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Rivers: Restore Fubara, engage Abdulsalami-led peace committee – Rep tells Tinubu
The member representing Andoni/Opobo/Mkoro Federal Constituency in Rivers State in the House of Representatives, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, has asked President Bola Tinubu to restore Governor Siminalayi Fubara before the expiration of the six-month emergency rule period.
Abiante also urged the president to engage the National Peace Committee headed by former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, to mediate with the warring parties in the oil-rich state and find a common ground for peace.
The lawmaker made this call on the Sunday edition of Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political programme aired on Channels Television.
Abiante said there are a few gaps even in the actions of the National Assembly, saying provisions were not made for voice vote.
According to him, some of the gaps in the President’s claims include that Fubara did not make efforts to rebuild the demolished chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly, citing the visit of the new sole administrator inspecting the building under construction that Fubara started.
The lawmaker added that the intelligence the President relied upon to declare an emergency rule in Rivers might have been rigged.
Abiante suggested that the peace committee led by Abdulsalami should be called upon to intervene in the state’s political crisis.
“That is to tell us that it is either the intelligence that was relied upon may have been rigged. If in this country we could rig intelligence to the president, are we not in danger.
“I can’t think of any other group of persons higher than that. If he had the opportunity as a military general to elongate his stay in power, he didn’t do it.
Let us repopulate the committee with him taking the lead. Let us see if the parties involved would also refuse to subject themselves to the level of discussions.
It would be wrong to allow this thing to fester; it would even be very wrong to allow it to get to that six months because you will begin to play Nigerians against fellow Nigerians.
“On the streets of Port Harcourt, what is being discussed is that it is the fight to grab the resources of Rivers State. Let us not forget that Rivers State contributes so much to the welfare of Nigeria and Nigerians.
“Mr President should also understand that he also got some votes from Rivers State; it was not just one vote. In politics, one man cannot be in his polling unit and be in the local government area.
“So, no one man can deliver the votes in a state. If we now begin to say there is one Superman and because of that superman, we want to mortgage the people, if the people’s resistance comes, the superman can only cast a single vote and that would be all,” the lawmaker added.
News
Jega loses wife, Hajiya Hadiza
Hajia Hadiza passed on yesterday and was buried according to Islamic rites.
The Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Development, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has lost his wife, Hajiya Hadiza Jega.
Hajia Hadiza passed on yesterday and was buried according to Islamic rites.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President at the janazah (Islamic funeral rites) yesterday at the National Mosque in Abuja, conveyed the President’s heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family.
President Tinubu described the late Hajiya Hadiza as a woman of uncommon grace and strength, noting that she played a pivotal role as a steady support system to her husband throughout his years of public service, including his tenure as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
A statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said that the President also applauded her contributions to education and community development, highlighting her quiet but impactful influence in advancing social causes.
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Atiku hires US lobbying firm for $1.2m to boost image – Report
One of the objectives of the engagement is to “counterbalance” the Nigerian government’s “lobbying narratives” in the United States, while also working to “advance understanding” of Atiku’s “leadership posture and policy vision” among policymakers.
Ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has hired a Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., to strengthen his reputational standing in the United States.
The PUNCH reported that the details of the deal are contained in documents filed with the U.S. Department of Justice, which show that the agreement was signed on March 9 and 10, 2026, by the firm’s managing partner, Karl Von Batten, and Nigerian politician Fabiyi Oladimeji on behalf of the former vice president.
According to the filing sighted on the Department of Justice ’s website on Sunday, the contract is aimed at shaping perceptions of Atiku within U.S. policy circles and countering narratives linked to the Nigerian government.
One of the objectives of the engagement is to “counterbalance” the Nigerian government’s “lobbying narratives” in the United States, while also working to “advance understanding” of Atiku’s “leadership posture and policy vision” among policymakers.
Under the arrangement, the firm is expected to facilitate meetings between the former vice-president and U.S. government officials, including members of Congress, as well as provide advisory services on policy positioning and engagement strategy.
“These activities include lobbying and government affairs engagement with Members of Congress, congressional staff, and executive branch officials concerning issues related to democratic governance, regional stability, economic development, and U.S. engagement with Nigeria and the broader West African region,” part of the contract reads.
The firm will also undertake “promotion, perception management, and public relations activities designed to enhance understanding among U.S. policymakers and relevant stakeholders” of Atiku’s positions.
News
Kaduna Mando Garage Explosion Not Bomb- Police
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said in a statement that the incident occurred at about 3:00a.m. on Sunday at the premises of Silver Luxury Travel, a bus company operating at Mando Garage, Kaduna.
The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed that an explosion at the Lagos Garage Terminus in Mando area of Kaduna State today wasn’t a bomb explosion, but a CNG-powered luxury bus that ruptured after its gas tank was overfilled.
The incident occurred during the early hours of Sunday with the loud blast drawing attention from commuters, traders, and nearby residents, prompting a swift response from emergency services.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said in a statement that the incident occurred at about 3:00a.m. on Sunday at the premises of Silver Luxury Travel, a bus company operating at Mando Garage, Kaduna.
He said detectives were immediately deployed to the scene after a loud sound was reported, and that the vehicle has been safely evacuated, while normal business activities have since resumed at the motor park.
He noted that no casualties or loss of property were recorded, and normal activities had since resumed in the area.
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