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Nothing Lasts Forever! Fubara Reacts After Being Locked Out of Rivers Assembly

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Nothing Lasts Forever! Fubara Reacts After Being Locked Out of Rivers Assembly"

LOCKED OUT: RIVERS STATE GOVERNOR DENIED ENTRY TO ASSEMBLY, BUDGET PRESENTATION STALLED

…Fubara Laments Attempt to Frustrate Governance
…Tension Mounts as Assembly Faction Defies Supreme Court Ruling
…Tinubu Pressures Governor to Implement Verdict Amid Growing Political Standoff

 

Rivers State was thrown into fresh political turmoil on Wednesday as Governor Siminalayi Fubara was denied access to the Port Harcourt Aba Road temporary Rivers State House of Assembly complex, effectively blocking him from presenting the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

Accompanied by his entourage, Fubara arrived at the Assembly Quarters only to be met with locked gates, an action seen as a bold and calculated move by the 27 lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The incident underscores the deepening power struggle between the governor and Wike’s faction, which the Supreme Court recently recognized as the legitimate Assembly leadership.

48-Hour Ultimatum and Assembly’s Defiance

The legislative crisis escalated after the pro-Wike lawmakers issued Fubara a 48-hour ultimatum to present the budget, challenging an earlier approval by a four-member faction of lawmakers aligned with the governor. However, instead of attending the session, Fubara invited the lawmakers to Government House, Port Harcourt, a move they outrightly rejected.

Governor Fubara Reacts: ‘I Leave Everything to God’

Addressing the development during the inauguration of the Bori Zonal Hospital in Khana LGA, Governor Fubara expressed disappointment at the obstruction, emphasizing that his priority remained the state’s economic stability and the welfare of civil servants. He lamented the resistance he has faced in executing governance duties despite following due process.

“I made frantic efforts to reach the Speaker, which I believe he cannot deny, alongside other members of the Assembly,” Fubara stated. “I even sent WhatsApp messages to them, notifying them that I would be coming at 10 a.m. to present the budget. This was to ensure that Rivers State does not face any crisis because of me, as some have alleged.”

Despite his efforts, Fubara said he was left standing outside the legislative complex, only to hear claims that no official communication was made regarding his visit.

“I leave everything to God, who sees all things in secret,” he added. “Like I have always said, nothing lasts forever. Even the greatest power eventually comes to an end. What matters is how we use power. I have chosen not to abuse mine, no matter what they claim.”

Presidential Pressure: Tinubu Orders Compliance with Supreme Court Verdict

The budget blockade comes just 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu directed Governor Fubara to implement the Supreme Court’s ruling recognizing the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers. During a high-stakes meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu reinforced his stance, demanding adherence to the court’s decision to prevent further instability in the oil-rich state.

However, Fubara’s camp views the legislative impasse as an orchestrated attempt to sabotage his administration. His allies argue that the governor is being cornered into submission, with the opposition exploiting institutional control to dictate terms.

Calls for Resignation, Threats of Impeachment

Adding to the already volatile situation, Tony Okocha, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, called for Fubara’s resignation, warning that failure to comply with the Supreme Court ruling could lead to impeachment proceedings. The remarks signal a potential escalation in the crisis, with political forces aligning to push Fubara into a corner.

As tensions mount, Rivers State finds itself at the center of a deepening political crisis. The coming days will determine whether Fubara can navigate the high-stakes battle or if the opposition forces will tighten their grip on the state’s political landscape. One thing remains certain—this is a battle far from over.

 

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Lagos Assembly Charges Security Agencies To Redouble Efforts In Combating Extortion By Miscreants

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Lagos Assembly Charges Security Agencies To Redouble Efforts In Combating Extortion By Miscreants

Lagos Assembly Charges Security Agencies To Redouble Efforts In Combating Extortion By Miscreants

 

Acknowledging that the scourge of brazen extortion by miscreants on Lagos streets was on the increase, the Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohunda Moshood Jimoh, and heads of other security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering with the latest security apparatuses, increase surveillance on black spots across the metropolis, and, where necessary, arrest such miscreants, and have the state rehabilitate them.

Lagos Assembly Charges Security Agencies To Redouble Efforts In Combating Extortion By Miscreants

Hon. Sanni Okanlawon (representing Kosofe Constituency 1) raised the alarm at plenary Tuesday, May 6, under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’ stating; “The unlawful extortion of stranded and innocent motorists by miscreants remains a growing concern that demands urgent attention. Nobody on the streets of Lagos is immune to their activities. If left unchecked, they could render the state unsafe.” He painted different unsavoury scenarios of how the street urchins operate brazenly, which he described as unacceptable, and called for urgent intervention to protect road users.

Supporting the motion, Hon. Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho Constituency II) noted that this particular trend threatens the safety and sanity of road transportation in the state. Hon. Desmond Elliot (Surulere Constituency 1) corroborated this and emphasised the need for active surveillance by security agencies. He also suggested the involvement of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), noting that many of the offenders act under the influence of illegal substances.

Similarly, Hon. Aro Moshood (Ikorodu Constituency II) urged the Commissioner of Police to set up a tactical team dedicated mainly to road monitoring because “It is high time the government took the bull by the horns.” Commending Hon. Okanlawon for moving the motion, Hon. Adebola Shabi (Lagos Mainland Constituency 2) said local government chairmen have a huge role in combating this menace. Effective strategies, she added, have to be devised while recommending the installation of CCTV cameras at identified black spots.

However, Hon. Obafemi Saheed (Kosofe Constituency 2) disclosed that the government has invested heavily in security through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, and, therefore, should not sit back and watch miscreants take over the city.

Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Obasa commended Hon. Okanlawon and the lawmakers who contributed robustly to the debate. He said that the police and other security agencies, including the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), must collaborate to ensure that Lagos remains safe for residents, commuters, and visitors alike.

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Lagos Assembly Summons Lands Bureau over Allocations, Recurring Land-Related Issues

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Lagos Assembly Summons Lands Bureau over Allocations, Recurring Land-Related Issues

Lagos Assembly Summons Lands Bureau over Allocations, Recurring Land-Related Issues

The Lagos State House of Assembly has summoned the state Lands Bureau to appear before it to provide clarity on previous allocations and recurring land-related issues. It also approved land compensation for communities where the state government acquired lands for public use.

At plenary last Thursday, the House adopted the recommendations of the Committee on Rules and Business on a petition titled “Application by Oriba Community in Epe Local Government to join in the petition of Ladaba Community” presented by Hon. Noheem Adams.

Lagos Assembly Summons Lands Bureau over Allocations, Recurring Land-Related Issues

Following the presentation of the report, the House unanimously adopted the recommendations as its resolution by asking the bureau to appear before it with proper documents to explain the status of lands acquired by the state. The committee also recommended that the bureau issue excision/allocation letters to the 68 affected communities, while their Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) should be ready within one month of the House’s resolution.

Members who lent their voices to the matter commended the committee for ensuring they got justice for the affected communities and suggested that their compensation should be increased from 20% to 25%.

In his summation, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon.. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa acknowledged the need for increased compensation but noted that the state government has its plans. Particularly, he endorsed the allocation of 20% (2,000 hectares) of the 10,000 hectares acquired by the state government as compensation.

Speaker Obasa further recommended that the committee should collaborate with the Lands Bureau, Office of the State Surveyor General, and New Towns Development Authority for the effective implementation of the recommendations.

The Lagos State Lands Bureau is responsible for land administration and management. It oversees key activities such as land allocation, issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), land registration, and the management of state-owned lands.

Its primary goals include ensuring equitable and transparent land transactions, facilitating urban planning, and supporting economic development by maintaining an organized system of land ownership. The bureau also handles disputes related to land and implements policies to optimize land use while protecting public interests.

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Oluremi Tinubu and Aisha Achimugu: A Bond Forged in Compassion, by Olabode Opeseitan

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Oluremi Tinubu and Aisha Achimugu: A Bond Forged in Compassion, by Olabode Opeseitan

 

 

Two women with two distinct destinies. One, Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, is a political luminary and steadfast advocate for the marginalized. The other is Aisha Achimugu, a trailblazing entrepreneur who conquered the male-dominated oil and gas sector, yet wears her heart on her sleeve for humanity.

 

 

Oluremi Tinubu and Aisha Achimugu: A Bond Forged in Compassion, by Olabode Opeseitan 

 

Though their paths differ, their souls converge in two profound ways: an unyielding passion for women’s empowerment and a lifelong covenant with charity.

 

 

For Oluremi, empowering women and uplifting the vulnerable is not merely a mission—it’s her oxygen. From founding the New Era Foundation as Lagos’ First Lady to launching her Renewed Hope Initiative as Nigeria’s First Lady—a platform championing youth and girl-child education and spearheading transformative projects like the Community ICT Hub—she has turned biblical compassion into action. Her unalloyed commitment to charitable virtues shone brightly during the commissioning of the hub in Ibadan, a Federal Government collaboration under her RHI that bridges the digital divide for thousands, revealing a heart that beats for the forgotten.

 

 

 

In Aisha Achimugu, Oluremi unknowingly finds a kindred spirit. Aisha’s SAM Empowerment Foundation has illuminated the futures of countless Nigerian girls through scholarships, mentorship, and vocational training, transforming aspirations into tangible opportunities. Her compassion radiates beyond borders, driven by a pan-African vision to uplift communities wherever the need arises. Whether empowering women in Nigeria’s underserved regions or advocating for sustainable livelihoods across the continent, Aisha’s mantra—“When God has blessed you, be a blessing to others”— resounds in every act of service. From rebuilding lives shattered by poverty to fostering dignity through education, her golden heart has become a beacon of hope for Africa’s most vulnerable.

 

 

 

Yet, their journeys have not been without storms. Both women have endured savage media trials—unfairly judged, their reputations scrutinized. Society often forgets: behind the headlines are mothers, leaders, and humanitarians whose “crimes” are loving too fiercely and giving too generously. They are imperfect, as all humans are, but in their relentless generosity, they mirror the very best of what humanity can be.

 

 

 

To Oluremi and Aisha: Your resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to your unbreakable spirits. When cynics question your motives, remember the girls now coding in Ibadan’s ICT Hub, the mothers reclaiming their futures through vocational training, and the orphans who see you as their lifeline. Do not relent. For every life you touch—whether through education, healthcare, or the quiet restoration of dignity—a ripple of hope spreads. Your legacies are not etched in headlines but in healed hearts and transformed destinies.

 

 

We see you. We celebrate you. And we beg you: keep shining.

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