By Patrick Idowu

The Rivers State House of Assembly has directed the Chief Judge of the state to constitute a seven-member committee to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

The Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, gave the directive during plenary on Friday, citing relevant constitutional provisions guiding impeachment proceedings.

Amaewhule said the House, in line with Section 188 of the Constitution, resolved by voice vote that the allegations against the governor be investigated.

He added that the resolution would be immediately communicated to the Chief Judge for further action.

“By this voting, the Rivers State House of Assembly has resolved that the investigation into allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor shall proceed,” the Speaker said.

The development followed a reversal by four lawmakers who had earlier called for reconciliation between the Assembly and the executive.

At a press conference in Port Harcourt on Friday, the lawmakers said the impeachment process should continue, accusing the governor and his deputy of encouraging attacks on the Assembly through their media aides.

They said their appeal for a political solution was ignored, insisting that the process was now unavoidable due to what they described as persistent constitutional violations.

The lawmakers stressed that the matter was constitutional, not ethnic or political, and vowed to allow the impeachment process to run its full course.

By Patrick Idowu

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Executive Committee (EXCO), chaired by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has approved the ratification of several multi-billion-naira contracts aimed at improving key infrastructure and essential services in Abuja.

The approvals were given at the committee’s first meeting of 2026, held at the minister’s official residence in Life Camp.

Briefing journalists, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, said EXCO ratified a N3.79 billion contract for the emergency rehabilitation and resurfacing of roads within the Presidential Villa.

He explained that the intervention, handled by Julius Berger Plc, addressed over 30 years of wear on the roads.

EXCO also ratified a N9.8 billion contract for the construction of the Kabusa/Ketti road, completed and commissioned in June 2025. Dauda said the project was fast-tracked to address insecurity and improve access following past kidnapping incidents in the area.

In addition, the committee approved a N1.7 billion emergency contract awarded to SCC Nigeria Limited for erosion control and the restoration of major water transmission lines from the Lower Usuma Dam to avert disruption of Abuja’s water supply.

The Secretary for Education, Danlami Hayyo, disclosed that EXCO also ratified a N62 million facility management contract for the Korea Model School, noting that the FCTA has fully taken over its management to sustain high standards in basic education.

By Omoniyi David

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), has criticised President Bola Tinubu for his absence at the national Armed Forces Remembrance Day, describing it as a sign of leadership vacuum.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the non-appearance of the Commander-in-Chief at such a solemn event sent the wrong signal amid worsening security challenges.

The ADC stressed that Armed Forces Remembrance Day is a defining national moment that demands the physical and moral presence of the President, especially as troops remain deployed across the country battling insurgency, banditry and other crimes.

According to the party, honouring fallen soldiers should go beyond ceremonies and speeches, insisting that visible leadership and a clear security strategy are essential to demonstrate genuine solidarity with serving personnel and bereaved families.

The opposition party added that moments of national sacrifice require accountability and decisive leadership, noting that remembrance should also prompt reflection on governance priorities and the heavy cost borne by soldiers and civilians alike.