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Breaking: Rivers Political Crisis: INC Spits Fire Over Supreme Court Judgment
By Divine Perezide
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has condemned in strong terms the recent Supreme Court ruling on the Rivers State political crisis, warning that it could lead to widespread instability in the Niger Delta.
2. The INC, through its President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, declared that the judgment failed to acknowledge the historical and political sacrifices made by the Ijaw people in Rivers State’s governance, adding that any attempt to undermine Governor Siminalayi Fubara would have dire consequences for national peace and economic stability.
3. Tracing the roots of political dynamics in Rivers State, the INC emphasized that the Ijaw people have played a crucial role in shaping the state’s leadership for decades. According to Prof. Okaba, in 1999, an Ijaw leader, Chief Marshall Harry, was instrumental in securing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for Dr. Peter Odili, despite a formidable challenge from Sergeant Awuse. Harry further ensured Odili’s victory against a Kalabari opponent, Chief Ebenezer Isokariari of the All Peoples Party (APP).
4. In 2003, the INC recalled that when Marshall Harry backed Sergeant Awuse’s governorship ambition, it was not Awuse but Harry himself who was assassinated, marking a painful loss for the Ijaw people. By 2007, Ijaw leaders such as Soboma George and Farrah Dagogo played a decisive role in securing victory for Sir Celestine Omehia, while Prince Igodo, a Kalabari-Ijaw warlord, was killed during Omehia’s swearing-in to prevent security breaches.
5. Similarly, in 2011, when Rotimi Amaechi sought to nominate Pastor Tonye Cole as a minister, Dame Patience Jonathan, the wife of then-President Goodluck Jonathan, ensured that Nyesom Wike took the slot instead. The INC lamented that despite these consistent sacrifices by the Ijaw people, an Ikwerre political elite now seeks to frustrate the first riverine governor in decades.
6. The INC did not mince words in its warning to the federal government. The body stated that the Ijaw people will defend Governor Fubara “with every pint of blood in their veins”, emphasizing that they would not stand by and allow their long-awaited tenure to be truncated
7. Prof. Okaba also cautioned that while the INC has worked tirelessly to preserve peace in the Niger Delta, leading to increased oil production and revenue for the nation, regrettable, the same resources are now being used to marginalize the Ijaw people.
8. He specifically pointed out that this trend extends beyond Rivers State to Ondo, Edo, Delta, and Akwa Ibom, where Ijaws continue to face political exclusion.
9. Issuing a direct warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the INC insisted that the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State must not be treated as ordinary politicking. Prof. Okaba stressed that the Ijaw people, numbering over 40 million worldwide, would not tolerate any attempt to undermine their place in Nigerian politics.
10. He further stated that while the INC enjoins Gov. Fubara to in the spirit of sportsmanship work with all duly constituted arms of government in the State, if Governor Fubara’s tenure is truncated by the Amaewhule-led Assembly or anybody else, the INC cannot guarantee the sustenance of the current peace in the Niger Delta, nor the continued rise in oil production—a veiled warning of potential disruptions in the region’s petroleum industry.
11. With the INC’s firm stance, tensions in Rivers State are expected to escalate if urgent steps are not taken to resolve the political crisis amicably. Stakeholders now look to President Tinubu and other national leaders to navigate the unfolding situation carefully to avoid plunging the oil-rich region into chaos.
12. As the political battle unfolds, one thing remains clear—the Ijaw National Congress has drawn the line, and any further attempts to sideline Governor Fubara may come at a heavy price.
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International: Iran Confirms Death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei After US-Israeli Strikes — 40-Day National Mourning Declared
By Favour Bibaikefie, International Affairs Correspondent
Tehran — In an unprecedented escalation of Middle East tensions, Iran’s state media has confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been killed following coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel, the government announced late Saturday.
In a statement broadcast on state television, Iranian authorities declared a 40-day period of mourning and seven days of public holiday across the Islamic Republic in memory of the 86-year-old cleric, who had led Iran since 1989.
The announcement confirmed reports from earlier in the day by U.S. and Israeli officials that Khamenei had been killed during a major offensive dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” — a series of air and missile strikes targeting regime leadership and strategic sites across Iran.
President Donald Trump, in a social media post, hailed Khamenei’s death as a significant blow to the Iranian regime, describing him as one of “the most evil people in history.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said there were strong indications that the cleric was “no longer alive” after his compound in Tehran was hit during the attack.
Iranian state media further reported that several members of Khamenei’s immediate family, including a daughter, son-in-law and a grandchild, were killed in the same strike. Tehran’s Supreme National Security Council labelled the attack an “act of aggression” and vowed to hold the United States and Israel accountable.
The death of Iran’s supreme leader — who wielded ultimate authority over the country’s military, judiciary and all branches of government — has triggered widespread uncertainty about the future leadership of the Islamic Republic and heightened fears of broader regional conflict.
The strikes have already prompted retaliatory actions from Iranian forces, with explosions reported across several Middle East countries. International capitals are watching developments closely as responses from neighbouring states and global powers continue to unfold.
By Favour Bibaikefie
LAGOS — Nigeria’s Dangote Group has signed a $400 million equipment agreement with China’s Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG) to accelerate the expansion of its oil refinery, reinforcing efforts to boost domestic refining capacity and industrial development.
The company disclosed on Tuesday that the newly acquired equipment will support ongoing projects across its refining, petrochemical, agricultural, and infrastructure operations. The strategic investment is part of Dangote Group’s broader plan to scale up the refinery’s output toward a projected capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day.
Industry analysts say the expansion represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s drive to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products while strengthening local production and economic growth.
The Dangote Refinery, regarded as one of Africa’s largest industrial projects, is expected to enhance fuel availability, stimulate job creation, and position Nigeria as a key exporter of refined petroleum products in the global energy market.
Breaking
Agbor Makes List as PDP Appoints Caretaker Committees for Osun, Enugu, Imo, Rivers and Delta States
By: Divine Perezide
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved new caretaker committees to oversee the affairs of the party in five states, pending the inauguration of fresh executive structures.
In a public notice dated January 15, 2026, and signed by the National Organising Secretary, Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan, the NWC said the decision was taken on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and in line with constitutional provisions. According to the statement, the appointments were made “pursuant to Section 29(2)(b) of our Constitution (2025 as amended).”
State Committees Announced
For Delta State, the committee is headed by Prof. Sylvester Monye as Chairman, with Dr. Michael Tidi, Esq. serving as Secretary. They will be supported by 16 other members including Ujor Ucheonny, Pharm. Victor Ofobrukuta, Comdr. Johnbull Aghogho Kenairu, Chief Ekiyor Charles, and Hon. Mrs. Vero Egbuna, among others.
In Enugu State, Barr. Steve Oruruo was appointed Chairman, while Martin Ugwuamaideze was named Secretary. The committee includes seven additional members such as Ugwu Uchenna Godswill, Lilian C.E. Ugwuoke, and Chief Cosmas Onyia.
The Imo State Caretaker Committee is comparatively lean, with Chief John Jude Okere as Chairman and Mr. Magnus Amadi as Secretary.
For Rivers State, Ogbam Ojimah was named Chairman, with Dr. Field Baribeful Nkor appointed as Secretary. Other members include Richard Enyia Victor, Grace Boma Harry, Princess Isoma Stella Elenwa, and Austin Emeka Wali.
In Osun State, Hon. Tunde Tijani leads the committee, with Hon. Bamidele Seyi-Abiola serving as Secretary. Five additional members were listed, including Hon. Lateef Mumini Obidel and Alhaji Sarafa Gbadeamosi.
Mandate and Tenure
The PDP clarified that the committees are mandated to “manage the affairs of the Party in their respective States, as stipulated in Section 21(2)(a-b) of the PDP Constitution.” The party further noted that the duration of the committees “shall not exceed 90 days, or until such a time as a new Executive Committee is elected.”
Members were also advised to conduct their activities in compliance with the PDP Constitution (2025 as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and the Nigerian Constitution (1999 as amended).
Meanwhile, the notice closed with the party’s slogan, “PDP, Power to the People,” indicating continuity of its internal restructuring ahead of future political engagements.