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The Kano State Government has demanded financial compensation from the Federal Government over the cancellation of the annual Durbar celebrations for two consecutive years in Kano Emirate, citing heavy economic losses.
The State’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Tajo Uthman, made the demand on Sunday during the traditional Sallah homage paid by the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, to the Government House.
Speaking during the event, Uthman said the suspension of the Durbar festival had deprived the state of significant revenue that is usually generated from tourism and associated economic activities.
“Kano State has suffered huge financial losses due to the cancellation of the Durbar. It is more than just a cultural event—it is an economic driver,” Uthman stated. “it is high time we begin demanding reparation from the federal government for the losses incurred over the past two years”
LEADERSHIP reports that the annual Durbar, a colourful display of horsemanship, traditionally draws thousands of spectators, including tourists from within and outside Nigeria. The event is a major source of revenue for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, artisans, and traders.
Uthman stressed that even the smallest transactions during the festival season, such as shoe polishing and street food sales, play an essential role in boosting the local economy.
“When these tourists come, they stay in hotels, enjoy local dishes, watch the Durbar, and when their shoes get dusty, they pay someone to clean them. Some even buy snacks like Gurasa,” he explained. “These seemingly minor activities inject money into the economy. Now that the Durbar has been cancelled two years in a row, all of that revenue is gone.”
The commissioner added that the state had included revenue from the Durbar festivities in its annual budget, and the cancellation had created a financial gap that needed to be addressed.
“We included these revenues in our annual budget. Now that we’ve lost them, we’ll need the Federal Government to step in and cover the gap,” he added.
LEADERSHIP reports that the Kano State Police Command had placed a total ban on Durbar in the State since 2014 over the Kano emirship tussle between Emir Sanusi II and the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, in order to forestall possible breakdown of law and order.
[Leadership]
Each of the 3,200 pilgrims from Sokoto state have received 1000 Saudi Riyals which is equivalent to N450,000 as Sallah gift from Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
The governor made the announcement on Saturday during a visit to the Sokoto contingent in Minna, where he congratulated them on the successful completion of the Hajj exercise.
Aliyu said the gesture was aimed at supporting the pilgrims financially as they prepare for their return journey to Nigeria.
He expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the state’s pilgrims, noting that none were found violating Saudi Arabian laws during their stay in the holy land.
“I want to thank you most profoundly for being good ambassadors of our dear state in this holy land. I am indeed very proud of you,” the governor said.
“I equally appreciate your maturity and high sense of responsibility while undertaking the Hajj rituals.”
He reassured the pilgrims of his administration’s continued commitment to their welfare and that of all residents of Sokoto State.
Governor Aliyu also commended the State Amirul Hajj, Alhaji Ummarun Kwabo, for his tireless efforts to ensure the success of this year’s Hajj. He further appreciated the officials of the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency for their dedication in organizing a successful pilgrimage.
He urged the pilgrims to intensify prayers for Nigeria, especially for divine intervention in addressing the country’s numerous challenges, with emphasis on insecurity.
“No matter the effort we are putting into addressing insecurity, prayer remains the best weapon to end the insecurity that has been crippling our development,” he added.
The governor also used the visit to condole with pilgrims from Gudu and Shagari Local Government Areas over the demise of Hajiya Hadiza and Bala Jangebe, who passed away during the pilgrimage. He prayed for Allah’s forgiveness for the departed souls and comfort for their grieving families.
Earlier, the State Amirul Hajj, Alhaji Ummarun Kwabo, thanked the governor for his support, which he said significantly contributed to the success of this year’s Hajj operations. He noted that all the committees set up for the pilgrimage have been working diligently to ensure a smooth and successful exercise.
[DailyTrust]
The lead pastor of Streams of Joy International, Pastor Jerry Eze has shared the driving force behind his passion for evangelism, saying his ministry is out of genuine calling rather than a professional pursuit.
He made this known while speaking in a recent interview with Chude Jideonwo.
The prominent cleric noted that contrary to what many might think, he is not a pastor for personal or financial gains.
He said “I’m not a professional pastor, the day I become a professional pastor let God kill me.“
“The day it ceases to be about God and be about Jerry let God close down everything.”
He expressed humility about his unexpected rise to prominence.
The firebrand man of God claimed he never planned to get to the point where he is now, noting that true success lies in staying focused on God’s purpose rather than personal recognition.
He said in the interview, “I didn’t plan to be here, this is not something you plan that at some point youre going to be big and the world will hear of you.
“I know what my assignment is, I know what God has called me to do and it has consumed me.”
Jerry Eze also noted in his interview that he is motivated by the smiles and testimonies from his congregation.
He said,“I don’t care what anybody thinks or feels but the encouragement is when I see those smiles and hear those testimonies.”
[DailyPost]
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has has disclosed that Inmates in the country now have their National Identity Numbers, (NIN) captured in the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, database due to on-going registration.
The Service said 74 percent of the inmates, representing 59,786 of the 80,879 inmates have been captured in the database of NIMC.
The Public Relations Officer of the Correctional Service, Deputy Comptroller of Corrections, Umar Abubakar, said this was made possible by the collaboration between NIMC and the Service.
Abubakar dismissed reports that the National Identity Number (NIN) registration exercise was yet to commence in all custodial centres across the country.
” This report is misleading, inaccurate, and does not reflect the current state of affairs within our custodial facilities,” Abubakar said in a statement.
He noted that the NIN registration of inmates in custodial centres was not only ongoing but has recorded significant progress.
He said:” A majority of inmates across various custodial centres nationwide have already been successfully enrolled into the National Identity Database through the collaborative efforts of the Service and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
“Available data show that as at 7thJune, 2025, out of the total of 80, 879 inmates’ population, 59,786 inmates approximately 74% have been captured into the NIMC platform.
“The registration of the remaining inmates is actively in progress, and mechanisms have been put in place to ensure its seamless completion.
“The claim that the registration has “yet to commence” in custodial centres is factually incorrect and fails to acknowledge the substantial work already done.
” The Service remains committed to the full integration of inmates into national data systems, including the NIN, as part of broader efforts to promote rehabilitation, reintegration, and the digital inclusion of all persons in custody.
“The Service therefore urges members of the media to verify information with relevant authorities before publication, in order to avoid spreading misinformation that may mislead the public and undermine ongoing institutional efforts”
[TheNation]
President Bola Tinubu will address a joint session of the national assembly on June 12 to commemorate Democracy Day.
A statement issued by Akin Rotimi on Sunday said the event was conveyed to the lawmakers via an internal memorandum issued by Yahaya Danzaria, clerk of the house of representatives.
Rotimi said the president will confer national honours on selected legislators during the event.
“The special joint sitting is scheduled to hold at the House of Representatives Chamber, National Assembly Complex, commencing at 11:00 AM, with preliminary proceedings ahead of the arrival of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at 12:00 noon,” the statement reads.
“The theme for this year’s celebration is:
“26 Years of Democracy: Renewing Our Commitment to National Development.”
“President Tinubu is expected to attend the occasion as Special Guest of Honour and will deliver a presidential address to the joint sitting.
“The programme will also feature goodwill messages from former presiding officers of the national assembly and the conferment of national honours on select legislators by Mr. President.
“This joint sitting represents a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“It underscores the pivotal role of the national assembly in safeguarding democratic values, fostering accountability, and advancing national development over the past 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule.”
From 1999, when civil rule returned, the country celebrated Democracy Day on May 29, until it was changed in 2018.
In June 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 as the new date for the celebration of Nigeria’s democracy.
The decision was to posthumously honour MKO Abiola, presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
[TheCable]
World heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has offered Donald Trump the chance to live in his house in a bid to help the United States president understand the war in Ukraine.
Trump had vowed to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine “in 24 hours” if he were elected president.
But there has been no end to Russia’s invasion since Trump returned to the White House in 2024.
Ukrainian boxer Usyk, who has been a tireless campaigner for peace in his homeland, believes Trump needs to have a clearer view of the dire situation if he is to find a solution to the crisis.
The 38-year-old has urged the president to join him at his house in Ukraine to see for himself the damage done by the war.
“I advise American President Donald Trump to come to Ukraine and live in my house for one week,” Usyk told BBC Sport on Sunday.
“Only one week. I will give him my house. Live please in Ukraine and watch what is going on every night.
“Every night, there are bombs and flights above my house. Bombs, rockets. Every night. It’s enough.”
Trump clashed with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky during a contentious summit meeting in the Oval Office in February.
Trump warned Zelensky to show more gratitude for America’s help in peace talks before telling him to leave the White House.
Asked if Trump could be convinced to change his opinion, Usyk said: “I don’t know. Maybe he’ll understand, maybe he won’t.”
Usyk, who has won all 23 of his professional bouts, is currently in a training camp to prepare for a rematch with IBF champion Daniel Dubois on July 19 at Wembley.
But the WBC, WBA, and WBO heavyweight champion said the war is never far from his mind.
“I worry about what happens in my country. It’s very bad because Ukrainian people have died,” he said.
“It’s not just military people, children, women, grandmothers and grandfathers, too.”
AFP
The Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Church, Paul Adefarasin, has broken his silence over a viral video falsely claiming he brandished a firearm, describing the incident as hurtful and maliciously driven by “clickbaiters just looking for money.”
Speaking during his sermon on Sunday, which was streamed live on the church’s YouTube channel and monitored by Vanguard, Adefarasin said he was deeply shaken by the accusation and the reaction that followed.
“Several persons called me. I was shocked. I was hurt. I’m human,” he said. “What we have had to witness was clickbaiters just looking for money. I probably wasn’t even their target; their target was to make more money.”
He categorically denied owning or using a firearm: “I was falsely accused of pointing a firearm at an aggressive content creator who came within personal distance. I do not have a pistol license. I do not carry a firearm. And I pointed no firearm at anybody.”
Adefarasin explained that the alleged incident occurred on a Saturday while he was observing the Sabbath. “It happened on Saturday when I observed Sabbath. I believe in the principle of Sabbath,” he said.
He further stated that his ministry would not lend weight to misinformation and online attacks. “It’s our policy not to dignify hate speech and false accusations. We believe God is bigger than that.”
Quoting scripture, he added: “We believe in what He said in Romans 12:19 — ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’”
Reflecting on the emotional toll, Adefarasin said, “God is touched with the feelings of our infirmities, and He’s able to first give us succour. And what the enemy means for evil, He works it for good.”
He concluded, “On that note, I will lay that matter to rest.”
[Vanguard]
A 68-year-old man has reportedly fallen into a deep well, on Sunday while trying to recover his lost mobile phone at Mobolorunduro mosque, Molefalafia, Oke-Ado in the Ibadan South-West Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday.
A resident, Ajadi Olaleye, who spoke with The PUNCH in Ibadan, the state capital, said, “The fire fighters were able to rescue him alive and subsequently handed him over to his family for proper medicare.”
When contacted, the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde of the state on Fire Service Reform, Adebayo Akiinwande, confirmed the incident in a statement.
He said the agency was intimated of the incident through a phone call that an elderly man has been trapped inside a well at the premises of Mosque located at Molefalafia in Oke-Ado, Ibadan.
“The distressed call was reported at exactly 06:10hrs this morning, Sunday June 8, 2025 through telephone call of someone that fell into a well at Mobolorunduro Mosque, No.30 Ajeigbe Street, Molefalafia, Oke-Ado, Ibadan.
“The fire personnel led by ACFS Adedeji promptly deployed to the scene of the incident. On getting there, it was discovered to be a man of about 68 years of age trapped inside a deep well of Mobolorunduro Mosque while he was solely trying to recover his lost phone in the well.
“The firemen swiftly swung into action by tying all necessary knots and observing precautionary measures. The man was rescued alive and handed over to his family for proper care.
“The cause of the incident was as a result of ignorance, not knowing the danger associated with entering a well without properly trained.”
Akiinwande, therefore, advised the public to desert from any activity that could pose danger into their valuable lives.
He also reiterated the effort of the present administration in securing the lives and property of entire citizens of the state.
Every year, the town of Ijebu Ode in Ogun State comes alive with colour, culture, music, and heritage as it hosts the Ojude Oba Festival — a century-old celebration that unites the Ijebu people and beyond.
Slated for the third day after Eid al-Kabir (Ileya), this year’s edition, Ojude Oba 2025, promises another vibrant spectacle filled with history, fashion, faith, and fanfare.
Here are 10 things to know about this iconic Yoruba festival.
1. Ojude Oba Is Held in Honour of the King
Ojude Oba literally means “The King’s Forecourt.” The festival is a grand homage paid to the Awujale of Ijebuland, the traditional ruler of Ijebu Ode. It gathers age-grade groups (regberegbe), dignitaries, entertainers, and locals who converge at the palace to show loyalty, appreciation, and solidarity with the monarch.
2. It Holds on the Third Day After Eid al-Kabir
Ojude Oba is tied closely to the Muslim calendar. It is held annually on the third day after Eid al-Adha (Ileya), a major Islamic celebration. This year, 2025, will follow the same pattern — depending on the sighting of the moon.
3. It Has Over 100 Years of History
The origins of Ojude Oba date back more than a century. One account traces it to Balogun Kuku, a wealthy Muslim convert, who rallied his household to pay homage to the king after the Eid prayers. Another version credits Imam Tunwatoba, who led his companions to thank Oba Fidipote for allowing peaceful Islamic practice in Ijebuland.
4. It Draws a Global Crowd
Though deeply rooted in Yoruba and Ijebu tradition, the festival is now a global affair. Up to a million people, including Nigerians in the diaspora, attend the event annually. Attendees come from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and beyond, making it a unifying spectacle.
5. It Features Cultural Age Groups (Regberegbe)
One of the festival’s highlights is the parade of regberegbe — cultural age-grade groups. These groups are known for their dazzling display of fashion, dance, pageantry, and loyalty to the king. The friendly competition among these groups is one of the most anticipated elements of the festival.
6. Fashion Takes Centre Stage
Ojude Oba has become a fashion runway of tradition. The Yoruba people, especially the Ijebu, treat clothing as a mark of status and identity. Each regberegbe appears in new, elaborate outfits every year, often designed months in advance. Rich fabrics like sanyan, indigo-dyed cotton, and deep reds and yellows dominate the scene.
7. It Reflects Religious Tolerance
Despite its Muslim origins, Ojude Oba is a symbol of religious harmony. Christians, traditional worshippers, and even tourists join in the celebration. The spiritual heart of the festival is about gratitude, prayer, and peace — offered for the king, his subjects, and the land.
8. It Has Military and Historical Displays
The event also features cultural warriors, including descendants of ancient warlords and traditional soldiers who march with swords and perform gun salutes. This military symbolism harks back to Ijebu’s precolonial martial heritage, reinforcing the festival’s cultural depth.
9. It Boosts Local Economy and Tourism
Ojude Oba significantly contributes to the Ijebu Ode economy. Hotels get fully booked, artisans and traders enjoy increased patronage, and local businesses thrive. Corporate sponsors also use the festival as a platform for brand visibility and community engagement.
10. It Is Supported by the Awujale and Sponsors
The festival is jointly organized and funded by the Awujale of Ijebuland, the Ijebu people, corporate brands, and notable personalities. Each year, leading companies and individuals sponsor regberegbe groups and entertainment, helping sustain and expand the event’s reach.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers has said that a shift to computer-based examinations by West African Examinations Council and the National Examinations Council will not eliminate malpractices.
The NUT National President, Audu Amba, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja.
Amba was reacting to the recent directive by the Federal Government that WAEC and NECO should fully transit to Computer-Based Testing for their examinations by 2026.
NAN reports that by the directive, both multiple-choice and essay papers by the two bodies would be administered via computer, starting with the May/June 2026 examination cycle.
Specifically, WAEC is expected to begin conducting objective exams via CBT starting in November 2025.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, who announced the federal government’s decision, had said that switching to CBT for WAEC and NECO examinations would enhance efficiency and reduce malpractices.
Amba, however, said that the major challenge with the nation’s education system, which is encouraging malpractices, is the priority placed on paper qualifications.
According to him, because the society only recognises certificates and grades, the students will go the extra miles, some times, with the support of their parents to acquire them, even when they cannot be defended.
“We have placed more emphasis on certificate. What is your grade? What is your scores?
“Not minding the intellectual intelligence of that student.
“The students will go out of their ways to make sure that they get the marks that will give them the certificate,” he said
Amba also underscored the need to address the digital literacy gap among students and teachers before implementing such policy, adding that this may require additional training programmes and resources.
“We are talking about CBT exams. Where is the light, manpower and network? You see, we have a long way to go.
“How many of our teachers in our localities are even computer literate? We don’t sit down within the city and give a directive that cannot be implemented.
“In my village, for instance, network ceases. You can’t get it until you get to a particular place, and so it is in many of our villages.
‘There are also some of our students that have not seen a computer before not to talk of operating it,” he said
The NUT president reiterated that many things needed to be addressed first and and in time, before it could get to a level of CBT introduction.
According to him, there is need for relevant stakeholders to work together to improve the education sector for the betterment of the students and the nation.
More...
The Federal Government has declared Thursday a public holiday to commemorate the 2025 Democracy Day celebration.
This is contained in a statement by the Ministry of Interior’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Magdalene Ajani, on Sunday in Abuja.
Ajani disclosed that the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while declaring the holiday on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated Nigerians for an uninterrupted 26 years of civil rule.
“June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign and peace is sustained and our future assured.
“The last 26 years tell the story of our resilience, strength, and courage, and a hope renewed than ever,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo reiterated the commitment of the Renewed Hope government of President Bola Tinubu to the universal value of democracy that is based on freely-expressed will of the people in determining Nigeria’s political, economic, social, and cultural systems.
(NAN)
Veteran journalist and Arise News TV anchor, Dr. Reuben Abati, has broken his silence following scathing remarks by Lere Olayinka, a media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, during a controversial appearance on The Morning Show last Friday that included claims that he begged Wike for money.
Olayinka, speaking live on the Arise News flagship programme, had, besides claiming that Abati begged Wike for money, also accused the TV anchor of partisanship, claiming he had become the unofficial spokesperson of former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
He also questioned Abati’s absence from the studio that day, implying it was a calculated move to avoid accountability.
“I wasn’t expecting him to be here. He has taken the position of special assistant on media to Rotimi Amaechi.
The fiery exchange stems from a recent comment made by Amaechi during his 60th birthday celebration, where he declared himself “hungry” — a statement widely seen as a veiled criticism of the current administration. Wike, his political rival, dismissed the remarks and questioned the credibility of a man who had held multiple top political roles to claim hunger.
Abati, reacting on Arise News, criticized Wike’s response as “rude and disrespectful,” especially coming from someone whose political rise was closely tied to Amaechi. This opinion apparently struck a nerve with Olayinka, prompting his Friday outburst.
In a swift and pointed response issued over the weekend, Abati, according to GWG, Dr. Abati dismissed Olayinka’s claims as baseless and defamatory.
He categorically denied ever aligning with Amaechi or seeking favours from Minister Wike.
“I am not Rotimi Amaechi’s spokesperson, nor do I have his phone number. That’s a fabrication.”
He further explained that his absence from Friday’s show was due to a prior intellectual engagement — a book review for “Oprah Benson – Live and Legend,” authored by Dr. Udu Yakubu — and not an attempt to dodge any confrontation
Abati also clarified a claim Olayinka made regarding an alleged probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). According to the broadcaster, his interaction with the EFCC was a routine and procedural invitation — not a criminal investigation. He added that the agency under its former chairman, Ibrahim Magu, later issued a formal apology to him.
Taking a swipe at Olayinka’s use of the word “hubris” during the interview, Abati suggested the media aide had misused the term and lacked the intellectual depth to warrant further engagement.
Despite the attacks, Abati stood firmly by his earlier criticism of Minister Wike, arguing that public officials must always be subject to public scrutiny.
Abati besides dismissing Olayinka’s claims that he begged Wike for money also addressed the media aide’s attempt to resurrect old allegations against the late Senator Buruji Kashamu, insisting that no court ever convicted the deceased, either in Nigeria or abroad.
Closing his statement, Abati expressed deep gratitude to his co-hosts, especially Rufai Oseni and Vimbai, for their professionalism during the episode. He also thanked his wife, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati, for her unwavering support.
“Your strength remains my anchor,” he wrote.
FORMER Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has described the Civil War period as the most difficult period of his life.
Gowon made this known on Saturday in Abuja after being honoured with a LifeTime Integrity and Achievement Award at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship, Abuja Anglican Diocese.
Gowon explained that his decisions during the Civil War were never driven by hatred, but by a difficult necessity to preserve national unity.
He urged people to always stand for the truth, and stressed the need for forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity across faiths and ethnicities.
“I always remember the Civil War. It was the most difficult period of my life. It was not my choice, but I had to be there, and had to do what I did in order to keep this country together.
“It was never a hatred against any people, I can assure you,” he stated.
Reflecting on life after that period, the former Head of State stressed that his decisions had often been guided by prayers and a desire to act with integrity and compassion.
“As far as this heart is concerned, everything that I do, it is through prayers. I ask God to help me to do the right thing the way He thinks it should be done, with love and respect for all the people.
“That is why, at the end, what do we have to say? As they say: no victor, no vanquished,” he added.
Gowon also lauded the progress Nigeria has made since the Civil War.
He called on all citizens to support the government’s efforts to uphold peace, love, and mutual respect.
Chairman of the occasion, former President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by John-Kennedy Opara, former Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, congratulated the honourees on their consistency in living with integrity.
[Nigerian Tribune]
He said, “These men have touched lives, and God has used them in different ways to touch the nation.
“The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.”
Quoting Psalm 25:14, he called on men to live right and stand for integrity, regardless of the situation.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, who presided over the convention, commended the honourees and urged Christians to uphold truth, integrity, and courage.
According to him, the theme for the programme is apt because there is a need to encourage Christians to stand for the Lord right from their homes.
He also encouraged Christians to stand strong in the society, in their workplaces and in their businesses.
Former Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has dismissed claims by his political rival and successor, Nyesom Wike, that he made him governor, challenging journalists and the public to interrogate the origins of that assertion.
In a recent interview marking his 60th birthday, Amaechi said his emergence as governor in 2007 was the result of a judicial process and not political patronage. “Nobody made me governor but God, Dr. Peter Odili, and the Nigerian judiciary,” he declared. “Surprisingly, no journalist has ever asked that man that said he made me governor how he did it? Nobody has ever asked that question.”
Amaechi, who was elected governor after a landmark Supreme Court ruling reinstated his candidacy despite being substituted before the 2007 elections, emphasized that the judiciary played the decisive role in the outcome. “I went to court. Lateef Fagbemi was my lawyer. He’s now the Attorney General of the Federation. Maybe you should ask him.”
The former governor also pushed back against another widespread narrative – that he offered Wike the position of Commissioner for Finance in his administration. “It is not true that I offered him the position,” Amaechi said, adding that former Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, had travelled to Port Harcourt to inform him of Wike’s interest in that portfolio. “And I said no, because he has to work under me. I wanted him as Chief of Staff so that I can supervise him,” Amaechi stated.
He dismissed suggestions that his decision was based on mistrust or rivalry. “It means the governor supervising his staff,” he said. “He made himself Chief of Staff, he made himself Governor, he made himself Minister, he made himself local government chairman. So end it there. Don’t go further.”
Amaechi, who was also a two-term Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and Minister of Transportation under President Muhammadu Buhari, used the interview to reflect on his career, political developments in Nigeria, and the state of Rivers under his successors. He expressed disappointment that many of the projects he executed had been abandoned, including model secondary schools, health centres, and the Greater Port Harcourt City project.
On why he no longer visits the state, Amaechi offered a terse explanation: “That’s why I don’t go to Rivers State, because it gives you mental disorder.”
Amaechi’s comments come amid ongoing political tension in Rivers State and growing speculation about his political future ahead of the 2027 elections.
[Guardian]