BREAKING: Rivers Chief Judge Blocks Assembly’s Impeachment Attempt Against Governor Fubara

A Rivers State High Court has issued an interim injunction restraining the State House of Assembly from pursuing the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, in a significant judicial intervention that halts the ongoing political crisis in the state.

The injunction, granted by Justice F.A. Fiberesima, specifically prohibits the Speaker of the Assembly, Martin Chike-Amaewhule, and lawmakers from serving any impeachment notices on the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi. The order comes amid claims by the Assembly that the Governor and his deputy engaged in gross misconduct, which they sought to investigate through a seven-member panel.

The Rivers State House of Assembly had begun its impeachment proceedings in early January 2026, sending letters to the Chief Judge to initiate a probe into alleged malfeasance. However, the court’s ruling now suspends the Assembly’s actions, reinforcing the judiciary’s role in adjudicating disputes between the executive and legislative branches.

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Political analysts say the injunction underscores the tensions within Rivers State politics, highlighting the delicate balance between law and legislative power. The ongoing standoff reflects years of political maneuvering, as multiple impeachment threats have been directed at Governor Fubara since his assumption of office in 2023.

Despite the court order, the Assembly claims it has received acknowledgment from the Chief Judge regarding its request to set up an investigative panel, though no action can proceed until the injunction is lifted. Observers note that the judiciary is likely to remain a key arbiter in the dispute, as political factions within Rivers State seek to influence the outcome of the impeachment saga. (premiumtimesng.com)

Governor Fubara and his supporters have welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a vindication of the rule of law and a temporary pause in politically motivated attacks against the state executive.

BREAKING: Rivers Chief Judge Blocks Assembly’s Impeachment Attempt Against Governor Fubara

Security Before Politics: Ex-DSS Chief Declares Katsina Governorship Bid

Former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Alhaji Lawal Daura, has said his decision to join partisan politics is driven by a desire to save lives and tackle insecurity, declaring that Nigeria’s security crisis requires leaders with deep operational experience rather than rhetoric.

Daura made the statement while addressing supporters and alumni of the Government College Funtua Old Boys Association (FOBA) in Funtua, Katsina State, where he reaffirmed his ambition to contest the 2027 Katsina State governorship election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

According to the former intelligence chief, insecurity remains the biggest obstacle to development, not only in Katsina but across Nigeria. He argued that without restoring safety, efforts in education, healthcare, agriculture and economic growth would remain ineffective. “If people are not safe, nothing else works. That is why I joined politics — to help save lives,” he said.

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Daura, who led the DSS during some of Nigeria’s most challenging security years, described himself as a “politics mechanic,” explaining that his role is to fix a broken system using experience gained from decades in intelligence, crisis management and national security coordination. He noted that banditry, kidnapping and violent crimes ravaging parts of north-west Nigeria demand practical solutions backed by intelligence-led policing and community engagement.

His declaration comes amid growing public concern over the worsening security situation in several parts of the country. Recent reports have highlighted renewed attacks by bandits in the North-West and deadly communal clashes in parts of the North-Central region, reinforcing calls for leaders with proven security backgrounds to take up governance roles.

Speaking at the event, FOBA leaders and supporters expressed confidence in Daura’s capacity to address insecurity if elected. FOBA Chairman, Dr Aliyu Yahaya, said the former DSS boss possesses the experience and discipline required to restore peace, adding that alumni members would mobilise support for his ambition within their communities.

Political observers note that Daura’s entry into the race adds a new dimension to Katsina’s 2027 contest, as debates increasingly shift toward security-focused leadership. Analysts say his candidacy reflects a broader trend of former security chiefs seeking elective office, arguing that Nigeria’s challenges now demand hands-on expertise rather than career politicians.

As preparations for the next election cycle gather momentum, Daura insists his mission is not personal ambition but public service. “Politics should be about protecting lives and giving people peace,” he said, positioning his campaign as a continuation of his long career in national service.

Security Before Politics: Ex-DSS Chief Declares Katsina Governorship Bid

Opposition Tensions Rise as Baba-Ahmed Says Obi Can’t Beat Atiku at Party Convention

Former presidential adviser Hakeem Baba-Ahmed has revealed that he faced insults, backlash and harsh criticism after publicly stating that Peter Obi would struggle to defeat Atiku Abubakar if the African Democratic Congress (ADC) adopts a convention-style primary to pick its presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking during a televised interview, Baba-Ahmed said his remarks — which he described as a realistic assessment of Nigeria’s internal party politics — triggered anger among Obi’s supporters, many of whom he accused of refusing to accept uncomfortable political truths. According to him, he was “abused and insulted” simply for expressing the view that convention politics favours experienced power brokers like Atiku.

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Baba-Ahmed argued that while Peter Obi commands massive grassroots and youth support, party conventions are often decided by delegates, internal alliances and long-standing political networks, areas where Atiku, a former Vice-President of Nigeria, enjoys a clear advantage. He warned that if ADC proceeds with a national convention — a method he said Atiku strongly prefers — Obi could “lose repeatedly” despite his popularity among voters.

The former Northern Elders Forum spokesperson also cautioned that the ADC may face internal tensions, defections or fractures if the presidential ticket is perceived as skewed toward one aspirant. He noted that several heavyweight politicians are eyeing the ticket and could react negatively to an outcome seen as predetermined.

His comments have reignited debate over the Obi–Atiku rivalry, which has increasingly defined opposition politics since the 2023 presidential election. Supporters of both camps have clashed online, exposing deep ideological and strategic divisions within Nigeria’s opposition bloc.

Reacting to the growing hostility, Atiku Abubakar recently urged supporters of all opposition figures, including Obi, to avoid insults and personal attacks, warning that internal fights only strengthen the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and weaken the chances of unseating it in 2027.

As discussions continue around coalitions, party mergers and primary formats, Baba-Ahmed’s comments highlight the core dilemma facing the opposition: how to balance popularity, internal democracy and political pragmatism in choosing a candidate capable of winning both a party primary and a national election.

With the ADC’s nomination process still unfolding, the controversy underscores the high stakes and fragile unity shaping Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of 2027.

Opposition Tensions Rise as Baba-Ahmed Says Obi Can’t Beat Atiku at Party Convention