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Fubara, Wike meet truce panel as lawmakers give condition to halt impeachment

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This happened as Sunday Vanguard gathered, at the weekend, that the two major principal actors in the crisis, Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, and his estranged godson, Fubara, have shown a considerable sign of backing down after meeting with the peace and reconciliation committee set up by the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum, PANDEF, to proffer solution to the crisis.

A credible source revealed that the 7-man peace committee, led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), otherwise known as the Agabi Peace Committee, first met with Wike in Abuja last Thursday before having another round of three-hour interface with Fubara on Friday in Port Harcourt.

The committee, which had earlier met with the Chairman of Rivers State Elders Council, Chief Ferdinand Anabraba, a very close ally of the FCT Minister, also met with elders and leaders from both Wike and Fubara camps yesterday in Port Harcourt.

Fruitful

“So far, those meetings were very fruitful,” the source said, adding: “Don’t forget that before now people had made public statements. A lot of things were said, but the outcome of those meetings is very encouraging. I can say that there is hope. A real renewed hope. Rivers people respect this committee and I will appeal to Nigerians to allow these illustrious sons and daughters of the Niger Delta region to do their work.”

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The Agabi Committee was inaugurated in Abuja, last week, to reconcile the two warring parties and turn in its report within two weeks for further action. It is expected that the Port Harcourt meeting with the elders would proffer a workable solution to bring the political impasse in the state to an end.

The source said that If Wike and Fubara had refused to meet with the committee, for instance, “then there would have been a genuine reason to be afraid that the effort would not yield a positive result”. “He emphasised: “But right now, things are going on very well and there is every reason to hope for the best outcome.”

Fresh Facts

Meanwhile, there may be a fresh reason why the lawmakers, including the four who earlier called for a political solution to the crisis, suddenly rescinded their earlier call for impeachment.

Sunday Vanguard investigations revealed that the lawmakers want to extract a genuine commitment from the governor that they would be given return tickets in the 2027 general elections.

Defection of Atiku’s son: Symbolic coup to APC, personal matter to family

“There is nothing like a gross misconduct against the governor. What these people (lawmakers) want is the assurance that they will return to the Assembly next year. With this attitude of theirs to the governor, they are not sure of coming back. That is the assurance they want. That is the agreement they are talking about,” a key player who pleaded anonymity said.

“If you can recall, this whole problem started when Governor Fubara defected to the APC last December. They knew that the governor would have his automatic ticket in APC and if they don’t get that assurance, then they would be dead politically.”

The player went on: “Wike also wants the same commitment from President Bola Tinubu. He wants to return as a minister. If Fubara wins second term and Wike loses his appointment, he would be dead politically. The minister said so himself. That is why he is using the Assembly to press home his demand from the President.”

He revealed that while the impeachment may not see the light of day beyond the level it has reached, “the minister no more has a direct access to the President. He can only use the Assembly to bargain for his political future.”

APC

In a related development, the state chapter of All Progressives Party, APC, has urged the state Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, to obey the ruling of the state High Court, which issued an order restraining him from receiving any correspondence from the Speaker of the state Assembly, the Clerk of the House or any other person on the bid to impeach Fubara and Odu.

The Assembly, on Friday, said it had transmitted a letter to the Chief Judge to set up a 7-man panel to investigate allegations the gross misconduct leveled against Fubara and Odu.

But the Chief Emeka Beke-led APC, yesterday, said, having analyzed the issues leading to the latest step taken by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to proceed with the Impeachment process, “we note that Honourable members who trumpeted loyalty to our party and Mr President can give themselves to the unfolding choreographed legislative coup d’etat against the collective interest, growth and development of our party in the state.”

The statement, signed by Darlington Nwauju, spokesman for the party, called on the “Honourable Chief Judge of Rivers State to respect yesterday’s interim injunction in Suit No OYHC/7/CS/2026 that restrained him from receiving or acting on the resolutions of the Rivers State House of Assembly”.

It further said: “We warn again that this is a needless legislative overreach, having observed the recalcitrance on the part of members of the House of Assembly, including APC members.

“Thus, no matter how beautifully crafted the allegations against the Governor and his Deputy are, they are still very subjective in the court of public opinion. This unfortunate path chosen by the legislative arm therefore serves as dangerous footnote to the health and survival of the APC in Rivers State.”

The party, however, called on the national leadership of APC to immediately activate internal mechanisms available to the National Working Committee, NWC, under Article 21(b)(iii) of the 2022 Constitution (as amended) to save the party from an embarrassing situation.

50,000 Ijaw

Also, yesterday, it was learnt that more than 50,000 people of Ijaw extraction in Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states have allegedly transferred their voting units to Rivers State preparatory to the governorship election next year.

Confirming this, President of Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, Dr Alaye Theophilus, said: “We are solidly with Fubara. He is an Ijaw man. Yes, over 50,000 Ijaw people of voting age have transferred their units to Rivers State. Nobody wants to take any chances. Fubara must go for second term.”

President of Ijaw National Council, INC, Prof Benjamin Okaba, equally called on the leadership of APC to take responsibility by protecting Fubara against impeachment.

“If Fubara is eventually impeached, then we will see this as a betrayal of the Ijaw nation and it will not be good for our democracy. Adams Oshiomhole had once said that the moment you join APC, your sins are forgiven. Why is Fubara’s own different? He must be protected,” he stated.

Wike-Fubara impasse

The Wike-Fubara crisis in Rivers State began as a bitter power struggle between the governor and his former political mentor. Although Wike helped Fubara win the governorship in 2023, their relationship quickly soured amid disputes over control of state politics, legislative cooperation and implementation of agreements they had reached.

The conflict deepened into a full-blown political standoff, with lawmakers loyal to Wike frequently clashing with the governor’s camp, leading to paralysis in governance and repeated legal and political battles between the executive and the legislature.

As part of that escalation, Governor Fubara has faced multiple impeachment threats by the Rivers State House of Assembly, largely aligned with Wike. Lawmakers have initiated impeachment processes at least three times since he took office, with the most recent proceedings beginning in early January 2026. In this latest phase, the Assembly initially moved to impeach Fubara and his deputy, Odu, then briefly paused and rescinded the push, only to later resume the effort. They also asked the state’s Chief Judge to constitute a panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against both officials. However, a Rivers State High Court intervened, issuing an interim order restraining the Chief Judge from acting on the impeachment request, effectively halting the process for now.

Tinubu

Throughout the crisis, President Bola Tinubu has intervened repeatedly in attempts to contain the political deadlock and avert further instability. In March 2025, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor, his deputy and the Assembly for six months and appointing a sole administrator to run the state. It was an extraordinary measure aimed at restoring order amid escalating tensions.

On September 17, 2025, the President formally ended the six-month state of emergency after declaring that conditions had sufficiently improved to justify a return to democratic governance. Tinubu explained that intelligence indicated a renewed willingness among stakeholders in Rivers State to engage peacefully in governance, and he did not believe the emergency should continue a day longer than the constitutional six-month period he had originally proclaimed. He has also engaged in mediation efforts between Wike and Fubara, although these truces have often been temporary as disputes resurface, such as in the current impeachment showdown and associated political fallout. (Sunday Vanguard)

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Gunmen Abduct Two Visually Impaired Persons in Plateau, Demand N50m Ransom

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Gunmen have abducted two visually impaired persons, a man and a woman, in Plateau State, demanding N50 million for their release after attacking a vehicle conveying nine passengers in Riyom Local Government Area.

The victims were reportedly travelling from Benue State to Jos alongside seven other passengers when the vehicle was intercepted by the gunmen at about 8pm on Monday.

While seven occupants managed to escape during the attack, the assailants seized the two persons and whisked them away to an unknown destination.

The Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Plateau State, Shindol Aaron, confirmed the incident, explaining that the victims had travelled to Benue for a training programme but decided to return to Jos after receiving information that the event had been postponed.

According to him, the passengers were on their way back to Jos when they encountered the kidnappers, who abducted two occupants and allowed the remaining seven to escape.

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He said, “They were nine in the vehicle. Seven of them escaped, and two were abducted. So, right now, we have a male and a lady in their custody.”

Aaron disclosed that the abductors had contacted someone in connection with the incident, although he had yet to establish direct communication with them.

He added that the association had reported the abduction to security agencies and was working with relevant authorities to secure the victims’ release.

Another member of the association, Ishaya Ayuba Danjatau, disclosed that the kidnappers had demanded N50 million as ransom for the release of the two victims.

He expressed concern over the difficulty of raising such a huge amount, particularly given the vulnerable circumstances of the abducted persons.

“The kidnappers have reached out, and they are demanding N50 million before they can free the two persons in their custody. Where do they want us to get the money from?” he queried.

Efforts to reach the Plateau State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Alabo Alfred, for confirmation and comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

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Police Rescue Seven Officers, Recover Five Bodies After Deadly Bandit Ambush in Zamfara

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The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a series of operational successes across 10 states in the last 48 hours, including the rescue of seven police officers following a deadly bandit ambush in Zamfara State, the arrest of suspects linked to violent crimes and the recovery of firearms, ammunition, stolen vehicles and suspected illicit drugs.

The operations also led to the rescue of three nursing mothers abducted during an armed attack in Kogi State.

The developments were contained in a state-by-state operational update released by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

In Zamfara State, tactical search and rescue teams comprising operatives of the Command Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and the Anti-Kidnapping Unit recovered the bodies of five police officers killed during a bandit ambush.

The officers were reportedly travelling to the state to carry out security duties during the APC rerun primary elections when armed bandits attacked their team.

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The operation also resulted in the rescue of seven officers who escaped unhurt, while two others who sustained gunshot injuries were evacuated to hospital for medical attention.

The attackers reportedly carted away five service AK-47 rifles, prompting joint security reinforcements to intensify efforts to recover the weapons and apprehend the perpetrators.

The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Gusau, has commenced an investigation into the incident.

Police Rescue Three Nursing Mothers in Kogi

In Kogi State, police operatives rescued three nursing mothers following an armed attack on a commercial Toyota Hummer Bus near Ebiya Town in Ajaokuta Local Government Area.

The attack, which occurred at about 11:17 p.m. on November 1, reportedly left one passenger dead, while 13 others were abducted.

Police said the vehicle was recovered and the three women rescued, while joint security teams continued bush-combing and tactical operations to secure the release of the remaining victims.

Police Neutralise Suspected Robber in Ogun

Meanwhile, police operatives in Ogun State neutralised a suspected armed robber during a gun duel at Ijaba Area, Iyesi, Ota, in the early hours of November 1.

The patrol team had responded to a reported robbery when the suspects engaged the officers in a gun battle.

One of the suspected robbers was killed, while his accomplices reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.

Items recovered from the scene included a locally fabricated pistol, two live cartridges, seven expended cartridges, a Nissan Almera, a Toyota Camry and suspected stolen household items.

Four Arrested Over Military Officer’s Murder in Nasarawa

In Nasarawa State, a joint operation by the police and military led to the arrest of four principal suspects in connection with the alleged murder of Corporal Benjamin Jige, a military officer reportedly stabbed to death by suspected cultists.

The suspects were identified as Godwin Tanko, 42; Abuchi Simon, 27; Divine Omegle, 32; and Samuel Alonge, 21.

They were arrested at New Legit Hotel following intelligence-led operations.

Police said other suspects, including an alleged leader of the Vikings Confraternity identified as Bigi Rasta and Simon Joshua Junior, had fled and were being tracked by security operatives.

Police Recover Firearms in Anambra

In Anambra State, police took custody of a 34-year-old suspect, Azubike Okoye, following his handover by military personnel.

The suspect was arrested at Umuoba Anam Beach in Anambra East Local Government Area with a pump-action rifle, a long Dane gun and 13 live cartridges.

Although he reportedly claimed to be a member of a local vigilante group, police said investigations were ongoing to establish the source of the firearms and their intended use.

Three Arrested During Drug Den Raid in Akwa Ibom

Similarly, operatives of the Quick Intervention Unit in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, raided a suspected drug den along Umuahia Road, arresting three persons.

The suspects were identified as Fredrick Udom, 29; Francis Solomon Usuro, 23; and Abasiama Fredrick Udom, 38.

The operation, conducted on November 1, led to the recovery of large quantities of substances suspected to be cannabis and three Android mobile phones believed to have been stolen.

Police Investigate Abduction of 27-Year-Old Man in Delta

In Delta State, police have launched an investigation into the reported abduction of 27-year-old Godbless Arenti from a rented apartment at Oviri-Ogor, on the outskirts of Ughelli.

A search of the scene led to the recovery of two live rounds of ammunition and two expended 7.62 x 39mm cartridge shells.

Police said intelligence-tracking and bush-combing operations were ongoing to rescue the victim and apprehend those responsible.

Suspect Arrested Over Alleged Cable Vandalism in Gombe

In Gombe State, a 29-year-old suspect, Ahijo Boyi, was arrested during a visibility patrol after he was allegedly found with four rolls of electric cables suspected to have been vandalised along the stretch between the 301 Army Artillery Regiment and Gona Area.

The suspect reportedly confessed to conspiring with three other individuals who are currently at large.

Police said efforts were underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects and uncover the wider network behind the alleged vandalism.

Two Arrested Over Mob Killing in Enugu

Enugu State also recorded arrests following a mob attack that resulted in the death of an alleged suspect, Gideon Amidu.

Amidu was reportedly apprehended and severely assaulted by an angry mob along Aninwagbo Street, off Ebony Paint Road, Enugu.

He sustained multiple stab wounds and was rushed to St. Martin’s Hospital, Awkunana, where he was certified dead on arrival.

Following the incident, police operatives arrested two principal suspects allegedly linked to the attack, while investigations continued.

Two Truck Drivers Arrested After Accident Claims Seven Lives in Ogun

In another development in Ogun State, two truck drivers were arrested following a fatal multiple-vehicle accident at Asejire along the Ife-Ibadan Expressway.

The accident involved a Dangote truck, a FAW truck and a Honda Civic carrying six passengers.

According to the police, the incident occurred when the Honda Civic driver attempted to avoid potholes while navigating a single-lane traffic diversion.

The vehicle reportedly collided with the rear tyre of the Dangote truck before crashing head-on into the oncoming FAW truck.

The resulting fire claimed seven lives, with the victims burnt beyond recognition.

Their remains were evacuated to Mercyland Hospital Mortuary for autopsy, while the vehicles involved were recovered for inspection by the Vehicle Inspection Office.

The two truck drivers, identified as Dahiru Saidu and Mamuda Idris, were arrested and remain in police custody as investigations continue.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the operational updates demonstrated the Nigeria Police Force’s continued efforts to combat violent crimes, strengthen public safety and improve security operations across the country.

The police reiterated their commitment to crime prevention, intelligence-led operations and collaboration with other security agencies.

The Force also urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to support law enforcement efforts.

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Pastor Jimmy Odukoya Remarries, Introduces New Wife Mo Jasyme to Church Congregation

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Pastor Jimmy Odukoya, Senior Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, Lagos, has officially introduced his new wife, Pastor Mo Jasyme, to members of his congregation during a Sunday service on November 1, 2026.

The introduction took place at the church’s headquarters in Ilupeju, Lagos, days after Odukoya sparked speculation about his marital status by sharing a photograph of two hands wearing wedding rings with the caption, “To New Beginnings.”

During the service, Odukoya said he had been navigating life alone since becoming the church’s senior pastor before finding a suitable partner.

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He described Mo as the woman he had been searching for and presented her to the congregation as the church’s new first lady.

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Mo also addressed the congregation, expressing her delight at standing alongside her husband.

Pastor Tunde Bakare, General Overseer of The Citadel Global Community Church, who reportedly blessed the couple’s marriage in the United States, prayed for them and their union.

Bakare also disclosed that Mo is the daughter of Reverend Theophilus and Bolaji Daniel.

The marriage marks a new chapter in Odukoya’s personal life. His previous marriage to Oluwakemi Banjoko took place in London in March 2013, and the union produced two children before the couple separated.

Odukoya became Senior Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church in 2023 following the death of his father, the church’s founder, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya.

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