….Gov throws jibe, describes impeachment notice as ‘love letter’

Vows to avoid actions capable of breaching peace
The office of the Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, has received the letter from the State House of Assembly requesting him to constitute a seven-man committee to probe the allegations of gross misconduct leveled against the state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.

The House of Assembly Committee Chairman on Petitions, Information and Complaints, Dr Enemi George, confirmed that the Chief Judge had acknowledged receipt of all the documents.

Also received by the CJ’s office were other documents detailing the allegations of gross misconduct against the governor and the deputy governor, copies of the Rivers State Impeachment Panel (Conduct of Investigations) Procedure 2025 and photocopies of The Nation, The Guardian and The Sun, among others.

George said: “It is important to inform the good people of Rivers State that Mr. Speaker has already complied with the Constitution and letters sent by him to the Chief Judge have been received and acknowledged.

“All relevant documents including the Notices of Allegations of Gross Misconduct were attached”.

He added: “Every step going forward, what can happen or what cannot happen is clearly stated in Section 188 of the Constitution.

“The good people of Rivers State should remain calm and should not listen to those who want to truncate our democracy.”

He commended and thanked the good people of Rivers State for their support and prayers for the 10th Assembly in particular and Rivers people at large.

The Rivers State High Court sitting in Oyigbo Local Government Area has however issued an interim injunction restraining the CJ from receiving, forwarding, considering or acting on any request, resolution, articles of impeachment or any form of communication from Speaker Martin Amaewhule and other members of the State House of Assembly for the purpose of constituting a panel to investigate the alleged misconduct against the governor and his deputy.

They just landed me a ‘love letter’, says Fubara

Governor Fubara, in a veiled reference to the impeachment notice, called it a love letter.

“This 2026 that I thought would have been the finest, they just landed me a love letter,” he said while speaking as special guest during the finals of the 2026 Port Harcourt Polo Tournament in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

He added:”That notwithstanding, we must move on and carry on the responsibilities as a government. We will continue to support everyone who means well for Rivers State.”

He vowed that he would not support, directly or indirectly, any action capable of undermining peace and safety in the state.

He insisted that the protection of lives and property remained the primary responsibility of his administration.

He emphasised that he remained the governor of the state and would continue to deliver on the promises made to the people.

Fubara expressed satisfaction that the 2026 Port Harcourt Polo Tournament was held for one week without any incident.

He described the peaceful conduct of the event as a clear indication that Rivers is safe for residents, visitors and investors.

A supporter of the governor, Amb.Chijioke Ihunwo, asked the assembly members to perform their functions independently.

He pleaded with President Tinubu to intervene on the matter, insisting that the governor had done nothing to warrant his removal.

He said: “This assembly must remain independent to allow peace to prevail in the state.

“Governor Fubara has done nothing to warrant his removal. President Tinubu should intervene in this matter as the leader of the party.”

The high powered committee set up by the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) to reconcile the feuding sides in the Rivers imbroglio is said to be working round the clock to stop the planned impeachment.

The committee members have already met with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike in Abuja and separately with Fubara and some other stakeholders.

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman Ola Olukoyede has faulted the persecution claim by the immediate-past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN).

He described it as unfortunate that some Nigerians were buying into the narrative when Malami’s probe started before his appointment.

Malami is standing trial alongside some family members on 16 counts of money laundering involving about N8.7 billion.

Speaking on a national television yesterday, Olukoyede dismissed Malami’s claim of vendetta against him, saying the commission has not wavered in investigating and prosecuting those suspected to have been involved in corruption cases.

“There’s nothing like that. The particular case predated my appointment. And, I didn’t give a nod to initiate proceedings until I found that we have a water-tight investigation,” he said.

The EFCC boss denied being indicted by Justice Ayo Salami’s panel.

Olukoyede said: “I challenge those making such claims of indictment against me by Justice Ayo Salami Panel to publish the report.

“Let me tell Nigerians that the commission’s investigation panel cleared me of any wrongdoing. The presidency at the time also cleared me. Also, the law enforcement agencies handed me a clean bill.

“I can say clearly that there’s no report anywhere that I’ve been involved in any fraudulent dealings, whether as the commission’s chief of staff, secretary, and now, the chairman of the commission.”

Noting that the commission, under his watch, made notable achievements last year, he said: “Our big win in 2025 was our ability to review and revive old cases that Nigerians thought were dead.

“Some of the cases affect past governors and ministers, and many such cases are in courts.

“We were able to recover assets. Nigerians are aware of the Lokogoma assets. One major recovery was a university.”

The EFCC recovered Nok University in Kachia, Kaduna, after a court ordered its final forfeiture because it was built with stolen public funds by a former civil servant.

It was converted to the Federal University of Applied Sciences,
Immediate-Past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN), is facing a fresh investigation over the arms and ammunition found in his house.

Newsthumb learnt that the arms were uncovered at his Kebbi country home by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during a search.

The anti-graft agency, it was further learnt, handed them over to the Department of State Service (DSS) for a comprehensive probe because it is not within its remit to do so.

The number of arms and ammunition could not be immediately ascertained, but it was gathered that they are high in number to attract a full DSS investigation.

Malami, who was granted bail last week along with his sons – Abdulaziz, Abiru-Rahman, and others – is still in the Kuje correctional centre, having been unable to perfect his bail conditions.

But, sources said he might be taking things slowly to stall the DSS investigation into the weapons found in his house.

“The former minister is being separately investigated for allegedly having arms in his house in Birnin Kebbi. The inventory of the shock find has been handed over to the DSS.

“It is now left to Malami to explain to the DSS how he came about the arms. That’s why he is yet to perfect his bail conditions. He is holed up in prison to avoid arrest by the DSS.

“DSS operatives are within the precincts of Kuje Correctional Service to invite Malami. He got wind of their presence and raised the alarm. But the law must take its course.”

Another source within the EFCC said Malami had yet to meet his bail conditions.

“By our records, the ex-AGF is still in custody. We saw all manners of fake clips on social media on his purported arrival and rousing reception in Kebbi State,” the source said.

The source added: “The investigation into Malami’s activities during his tenure began when former EFCC Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu was in office.

“Investigation continued through the administration of another Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Chukkol, to the present Executive Chairman. Chukkol, who works in the agency, was in charge briefly before Olukoyede’s appointment.

“There is nothing vindictive about his investigation since 2019. It is an inherited case, and the ex-AGF knows this.”

Olukoyede confirmed that he inherited the Malami case during an interview last night on a national television.

A Federal High Court in Abuja last week ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 assets linked to Malami and his two sons.

The assets have been valued at N213, 234,120,000.

The court has, however, given Malami and the sons or any other claimant a 14-day leave to show proof that the assets were legally acquired.

Failure to present legitimate claims within 14 days may lead to the permanent loss of the assets to the Federal Government.

The court’s order was based on the invocation of the Non-Conviction Asset Forfeiture Clause in the EFCC Establishment Act.

The EFCC had applied to the Federal High Court to seize the suspicious properties in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Birnin-Kebbi.

The Rivers House of Assembly has commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Oduh.

The move followed a plenary session on Thursday presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule.

During the session, the Majority Leader of the House, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations and claims of gross misconducts levelled against Governor Fubara.

He disclosed that the notice was endorsed by 26 members of the Assembly, who alleged that the Governor had acted in violation of provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.

Speaker Amaewhule stated that the notice of impeachment would be served on Governor Fubara within the next seven days in line with constitutional procedures.

The Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Stewart, read out a separate notice of allegations and gross misconduct against the Deputy Governor, Oduh, marking the formal commencement of impeachment proceedings against her as well.

….Gov throws jibe, describes impeachment notice as ‘love letter’

Vows to avoid actions capable of breaching peace
The office of the Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, has received the letter from the State House of Assembly requesting him to constitute a seven-man committee to probe the allegations of gross misconduct leveled against the state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.

The House of Assembly Committee Chairman on Petitions, Information and Complaints, Dr Enemi George, confirmed that the Chief Judge had acknowledged receipt of all the documents.

Also received by the CJ’s office were other documents detailing the allegations of gross misconduct against the governor and the deputy governor, copies of the Rivers State Impeachment Panel (Conduct of Investigations) Procedure 2025 and photocopies of The Nation, The Guardian and The Sun, among others.

George said: “It is important to inform the good people of Rivers State that Mr. Speaker has already complied with the Constitution and letters sent by him to the Chief Judge have been received and acknowledged.

“All relevant documents including the Notices of Allegations of Gross Misconduct were attached”.

He added: “Every step going forward, what can happen or what cannot happen is clearly stated in Section 188 of the Constitution.

“The good people of Rivers State should remain calm and should not listen to those who want to truncate our democracy.”

He commended and thanked the good people of Rivers State for their support and prayers for the 10th Assembly in particular and Rivers people at large.

The Rivers State High Court sitting in Oyigbo Local Government Area has however issued an interim injunction restraining the CJ from receiving, forwarding, considering or acting on any request, resolution, articles of impeachment or any form of communication from Speaker Martin Amaewhule and other members of the State House of Assembly for the purpose of constituting a panel to investigate the alleged misconduct against the governor and his deputy.

They just landed me a ‘love letter’, says Fubara

Governor Fubara, in a veiled reference to the impeachment notice, called it a love letter.

“This 2026 that I thought would have been the finest, they just landed me a love letter,” he said while speaking as special guest during the finals of the 2026 Port Harcourt Polo Tournament in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

He added:”That notwithstanding, we must move on and carry on the responsibilities as a government. We will continue to support everyone who means well for Rivers State.”

He vowed that he would not support, directly or indirectly, any action capable of undermining peace and safety in the state.

He insisted that the protection of lives and property remained the primary responsibility of his administration.

He emphasised that he remained the governor of the state and would continue to deliver on the promises made to the people.

Fubara expressed satisfaction that the 2026 Port Harcourt Polo Tournament was held for one week without any incident.

He described the peaceful conduct of the event as a clear indication that Rivers is safe for residents, visitors and investors.

A supporter of the governor, Amb.Chijioke Ihunwo, asked the assembly members to perform their functions independently.

He pleaded with President Tinubu to intervene on the matter, insisting that the governor had done nothing to warrant his removal.

He said: “This assembly must remain independent to allow peace to prevail in the state.

“Governor Fubara has done nothing to warrant his removal. President Tinubu should intervene in this matter as the leader of the party.”

The high powered committee set up by the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) to reconcile the feuding sides in the Rivers imbroglio is said to be working round the clock to stop the planned impeachment.

The committee members have already met with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike in Abuja and separately with Fubara and some other stakeholders.

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman Ola Olukoyede has faulted the persecution claim by the immediate-past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN).

He described it as unfortunate that some Nigerians were buying into the narrative when Malami’s probe started before his appointment.

Malami is standing trial alongside some family members on 16 counts of money laundering involving about N8.7 billion.

Speaking on a national television yesterday, Olukoyede dismissed Malami’s claim of vendetta against him, saying the commission has not wavered in investigating and prosecuting those suspected to have been involved in corruption cases.

“There’s nothing like that. The particular case predated my appointment. And, I didn’t give a nod to initiate proceedings until I found that we have a water-tight investigation,” he said.

The EFCC boss denied being indicted by Justice Ayo Salami’s panel.

Olukoyede said: “I challenge those making such claims of indictment against me by Justice Ayo Salami Panel to publish the report.

“Let me tell Nigerians that the commission’s investigation panel cleared me of any wrongdoing. The presidency at the time also cleared me. Also, the law enforcement agencies handed me a clean bill.

“I can say clearly that there’s no report anywhere that I’ve been involved in any fraudulent dealings, whether as the commission’s chief of staff, secretary, and now, the chairman of the commission.”

Noting that the commission, under his watch, made notable achievements last year, he said: “Our big win in 2025 was our ability to review and revive old cases that Nigerians thought were dead.

“Some of the cases affect past governors and ministers, and many such cases are in courts.

“We were able to recover assets. Nigerians are aware of the Lokogoma assets. One major recovery was a university.”

The EFCC recovered Nok University in Kachia, Kaduna, after a court ordered its final forfeiture because it was built with stolen public funds by a former civil servant.

It was converted to the Federal University of Applied Sciences,
Immediate-Past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN), is facing a fresh investigation over the arms and ammunition found in his house.

Newsthumb learnt that the arms were uncovered at his Kebbi country home by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during a search.

The anti-graft agency, it was further learnt, handed them over to the Department of State Service (DSS) for a comprehensive probe because it is not within its remit to do so.

The number of arms and ammunition could not be immediately ascertained, but it was gathered that they are high in number to attract a full DSS investigation.

Malami, who was granted bail last week along with his sons – Abdulaziz, Abiru-Rahman, and others – is still in the Kuje correctional centre, having been unable to perfect his bail conditions.

But, sources said he might be taking things slowly to stall the DSS investigation into the weapons found in his house.

“The former minister is being separately investigated for allegedly having arms in his house in Birnin Kebbi. The inventory of the shock find has been handed over to the DSS.

“It is now left to Malami to explain to the DSS how he came about the arms. That’s why he is yet to perfect his bail conditions. He is holed up in prison to avoid arrest by the DSS.

“DSS operatives are within the precincts of Kuje Correctional Service to invite Malami. He got wind of their presence and raised the alarm. But the law must take its course.”

Another source within the EFCC said Malami had yet to meet his bail conditions.

“By our records, the ex-AGF is still in custody. We saw all manners of fake clips on social media on his purported arrival and rousing reception in Kebbi State,” the source said.

The source added: “The investigation into Malami’s activities during his tenure began when former EFCC Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu was in office.

“Investigation continued through the administration of another Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Chukkol, to the present Executive Chairman. Chukkol, who works in the agency, was in charge briefly before Olukoyede’s appointment.

“There is nothing vindictive about his investigation since 2019. It is an inherited case, and the ex-AGF knows this.”

Olukoyede confirmed that he inherited the Malami case during an interview last night on a national television.

A Federal High Court in Abuja last week ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 assets linked to Malami and his two sons.

The assets have been valued at N213, 234,120,000.

The court has, however, given Malami and the sons or any other claimant a 14-day leave to show proof that the assets were legally acquired.

Failure to present legitimate claims within 14 days may lead to the permanent loss of the assets to the Federal Government.

The court’s order was based on the invocation of the Non-Conviction Asset Forfeiture Clause in the EFCC Establishment Act.

The EFCC had applied to the Federal High Court to seize the suspicious properties in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Birnin-Kebbi.

The Rivers House of Assembly has commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Oduh.

The move followed a plenary session on Thursday presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule.

During the session, the Majority Leader of the House, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations and claims of gross misconducts levelled against Governor Fubara.

He disclosed that the notice was endorsed by 26 members of the Assembly, who alleged that the Governor had acted in violation of provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.

Speaker Amaewhule stated that the notice of impeachment would be served on Governor Fubara within the next seven days in line with constitutional procedures.

The Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Stewart, read out a separate notice of allegations and gross misconduct against the Deputy Governor, Oduh, marking the formal commencement of impeachment proceedings against her as well.