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Wike: Allowing Fubara a Second Term is Political Suicide 

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that his political career would suffer irreparable damage if Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, secures a second term in office.

Wike made the remark on Saturday while addressing stakeholders at a meeting in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Although the FCT minister did not mention the governor by name, he warned that a firm decision had already been taken regarding the 2027 governorship contest.

Wike said: “We have made a decision as far as Tinubu is concerned. The other one (Fubara’s re-election) — no way. Because if we make another mistake, then we will go and bury ourselves politically. I will not allow myself to be buried. I will not allow that mistake again.

“So everybody should know we have made a decision.”

The FCT minister has intensified his criticism of Fubara since the governor defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) last month. Wike accused the governor of violating the terms of a peace agreement reached before the lifting of the emergency rule in the state, which enabled Fubara’s return to office.

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Earlier in the week, Wike said what he described as a “leadership mistake” in Rivers would be corrected in 2027, promising to disclose details of the agreement that restored Fubara to power.

“We will not make the same mistake again at the state level in 2027, but we will talk about it later when the time comes,” he said, adding that leaders should prioritise the will of the people over personal interests.

At a separate stakeholders’ meeting on Friday in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Wike dismissed suggestions that Fubara’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would guarantee the governor’s re-election.

“If you played well with the first one and succeeded, do you think you can succeed with the second one? There cannot be two markets in one day,” Wike said, in a veiled reference to previous peace agreements.

He warned against assurances that backing Tinubu alone would secure another term for the governor.

“So, whoever is assuring you that everything will be fine once you sign on your mandate, you are mistaken,” he said.

“All of us have decided to work for Bola Ahmed Tinubu. There is no discussion about that.”
Wike said efforts were underway to avoid repeating past errors.

“Of course, you know we won’t make the mistake we made last time. We are here to correct the mistake. We will do all we can to ensure that we give Tinubu all the total support that is required.”

Questioning Fubara’s leadership style, Wike added: “Someone who cannot relate with the local government chairmen, state assembly members and national assembly members — what kind of leadership do you want to provide?”

He also reacted to Fubara’s New Year remarks in which the governor reportedly described Wike’s comments as “noise,” insisting that Fubara owed his emergence as governor to him despite lacking widespread popularity at the time.

“I made him governor even when he was not popular among the people,” Wike said.

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‎China, Nigeria Mark Friendship with Joint Cultural Mural

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‎A colourful mural celebrating both China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day has been unveiled at an overseas project site, serving as a vivid symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.
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‎The artwork, jointly produced by Chinese and Nigerian staff, features builders dressed in traditional Chinese costumes and Nigerian ethnic attire holding hands and dancing together.
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Above them, fireworks and white doves of peace illuminate the sky, while the inscription “10.1” highlights the dual significance of October 1, the China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day.
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‎On the left side of the mural, ancient Chinese architecture, red lanterns and auspicious cloud motifs showcase Chinese heritage.
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On the right, red earth, coconut palms and African drums reflect Nigeria’s cultural identity. Flowing ribbons weave across the painting, symbolising unity and shared destiny.
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‎Project officials described the mural as a “living testament” to cooperation at the frontline of development. They said it embodies mutual trust and support as workers from both countries overcome challenges together.
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‎The initiative underscores cultural integration and partnership, with both sides pledging to continue working hand in hand to strengthen ties.
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“Celebrating two festivals as one, we march forward with one heart,” a statement read, emphasising the commitment to write new chapters of friendship along the path of cooperation.
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‎The mural, rooted in the overseas project site, stands as a reminder of the brotherly bond between China and Nigeria, and the shared vision of building together for a brighter future.

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Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso Celebrates Senator Lado @60, Says Is A Political Dogma

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From Muhammad Kabir Kano

The spokesperson of Political Appointees Forum from Kano State, Dr. Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, has described Senator Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on National Assembly Matters (Senate), who also doubles as the Chairman of the Appointees, on his 60th birthday, as a Political Blog who plays the game with maturity and respect.

Kwankwaso who also describes Senator as Political Dogma, praised his contributions to democratic governance, humanitarian services and national development.

“Senator Lado is a dependable public servant and accomplished legislator whose experience had helped strengthen relations between the Executive and the Senate and also steer ship the activities of the Political Appointees with huge respect and understanding”,

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He said it is on notice that Lado served in the Senate for four years before his by late President Buhari on Relief agency and subsequent appointment as Tinubu’s liaison officer in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

Lado represented Kano Central Senatorial District in the Seventh National Assembly from 2011 to 2015, where he served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works.

Lado facilitated several constituency projects, including the Kundila Bridge, popularly known as Gadar Lado, in Kano State. His contributions to humanitarian services through his previous roles as Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, and Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

He said Lado contributed to protecting vulnerable Nigerians, combating human trafficking and improving the welfare and rehabilitation of displaced persons.

Kwankwaso further commended the senator’s humanitarian initiatives through the Ladon Alheri Foundation, particularly in education, healthcare, women’s economic empowerment, rural water supply and support for disadvantaged communities.

” Lado’s contributions across public service reflected his commitment to national development and the welfare of Nigerians”, he added.

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EFCC Reopens Atiku’s Alleged Financial Crimes Probe

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reopened its investigation into allegations against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar following a petition by former House of Representatives member, Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, seeking his prosecution over alleged financial crimes.

The petition seeks to revive a case dating back to 2006, asking the anti-graft agency to revisit its investigation under former chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and consider a subsequent report by a United States Senate subcommittee.

Speaking on the development, Agbonayinma said the EFCC had acknowledged his petition, dated August 27, 2026, and received on September 1. Filed through his lawyer, Chief Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, SAN, the petition asks the commission to reactivate its earlier report and act on the allegations.

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The former lawmaker appeared at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, where he adopted the petition and answered questions from investigators.

Agbonayinma said the matter should not be allowed to remain unresolved.

“I want to thank Nigerians, the EFCC, and those praying for me in this struggle. The laws are meant for both the rich and the poor. After the EFCC has done a fantastic job, it should not be kept under the table,” he said.

In the petition, Agbonayinma urged the EFCC to revisit its September 2006 report on Atiku and a February 4, 2010, report by the US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, arguing that both documents should form the basis for renewed action.

The petition alleged that the EFCC had previously indicated that Atiku could face prosecution after leaving office as vice-president, when his constitutional immunity ceased to apply, but that no prosecution followed.

Agbonayinma described the alleged failure to act as a dereliction of duty and argued that pursuing the matter would demonstrate the commission’s resolve to hold politically influential figures accountable.

He also disclosed that he had petitioned US President Donald Trump over the allegations.

The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, had yet to respond to messages seeking an update on the investigation as of the time of filing this report.

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