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Rivers crisis : NLC threatens strike

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Rivers crisis : NLC threatens strike

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Rivers chapter, has threatened to take action over the political crisis rocking the state.

The congress said the crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and state lawmakers loyal to the immediate past governor of the state and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was adversely affecting workers in the state.

The state NLC Chairman, Alex Agwanwo, stated this after a joint labour meeting in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

Recall that two factions emerged in the state House of Assembly after the explosion that rocked the legislative complex on October 29, 2023, following moves to impeach the governor.

About 26 lawmakers in the state House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, said to be loyal to Wike recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

Five members of the Assembly loyal to the governor led by the factional Speaker, Edison Ehie, declared the seat of the defecting lawmakers vacant.

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The crisis led to the demolition of the state House of Assembly complex on Wednesday on the orders of the state government, which claimed that it was no longer ideal for legislative duties following October’s attack on it by political thugs, which resulted in the damage of some sections.

A close aide to the governor had revealed that the list of commissioners, special advisers and other key aides as well as their portfolios was handed over to Fubara by his predecessor.

The aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Fubara had no input into the appointments as his predecessor was solely responsible for their selection and appointment.

The source said the resignation of some of the commissioners was a confirmation that they were not the governor’s choices, but were rather imposed by Wike, who installed Fubara as his successor.

The aide stated, “Yes, the resignation of the commissioners has shown that they were not appointed by the governor. They were never his nominees. The list of the commissioners and advisers was handed over to the governor by the former governor with instructions on portfolios and offices to occupy. Even security agents were handed over to the governor with clear instructions on where to post them.

“Is there a way the governor can appoint commissioners, advisers and others and they will be resigning this way? It is not possible. Don’t forget that we are just about seven months in office. Commissioners appointed by the governor won’t leave.”

Responding to the claim by the FCT minister that the governor and all elected officials in Rivers State did not buy nomination forms from their pockets, the source said, “Yes, the former governor was correct to say he bought the forms for everyone. But pray, with which money? You know the salary of a governor and you know the cost of nomination and expression of interest forms for the Peoples Democratic Party.

“Let those who want to go leave and the governor will assemble members of his team, and not moles planted to spy on the administration.”

As a result, nine of the commissioners have resigned their appointments and there are indications that more will follow this week.

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But Agwanwo condemned the plot to distract the governor from delivering good governance to the people of the state and called on all those involved to maintain the peace.

He condemned the crisis, adding that workers were being affected negatively as the focus on the crisis was not allowing the government to focus on their welfare.

The NLC chairman said, “We categorically condemn the crisis in Rivers State and we call for immediate restoration of peace among all the political actors involved so that we can have peace and prosperity in the state.

“Honestly, this crisis is not helping us. When two elephants fight, the grasses suffer. As workers, we are feeling the impact.

“The state is tensed. Our members are beginning to complain about the uprising and how their welfare is now being affected.

“The N35,000 wage award has been implemented by the Federal Government, but the state workers are yet to benefit from it.

“We have been engaging the state governor on how to implement this, but due to this crisis, the governor has not been able to have time for us.

“He has been very busy. For us, this distraction must stop.”

Agwanwo noted that the hope of workers in the state to have a good festive season had been dashed as the political war had prevented the governor from giving attention to governance and the welfare of workers.

He added, “It (crisis) is affecting governance, because it has not given the governor time to concentrate on the issues of state. In this festive period, we had expected that workers would rejoice because we hoped that we would have been paid the 13th month salary, which has not happened in this state for years.

“This is what we wanted to discuss with the governor, but because of these distractions we have not been able to meet with the governor, who has proven that he is worker-friendly.

“If this crisis continues and the political actors will not allow peace to reign in this state, we will have no choice but to make efforts to protect the benefits of our members. We will take every step legally to make sure that we advance the course of our members.”

Rivers crisis : NLC threatens strike

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Tinubu Unveils ₦3.3tn Electricity Bailout to Revive Nigeria’s Power Sector

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu Unveils ₦3.3tn Electricity Bailout to Revive Nigeria’s Power Sector

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a sweeping ₦3.3 trillion power sector bailout aimed at clearing long-standing debts and stabilising Nigeria’s struggling electricity industry.

The intervention, implemented under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme, is designed to resolve liabilities accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025, following a comprehensive verification process.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga disclosed that the ₦3.3 trillion electricity debt settlement represents a full and final agreement to restore financial stability across the sector. He explained that the debts, largely driven by unpaid invoices, tariff shortfalls, and subsidy obligations, had significantly weakened liquidity in the power value chain.

Implementation of the power sector debt repayment plan has already commenced, with 15 generation companies signing settlement agreements worth about ₦2.3 trillion. The Federal Government has raised ₦501 billion so far to fund the initiative, out of which ₦223 billion has already been disbursed, while additional payments are ongoing.

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The Nigeria electricity sector bailout is expected to inject much-needed cash into the industry, ensuring that gas suppliers receive payments, power plants can sustain operations, and electricity generation becomes more stable. With improved liquidity, officials say the country could begin to see gradual improvements in power supply, reduced grid disruptions, and better service delivery.

Special Adviser on Energy to the President, Olu Arowolo-Verheijen, said the programme is not just about clearing debts but rebuilding trust across the industry. She noted that restoring confidence is critical to attracting investment, maintaining consistent gas supply, and ensuring that power plants operate efficiently.

She further explained that the initiative forms part of broader power sector reforms in Nigeria, including nationwide metering improvements and the introduction of service-based tariffs that align electricity costs with the quality of supply. According to her, the government is also prioritising electricity supply to businesses, industries, and small enterprises, recognising that reliable power is essential for job creation and economic growth.

The Tinubu administration believes the electricity sector stabilisation plan will reduce reliance on generators, lower the cost of doing business, and improve productivity across key sectors of the economy. Analysts say resolving the sector’s liquidity crisis could unlock new investments and strengthen Nigeria’s overall economic performance.

President Tinubu also commended stakeholders for their cooperation in addressing long-standing challenges in the industry and confirmed that the next phase of the reform programme, Series II, will commence within the current quarter. The phase is expected to deepen structural reforms and ensure long-term sustainability of the electricity market.

Tinubu Unveils ₦3.3tn Electricity Bailout to Revive Nigeria’s Power Sector

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MURIC Demands Sack of INEC Chairman Over Alleged Bias, Calls for Replacement

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Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan

MURIC Demands Sack of INEC Chairman Over Alleged Bias, Calls for Replacement

 

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called for the immediate removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, describing him as a threat to religious harmony in Nigeria.

 

In a press release issued on April 6, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the group accused the INEC chairman of authoring what it described as a “toxic 80-page legal brief,” allegedly used by the United States of America to indict Nigeria over claims of Christian genocide.

 

MURIC expressed dissatisfaction with what it termed the “graveyard silence” of the Federal Government over calls from Islamic organisations for Amupitan’s removal. According to the group, the government’s inaction reflects a lack of sensitivity to the concerns of the Muslim community.

 

The organisation further alleged that Amupitan’s continued leadership poses a risk to the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system, claiming that a planned voter registration or revalidation exercise could disenfranchise Muslim voters.

 

“MURIC hereby declares a vote of no confidence in the current INEC boss,” the statement read, urging the Federal Government to replace him with what it described as a “tolerant Christian” to restore confidence and balance.

 

The group also accused the INEC chairman of failing to address the allegations against him, noting that his silence has raised concerns among observers. It argued that public officials in other countries often resign over similar controversies, citing examples of past resignations by international political figures.

 

MURIC warned that Nigeria’s progress could be hindered if individuals accused of misconduct remain in sensitive public offices, stressing that Amupitan’s continued stay in office represents what it called a “sit-tight syndrome.”

 

Describing the INEC chairman as an “electoral burden” and a “threat to religious harmony,” the group insisted that his resignation or removal is necessary to safeguard national unity and the integrity of the electoral process.

 

As of the time of filing this report, neither INEC nor the Federal Government had issued an official response to the allegations.

 

MURIC Demands Sack of INEC Chairman Over Alleged Bias, Calls for Replacement

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Tinubu Commissions Gateway Airport, Pledges to Crush Banditry in Nigeria

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu Commissions Gateway Airport, Pledges to Crush Banditry in Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to defeat banditry, terrorism, and insecurity across Nigeria, promising continued investment in the country’s security architecture. He made the declaration while commissioning the Gateway International Airport and several other federal projects in Ogun State on Saturday.

Speaking at a reception following the inauguration, Tinubu said his administration will intensify efforts to protect lives and property across the nation. “We will win over banditry and defeat insecurity. We will continue to invest more to strengthen the security architecture of Nigeria,” he stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to national safety.

The president described the Gateway International Airport as the economic nerve center of Nigeria’s corridor, highlighting its role in boosting the aviation sector, trade, and socioeconomic development in Ogun State and the wider region. The airport is integrated with independent gas and energy infrastructure, ensuring sustainability and operational efficiency.

Tinubu also lauded Governor Dapo Abiodun for using improved federal allocations to develop infrastructure capable of driving Ogun State to greater economic heights. He praised the state government’s focus on mobility, security, agriculture, and industrial development, noting that projects like the airport and new Gateway Airlines will enhance trade, logistics, and employment opportunities.

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Governor Abiodun, in his remarks, emphasized the transformative impact of the airport and related infrastructure on Ogun State’s economy. He noted that the state’s internally generated revenue has grown from ₦40 billion to over ₦250 billion annually, while its GDP increased from ₦4 trillion to ₦17 trillion over the past seven years. He added that the airport features a four-kilometre runway, modern control tower, advanced aviation systems, and cargo facilities, making it a centerpiece of the state’s emerging aerotropolis.

The ceremony also saw the launch of Gateway Airlines, operating Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, alongside cargo services designed to expand trade and logistics capacity. Beyond aviation, Ogun State has invested heavily in roads, healthcare, and housing, including over 1,600 km of rehabilitated roads, more than 7,000 affordable homes, and 140 primary healthcare centers, according to Governor Abiodun.

The event was attended by prominent dignitaries including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, state governors, lawmakers, captains of industry, and traditional leaders. Both praised the collaboration between federal and state governments in delivering critical infrastructure, with Tinubu’s leadership highlighted as key to Nigeria’s development and security progress.

Tinubu emphasized that the federal government’s reforms and infrastructure investments are people-centered, aimed at improving daily life, fostering prosperity, and ensuring national security. He added that these efforts are designed to overcome violence and terrorism while positioning Nigeria for sustained economic growth.

Tinubu Commissions Gateway Airport, Pledges to Crush Banditry in Nigeria

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