in all the LGAs.

“This has never happened before… today, one man says that the election should not be held. We have joined millions of Rivers women, youths, and elders who insist on protecting our votes.

“We do not care who the Governor is. A fight against any youth in this State is a fight against the entire state. All the youths of Rivers State will stand against you. The fight against Edison Ehie, because he stood for the truth… all of us are willing to stand with Edison Ehie, even unto death,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expelled Achor Nna, a former leader of the Obio-Akpor legislative council, for declaring his support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Just last week, Nna, an ally of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and Councilor of Ward 9, representing Wike in the Local Government Council resigned his position to support Fubara.

In a swift reaction, and in a letter titled ‘RE: EXPULSION OF HON ACHOR NNA’ dated March 9 2024 and signed by the PDP Ward 9, Chairman in Obio-Akpor LGA, Collins Chukwu, the ward accused the lawmaker of failing to defend himself from allegations of misconduct and misappropriation despite receiving multiple invitations to do so.

The letter reads:

“The Ward 9 PDP executive under the able Chairmanship of Chukwu Collins Wobo, JP on the 10th day of February 2024 received from the Elioparanwo PDP chapter the suspension of Hon Achor Nna the former leader of Obio-Akpor LGA council legislative arm.

“In view of the above the chairman of Ward 9 acting in compliance with chapter 10, section 57 (1) of the party constitution set up a disciplinary committee purposely to ascertain the veracity of the allegations against Hon. Achor Nna.

“The disciplinary committee headed by Chief Solomon Chime Esq invited him (Achor Nna) severally and repeatedly to appear before the committee to defend himself of the grievous allegations (misappropriation of funds and misconduct) against him which invitations were utterly turned down.

“In view of this, the committee recommended that he (Hon Achor Nna) be expelled from the party and the fact that Hon Achor Nna was unable to defend himself, he was expelled from the party, we had no option but to take this decision as the ward cannot condole his unwarranted acts and indiscipline.

“So, the resignation of Hon Achor Nna from his position as the leader of Obio-Akpor legislative council and as councillor Ward 9 didn’t come to us a surprise because he couldn’t defend himself from the allegations against him which led to his expulsion from the Party.

“Apparently, the political crisis in Rivers state is far from resolution as both sides continue jostling for control of the political structure in the state.”

Achor, while reacting to his expulsion from the party on the allegations of misappropriation of funds dismissed the allegations as “after thought and prefabrication. Let them show the public any evidence of misappropriation of funds and copies of letters inviting me to any disciplinary committee.”

Achor spoke to a Port Harcourt based radio station Nigeria Info FM on Monday evening.

Featured

Buhari’s Era Was Marked by Service, Discipline and Patriotism, Abike Dabiri-Erewa Mourns Passing of Ex-President

Published

14 hours ago

July 16, 2025

Eric

The Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has expressed deep sadness over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his demise as the end of an era marked by service, discipline, and patriotic dedication to Nigeria.

Hon. Dabiri-Erewa commiserated with the Buhari family, the Government and People of Katsina State, as well as all Nigerians, on the irreparable loss of a statesman whose contributions to national development spanned decades.

In a statement issued by Mr Gabriel Odu of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, she recalled the late President’s efforts in repositioning Nigeria on the global stage, strengthening foreign relations, and promoting the active engagement of Nigerians in the Diaspora in national growth and development.

“President Buhari’s support for the establishment of NiDCOM in 2019 demonstrated his deep appreciation for the Nigerian Diaspora and his belief in their capacity to contribute meaningfully to the nation,” she said.

While praying for the repose of his soul, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa urged Nigerians at home and abroad to uphold the values of integrity, patriotism, and selfless service that the late President exemplified.

She also prayed that the Almighty Gid comforts the family and grants them the fortitude to bear the loss.

Featured

Glo Partners Samsung to Unveil Latest Phones, Rewards Customers with Free Data

Published

1 day ago

July 16, 2025

Eric

Digital solutions company, Globacom, has partnered with Samsung, leading electronic device manufacturer, to offer an exclusive opportunity to Glo subscribers to pre-order the highly coveted Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 smartphones.

Those pre-ordering any of the sleek devices are also to get free 18GB data from Globacom as well as various gift items worth up to N1.2 million.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 series with advanced design, camera capabilities, and AI integration, were jointly unveiled by the two companies at a masterclass session held at the corporate headquarters of Globacom, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Tuesday at an event attended by high net-worth Glo customers, special guests, journalists and officials of the two companies.

The pre-ordering of Fold 7 regarded as the thinnest and lightest in the series to date, and the Flip 7 which features a larger cover screen and enhanced FlexWindow usability with Galaxy AI, commenced immediately at the venue with several Glo subscribers ordering for the latest masterpiece from Samsung.

Speaking at the event, Samsung’s Head of Product Marketing, Stephen Okwarah, spoke on how Samsung has built a strong relationship with Globacom over time as the telco has always given Samsung good numbers in terms of sales orders from subscribers. He also explained the huge benefits and amazing features of the new devices for the benefits of those who want to upgrade their current phones or who want to switch to the new devices.

Earlier, Abdulrazaq Ande, Globacom’s Head of Division (West), noted that the two devices “represent the cutting edge of mobile innovation, adding that Globacom is “proud to make them available exclusively at Glo retail outlets across Nigeria”.

He also noted that the partnership with Samsung to launch the devices “also reflects our broader commitment to innovation. With our fiber-optic expansion, and smart solutions for homes and businesses, Globacom is building the future of digital life in Nigeria — and we’re doing it with world-class partners”.

He encouraged discerning phone enthusiasts to visit any Gloworld outlet and pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 series to take advantage of the offer.

Some of the high net-worth individuals who have already pre-ordered the phones, picked up various gift items in a lucky dip at the event. The star gift of the day was a 55 inch Samsung QLED Television set, which was won by Idowu Emmanuel, a telecoms products dealer in Lagos.

Featured

A Great Royal Icon is Gone, Sir Kesington Adebutu Mourns Passing of Awujale of Ijebuland

Published

1 day ago

July 16, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The Odole-Oodua of The Source, Sir Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu, on behalf of the Ogbagba Royal Family & the entire Sons and Daughters of Ijebu-Land, has mourned the passing of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at the age of 91.

In a statement the Founder/Chairman, Premier Lotto, signed himself, he expressed profound melancholy at the demise while acknowledging the Oba’s wisdom courage, and an unwavering commitment to the development and progress of Ijebu-Ode during his lifetime.

Adebutu recalled how the late Awujale “worked tirelessly to promote peace, unity, and cooperation among the various communities within his kingdom, and his efforts earned him the respect and admiration of his people.”

Below is the full details of the statement

FAREWELL TO A FOREMOST ROYAL MAJESTY- OBA DR SIKIRU KAYODE ADETONA GCON OGBAGBA11, AWUJALE AND PARAMOUNT RULER OF IJEBU-LAND.

It is with profound melancholy that I write to bid farewell to His Royal Majesty Oba Dr Kayode Sikiru Adetona GCON, a Monarch whose legacy will forever be etched in the annals of history.

The Late Awujale’s reign was marked by wisdom, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the development and progress of Ijebu-Land.

His Majesty’s leadership was characterized by a deep understanding of the complexities of modern governance and a keen sense of diplomacy. He worked tirelessly to promote peace, unity, and cooperation among the various communities within his kingdom, and his efforts earned him the respect and admiration of his people.

The Late Awujale’s impact on the cultural heritage of Ijebu-Land cannot be overstated. He was a custodian of tradition and a champion of the arts, and his court was renowned for its vibrant cultural displays. His love for his people and his land was evident in every decision he made, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

As we mourn the loss of this great Royal Icon, we take solace in the knowledge that his impact will be felt for years to come in Ijebu-Land nay- Nigeria. May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacies continue to guide and inspire us. Amen.

With Affectionate Regards

Sir Dr Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu OON CON CFR,KJW FISM FGPS,FNIJ FAmedS
The Pillar of Methodism is Nigeria and Odole-Oodua of The Source