Latest News
FEATURES
Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended governor of Rivers state, has denied the allegations made against him by George Nwaeke, the former head of service in the state.
Nwaeke, who resigned as HoS on Tuesday, accused Fubara of being the arrowhead of the political crisis in the state.
He also alleged that the former governor held meetings with militants and encouraged the destruction of oil pipelines in the state.
Reacting in a statement posted on X(formerly Twitter) early on Saturday, Fubara said Nwaeke’s claims are “laughable”.
The suspended governor said the former head of service has been “compromised” and is being “coerced” to lie against him.
“Ordinarily, I would not have responded to his claims, but to correct the erroneous impression such allegations may create in the minds of the people, and the disaffection it is bound to cause in the state and the country,” Fubara said.
“First, on the claim that he was aware of my discussions and plans to support Bala Mohammed’s alleged 2027 presidential bid, it is laughable that Dr. Nwaeke would be part of any high level political meeting as Head of Service, much more sitting in my alleged night meetings with Bala Mohammed and militants like he claimed. Howbeit, none of such meetings ever held.
“The truth is that the whole world knew when the Bauchi State Governor, as Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum visited the State, and there was nothing secret about the visits.
“It is also ludicrous for Dr. Nwaeke to claim that he was aware of my meetings to encourage attacks on oil pipelines and other National assets in the State, as there was no time I held any meeting with militants or any criminal group to destabilise the State.
“It is on record that I have been at the forefront preaching peace in the State even in the face of obvious provocations.
“The truth is that Dr. Nwaeke has been compromised, and whatever he is saying is only aimed at fulfilling his promise to those who may have paid or coerced him to lie against me.”
Fubara asked Rivers residents and Nigerians to “disregard everything” said by Nwaeke, describing the allegations as “desperate attempts to discredit me and my administration, and undermine the peace process by Mr. President”.
[TheCable]
‘I Will Never Date Publicly Again’ – BBNaija’s Beauty Tukura Confirms Relationship Breakup With Neo Akpofure
AFOLABI
Former Housemate of the Big Brother Naija Show, Beauty Tukura, has revealed that she and her colleague, Neo Akpofure, ended their relationship for valid reasons.
Naija News reports that Beauty, while speaking on a recent episode of the Toke Moments podcast, compared their romance to that of the American power couple, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky.
The former Miss Nigeria stated that their relationship was beautiful while it lasted but failed to disclose the reason for the breakup of their relationship.
The reality star added that she is not currently interested in a romantic relationship and emphasised that she would never date publicly again.
She said, “The reason why we broke up, I think it was valid. We were Rihanna and A$AP [Rocky] while it lasted. It was a beautiful relationship.
“I am not interested in men right now. I will never date publicly again. The next man I will post will be my husband.”
After several public appearances, Beauty and Neo sparked relationship rumours in late 2023.
By 2024, speculation had arisen that their relationship had ended.
Meanwhile, BBNaija star, Queen Mercy Atang, has expressed anger about the vile messages in her husband’s DM after rumours made rounds that they had broken up.
Naija News reports that the reality TV star, in a post via her Instagram page on Sunday, said some ladies stormed her husband’s page to badmouth her while others offered themselves to replace her as his wife.
While explaining her predicament with online trolls, Queen said she now understands why some people say marriages should be keptlow-keyy because the internet is not a safe space.
‘Help Me My Husband Is In Trouble’ – Wife Of Rivers Ex-HoS Whose Husband Accused Fubara Of Working With Militant Cries
AFOLABI
The political turmoil in Rivers State reached a new level of drama on Friday, as Florence Nwaeke, the wife of former Head of Service George Nwaeke, made a desperate plea for help after her husband’s controversial interview and sudden disappearance.
Late on Friday, Mrs. Nwaeke expressed her deep concern over her husband’s safety, revealing that she had lost contact with him after he had arrived in Abuja earlier in the day.
In an emotional outburst, she told journalists she feared her husband’s life was in danger.
“When he got to Abuja, he called that he had landed. I said, ‘Thank God’,” she recounted. “The next thing I saw tonight: people were calling me and said he got an interview. I said, ‘What interview? Interview for what?’ Not until I saw things flying on the internet that he granted an interview. What happened? I said, ‘That is not my husband. That is not my husband.’”
In her distress, Mrs. Nwaeke sent her husband a series of messages, asking if he was under duress or had been kidnapped.
“I sent him a message. I said, ‘Are you under duress? Have they kidnapped you? Talk to me now. Why are you not talking to me?’” she explained, visibly shaken.
Her emotional appeal intensified as she called on Nigerians for assistance: “Oh, Jesus, help me. Nigerians, help me. My husband is in trouble. My husband is in trouble. My husband is in trouble. My husband is in trouble,” she cried, showing the messages she had sent her husband.
Naija News reports that Mrs. Nwaeke’s plea came hours after her husband, George Nwaeke, granted an exclusive interview in which he made serious allegations against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In the interview, Nwaeke accused the governor of planning to support Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed in the 2027 presidential election.
He also alleged that Governor Fubara had met with and encouraged militants to carry out attacks on oil facilities and other state assets.
In another emotional video, Mrs. Nwaeke called on Governor Fubara to intervene and help locate her husband. “Governor, help me. My husband is in trouble,” she pleaded. “He is in trouble,” she reiterated, adding that her husband had resigned under duress.
She further claimed that her husband was being forced to confess to things he had no knowledge of, and that his resignation was a result of pressure to avoid further conflict. “He is being forced to confess to things he knows nothing about. He resigned to avoid trouble,” she said.
Tinubu Disagrees With Senate, Says Nwosu ‘ll Be Remembered For His Commitment To Democratic Nigeria
AFOLABI
President Bola Tinubu has stated that former chairman of defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), Prof Humphery Nwosu would be remembered for his commitment to a democratic Nigeria.
President Tinubu stated this during the funeral service for the late Professor at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Ajalli, Orumba North local government area of Anambra State on Friday.
Tinubu who was represented at the funeral by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, described Prof. Nwosu as a statesman whose sojourn on earth was full of impact and inspiration.
He urged all lovers of his democratic ideals to imbibe the culture of industry, integrity, patriotism and support for the ideals of democracy which were the hallmarks of his public service.
President Tinubu, in a statement by the Special Adviser Media to the Minister, Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, consoled with the family, government and people of Anambra State on the departure of the former NEC chairman.
“As we mourn the death of Prof Humphery Nwosu, we are invited to celebrate him for his profound accomplishments and personal fulfilments as a public administrator, political scientist, and academics icon.
“We are urged to reflect on his democratic ideals and his sense of commitment to a democratic Nigeria. These are the hallmarks of his life and times that will be cherished beyond this generation,” Tinubu said.
He expressed the unwavering commitment of his Renewed Hope administration in revolutionising the development of the critical sectors of the economy that would stimulate economic growth and national development.
“May I assure Nigerians that the fragile economy we inherited is now alive and on a path of sustainable growth. We have overcome the worst. Our democracy is growing, and I assure Nigerians that my administration will continue to deepen the democracy benefits for the good of all Nigerians,” he assured.
In his remarks, Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo said Nwosu would be remembered as an electoral umpire that introduced Option A4 voting, Open Ballot system and conducted one of the freest and fairest general elections in Nigeria’s history.
He urged his family, community, and associates to continue to work to sustain the values that depict his life and times.
The suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed allegations levelled against him by a former Head of Service (HoS) of the state, George Nwaeke, about masterminding the crisis in the state.
Naija News reports that Nweke had credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state with averting total chaos and economic sabotage.
Addressing journalists on Friday in Port Harcourt, Nweke accused Fubara of being the architect of the recent political turmoil in the state.
He alleged that the governor orchestrated the destruction of public assets and had ulterior motives that could have plunged the state into anarchy.
Nweke also clarified that his resignation was voluntary and not due to dismissal or external pressure.
In response, Fubara, in a statement he signed personally on Saturday, described Nwaeke’s comments as laughable and urged Nigerians to disregard them.
The statement reads, “My attention has been drawn to a press briefing by the former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke aired on Channels Television on Friday the 28th of March 2025.
“Ordinarily, I would not have responded to his claims, but to correct the erroneous impression such allegations may create in the minds of the people, and the disaffection it is bound to cause in the state and the country.
“First, on the claim that he was aware of my discussions and plans to support Bala Mohammed’s alleged 2027 presidential bid, it is laughable that Dr. Nwaeke would be part of any high level political meeting as Head of Service, much more sitting in my alleged night meetings with Bala Mohammed and militants like he claimed. Howbeit, none of such meetings ever held.
“The truth is that the whole world knew when the Bauchi State Governor, as Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum visited the State, and there was nothing secret about the It is also ludicrous for Dr. Nwaeke to claim that he was aware of my meetings to encourage attacks on oil pipelines and other National assets in the State, as there was no time I held any meeting with militants or any criminal group to destabilise the State.
“It is on record that I have been at the forefront preaching peace in the State even in the face of obvious provocations. The truth is that Dr. Nwaeke has been compromised, and whatever he is saying is only aimed at fulfilling his promise to those who may have paid or coerced him to lie against me. I call on all well meaning Nigerians and the good people of Rivers State to disregard everything said by Dr. Nwaeke as they are mere desperate attempts to discredit me and my administration, and undermine the peace process by Mr. President.”
Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, alongside close allies, is reportedly plotting a sweeping overhaul of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), following their recent defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to sources who spoke with SaharaReporters, El-Rufai is working with former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and Hamza Al-Mustapha, ex-Chief Security Officer to late military ruler General Sani Abacha, to reshape the party’s identity and ideological direction.
Insiders claim the trio is uncomfortable with the SDP’s historic ties to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO), the winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, and believe the party’s current ideology leans too heavily toward socialism.
“El-Rufai, Al-Mustapha, and Malami are pushing to change the party’s name, logo and constitution,” a senior party source revealed.
“They consider the party too socialist and want to distance themselves from MKO Abiola’s legacy, tied to the annulled 1993 election. They don’t want anything to do with MKO Abiola, as he won the 1993 election annulled by Babangida and Co., under the party’s platform.”
The move has reportedly stirred unrest among party faithful, who fear that the proposed changes aim to erase the SDP’s ideological foundation and legacy.
Adding to the controversy is El-Rufai’s alleged failure to follow due process in joining the party. Rather than registering through his ward as mandated by the SDP’s constitution, he is said to have submitted only his APC resignation letter to the national secretariat and declared himself a member.
“El-Rufai did not go to his ward to join the party,” the source said.
“He only presented his resignation letter from the APC to the SDP national secretariat and started announcing his membership, whereas he was supposed to join the party at the ward level.”
Despite not being formally registered, El-Rufai is allegedly taking sweeping actions, including pushing for constitutional amendments and attempting to dissolve the party’s state executive structure in Kaduna.
“Despite not being a bona fide member of the party, he is already proposing changing the name, logo and constitution of the party,” the source added.
“He still went ahead to illegally dissolve and take over the state executive committee of the party. This is illegal.”
The developments have triggered growing tension within the SDP, as long-standing members express resistance to what they perceive as an aggressive attempt to hijack and rebrand the party to suit a new political agenda.
The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, over alleged forgery of signatures.
Saturday PUNCH gathered that the petitions were submitted to the IG and the police commissioner on Friday afternoon.
Some members of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents, led by one Charity Ijese, had submitted over 250,000 signatures at the Independent National Electoral Commission headquarters in Abuja with a petition seeking the embattled senator’s recall.
The petition for her recall followed a series of events after she was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for alleged gross misconduct.
This was shortly after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment.
On Tuesday, INEC, in a statement by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, confirmed receiving the petition from the constituents.
However, the electoral body noted that the petition lacked essential details such as the contact addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of the petitioners.
The following day, INEC wrote to Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Presiding Officer of the Senate, Akpabio, confirming that the contact details of the petitioners had now been corrected.
Shortly afterward, leaked video clips surfaced on social media showing some politicians in the state appending their signatures to the petition.
Suspicion grew further during the week as many questioned how over 250,000 constituents could have signed the petition within 10 days when only 120,000 turned out to vote in the 2023 general election for the senatorial district.
Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, the suspended senator’s legal team, led by Victor Giwa, revealed that Akpoti-Uduaghan had petitioned the IG and the Kogi State police commissioner over the alleged forged signatures in the recall petition.
He added that a copy of the petition would also be submitted to INEC.
Giwa said, “Firstly, we are aware that those signatures were forged, and it is the act of APC members in Kogi State, who are desperate to remove her. Secondly, we are prosecuting the case in court. We have written our petition regarding the forgery, and we are submitting it to the Inspector General of Police, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, and INEC. Before 1pm today (Friday), they would have received it.”
He explained that the legal team decided to take the forgery petition to the police because it involved a criminal offence.
“INEC does not have the materials to examine a case of forgery. What they are expected to do is compare whether the signatures correspond with the ones signed by the owners. But we are alleging that it is a case of forgery, and only the police can handle cases of forgery. Let the petitioners present the signatures, and let the police subject them to forensic tests for us to confirm that they were not forged,” Giwa added.
It is expected that after receiving the petition, INEC will embark on verifying the signatures at each polling unit in the constituency.
However, Giwa insisted that the forgery allegation must first be addressed before the commission could proceed to the next stage of the recall process, especially given that a related case was still pending in court.
“The case is in court, and INEC is aware. Secondly, we are now dealing with allegations of fraud. Some people submitted certain signatures, and others claim they were forged, which is a criminal matter. So, as an institution, I believe INEC would need to submit the signatures to the police to confirm whether or not there is forgery. And this should come before the verification exercise,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Ebira People’s Association has condemned the ongoing recall process against Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as a politically motivated gang up designed to undermine democracy.
Speaking in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, the association’s Secretary, Baba Abdulrazaq, criticised the recall process as an “electoral fraud” and a “coup against democratic institutions.”
He urged INEC to resist being used as a tool to subvert the people’s mandate.
Abdulrazaq accused INEC of facilitating an illegitimate recall effort by providing undue support to individuals he described as “impostors and dissidents.”
“The Independent National Electoral Commission has illegally provided support to impostors, dissidents, and petitioners who claim to have gathered 250,000 forged and stolen signatures,” Abdulrazaq stated.
The South-South zonal secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), George Turnah, has assured that a proposed mega rally in support of President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, slated for Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, was not to cause chaos in the State.
He also defended his association with Wike, declaring that there is a right to freedom of association and peaceful assembly in Nigeria.
Turnah, in a statement by his media assistant, Kelvin Loveday, on Friday, allayed fears in government quarters over the rally, stating that there was no intention to destabilise Bayelsa State.
He assured the Ijaw nation of his respect, loyalty, and commitment as an Ijaw man, stressing that his political group was only interested in mobilising support for President Tinubu’s administration in the South-South Zone, devoid of ulterior motives.
According to him, the political group, The New Associates, will be officially launched in Bayelsa State on April 12, 2025, adding that arrangements were in top gear to ensure a hitch-free outing, including formal notifications to relevant security agencies in the State as required by law.
Turnah frowned at the undue politicalisation of the proposed rally, maintaining that ethnicity has no place in politics.
On his election as the PDP Zonal Secretary, he queried why it was problematic if he occupied a position meant for a son of the soil of Bayelsa or Ijaw, wondering if he was not qualified to do so.
Turnah reiterated that he is not only a member of the PDP but also a serving Zonal Secretary of the Party in the South-South zone, wondering which other office he was being accused of occupying if he was truly not a member of the PDP.
Turnah commended Govenor Douye Diri on his many achievements and pledged his continued support for the Prosperity administration led by Governor Diri.
He, therefore, called on the teeming youths, women, political class across party lines and all lovers of President Tinubu to come out en-masse, and show their appreciation to the President and FCT Minister for their special love for Bayelsa State and Ijaw nation, clearly demonstrated through the facilitation and appointment of notable Bayelsans into positions of trust in the Renewed Hope administration.
Sociocultural group, Middle-Belt Youth Forum (MBYF), has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to stop what it described as political witchhunt and leave businesswoman Aisha Achimugu alone.
LEADERSHIP reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had declared Achimugu wanted. The agency’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, made this known in a circular released via the EFCC’s X handle on Friday.
According to the EFCC, Achimugu is wanted by the agency in an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
But, reacting to the development, the sociocultural group, in a statement by its spokesperson, Comrade Meliga Godwin, claimed that Achimugu is innocent of the allegations and is a victim of political witchhunt.
The group described the allegations as frivolous, baseless and a plot to tarnish the good image of the businesswoman and philanthropist.
They appealed to President Bola Tinubu to call the agency to order, saying that in line with his campaign promise of maintaining rule of law, he allow the EFCC to run amok, in a possible bid to please some political actors.
The youth group said, “Aisha is not a politician, she doesn’t do business with politicians. She is a self-made businesswoman, her family has been in business of oil and gas. She worked through the ladder. When has knowing a politician amount to having access to the vault of a state? She worked so hard to build her career and she hasn’t been involved in any form of money laundering.
“This is an attempt to tarnish her reputation, a pure political gang-up. Coming up with frivolous allegations that she gave money to Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. She’s innocent of the allegations and neither is she working for Lagos State government. If she’s friends with Governor Sanwo-Olu, how does that amount to a criminal offence??
“The EFCC shouldn’t allow the agency to be used for political witchhunt. It’s deliberate character assassination. This is aimed at tarnishing the reputation she worked so hard to build and slowing down her business interests. President Tinubu promised to run a government that obeys rule of law. We urge him to call the EFCC to order to stop this political witchhunt and madness. Aisha has been so committed, she believes in the Nigerian project and has empowered so many people. She has renewed hope of so many youth and women in line with President Tinubu’s agenda. The allegations are frivolous and baseless and should be withdrawn immediately.”
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Board Chairman of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
In a statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu approved the appointment of Hon. Fatuhu Mohammed Buhari from Katsina State as Director-General of the National Agricultural Seed Council.
The President further appointed other party stalwarts as board chairmen of various federal government institutions.
“Mallam Muhammad Massan, APC State Chairman, Bauchi State – Board Chairman, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ilorin.
“Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, APC State Chairman, Kano State – Board Chairman, Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service.”
“Dr. Austian Agada, APC State Chairman, Benue State – Board Chairman, National Agricultural Seed Council.
“Hon. Macdonald Ebere, APC State Chairman, Imo State – Board Chairman, Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos.”
Others are “Ubong Stephen Ntukekpo, APC State Chairman, Akwa Ibom State – Board Chairman, National Institute for Freshwater Fish, New Bussa.
“Chief Emma Eneukwu, Deputy Chairman (South) of the APC – Board Chairman, National Automotive Development Council.
“Aminu Musa Bobi, APC State Chairman, Niger State – Board Chairman, National Library of Nigeria.
“Pharm. Abass Olayide, APC State Chairman, Oyo State – Board Chairman, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kaduna.
“Alhaji Mohammed Gadaka, APC State Chairman, Yobe State – Board Chairman, Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre.
“Benjamin Omale, APC State Chairman, Benue State – Board Chairman, National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu.
“Rufus Bature, APC State Chairman, Plateau State – Board Chairman, Nigerian Coal Corporation.
“Alhaji Abubakar Muhammed Kana, APC State Chairman, Kebbi State – Board Chairman, Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies.
“Hon. Donatus Nwankpa, APC National Working Committee Member, from Abia State – Board Chairman, Project Development Institute (PRODA).
“Comrade Mustapha Salihu, APC State Chairman, Adamawa State – Board Chairman, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).”
Others are “Dr Kingsley Ononogbu, APC State Chairman, Abia State – Board Chairman, National Parks Headquarters.
“Alhaji Abdulmalik Usman, APC State Chairman, Federal Capital Territory – Board Chairman, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan.
“Hon. Ibrahim Tukur El-Sudi, APC State Chairman, Taraba State – Board Chairman, Environmental Health Registration Council of Nigeria.
“Sola Elesin, APC State Chairman, Ekiti State – Board Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geosciences.
“Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, APC State Chairman, Edo State – Board Chairman, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure.
“Alhaji Tukur Umar Danfulani, APC State Chairman, Zamfara State – Board Chairman, Federal Medical Centre, Azare.
“Hon. Aminu Sani Gumel, APC State Chairman, Jigawa State – Board Chairman, Federal College of Produce Inspection and Stored Products Technology, Kano.
“Barr. Idris Shuaibu, APC State Chairman, Adamawa State – Board Chairman, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan.”
More...
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu has penned a heartfelt message in honour of her husband, President Bola Tinubu as he marks his 73rd birthday.
In a brief but emotional statement released on Friday, the First Lady described the President whose birthday is on Saturday, March 29 as her “knight in shining armor,” praising his courage, strength, and resilience over the years.
“I rejoice and thank God Almighty for His faithfulness in your life, over the years,” she wrote.
“I celebrate your courage, strength and resilience that have all contributed to who we both are today. May you live long, in divine health, joy, peace and prosperity,” Senator Tinubu wrote.
The Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society of Nigeria has condemned the behaviour of some Nigerian Muslims performing the lesser hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
NASFAT urged Nigerian pilgrims to refrain from inappropriate and disrespectful conduct while in the holy city, stating that such actions did not represent Islam.
In viral videos circulating on X (formerly Twitter), some Nigerian Muslims were seen insulting other nationals in Yoruba while struggling to touch the Kaaba.
One Nigerian pilgrim in the video was heard telling a foreign national, “Are you the one who killed the Prophet, or perhaps your forefathers were responsible?”
Another pilgrim, mocking a white worshipper, said, “If you want to pray, pray and don’t disturb me here. You’ve started crying again…”
Additionally, many Nigerian pilgrims were seen recording and posting their spiritual activities on social media, a practice clerics have criticised as inappropriate.
Commenting on the matter, NASFAT’s National Da’wah Officer, Abdul-Ganiy Raji, expressed disappointment over the behaviour of the Nigerians, stating that pilgrimage should not be conducted in such a manner.
Raji called for consequences and penalties for misbehaving in the holy land, warning that acts of irreverence could render prayers ineffective.
“If one plays during solat, Allah won’t answer such a prayer. The irreligious acts by some Nigerians in Mecca are disturbing. People from across the world come for hajj and conduct themselves properly,” he said.
Raji alleged that individuals with questionable sources of wealth were often the ones engaging in misconduct, stressing that not all Nigerian pilgrims behaved in such a manner.
He also criticised the commercialisation of hajj, noting, “Hajj should not be seen as a profit-making venture.”
The NASFAT officer further blamed private hajj operators for failing to screen pilgrims properly before facilitating their trips.
“It is unfortunate that private organisations given slots by the National Hajj Commission do not screen those travelling for hajj. As a result, anyone with money—regardless of character—can go, even someone who is mentally unwell. NAHCON needs to address this issue.
“In the past, people who failed to answer basic religious questions were withdrawn from hajj, but that no longer happens,” he added.
Raji urged NAHCON to hold private operators accountable, suggesting that any company whose clients misbehaved should have its licence revoked.
Similarly, an Islamic cleric and lecturer at the Department of Religions, Lagos State University, Dr Sidiq Uthman, linked the behaviour of some Nigerian plgrims to excessive materialism.
He argued that many of the individuals involved might be unaware of the gravity of their actions and should not bear sole responsibility.
“Attention should be directed at the hajj agencies and coordinators responsible for supervising the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. These individuals ought to have been warned of the implications of such sacrilegious acts,” Uthman said.
He also blamed social media for encouraging the inappropriate display of religious activities, pointing out that the problem was not limited to hajj pilgrims.
“This issue reflects the negative impact of social media in today’s world. Even here in Nigeria, places of worship have become selfie spots—ranging from Pentecostal churches to Muslim asalatu groups,” he noted.
Uthman further criticised some Muslim scholars, accusing them of promoting such behaviour by recording their own prayers to please sponsors.
“Religious leaders are equally guilty of this. Many record their secret prayers to prove to sponsors that they are fulfilling their obligations. When those who should lead by example engage in such acts, there is little hope for change,” he concluded.
‘How Fubara Masterminded Rivers Crisis, Gave Bag Of Money For The Burning Of State Assembly’ – Top Govt Official Exposes
AFOLABI
The immediate past Head of Civil Service in Rivers State, Dr. George Nweke, has credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state with averting total chaos and economic sabotage.
Addressing journalists on Friday in Port Harcourt, Nweke accused suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of being the architect of the recent political turmoil in the state.
He alleged that the governor orchestrated the destruction of public assets and had ulterior motives that could have plunged the state into anarchy.
Nweke also clarified that his resignation was voluntary and not due to dismissal or external pressure.
“You would recall that I was appointed as the Head of Service by our suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Let me also use this opportunity to appreciate him for giving me the opportunity to serve,” he said.
“With the loads of misinformation on print and electronic media, I have chosen to put the record straight, I was not sacked neither was I pressured to resign, I did it willingly from the depth of my heart.”
As someone who worked closely with Governor Fubara, Nweke said he felt compelled to speak out due to the gravity of the situation in the state.
“It will be unfair for me to keep silent or not to address some key factors that have affected or will affect our state if we continue on this trajectory,” he said.
He praised President Tinubu’s intervention, saying the emergency declaration—now ratified by the National Assembly—helped to prevent the worst-case scenario.
He said: “If not for the intervention of Mr. President, Nigeria would have faced the worst economic sabotage and Rivers State would have been up in flames.”
Recounting events leading up to the crisis, Nweke made serious allegations against Governor Fubara, claiming the governor instructed his then-chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly complex to thwart an impeachment attempt.
“First, it all started with the Rivers State House of Assembly where the Governor, Siminilayi Fubara directed his Chief of Staff (Edison Ehie) to burn down the Assembly in a way to avert his impeachment,” he said.
“I was there with them when a bag of money was handed over to Edison for that operation, though I do not know the amount inside.”
“I want to tell Rivers people today that the House of Assembly complex in Moscow Road was clearly brought down by Edison Ehie under the instructions of Governor Siminilayi Fubara. I challenge him to an open confrontation and I will throw more light on it.”
Nweke said the incident nearly led to his resignation, but fear of retaliation held him back.
He said: “A day after that incident, I almost resigned but I was very scared because I know the power of a sitting governor and he knew that I am aware of the whole plan.”
He also claimed there was a plot to destroy the residential quarters of Assembly members, which was only thwarted by a public outcry.
“Another attempt was also made to destroy the residential quarters of the House of Assembly members if not for the press conference that was made there by Rivers youths, Rivers elders and National Assembly members,” the former HoS said.
According to Nweke, Governor Fubara had even expressed regret for not demolishing another building used by the Assembly members for their sittings.
He said: “He personally told me that if he knew early he would have gone to pull down their hall before visiting the residential quarters of the Assembly.
“I was shocked and I asked myself how could a man that wants to lead his people be destroying his state assets and wasting public funds on a needless ego fight.”
Nweke further urged stakeholders criticizing the emergency declaration to reconsider their stance, insisting that the President acted in the nation’s best interest.
“If the President did not take proactive step, no one knows who would have been affected by the sinister plans that were cooking,” he warned.
He also accused Governor Fubara of making dangerous political calculations tied to national elections.
“One of the factors that got me removed was when Governor Fubara told me that they will use the Ijaws to decide who will become the next president of Nigeria and I asked him how will that work?
“He clearly told me that he is the chief security officer of Rivers State and his brother is in charge of Bayelsa State and all the pipelines are under their care, that at the appropriate time they will tell the boys what to do and fund was not an issue.
“That was why when he made that statement in his public function that ‘I will tell the boys what to do at the appropriate time,’ I knew something was up and perhaps the time was near,” Nweke said.
Nweke appealed to Tinubu to remain actively involved in Rivers affairs, warning that unresolved issues still pose significant threats to peace and stability in the region.
The national chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure has accused elected lawmakers of the party of failing to financially contribute to its growth.
He stated that none of the lawmakers have contributed a dime to the party since they were elected into office in 2023.
Abure shared his displeasure while speaking during a town hall meeting organized by the Lagos State chapter of the party.
Speaking further, he vowed that those instigating parallel structure in the party will face severe consequences
This was contained in a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, in Abuja on Friday.
He quoted Abure as appealing to the Obidient Family to work towards owning the party by registering as party members to qualify for participation in the forthcoming congresses scheduled for June and July 2025.
Abure said, “We are willing and ready to absorb all the Obidients into the Labour Party. All you need to do is go to your ward as an Obidient and register. The party has only one structure; all the others are counterfeit.
“A party cannot have two conflicting structures, a party can only have one structure and I advice, if you do not want to be left out of the scheme of things, find your way into the main structure. Those who are doing parallel structure, candidate structure will lose out at the end of the day.”
Regarding the relationship between the party and elected members, Barrister Abure said, “It is a fact that they don’t respect the party; it is a fact that they don’t make contributions to the party. As I speak with you today, we have not received one kobo at the national level from those we elected to the national Assembly.
“The responsibility of running this party is still with the party’s leadership. As of today, we have six senators, about 30 Reps members, and numerous House of Assembly members, but it will shock you to know that none of these lawmakers have contributed a dime to the party since their election in 2023.
“Let them go and ask other parties, it is those elected under their platform that fund the party. Today, most of them want to have control over their local government and for us to hand over their constituencies to them, yet they are not ready to work or partner with the party. Is it fair?.”
The national chairman also promised to investigate the grievances of the Lagos State party faithful. He said, “I want to appeal to our members in Lagos State who may have one grievance or the other arising from the imperfection witnessed in the 2023 general election to keep their grievances aside.
“We cannot continue to dwell in the past. Those who did not get the party ticket in 2023 election may have the opportunity to do so in 2027. And for some of you who have special cases, I plead with you to come and present the matter to the leadership of the party, instead of fighting ourselves in the social media. As long as I am the National Chairman, those with genuine cases will be given special attention in the 2027 general election.”