COVER
Rivers Crisis: Why Hired Youths Tried to Bomb P’Harcourt Hotel — Fubara
By David Torough, Abuja
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has clarified that he was not fighting anybody but rather defending the state against predators.
He asserted that the failed attempt to detonate an explosive device at the Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt, owned by the state, was a deliberate ploy to strengthen the call for a state of emergency by haters who want to undermine the state to achieve their evil plans.
Fubara made the assertion when he received, on a courtesy visit, a delegation of the Senate Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, led by its Chairman, Senator Orji Uzo Kalu, to Government House in Port Harcourt yesterday.
This was contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi.
The governor explained that some youths were hired to engage in a protest to demand for extension of tenure of former local government chairmen who have served out their statutory three-year tenure.
Governor Fubara said the protesters and their sponsors were aware that some honourable members of the National Assembly were guests at the Hotel Presidential, which was why they attempted to detonate an explosive device near the facility to give reason to support the call for a state of emergency when the matter is raised at plenary but they failed.
He said, “As a matter of fact, let me tell you, I know of everything that is happening. Yesterday (Tuesday), they (protesters) were aware that you are in the state. So, there was an attempt to create a serious problem.
“In fact, there was a plan to detonate dynamite at the Hotel Presidential because you people were there. But this God that we serve, it happened that the man who was trying to do it detonated it but just a few seconds after, it blew his hands off.
“The idea was that as you were hearing of the state of emergency, it will be so that by the time they finish when you return to have your sitting tomorrow (Thursday), the debate will be from somebody from this state who called you people to tell you not to come.
“He will now raise the issue of state of emergency, and say after all, distinguished colleagues saw it happen while you were in Rivers State, that you saw what happened.
“But you see, when you are with God, even your own child who is planning evil, will go and tell somebody that, God is with this man because he is clean, this is what my father is planning. That is what is keeping us in this state.”
The Rivers State Governor wondered why it seems that the law is silent or inactive to take its course over offenders because somebody appears to be bigger than the law on the agitation because there is nowhere in the country where tenure elongation for former local government chairmen has been an issue.
The State Chief Executive pointed out that there is no governor in Nigeria who can take 10 percent of the abuse railed at him by former local government council chairmen.
He said, “Where on earth can the tenure of local government chairmen be elongated? You were a former governor; was it tried during your time? Even those of you who are Senators here, even in your own states, have anyone tried this before?
“Is it that the Constitution that governs Nigeria is different from the one that operates in Rivers State? These are the very pertinent questions we should ask.
“Why should it be that when it comes to the case of Rivers State, the law is always silent? Is it that there is somebody bigger than Nigeria? That is the question I want you to go back with.”
Governor Fubara insisted, “I tell you, we know everything that is happening, and you know it, everybody knows it. We should be bold enough to look at the faces of people and tell them the truth.
“I am not fighting anybody. If I am fighting, people will know that I am fighting: My pattern will change. What we are doing is to defend ourselves. We can’t just fold our hands. Only a tree will be standing, and somebody will come and cut it off.
“It doesn’t happen as a human being. If you know that danger is coming, you shift. What we are doing is just to protect ourselves. So, Distinguished Senators, I am not fighting anybody.”
Fubara said, “Somebody thinks or some people feel they have their own life. I don’t own life. The person who owns life is God. What we are doing here is to serve the people of Rivers State because God has given us this opportunity.
“It doesn’t matter the channel the opportunity came from. But the most important thing is God, and nobody takes the place of God in anything.”
The Governor told committee members to factor in the interest of Rivers State as they recommend the privatisation and commercialisation of public companies.
“I will also appeal to you that in this process of privatisation, anything that has to do with our own State here that needs to be privatised, the Rivers State Government will be interested.
“Because you can’t come here and own our property when we have the resources to have shares or to acquire some portion of it.
“So, as a committee, if there is anywhere you can support us; if there is anyone that is still available, let us know, and let us get the details so that we can own it.
“It is only when we own it that those assets can be protected. It is only when we own it, that is when those assets become viable to the State, and also become viable to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he noted.
In his address, Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, Senator Kalu, said they were in the state to carry out oversight duties on some projects under their purview.
Senator Kalu, who is the member representing Abia North Senatorial District, commended Fubara for his love for peace and determination to offer quality governance and keep pace with providing the right climate to engender economic growth to all residents in the State.
The Senate committee chairman also urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to sheath the sword and call his supporters to order as a commitment to fostering peace and putting the interest of the State above all considerations.
He said, “I want to admire Your Excellency, your Deputy and your team for the good things you are doing in the State, but it is good to have peace.
“I want to thank you because you look like a very peaceful man. Your face shows a peaceful man. Your laugh shows a peaceful man. So, I want you to continue in that manner of peace. There is nothing like peace. Let people who are eating with this problem stop eating from it.
“We know that politics has taken its shape. We commend you for what you are doing for the people of your State. I will continue to ask you to focus on the job.
“Leadership is a very big burden. It is not a sweet potato. It is not anywhere where you can see rice and beans. On the street of Rivers, everyone is saying that the Governor and the former Governor are quarrelling.
“We want to plead with you, continue to be holding your people back because if your people demonstrate like the other people, we will have a state of anarchy, and it is not good to have anarchy.
“I want to plead with you to abide by the rules of the land. I plead with you to abide by what the Constitution says. I plead with you to also abide by the decisions of the Judiciary. Wait for every judicial interpretation and act on judicial interpretation,” he added.
He pledged the readiness of the committee to work with the State Government to achieve mutually beneficial goals that will advance the interest of all Nigerians, adding that the hardship in the land was already enough of a burden that leaders need to concentrate efforts to address to promote growth and prosperity for all.
By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has taken another step to strengthen the insurance industry in Nigeria by issuing a license to CHI Life Assurance Limited.
The event took place at the Commission’s Board Room in Abuja on Monday.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Insurance, Olusegun Ayo Omosehin urged the CHI Life Assurance Ltd executives to make a positive impact in the industry.
He assured them of NAICOM’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for operators to thrive.
Omosehin also emphasized the importance of compliance with regulatory requirements and advised the new management to always seek clarification from NAICOM.
He charged the Board of Directors to fulfill their roles, as they will be held accountable by the Commission.
Deputy Commissioner Technical, Dr. Usman Jankara also congratulated the CHI Life Assurance executives and highlighted key areas of focus, which include, adhering to regulatory rules and regulations; meeting capital requirements to avoid regulatory sanctions and efficiently managing risks.
Others are, complying with anti-money laundering guidelines; ensuring fair treatment of consumers and simple claim settlement processes.
In her response, the Managing Director of CHI Life Assurance, expressed gratitude for the license and pledged to collaborate with NAICOM, ensuring full compliance with regulatory laws and guidelines.
She said the development is expected to enhance the insurance industry in Nigeria, and NAICOM’s efforts to promote a stable and competitive market are commendable.
The highlight of the event was presentation of the operation license to the Managing Director of the Company by the CFI.
By David Torough, Abuja
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) said it has recorded a total of 2,030,627 registrations for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), along with 200,115 for the Mock-UTME and 630 applications for the trial mock.
The board also officially announced the commencement of sales for the 2025 Direct Entry (DE) application documents, set to begin on Wednesday, March 12.
JAMB’s Public Communications Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin, said the UTME application form sales ended on Saturday, March 8, 2025.
He said the DE registration process is crucial for individuals who possess degrees, diplomas, or A-level certificates and wish to advance their education at their preferred universities.
“JAMB has emphasized the importance of adhering to all entry requirements, warning that serious penalties will be imposed on applications containing false declarations. A special committee will verify all submitted Advanced A Level Qualifications, and any fraudulent results will lead to prosecution. “Additionally, institutions are encouraged to directly verify certificates before considering admissions,” he said.
He said registration can only be done at JAMB Professional Registration Centres (PRC).
It would be recalled that JAMB had commenced the sale of forms on February 3, 2025, saying it would close on March 8, 2025 and application documents and e-PIN vending would begin for direct entry candidates.
By Joel Oladele, Mike Odiakose, Abuja
Ahead of 2027 General Elections, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing “irreconcilable differences” with the party’s current leadership.
The move, announced in a resignation letter submitted to his local ward in Kaduna State yesterday, signals turbulence within the APC, where El-Rufai’s past critiques of President Bola Tinubu’s administration have stoked tensions.
The news of El-Rufai’s defection has, however, prompted immediate reactions from both his former party and fellow political figures.
One of such is the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Policy, Daniel Bwala, who noted that the move “is simply an inordinate ambition that is destined to fail.”Also, the Kaduna State chapter of APC expressed confidence in its political fortitude, noting that the party is unperturbed by former governor Nasir El-Rufai’s defection as its focus is to deliver the state to both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in 2027.
Meanwhile, speculation surrounding El-Rufai’s move became even more charged with comments from his son, Bashir El-Rufai, who hinted at the potential entry of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi into the SDP. Responding to a user on X (formerly Twitter), who argued that Obi’s inclusion could bolster the SDP’s chances against the APC, Bashir cryptically remarked, “He is coming.” This comment fueled discussions about shifting alliances and the potential for new coalitions ahead of the 2027 elections
El-Rufai’s defection comes after months of escalating criticism aimed at the APC’s leadership, marking the culmination of a political journey he now believes has become untenable within the party’s confines.
While giving his reasons for the development, El-rufai cited irreconcilable differences with the current leadership.
El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, expressed his disillusionment with the party’s direction in recent years.
“I have diligently served the APC and made my contributions to its viability as a political platform.
“However, developments in the last two years have confirmed a troubling disregard for democratic principles and progressive values that I hold dear,” El-Rufai stressed.
He highlighted his role in securing electoral victories for the APC in 2015, 2019, and 2023, emphasizing his commitment to advancing human development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, job creation, and investment in Kaduna State during his tenure as governor.
“At this point in my political journey, I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish,” El-Rufai asserted.
He expressed gratitude to his mentors, colleagues, and supporters for their counsel and announced his decision to join the Social Democratic Party.
“As a member of the SDP, I am committed to fostering a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in upcoming elections,” El-Rufai declared.
He called upon all Nigerians concerned about the country’s future to join him in the SDP’s endeavour to elevate Nigeria as a beacon of pride for Africa and the Black Race.
El-Rufai concluded his announcement with a call for unity and progress, pledging to devote his efforts towards building a stronger democratic alternative in Nigeria.
Your Ambition Destined to Fail, Bwala Tells El-Rufai
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy, Daniel Bwala, yesterday, said former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s “inordinate” attempt to unseat President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 is destined to fail.
Bwala said this in reaction to El-Rufai’s defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) after months of criticising the ruling APC.
“I read the news today that you resigned from APC to join SDP,” Mr Bwala wrote on X. “We would intellectually remind you that associating with sore losers to unseat the incumbent is not an ideology, neither is it progressivism; it is simply an inordinate ambition that is destined to fail.”
Going back on his earlier decision not to leave APC, the former governor lamented the failure of the party’s leadership to address members’ concerns.
He stated, “Without prejudice to this decision, as a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027 by the Grace of God.”
However, acknowledging El-Rufai’s right to defect to another party, Mr Bwala stressed that the former governor’s decision would be subject to further interrogation.
“Well, I have nothing against you because you exercised your constitutional right. The motive is what we would interrogate in the coming days and remind Nigerians that you are not a phenomenal that emerges like a clap of thunder out of a blue sky,” Mr Bwala insisted.
We’re Not Disturbed by El-Rufai’s Defection to SDP – Kaduna APC
The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has said it will not lose sleep over the defection of former state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the Social Democratic Party.
Reacting to the defection, the Secretary of the Kaduna APC, Yahaya Baba-Pate, said the party remained unperturbed by the defection of the former governor.
Baba-Pate said the party was focused on delivering the state to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in 2027.
Baba-Pate, who spoke to journalists in Kaduna on Yesterday, expressed confidence in the party’s growing strength in the state, citing the influx of high-profile politicians joining the party daily in the state.
He expressed confidence that the party’s fortunes will not be affected by El-Rufai’s departure.
He said, “We are unperturbed by former governor Nasir El-Rufai’s defection to another party. Our main focus in Kaduna is on how to deliver the state to both President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in 2027.
“The APC in Kaduna State is growing day by day, judging from the calibre of politicians streaming into the party on a daily basis. So, we are not disturbed by anybody defecting to another party based on our governor’s inclusive governance in the state.
“We are not disturbed and we are not going to lose our sleep over El-rufai’s moves. The party in the state is growing more than before.”
Ex-Presidential Candidate Welcomes El-Rufai to SDP, Says it’s Time for Good Politics
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate in 2023, Adewole Adebayo, has described former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai’s defection to the party as a welcome development, saying it is time for good politics.
Adebayo, while reacting to el-Rufai’s defection from All Progressives Congress (APC) on his X handle, described the former governor as ‘a hardworking and sagacious person’.
“On behalf of the teeming members of SDP and patriotic democrats who believe in Nigeria and her promise of inevitable greatness, I heartily welcome my dear brother, el-Rufai to our party.
“With the hardworking and sagacious Malam joining our ranks, an avid worker for the people has been enlisted in our forces against poverty and insecurity.
“Now is the time for us to put our collective shoulders behind the efforts to fulfill chapter 2 of the constitution and rescue Nigerians from bad governance and underdevelopment,” he said.
According to him, all genuine democrats and true nationalists who believe in order, decency and honesty are welcome to SDP.
Adebayo described SDP as a party governed by law, not men, constitution, not constipation of money or personal ambition.
“Together, following the law, the constitution and manifesto of our party, we can set a good example of clean and ethical politics to emulate and rally Nigeria to the forefront of the liberation of Africa and peoples of the Black World.
“Good politics begets good governance. Let no one sit on the fence any further. There is no time to waste. Join us on the March Again!” the former presidential candidate said.
El-Rufai’s Son Hints at Peter Obi Joining SDP
Son of former Kaduna State Governor, Bashir El-Rufai, has suggested that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, might join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), following his father’s defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Bashir dropped the hint while responding to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by a user, @Freedom42602077, who argued that the SDP would struggle to defeat the APC in the 2027 elections unless it aligns with Peter Obi.
“Bro to bro, if Peter Obi is not in that party, they can’t win the presidency. APC will have it again!” the user wrote.
Reacting, Bashir El-Rufai simply replied: “He is coming.”
The cryptic response has since fuelled speculations about ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with many questioning whether Obi is indeed considering a move to the SDP.
El-Rufai’s exit from the APC was reportedly part of a broader defection wave, with sources indicating that several other prominent figures within the party are considering a move to the SDP.
Among those rumoured to be in talks are; former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, Ekiti State former Governor, Kayode Fayemi, former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, and several other ministers from the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
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