News

OPINION: Wike’s Cry And Legality Of Fubara’s Impeachment Plot

Published

8 months ago

January 22, 2026

By Embassy-Oseni Momodu

Prof. David Easton’s iconic definition of politics as the authoritative allocation of values finds interpretative expression in the unfolding political drama in Rivers state. Resource control, appointment into political offices, institutional reforms, etcetera are few indicators of these values.

In Baron de Motesque’s view, he postulates that it’s dangerous to allow Monarch (executive), the House of Commons (legislaure) and Judges (judiciary) fuse power under the control of one person. He then propounded doctrine of “Separation of Power” as panacea against tyrany. Modern democracies align with this principle beyond mere philosophical and ideological postulations.

This principle is now codified as part of our laws in the constitution. Despite this constitutional proviso against fusion of power in one Arm of government, smart Presidents, Governors and Council Chairmen have skillfully balanced interests with occupiers of the other two Arms for smooth running of governance. This institutional synergy is crucial for speeding growth and development. But oftentimes, they’re loosely tagged “rubber stamps”.

I now delve into Governor Fubara’s impeachment plot by the Assembly men. One may be tempted to ask whether there’s something else they aren’t telling Nigerians. Peter Odili, Rotimi Amaechi and Nyesome Wike served two terms of 8 standard years each in the same Rivers State. They too endured challenges but still ended well without being sacked.

In war strategy, much like in politics, do not overestimate your strength and don’t underestimate your adversary however perceived inconsequential. The adversary being Wike, Fubara’s political godfather and Assembly men are now calling for Fubara sack.

The day a Governor loses confidence of his legislators is the beginning of his political uncertainty. This is because, his continued stay in office may be threatened by the Assembly, perhaps, under vague ground. A reference point of history between Alhaji Balarabe Musa and Kaduna state House of Assembly in 1981 which led to his removal by NPN. Those downplaying the impeachment aren’t doing Fubara any favor. Legislators are powerful. They own the knife.

Section 188 of the CFRN 1999 is the legal foundation for removal of Governor and Deputy Governor. The law is that whenever Governor or Deputy commits impeachable offence (s) as opined by the Rivers State House of Assembly, the holder of the office shall be impeached without delay, provided all relevant procedures and conditions precedent have been complied with strictu sesu. It’s preposterous for Fubara to preemptively assume the Assembly can do nothing. He shouldn’t have to learn the hard way again before he takes heed.

With court order obtained by Governor Fubara suggestively to halt the impeachment proceedings, Section 188 (10) has this to say: “No proceedings or determination of the Panel or of the House of Assembly or any matter relating to such proceedings or determination shall be entertained or questioned in any court”.

It’s an affront on our legal system for court to have given such order, for they are not vested powers to clog impeachment process legally commenced by the House of Assembly of a State. The Rivers state Chief Judge can’t be arm twisted to abandon his constitutional duties of constituting the Panel of Enquiry to investigate the alleged wrongdoings of the Governor.

The constitution further clarified what constitute “gross misconduct” in the following words thus: Section 188 (11)- In this section -“gross misconduct” means a grave violation or breach of the provisions of this Constitution or a misconduct of such nature as amounts in the opinion in the House of Assembly to gross misconduct.

The scope of “gross misconduct” is wide as to encompass whatever in the opinion of the legislators qualifies as such. This doesn’t mean the constitution handed them unfettered power to unseat a Governor without justifiable cause. That will amount to abuse of their office. Nevertheless, they are bound by doctrine of ‘stare decisis’ to respect the Court Order until another counter order to vacate same.

When a Governor acts like no Assembly exists, he may be tempting them to invoke their power of oversight functions constitutionally vested to checkmate his excesses. In contrast, in Edo State, Monday Okpebholo inherited a PDP-dominated House of Assembly in November 2024 under the current Speaker, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, who then was Governor Obaseki’s best man. Today, the House is APC dominated with an overwhelming majority courtesy of Okpebholo’s political mystery. A silent achiever.

The power tussle in Rivers with Nyesome Wike is puerile going by the antecedents which preceeded his coming to office. I’m not holding brief for the Minister but as a student of ‘school of loyalty’, undermining Wike portends significant sense of ingratitude if he may reflect. But for the House of Assembly created by an Act of the National Assembly as a sacred Arm of government, Fubara must treat it with respect as a legal obligation within the bounds of the law. Failing which constitutes gross misconduct as well.

Disloyalty in politics has consequences. Ask former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state. I may not be a fan of Wike but as Fubara’s benefactor, he deserved at least a modicum of regard. If it was by smartness, intellect and brevity, Fubara won’t rank the 1000th in Rivers state. But to the Glory of God, he’s the Governor. Aside him where Dakuku Peterside, Magnus Abe, Dr. Mike Nwielaghi, etcetera are capable of governing the state. He should learn to humble himself as his colleagues Oborevwori, Sanwo-Olu, Monday Okpebholo within the south south region. Should the Assembly insist on going ahead (without caution) Fubara’s fate may gravitate towards the mercy of the Assembly, in which case, only Wike and the President can save him by then. The question is- why would a Governor vacillate taking action to quench ignoble looming humiliation?.

Nyesome Wike has advanced to becoming a statesman and he should respect that status too. The power tussle between him and His Excellency Siminalaye Fubara is absolutely demeaning. Politics of betrayal is the albatross to enduring mutual trust, making their reunion a difficult task.

In Delta state, Sheriff Oborevwori is the Governor of the state, but acknowledges Mr. Ifeanyi Okowa as his leader. In Lagos state, Mr. Sanwo-Olu is Governor of the state, yet Bola Tinubu is his supreme leader. The states of Kogi, Adamawa, Borno, etcetera, etcetera are reference points to confirm this analogy. No reward for ruffling ego with your benefactor. It doesn’t always end well.

As usual, Nigerians are divided over Fubara’s perceived disloyalty against the man who brought him to the national limelight amidst allegations of overbearing influence over the Governor. Tinubu was sometimes accused of the same in Lagos when Akinwumi Ambode misbehaved. That Lagos now float over 4 trillion naira annual budget (2026 Appropriation Law) is the product of Tinubu’s visionary leadership; silencing his critics after 27 years of unbroken leadership chaine.

Loyalty is crucial in politics. It came to tacid test last year over Speakership tussle between Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and Hon. Mojisola Meranda of the Lagos Assembly. In the end, Obasa was restored as Speaker after he was earlier impeached by his colleagues and succeeded by Deputy Speaker, Meranda. Tinubu’s influence, dialogue prevailed on Meranda and other Assembly Honorables to rescind actions for Obasa’s return as Speaker, while Miranda returned to her seat as Deputy Speaker. That’s ‘loyalty’ at play, all to honor Tinubu and stability of the party. Even in military protocols, loyalty is superior is key. Emphasizing, l’m a loyal party man to my APC leaders such as Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Governor Okpebholo, Rep. Anamero Dekeri, Minister Abubakar Momoh, etcetera in Edo state.

President Bola Tinubu that l know abhors disloyalty. Ingratitude is now openly celebrated by some prominent party officials. The APC is a party founded on the notion of loyalty to party leaders and rule of law.

I respectfully submit that in the intriguing issues in Rivers state, dialogue, not rhetorics is the quickest solution to the political impass. Tinubu must intervene now. Having regards to the famous “48 Laws of Power”, Sim Fubara is failing a leadership litmus test, not good for his reputation. May our loyalty never be tested.

Embassy-Oseni Momodu, writes from Abuja, FCT Nigeria.

News

Report: UK Considers Raising Tax-free Allowance To £15,570

Published

12 minutes ago

September 25, 2026

Editor

The UK government is reportedly considering increasing the personal income tax allowance from £12,570 to £15,570, a move that could leave millions of workers with more disposable income and prevent most state pensioners from paying tax on part of next year’s pension increase.

The proposal, reported by Sky News citing The Telegraph, would represent the first increase in the personal allowance in five years. The threshold has remained frozen at £12,570 since 2021.

If implemented, the new threshold would be close to the level the allowance might have reached had it continued rising instead of being frozen.

The proposal is being considered by Chancellor John Healey and Prime Minister Andy Burnham, according to the report. It was suggested by Labour donor and Ecotricity owner Dale Vince.

Vince said: “If Labour wants to get the economy moving, it should put money into the pockets of people who will spend it.”

He added: “Raising the personal allowance to £15,570 would give millions of people a meaningful boost, with the biggest benefit going to those on the lowest incomes.”

He proposed funding the measure through changes to capital gains tax and by ending interest payments on Bank of England reserves.

“We can pay for it by making the tax system fairer – starting with capital gains and the billions we currently hand to banks in interest,” Vince said.

However, the government has not confirmed that the proposal will be included in the upcoming Budget.

A Treasury spokesperson said decisions on taxation were matters for the Chancellor to announce at fiscal events, rather than issues the department would “routinely comment on rumour, speculation or proposals”.

The proposed increase could also address an issue facing pensioners.

The UK’s state pension is expected to rise by 3.9% next April under the government’s triple lock system, which guarantees an annual increase based on whichever is highest among inflation, average wage growth or 2.5%.

Provisional wage figures show growth of 3.9%, meaning the full new state pension could increase from £12,547.60 to about £13,036.60.

That would put the state pension above the current £12,570 personal allowance by approximately £457.

For pensioners with total retirement income below £50,270, that amount would normally be subject to the basic 20% income tax rate, potentially resulting in an annual tax bill of about £91.40.

Increasing the personal allowance to £15,570 would place the projected state pension below the new threshold, meaning pensioners would not pay income tax on the state pension itself, assuming they had no other taxable income.

The proposal comes as the government faces pressure over its finances ahead of the next Budget.

Official figures showed that the UK public sector borrowed £18.3bn in August, the second-highest borrowing figure recorded for the month. Borrowing for the financial year so far was also £8.1bn above the level forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility.

The government is therefore expected to face difficult decisions over taxation and spending when the Chancellor delivers the Budget.

Other possible tax changes under discussion include changes to capital gains tax and the proposed high-value council tax surcharge on expensive properties.

No decision on the personal allowance has been announced, and the final policy will depend on the Chancellor’s Budget decisions.

(skynews)

News

Six Corps Members Receive N10m Grants To Boost Agribusiness

Published

3 days ago

September 22, 2026

Editor

Six members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have received a total of N10 million in grants to expand their agribusiness ventures under the Farmers for the Future Programme.

The programme was organised on Monday by the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) in collaboration with the NYSC to encourage young Nigerians to embrace agriculture and develop sustainable businesses.

Presenting the cheques to the beneficiaries in Abuja, the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, urged Corps members to maximise the opportunities provided by the service year by venturing into commodity marketing and other viable businesses.

Nafiu said agribusiness remained a viable avenue for young people to build sustainable enterprises, create employment and generate wealth.

He also stressed the importance of value addition to the success and sustainability of business ventures, while commending BATNF for placing Nigerian youths at the centre of its entrepreneurship initiatives through value-chain development, employment creation and its partnership with the NYSC.

“I charge you to spread the news around. We have seen the outcome, and it is a good idea,” he said.

The beneficiaries are Dominic Olufemi (FC/25C/1143), who received N3 million; Temitope Adewole (ED/26A/2251), N2 million; Abdulwaheed Bala (ED/25B/1402), N2 million; Olanike Mayungbe (OG/26B/1037), N1 million; Kingsley Udoeyen (KG/26A/1735), N1 million; and Lorember Lorsue (JG/25B/1742), N1 million.

Speaking on the selection process, the Acting Director, Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED), Mrs Winifred Shopeka, said the programme began with an online registration portal through which Corps Members engaged in agribusiness submitted their business plans.

She said nearly 3,000 Corps members applied and underwent a rigorous selection process that produced 20 finalists.

According to her, the finalists participated in a boot camp and a final pitching session, which produced the 10 best presenters before the six ultimate winners were selected.

Shopeka said the beneficiaries had also been mentored and attached to established market operators to assist them in marketing their products.

She added that Corps Members who did not make the final stage of the competition were also trained by BATNF.

The BATNF Team Lead, Mr Oludare Odusanya, congratulated the beneficiaries and urged Corps Members engaged in agribusiness to master the fundamentals and acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed.

“We are happy with our collaboration with the NYSC, and it will continue,” he said.

Odusanya explained that BATNF was an independent organisation established to contribute to poverty reduction in Nigeria through sustainable agricultural practices and other interventions.

He said the Farmers for the Future Programme was instituted in collaboration with the NYSC to encourage Corps Members to venture into agribusiness and become job creators.

He added that the beneficiaries would be attached to mentors who would guide them towards achieving success in their respective businesses.

According to him, the programme has, since its inception, continued to enhance the entrepreneurial capacity of Corps Members.

News

CBN Reduces Interest Rate To 23%

Published

3 days ago

September 22, 2026

Editor

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Tuesday announced the reduction of the interest rate, also known as Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to 23 percent.

Briefing the media in Abuja, the Governor of the CBN, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, said at the 307th MPC meeting held on September 22, 2026 agreed the resetting of the MPR and recaliberation of the monetary policy market.

According to Cardoso, the committe is satisfied with the disinflation progress, adding that members noted stable banking sector following successful recapitalisation.

Meanwhile, according to Nigerian Tribune, reports that that the MPC, at its 306th meeting in July 2026, disclosed its resolution to retain the interets at 26.5 percent.

According to the Governor of the CBN, Olayemi Cardoso, “the Committee’s decision to maintain the current policy stance followed a thorough assessment of the balance of risks. Although headline inflation moderated marginally in June 2026, global uncertainties have heightened, due mainly to the renewed hostilities in the Middle East.

“In view of the evolving developments, maintaining a cautious monetary policy stance remains appropriate. In arriving at its decision, the Committee noted the recent resurgence of hostilities in the Middle East, with particular attention to its spillover effects on global energy prices and the potential pass-through to domestic inflation.”