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State of Emergency: Nigerians know you are mastermind of Rivers crisis – APC chieftain slams Tinubu

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1 year ago

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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Rivers State, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in the state.

In making the declaration the President had cited heightened tension in the state and the alleged destruction of several oil pipelines by militants as justifications for his action.

Eze, in a statement in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, said Nigerians and the international community already know that the lingering political altercation between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and loyalist assembly members was instigated by the Tinubu administration to capture Rivers State either by hook or crook.

Ekwutosblog reported on Tuesday night that President Tinubu addressed the nation, primarily in response to the political crisis in Rivers State.

During the address, he declared a state of emergency Rivers State.

Expressing concern over the political turmoil in the oil-rich state, Tinubu stated that he was “greatly disturbed” and accused Governor Fubara of demolishing the State House of Assembly building.

 

He added that after evaluating the situation, he had decided to “declare a state of emergency from 18 March.”

He announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, for six months and appointed an Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, Rtd, to steer the affairs of the state for the period of the pendency of the emergency rule.

Eze slammed the President for failing to highlight the fact that the 27 State Assembly members led my Martin Amaewhule frustrated the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment, particularly for turning down invitations from the Governor for a discussion to chart a way forward and refusing to accept and deliberate on the 2025 appropriation bill when the Governor tried to present same to them during plenary.

Eze said the President’s stance in the circumstance clearly reinforces and points to his long perceived biased leaning in the whole imbroglio.

“In fact, Mr. President fueled the crisis and pushed the narrative through the FCT Minister and his lackeys in the State Assembly,” Eze alleged in his statement.

“On the other hand, one can safely say that having failed to use his 27 loyal Assembly members to remove the Governor, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike succeeded in procuring President Bola Tinubu to achieve, to some extent, the onerous task of getting Governor Fubara out of office, though temporarily but illegally too.

“There is no where in the entirety of Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, which President Tinubu cited as the source of his power to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, that the removal or suspension of a democratically elected Governor is envisaged.

“One therefore wonders where the President derived his powers to suspend a democratically elected Governor.

“On several occasions, more particularly in 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan declared state of emergency in some terrorist-infested states in the northeast region without removing the Governors of those states because he was properly guided to understand that such action is ultra vires his powers and if taken would undermine the basic principles of democracy, escalate the crisis and occasion political unrest.

“Since the President took over power in 2023, Nigerians have died in droves; in hundreds and thousands from terrorist attacks, herdsmen invasions, hunger , and other nefarious acts from non-state actors in different parts of the country to warrant a declaration of state of emergency, but he never did; but a mere threat to oil facility has prodded the President to act with the swiftness of a magic wand. So, in Nigeria, oil facilities matter more to the government than human life.

“By this unpatriotic, ill-advised and pre-meditated act of national disgrace, Tinubu has really shown he is not what Nigerians think of him.

“At his age, experience and considering his leadership and managerial acumen, one would have thought that President Tinubu would be patriotic, humane, unbiased, upright and truthful in the handling of the political crisis in Rivers State.

“Without mincing words, the declaration of state of emergency and subsequent suspension of Governor Fubara, his Deputy and the State Assembly without suspending Nyesom Wike, his appointee, who is the arrowhead of the political crisis in Rivers State, is an affront on Nigeria’s democracy and stands highly condemned.

The fact that Tinubu chose to heap unjustifiable blame on Fubara, condemning and casting aspersion on his person, lucidly portrayed the President’s action as one taken in bad faith, and lacking in natural justice.

“So, Tinubu did not see Wike’s role in the political saga or that of the 27 defected lawmakers?

He stated that the ” state of emergency” was “declared to perpetuate a state capture,” adding that “suspending Fubara, while Wike, the major culprit in the political war in Rivers State continues working in Abuja and absolved of any blame, is shameful.

“In fact, by announcing an emergency rule in Rivers State, the President has shown that he is the mastermind of the crisis in the oil-rich state and a major beneficiary of the crisis.”

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Politics

Political Shockwave in Rivers as Fubara Pulls Out of APC Governorship Race, Backs Party’s Candidate

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6 minutes ago

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May 21, 2026

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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has officially withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries scheduled to take place on Thursday, a development that has stirred fresh political conversations across the state.

The governor announced his decision in a personally signed statement titled “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries,” which was released on Wednesday night.

In the statement, Fubara explained that his withdrawal followed wide consultations with political associates, stakeholders, and supporters. He stated that the decision was taken in the overall interest of peace, unity, and stability within the APC and Rivers State at large.

According to the governor, politics should not be allowed to divide the people or create unnecessary tension within the party. He stressed that preserving unity among party members and maintaining stability in the state remain more important than personal political ambition.

Fubara further pledged his total loyalty and support to whoever eventually emerges as the APC governorship candidate, assuring party faithful that he remains committed to the success and progress of the party ahead of the next general elections.

The Rivers governor also appreciated his supporters across the state for standing by him throughout the political process. He thanked party leaders, youth groups, women supporters, and political associates who had continued to show him solidarity and encouragement.

He urged his supporters not to see his withdrawal as the end of his political journey, but rather as a decision made in the collective interest of the party and the state. He also appealed to them to remain peaceful, united, and committed to the ideals of the APC.

Political observers have described the development as one of the biggest political surprises in Rivers State in recent times, especially considering the growing speculations and intense political alignments ahead of the governorship primaries.

Analysts believe the governor’s withdrawal may reshape the political calculations within the APC and influence the direction of the party’s governorship race moving forward.

The announcement has continued to generate mixed reactions from political stakeholders and residents across Rivers State. While some supporters described the move as strategic and mature, others expressed surprise over the governor’s sudden exit from the contest.

Several party faithful, however, commended Fubara for placing party unity and stability above personal ambition, noting that his decision may help reduce internal tensions and strengthen the APC ahead of the elections.

The development has also intensified attention on the remaining aspirants contesting for the APC governorship ticket, as consultations and political meetings continue ahead of the primary election.

Many observers believe the governor’s endorsement of the eventual APC candidate could play a major role in shaping the outcome of the party’s governorship battle and future political structure in the state.

As political activities continue to gather momentum in Rivers State, all eyes are now on the APC primaries and the next phase of political developments expected to unfold in the coming days.

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Ugochukwu Obodo wins Owerri Municipal APC ticket again as APC Elects 27 Imo Assembly Candidates After Successful Primaries

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18 minutes ago

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May 21, 2026

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The leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State have successfully elected 27 candidates who emerged victorious during the recently concluded Imo State House of Assembly primary elections conducted across the 305 wards of the State.

In a statement obtained by ThePressman Newspaper, the leadership of Imo APC described the primary election exercise as peaceful, transparent, credible, and reflective of the democratic ideals and internal cohesion of the party.

The information from the party commended party faithful, delegates, stakeholders, and supporters for their maturity, discipline, unity, and sportsmanship throughout the electoral process, noting that the successful conduct of the primaries further demonstrated the organizational strength and readiness of the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the statement, the outcome of the primaries reaffirmed the confidence reposed in the party by members across the State, while also positioning the APC for a formidable outing in the forthcoming elections.

The Imo APC leadership warmly congratulated the party’s standard bearers who emerged across the 27 State Constituencies, namely:

Uchenna Osigwe – Orsu LGA
Chantel Adanna Onwumere – Ikeduru
Obodo Ugochukwu – Owerri Municipal
Hon. Ernest Udeze – Ideato North
Godspower Onyeibe – Ideato South
Mrs Julie Egbo – Owerri North
Rt. Hon. Kanayo Onyemaechi – Owerri West
Prince Marcel Amadioha – Ohaji Egbema
Hon. Gilbert Nwosu – Oguta
Hon. Uche Obiozor – Oru East
Hon. Emeka Agbor – Oru West
Rt. Hon. Obinna Egu – Ngor-Okpala
Hon. Magnus Okolie – Orlu
Hon. Innocent Ikpamezie – Mbaitoli
Hon. Modestus Osakwe – Isu
Hon.Ebonine Ozioma Worship – Njaba
Rt Hon Amarachi Chyna Iwuanyanwu – Nwangele
Hon. Chisom Ojukwu – Nkwerre
Hon. Doris Anyanwu – Ahiazu Mbaise
Hon. Princewill Amuchie – Aboh Mbaise
Hon. Henry Agbasonu – Ezinihitte Mbaise
Hon. Sam Osuji – Isiala Mbano
Ben Ozoemenam – Ehime Mbano
Hon. Emeka Okoronkwo – Okigwe
Prince Humphrey Okeke – Obowo
Lady Blessing Nwoba – Ihitte-Uboma
Hon. Chibuzor Umunnakwe – Onuimo
The party further expressed confidence that the emergence of the candidates would strengthen the APC’s chances of securing victory across the State during the 2027 general elections.

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Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Meets NLC President Joe Ajaero in Abuja as #ImoEast2027 Consultations Continue

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27 minutes ago

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May 21, 2026

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Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, former First Lady of Ondo State and senatorial aspirant for Imo East, has held a consultation meeting with Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, as she ramps up engagements ahead of the 2027 elections.

The meeting took place in Abuja on Wednesday during what Anyanwu-Akeredolu described as part of her ongoing consultations for the Imo East Senatorial District race, tagged #ImoEast2027.

Describing Ajaero as her “broda” and fellow son of Owerri Zone, Anyanwu-Akeredolu said the visit was to pay homage and discuss issues affecting the zone and the wider state.

“Our discussion centered on the need for purposeful leadership, quality representation, and the urgent task of improving the welfare of our people,” she stated.

She added that the “journey to the Red Chambers continues with wide consultations and engagement with critical stakeholders.”

Anyanwu-Akeredolu, who hails from Owerri Federal Constituency, signed off the statement as “Ada Owere 1,” a traditional title she holds in Owerri.

The visit adds to a series of consultations she has been holding with political and civic leaders as she seeks the support of stakeholders in Imo East ahead of the 2027 senatorial election.

Imo East, also known as Owerri Senatorial District, comprises nine local government areas and is considered one of the key political battlegrounds in Imo State.

 

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