NEWS
Fubara Offers To Surrender Office For Peace In Rivers
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, states that he is prepared to step down from his position to ensure peace prevails in the State.
The governor made this statement during an interview with the African Independent Television (AIT).
Recall that Fubara and the former governor of the State, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have been embroiled in a political crisis due to political disagreements.
Reports gathered by Biztellers show that the power struggle in Rivers over the past two months had reached a dramatic peak, causing tension and anxiety before President Bola Tinubu’s intervention.
During the crisis, Wike was accused of demanding a certain percentage of Rivers’ revenue, an allegation he has denied. There was also an effort by the State House of Assembly to impeach the governor. The Assembly complex was bombed during the process, with Wike accusing Fubara of masterminding the act.
Additionally, twenty-seven members of the State House of Assembly, loyal to Wike, switched from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, in an attempt to impeach the governor.
Tinubu later stepped in to resolve the dispute by mediating peace between Wike and Fubara, which many believed placed Fubara at a disadvantage.
However, the governor now asserts that no sacrifice is too great for him to make for the success of the administration.
Fubara expressed greater concern for the welfare of the people of Rivers who have made sacrifices.
He said: “No sacrifice would be too big for me to pay for the success of this administration. And the reason is simple: it’s not political love. It’s not because I want to gain any favour from anybody, my interest and love for our dear state is genuine. I am not trying to say I want to be one man that will be there to decide the fate of all. No. But let Rivers State remain.
“My burden at that time was not the issue of all the drama, it is the issue of Rivers people who have made sacrifice, who are seeing opportunity, and it looks as if their hope has been dashed. They were the one I was worried about; what would be their fate, that was my trouble, it was not about me.
“If leaving this position is what I need or what is needed to bring more peace to the State, I can even tell you to come and take it. It’s not about me. People should know although definitely I am here, I will go but Rivers State will remain.
“I’m the governor, there are things I could have done and there would be total crisis but the ability to restrain in the face of crisis even when you have the power to do things is maturity.”
NEWS
National Assembly In Top Gear For Tinubu’s 2025 Budget Presentation
The National Assembly management team, led by Clerk Sani Magaji Tambawal, has ramped up efforts to ensure a seamless presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event, scheduled for a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, is regarded as a significant moment in Nigeria’s legislative calendar.
Preparations include a thorough inspection of the assembly chambers to ensure all facilities are fully functional.
READ MORE: PDP Governors Probe Ondo Polls, Criticizes Edo Result
Deputy Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana, who is overseeing the technical arrangements, confirmed that key systems, including microphones, sound equipment, and other audio-visual tools, have been tested to ensure smooth communication during the session.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the National Assembly is fully prepared to receive Mr. President and provide a conducive environment for this significant moment in our democratic process,” Ogunlana stated.
Seating arrangements are also being finalized to accommodate lawmakers, government officials, and other dignitaries expected at the session.
Security measures are being reviewed in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of all attendees. Meanwhile, press accreditation is being managed to facilitate effective media coverage.
The 2025 budget presentation is expected to highlight the government’s economic priorities while reinforcing the partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.
As the session approaches, the National Assembly has expressed its commitment to upholding Nigeria’s democratic values and providing a platform for transparent governance.
NEWS
Edo: Gov Okpebholo Launches Probe Into Obaseki Administration
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has announced the establishment of a 14-member Assets Verification Committee to examine the financial records and asset management of the previous administration led by Godwin Obaseki.
In a statement released on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor revealed that the committee would be inaugurated on Tuesday, November 26, in Benin City.
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The panel is tasked with creating a detailed account of the state’s assets and liabilities to ensure transparency and accountability.
The committee will be chaired by Ernest Umakhihe, with Anslem Ojezua as Deputy Chairman and Frank Edebor as Secretary. Other members include Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale, Taiwo Akerele, Patrick Idiake, Rasaq Bello-Osagie, Fredrick Unopah, Abdallah Eugenia, Patrick Obahiagbon, Kenny Okojie, Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Abass Braimoh.
Explaining the rationale behind the committee, Mr. Itua stated, “Despite repeated calls for a more holistic database of the assets and liabilities of the previous administration, the Godwin Obaseki-led government presented a scanty and limited report.”
He added that the initiative reflects the governor’s commitment to his campaign promises.
“In line with the governor’s campaign promise to ensure probity, accountability, and transparency in government, and to deepen the governance process, a committee made up of respected sons and daughters from Edo State has to be constituted,” the statement noted.
The committee’s work is expected to pave the way for a more accountable and developmental governance structure in Edo State.
NEWS
NECO Expands Global Footprints, Accredits Niger, Equatorial Guinea Schools
In a bid to increase its global presence, the National Examination Council (NECO) has accredited more foreign schools.
This was contained in a statement issued under the signature of its Acting Director of Public Relations, Azeez Sanni, on Saturday.
He revealed that the accredited schools are in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea.
Recall that last year, the examination body accredited some centres in Niger Republic to enable Nigerian students in the Francophone country to sit for the examinations.
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The statement read, “Determined to broaden its horizon and expand its global presence, the National Examinations Council has accredited more foreign schools to write the Senior School Certificate Examination and the Basic Education Certificate Examination.
“The newly accredited schools, in addition to the existing ones, are in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea.
“NECO accreditation team visited the Schools to assess their readiness to write the SSCE and BECE.
“The accreditation 5eam inspected classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer laboratories, workshops, examination halls and sports facilities to determine their adequacy and suitability for NECO examinations.
“After a thorough evaluation and comprehensive assessment, the schools were granted full SSCE and full BECE accreditation status.”