Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has addressed allegations surrounding the distribution of $5,000 to members of his committee. Betara clarified that the funds were shared as a gesture of goodwill to mark the Sallah celebrations and not as a bribe to influence decisions regarding the proposed emergency rule in Rivers State.

The controversy arose after Nigerian investigative journalist Jaafar Jaafar brought the matter to public attention through a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle. Jaafar’s revelation sparked widespread speculation about the intent behind the monetary distribution, with some questioning whether it was an attempt to sway opinions within the committee.

In his statement, Betara firmly denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing that the funds were purely a festive token. “The $5,000 I shared with my colleagues was a Sallah gift, a tradition of goodwill and celebration during this festive period. It was not, and should not be misconstrued as, an inducement related to the Rivers State emergency rule discussions,” he stated.

The Rivers State emergency rule proposal has been a contentious issue, drawing significant attention and debate within the House of Representatives. Betara’s clarification aims to dispel any doubts about the integrity of his actions and the committee’s deliberations.

As the story continues to unfold, Nigerians are closely watching the developments, with many calling for transparency and accountability in the nation’s legislative processes.

Salihu Lukman, the former North-West Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has disclosed that advanced discussions are ongoing to form a unified opposition coalition aimed at unseating the ruling APC in the 2027 general elections. Lukman made this revelation on Monday, following former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent announcement about the coalition’s formation.

Lukman emphasized that the coalition’s primary objective is to consolidate opposition forces to present a formidable challenge to the APC’s dominance.

He noted that consultations have reached an advanced stage, with leaders from various political parties and movements working to align their strategies. However, he clarified that while progress has been made, no final decisions have been reached regarding the coalition’s structure, leadership, or the political platform it will adopt.

Atiku Abubakar, a prominent opposition figure and former presidential candidate, had earlier confirmed the coalition’s formation during a press conference. He described the initiative as a strategic effort to restore balance to Nigeria’s political landscape and counter what he termed the APC’s “overreach” in governance. Abubakar’s announcement has sparked widespread debate and heightened political tensions, with many viewing the coalition as a potential game-changer in the upcoming elections.

Lukman highlighted two critical issues currently under negotiation: the selection of a political party to serve as the coalition’s platform and the need for prospective members to set aside personal ambitions for the greater good. He acknowledged that these discussions are complex, with zoning and candidate selection emerging as contentious topics among coalition members. Despite these challenges, Lukman expressed optimism that a consensus would be reached in time to mount a robust campaign against the APC.

The coalition’s formation comes amid growing dissatisfaction with the APC’s governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Critics have accused the administration of undermining democratic principles and consolidating power at the expense of opposition voices. Lukman, who has been vocal about his discontent with the APC’s direction, described the coalition as a necessary step to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy and ensure a competitive political environment.

As the 2027 elections approach, the coalition’s success will depend on its ability to navigate internal disagreements and present a united front. Political analysts have noted that while the coalition has the potential to disrupt the APC’s stronghold, its effectiveness will hinge on its ability to mobilize grassroots support and articulate a compelling vision for Nigeria’s future.

The coming months are expected to see intensified political maneuvering as the coalition finalizes its plans and prepares to challenge the APC’s dominance. For now, the political landscape remains dynamic, with the coalition’s emergence signaling a new chapter in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Sources close to Government House in Rivers State have raised concerns over alleged plans by the state’s sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, to announce new Local Government Area (LGA) administrators.

Recall that immediately after the Supreme Court judgment that nullified the October 5, 2024, local government elections in Rivers State, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara directed all the council chairmen to hand over to the heads of local governments until proper elections are conducted.

However, reports from sources who pleaded anonymity said the sole administrator is set to announce new council administrators despite the clear provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and the recent Supreme Court judgment affirming the autonomy of LGAs.

The move, if carried out, the sources alleged, would amount to a blatant disregard for democratic principles and a violation of the Supreme Court’s ruling, which reaffirmed that local governments must be governed by elected officials, not handpicked appointees.