News

Wike, Fubara To Begin Dialogue After Osoba’s Mediation

Published

1 year ago

May 2, 2025

Editor

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.”

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.

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.”

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

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

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

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.

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

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

“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.”

“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).

“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.”

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.