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Wike, Fubara To Begin Dialogue After Osoba’s Mediation

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The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor and estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike, have initiated peace talks to resolve their longstanding feud.

Sources close to both politicians confirmed to The PUNCH that the two recently met at Wike’s residence in Abuja.

The mediation, facilitated by former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba and the current Ogun Governor, Dapo Abiodun, marked the first step towards reconciling the political divide that has dominated Rivers State.

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Fubara and Wike are expected to meet again soon to finalise the reconciliation process.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: Gunshots Rock Venue Of Pro-Wike Rally In Bayelsa

According to a reliable source present at the meeting, who requested anonymity, the two governors engaged in a lengthy discussion during which Fubara apologised for past actions.

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The source disclosed that Fubara, accompanied by the Ogun governors, “prostrated and begged the FCT Minister for forgiveness.”

The political crisis in Rivers State has caused turmoil for nearly two years, primarily driven by the strained relationship between Wike and Fubara.

This deadlock prompted President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state on March 18, appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator.

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This declaration was approved by the National Assembly on March 20, despite significant public backlash.

READ ALSO: [BREAKING] Rivers: Pro-Fubara Supporters Protest, Demand Gov’s Reinstatement

In response to the state of emergency, 11 PDP governors filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court, challenging the legality of the move.

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However, Deputy National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, Timothy Osadolor, urged Fubara not to compromise the interests of Rivers State for personal gain.

Speaking to The PUNCH, Osadolor acknowledged the importance of peace efforts but warned that the integrity of the state should not be undermined for political reasons.

The issue began as a personal dispute but escalated into a national matter, involving constitutional overreach,” Osadolor said. “If Fubara’s apology was out of respect for African tradition, that’s fine. But he must not sacrifice the interests of Rivers State for his own position.”

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READ ALSO: Impeachment: Full Lists Of Allegations Against Gov Fubara, Deputy

Osadolor also criticised President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency, calling it unjustified and constitutionally flawed.

He argued that Rivers State, which has experienced relative peace, was unfairly singled out for an emergency declaration when other states with more significant security concerns did not face similar measures.

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On the other hand, the All Progressives Congress commended its leaders for playing a crucial role in mediating the dispute.

APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, expressed pride in the party’s leadership, emphasising that the peace effort was not about politics but about ensuring stability for Rivers State.

For APC leaders to broker peace, it shows our commitment to unity and good governance,” Ibrahim stated. “Our party understands the importance of peace in governance and aims to promote peaceful coexistence, regardless of the individuals involved.”

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N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

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First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

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Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

READ ALSO:I’ve Been Blacklisted In Music Industry For 13 Years – Seun Kuti

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

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Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

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Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

READ ALSO:My Beef With Wizkid Is For Life – Seun Kuti

By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

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Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.

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Xenophobic Attacks: Oshiomhole Tells FG To Retaliate Against South African Companies In Nigeria

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Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called on the Federal Government to retaliate against South African businesses operating in Nigeria following the recent attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

Speaking during plenary on Tuesday, Oshiomhole said the Federal Government should consider revoking the working license of South African owned companies such as MTN and DSTV.

He argued that Nigeria must respond firmly to what he described as persistent hostility against its citizens.

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READ ALSO:South Africa To Investigate ‘Mystery’ Of Planeload Of Palestinians

“I am not going to shed tears. If you hit me, I hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It is an economic struggle,” Oshiomhole said.

He argued that while some South Africans accuse Nigerians of taking their jobs, Nigerians should return home and take over employment opportunities created by major South African companies operating in the country, including MTN and DSTV.

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When we hit back, the President of South Africa will not only talk but will also go on his knees to recognise that Nigeria cannot be intimidated.

READ ALSO:South African Ambassador Found Dead Outside Paris Hotel

We will not condone any life being lost. If a crime has been committed under the South African law they have the right to bring any such person to justice, but to kill our people as if we are helpless, we will not allow that,” Oshiomhole added.

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DAILY POST reports that several Nigerians in South Africa have reportedly been attacked, and their businesses destroyed, in ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

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IGP Orders Officers Display Name Tag On Uniform, Gives Update On State Police

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The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Tunji Disu, has ordered all police personnel to always have their name tags on their uniforms for easy identification.

Disu disclosed that only police personnel who are undercover are exempted from displaying their name tags.

Speaking on Tuesday, Disu said: “All police officers should have their name tags. All of us on the high table have our names apart from the undercover among us so if you look at all the Commissioners of Police we have our name tags, so it’s not our standard.

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All the Commissioners of Police are here and that is why we called this meeting, we have list of things like this that we will want to discuss with the Commissioners of Police, we have told them earlier and we will still let them know that every that happens within their area of jurisdiction falls under their control.”

On the issue of state police, the IGP said: “Since we got the signal that the Federal Government of Nigeria intend to establish State Police and since we are the federal police, we decided to take the bull by the horn and put down our own side of what we believe on how the state police should be run.

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“A lot of things were taken into consideration, a lot of comparative analysis was done and it has been transmitted to the National Assembly.”

 

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