Politics
Why Tinubu Must Douse Political Flames In Rivers State
Besides former governor of Rivers State, Nysom Wike ensuring the emergence of Siminalayi Fubara as his successor, not much was in the public space about the two before the firing of rockets on Sunday night.
However, no one can deny knowledge of the fact that the game is politics. The aim is fortune and fame, while the ammunition for political ambitions are the peoples blood and their well-being.
If a civil conflict of political gladiators was teed-off with rockets at the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) Complex, it is left for the public to imagine what could follow.
In less than 24 hours, the warlords have demonstrated a level of desperation that serious countries cannot ignore.
Recall that the people of Rivers State and indeed Nigeria had gone to bed, hoping to wake up to a peaceful working week, before the political hawks struck with the salvo of a bomb.
A bomb, heralding a civil conflict?
However, before the public could place the warfare properly, many thought it was mere accident, within 12 hours, members of the RSHA, said to be numbered 24, had removed the majority leader, Edison Ehie and served an impeachment notice on Gov Fubara.
The move, now being interpreted as being the script of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, had one objective, conquer and annex Rivers State to Wike’s political empire.
Those behind the firebomb would have been taken aback that men of the Rivers State Fire Service were able to douse the flames from the bomb on Sunday.
Undeterred, the legislators met early Monday morning and signed an impeachment notice against the governor.
It was gathered that the anti-Fubara lawmakers, led by Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, met at about 6am on Monday, to perfect the impeachment notice.
In addition to removing the majority leader, Hon Ehie, other legislators opposed to the impeachment of the governor were suspended.
Among the lawmakers suspended were Hon Sokari Goodboy Sokari, representing Ahoada West, Hon Adolphus Oruibienimigha, representing Opobo/Nkoro and Hon Victor Oko Jumbo, representing Bonny.
From the notice of impeachment, made public by Hon Sylvanus Nwankwo, the member representing Omuma constituency, the notice was brought pursuant to section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
According to him, the impeachment notice was predicated on “gross misconduct in the performance of the functions of the office of the governor.’’
The public is sending grave danger, not just for Rivers State, but the entire Niger Delta, the national economy and the peace of Nigeria.
They point to how hostilities in the Niger Delta crippled Nigeria’s economy until late President Umoru Yaradua came up with the amnesty initiative.
They also note that the economic muscle of Rivers State is such that whoever is governor can impact the steering of the political ship of the Nigerian state.
The roles of Rotimi Amaechi in ousting Goodluck Jonathan, which aided Muhammadu Buhari into office, and that of Wike in enthroning Tinubu are fresh in the minds of political watchers.
Probably for these reasons, elder statesman and the leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, Chief Edwin Clark, has urged President Tinubu to call Wike and the security forces in Rivers State to order.
Chief Clark expressed great concern over the political fireworks witnessed in Rivers State between Sunday and Monday.
He said, “I have been reliably informed that there is a plot to unlawfully remove Governor Siminalaye Fubara of Rivers State, who has spent only about five months in office.
“I understand the sad episode is being orchestrated by the immediate past governor of Rivers State and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike.
“And that the intention is to remove the governor, force his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu to resign, and install the Speaker of the House of Assembly, another Ikwerre person, as the governor of the state. Let me warn strongly, we won’t allow that to happen!
“President Bola Tinubu must call Nyesom Wike and the security agencies in Rivers State to order, to avert any untold crisis in Rivers State.”
Recounting what has transpired in the melodrama, Chief Clark noted, “Last night, the hallowed chamber of the Rivers State House of Assembly was burnt in what apparently is part of the plot to destabilize the state.
“The governor was tear-gassed and was even threatened with being shot at when he visited the assembly complex after the incident to assess the level of damage.
“We are not in a barbaric state where people can do whatever they like; we are in a democracy and the tenets of constitutional democracy must be upheld by all.’’
On the larger picture, the elder statesman cautioned against fomenting political crisis in Rivers State which could have wider implications for the Niger Delta region.
“Rivers people have suffered enough political crises. The state should not be allowed to degenerate again into its dark past, and the Niger Delta region by extension.
“The consequences would be dire for the stability of the region and the national economy.
“What has Governor Fubara done wrong? Refusing to be further ‘remote controlled’?
“Mr Nyesom Wike was governor for eight years, nobody hassled him. He governed Rivers State like an emperor, he did not show any iota of respect and regard to anyone, not even those who imposed him on Rivers people in 2015.
“President Tinubu must act fast and avert the unfolding crisis in Rivers State in the interest of his administration, the nation’s democracy, and the country at large. A word is enough for the wise.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised the alarm over a fake online recruitment notice claiming that the commission has commenced the recruitment and training of ad-hoc staff ahead of the 2027 General Election.
INEC issued the warning on Monday, August 31, 2026, following the circulation of a message online directing prospective applicants to a website purportedly created for the recruitment exercise.
The electoral commission dismissed the information as false, stressing that the recruitment notice and website did not originate from it.
SEE MORE: 2027: ‘We Must Build the Table’ — Opposition Leaders Meet in Abuja to Challenge Tinubu
In a statement, INEC said, “The attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been drawn to a message circulating online claiming that the Commission is currently recruiting and training ad-hoc staff for the 2027 General Election.”
The commission further clarified that the website being circulated is not its official recruitment portal.
“This information is not from INEC. The website/link being circulated is NOT an official INEC recruitment portal,” INEC stated.
The electoral body warned Nigerians against clicking on the link or providing personal information through the platform, particularly as fraudulent recruitment websites can be used to obtain sensitive details or solicit payments.
“Members of the public are strongly advised NOT to click on the link, submit personal information, upload documents or make any payment through the platform,” the commission warned.
INEC advised members of the public to rely only on its verified communication channels and official websites for information concerning recruitment and election-related activities.
“INEC’s official recruitment and election-related announcements are published through the Commission’s verified communication channels and official websites,” it said.
The commission directed Nigerians seeking authentic information to visit its official website, inecnigeria.org.
INEC also noted that it had previously warned the public about fraudulent websites and fake recruitment advertisements purporting to originate from the commission.
The electoral body urged Nigerians to disregard the latest notice and avoid further circulating it.
“Please disregard and do not circulate this false recruitment notice,” INEC said.
The commission concluded its warning with an appeal to Nigerians to verify the authenticity of online information before clicking on links or submitting personal details.
“Stay informed. Stay safe. Always verify before you click,” INEC stated.
Several opposition political leaders and prominent figures have converged on Abuja for a summit aimed at forging a united front ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The meeting, being held at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre, attracted notable opposition figures including the Peoples Redemption Party presidential candidate, Donald Duke; Social Democratic Party presidential candidate, Adewale Adebayo; and former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu.
SEE MORE: ‘APC Is Irredeemable’ — Ex-Minister Timipre Sylva Dumps Party, Blasts Tinubu Govt
The summit was convened by political pressure group G-100 as part of efforts to bring opposition parties together to mount a stronger challenge against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.
Also attending the gathering are the Allied Peoples Movement vice-presidential candidate, Lawal Daura; PRP National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed; SDP vice-presidential candidate, Usman Bugaje; and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Fred Agbedi.
The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Bolaji Abdullahi, and G-100 Convener, Salihu Lukman, are also among those participating in the summit.
Welcoming the dignitaries, Lukman urged opposition parties to put aside their differences and work towards a common objective of advancing the interests of Nigerians.
He stressed that the proposed cooperation was not about forcing political parties to dissolve or abandon their identities, but about creating a platform where they could work together towards a shared goal.
“We are not asking any political party to dissolve. Let us agree that we must build the table before negotiating the seats,” Lukman said.
The summit comes amid increasing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties and political actors exploring possible alliances and coalition arrangements.
Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress, APC, describing the ruling party as “irredeemable” and accusing the President Bola Tinubu-led administration of disappointing Nigerians.
Sylva announced his resignation in a letter dated August 31, 2026, addressed to the APC Chairman of Ward 4 in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
ALSO READ: 2027: Tinubu Holds Crucial Meeting with APC Governors at Presidential Villa
Copies of the letter were sent to the APC National Chairman, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the chairman of the APC in Bayelsa State.
The former minister, who described himself as a founding member of the APC, said he took the decision after consulting his family, associates, colleagues and sympathisers.
Sylva said he could no longer remain in a party whose leaders, according to him, had embraced the belief that “all is fair in politics.”
He said, “Having consulted widely with my family, associates, colleagues and sympathisers, I wish to formally tender my resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), with immediate effect.
“As a founding member of the APC, and one who joined other well-meaning Nigerians in building the party with sweat and money, it is deeply saddening to witness how the ideals we espoused have been so thoroughly and unrecognisably thwarted.”
He added, “Moreover, I cannot, in all good conscience, continue to belong to a party whose leaders believe that ‘all is fair in politics;’ and have consistently demonstrated that belief in practice.”
Sylva attacks Tinubu administration
Sylva also criticised the APC-led Federal Government, saying it had disappointed the majority of Nigerians.
“The present Government, formed under the banner of the APC we once loved, has disappointed the vast majority of Nigerians. And I can see neither a credible attempt nor any possibility of a revamp,” he stated.
Describing the APC as a “floundering ship,” Sylva said he had no choice but to leave the party.
“I am therefore left with no other choice than to jettison a floundering ship whose fate appears to have been sealed by its irredeemable load of iniquities,” he said.
The former governor also expressed confidence that Nigerians would vote for change in the 2027 general elections.
“I have no doubt that, in the coming election, Nigerians will vote for Nigeria and free the Country from this stranglehold on our beautiful country,” Sylva stated.
Why Sylva copied EFCC
The former minister also explained his decision to copy the EFCC in his resignation letter.
Sylva acknowledged that the move could lead to increased scrutiny of him and his associates by the anti-graft agency, but said he was prepared to face whatever consequences might arise.
“I am fully aware that this action of mine may invite a redoubled witch-hunt against me and my associates, but that is a risk I am willing to take,” he said.
Resignation amid alleged coup plot investigation
Sylva’s resignation comes amid allegations linking him to an alleged plot to overthrow the Tinubu administration.
The Federal Government previously named him as a suspect in a wider investigation into an alleged coup plot uncovered in 2025. Sylva has repeatedly denied involvement in the alleged plot.
The development had led to the arrest and prosecution of several military and civilian suspects.
In April 2026, six defendants were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges including treason, terrorism and money laundering.
Reports published in August also alleged that Sylva was linked to the financing of the purported coup plot. However, the former governor has denied the allegations.
The controversy had earlier intensified in October 2025 following a military operation at Sylva’s Abuja residence.
Sylva confirmed that soldiers from Defence Headquarters raided the property but rejected any suggestion that he was involved in a plan to overthrow the government, describing the operation as unjustified.
His resignation comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the ruling APC and opposition forces positioning themselves for what is expected to be a keenly contested election.
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