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Rivers: HURIWA speaks on how Wike camp is undermining Tinubu’s accord

Published

1 year ago

January 20, 2025

Rivers: HURIWA speaks on how Wike camp is undermining Tinubu’s accord

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for accusing Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara of betraying a presidential peace accord.

In a statement issued on Monday, HURIWA argued that it was Wike, not Fubara, who sabotaged the accord brokered by President Bola Tinubu, labeling Wike’s actions as a breach of trust and an affront to the principles of governance.

Reacting to Wike’s recent media statements, HURIWA, in a statement by its national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, noted that Wike’s claim of Fubara’s alleged betrayal is unfounded and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.

The association pointed out that Governor Fubara demonstrated good faith and loyalty to the presidential directive by withdrawing a sensitive court case he was well-positioned to win.

This move, HURIWA argued, was a clear indication of Fubara’s commitment to fostering peace and stability in Rivers State.

“It is hypocritical for Wike to accuse Governor Fubara of disloyalty when the minister himself has actively sabotaged the accord,” HURIWA stated. “While Fubara complied with the President’s directive and withdrew a critical legal matter in a gesture of reconciliation, Wike continued to pursue multiple suits in various courts, culminating in a controversial judgment declaring his factional speaker as legitimate. This is the ultimate betrayal of the accord and an insult to the President’s efforts to mediate peace.”

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The association further alleged that Wike’s actions expose a pattern of political manoeuvring aimed at undermining the Rivers State government and destabilizing the administration of Governor Fubara.

According to HURIWA, Wike’s loyalty to President Tinubu appears to be superficial and driven by personal interests rather than genuine commitment to national unity or governance.

“Wike’s loyalty to the President is nothing more than window dressing. His continued legal battles against Governor Fubara’s administration show a calculated effort to disrupt governance in Rivers State and create a parallel power structure that benefits his political interests,” HURIWA added.

HURIWA dismissed Wike’s call for reconciliation as unnecessary, asserting that Governor Fubara does not need reconciliation with someone whose actions would likely undermine the state’s resources and governance.

The association noted that the Rivers State treasury is not a public purse to be allegedly plundered in the name of political compromise.

“Governor Fubara does not need Wike’s reconciliation, which would undoubtedly come at the cost of the public purse,” the statement read. “The people of Rivers State deserve a government focused on delivering development and stability, not one entangled in endless political schemes orchestrated by individuals seeking to protect their personal interests.”

The association also condemned the current situation in the Rivers State House of Assembly, where factionalism has led to the creation of a parallel assembly. HURIWA described the defection of 27 lawmakers to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the ensuing power struggles as a direct consequence of Wike’s alleged divisive politics.

“The political crisis in Rivers State is a reflection of Wike’s obsession with controlling the state even after his tenure as governor,” HURIWA asserted. “The defection of lawmakers and the emergence of a factional speaker are part of a calculated plan to weaken Governor Fubara’s administration and maintain an undue grip on the state’s political landscape.”

HURIWA called on President Tinubu to take a decisive stand against actions that undermine peace accords and destabilize governance at the state level. The association urged the President to hold all parties accountable and ensure that political actors respect the rule of law and the democratic process.

“The President’s intervention was a step in the right direction, but it must be followed by firm action to hold accountable those who betray the accord,” HURIWA stated. “Rivers State deserves peace, stability, and development, and this can only be achieved when the rule of law prevails, and political actors prioritize the interests of the people over their ambitions.”

HURIWA concluded by expressing confidence in Governor Fubara’s leadership and commitment to the people of Rivers State. The association called on the governor to remain steadfast in his efforts to deliver good governance, despite the challenges posed by Wike’s political machinations.

“The people of Rivers State elected Governor Fubara to lead them, not to engage in endless battles with his predecessor. We urge the governor to stay focused on his mandate and continue to work for the progress and prosperity of Rivers State,” HURIWA stated.

Rivers: HURIWA speaks on how Wike camp is undermining Tinubu’s accord

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Diezani Must Return to Nigeria, Face EFCC Cases — Laolu Akande

Published

20 minutes ago

June 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke

Diezani Must Return to Nigeria, Face EFCC Cases — Laolu Akande

Former presidential spokesman Laolu Akande has urged former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, to return to Nigeria and defend herself against pending corruption allegations and EFCC cases, despite her recent legal outcome in the United Kingdom.

Akande made the call during a monitored interview on Friday, describing the UK court’s decision as “exciting news,” but stressing that it does not end or override ongoing proceedings in Nigeria.

Akande said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) still has active cases involving Diezani, including court-ordered asset forfeitures linked to alleged proceeds of corruption. He maintained that while foreign court rulings may influence public perception, they do not conclude domestic legal processes, especially where Nigerian courts are still reviewing related matters. He argued that the former minister should return home and allow the Nigerian judiciary to fully determine the outstanding allegations, insisting that only a local court judgment can provide final closure.

He also revisited controversies surrounding Nigeria’s oil sector during Diezani’s tenure as petroleum minister, particularly the strategic alliance agreements involving the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC). Akande alleged that crude oil worth about $3 billion was sold under arrangements that did not involve proper payment of royalties or taxes. He added that these issues remain part of public records and investigations, though they are still subject to legal scrutiny and not fully resolved in court.

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He further claimed that documents reviewed during his time in government pointed to transactions involving Diezani and other individuals, adding that these matters require judicial determination in Nigeria.

Akande insisted that if Diezani believes the UK ruling supports her innocence, she should return to Nigeria and face the EFCC corruption trials to clear her name once and for all. He said allowing Nigerian courts to decide the pending cases would help resolve one of the country’s most high-profile corruption controversies and strengthen accountability in public service.

Diezani Alison-Madueke, who served under former President Goodluck Jonathan, has faced multiple corruption allegations in Nigeria and abroad since leaving office in 2015. She has consistently denied wrongdoing, while several asset recovery and forfeiture proceedings have been carried out by Nigerian authorities over the years.

Akande’s remarks have further intensified public debate over whether foreign court outcomes should influence domestic corruption cases involving former public officials.

Diezani Must Return to Nigeria, Face EFCC Cases — Laolu Akande

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EFCC to Probe Adeyanju, VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Terror Financing, Funding Sources

Published

32 minutes ago

June 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Martins Vincent Otse (VeryDarkMan) and Deji Adeyanju

EFCC to Probe Adeyanju, VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Terror Financing, Funding Sources

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is reportedly set to begin a preliminary investigation into activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju and social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse (VeryDarkMan) over allegations linked to terror financing claims, illicit funding channels, and suspected financial irregularities.

The development follows a petition submitted on June 17, 2026, by lawyer Blessing Agbomhere, which called on the EFCC to scrutinise the sources of funding behind their activism, public campaigns, legal interventions, and media engagements.

In the petition, Agbomhere urged the anti-graft agency to conduct a detailed review of the duo’s bank accounts, financial transactions, personal and associated business assets, sponsorship arrangements, and possible foreign or third-party inflows. He argued that while freedom of expression and public advocacy are constitutionally protected rights, the scale and visibility of their campaigns raise concerns that warrant regulatory examination.

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The petitioner further noted that, in some global cases, undisclosed funding structures have been used to influence public opinion or weaken institutions. Based on this, he urged authorities to determine whether any similar risks exist in relation to the individuals involved.

The petition also called on the EFCC to work alongside relevant security and intelligence agencies to assess whether any of the funds in question could pose a threat to national security.

While the EFCC has not confirmed any formal charges, reports suggest the agency is reviewing the petition and may commence preliminary financial investigations, which typically involve verifying claims, tracing financial flows, and assessing compliance with anti-money laundering laws and financial regulations.

At this stage, no indictment has been filed, and the allegations remain unproven.

Both Adeyanju and VeryDarkMan are prominent figures in Nigeria’s civic and digital activism space, known for their outspoken criticism of government policies and institutions. Their activities have often attracted both strong public support and controversy.

The petition itself clarified that it does not amount to an allegation of guilt but is intended to promote transparency and accountability. It added that if the EFCC finds all funding sources to be legitimate, it would help clear doubts and reinforce public trust in their activities.

EFCC to Probe Adeyanju, VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Terror Financing, Funding Sources

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Tinubu Approves Six-Month Extension for Nigeria Customs Chief

Published

45 minutes ago

June 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi

Tinubu Approves Six-Month Extension for Nigeria Customs Chief

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a six-month extension for the tenure of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, extending his leadership of the agency until February 2027.

The extension takes effect from August 1, 2026, when his current tenure was originally expected to end.

According to a statement issued by the Presidency through the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the decision is aimed at ensuring continuity in ongoing reforms within the Customs Service, particularly the full rollout of the National Single Window project, a major digital trade facilitation system designed to streamline import and export processes in Nigeria.

The Presidency explained that the extension will also allow Adeniyi to consolidate improvements in revenue generation, border management, and anti-smuggling operations, while ensuring a structured and orderly transition in the leadership of the service.

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During the extended period, Adeniyi is expected to work closely with the Customs Service Board to oversee key administrative processes, including the promotion of eligible officers to the rank of Comptroller of Customs, as well as the retirement of officers who have reached the mandatory age of 60 years or completed 35 years in service. These steps are part of wider efforts to strengthen institutional stability within the agency.

Adeniyi, an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University, joined the Nigeria Customs Service in the late 1980s and has spent decades rising through the ranks. His career progression includes promotion to Deputy Comptroller in 2012, Comptroller in 2017, Assistant Comptroller-General in 2020, and Acting Deputy Comptroller-General in January 2023 before his appointment as Comptroller-General by President Tinubu in June 2023.

Since assuming office, he has led reforms focused on modernising Customs operations, strengthening border security, improving compliance systems, and boosting non-oil revenue generation for the federal government.

The extension is widely viewed as part of the administration’s broader strategy to stabilise key revenue-generating agencies and sustain ongoing digital transformation efforts across Nigeria’s trade and border control systems.