President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has held a late-night meeting with key political figures from Rivers State in an effort to de-escalate the prolonged political crisis threatening stability in the oil-rich state.

The meeting took place behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and brought together the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

It marks the President’s most direct intervention yet in the bitter rift between the governor and his predecessor, a conflict that has dominated political discourse in Rivers State for months.

Several prominent Rivers leaders were also present, underscoring the seriousness of the crisis and the collective search for a political solution.

Why it matters

Rivers State is one of Nigeria’s most economically strategic states, contributing significantly to national oil revenues.

Prolonged political instability in the state has raised concerns among investors, residents, and federal authorities about governance, security, and economic continuity.

Behind the power struggle

The dispute stems from a growing fallout between Governor Fubara and Mr Wike, his former political ally and immediate predecessor.

Their disagreement has fuelled divisions within the Rivers State House of Assembly and triggered repeated federal-level interventions.

Observers say the crisis reflects a broader challenge in Nigerian politics, where unresolved succession disputes often spill into governance.

What happened after the meeting

According to The Nation, Governor Fubara later accompanied Mr Wike to his private residence in Guzape, Abuja, shortly after the meeting with the President.

The gesture has been widely interpreted as a possible sign of softening tensions, although neither side has issued an official statement.

What’s next

There is no formal agreement or communiqué yet from the Presidency on the outcome of the talks.

Political watchers say further consultations and concrete confidence-building steps will be needed to restore stability in Rivers State.

Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has approved the confirmation and appointment of 32 officers as Permanent Secretaries in the Ondo State Civil Service.

The appointments, which take effect from 1 February 2026, are expected to reshape senior-level administration and influence how government policies are implemented across the state.

According to the governor’s office, the decision reflects a broader effort to strengthen governance through experienced leadership within the civil service.

Who was appointed

Among those confirmed as Permanent Secretaries are:

Mrs Tayo Ogundare, Mrs Morayo M. Bayo-Philip, Adeyemi Sule, Mrs Olufunso Tunji-Omoniyi, Olanrewaju Abiodun, Tope Lebile (mni), Stephen R. Aworere, Omotayo Akeju, Olufemi Moyinolorun, and Olakunle Ajibade.

Others include Mrs Oluwakemi Akinyemi, Bamidele Daisi, Engr. Akinluyi Omotola, Olumide Kinga, Mrs Ope Adetoye, Olusiji Olatunji, Mrs Oluseyi Odusola, Mrs Funke Adelayi, Dr Akindele Ige, and Olanrewaju Akarakiri.

Also appointed are Dr Mrs Abike Ilawole, Tpl. Abimbola Tofowomo, Kolawole B. Kayode, Dr Peter Akingbade, Ayodeji Ogudare, Adeduro Niyi Akinbola, Engr. Ibidapo Ojo, Olusegun Orisabinone, Surv. Idowu A. Owolabi, Adeoye O. Atibioke, Mrs Toyin O. Awotoye, and Ayodeji Ayeku.

Key statutory appointments

The governor also approved confirmations into two key statutory offices.

Olusola Sunday Ajayi was confirmed as Statistician-General of Ondo State.

Dr Charles Tunde Ojuolape was appointed Auditor-General for Local Governments, subject to clearance by the Ondo State House of Assembly.

These roles are central to fiscal accountability, data management, and transparency in governance.

Official statement

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the state government said the appointments were part of efforts to strengthen institutional capacity.

The statement added that the swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed officers would be announced at a later date.

Public and civil service reaction

Within the civil service, the appointments are being closely watched as they may influence promotion pathways, administrative culture, and inter-ministerial coordination.

What’s next

The newly appointed officers are expected to assume full responsibilities immediately, pending their formal swearing-in.

Attention now turns to how the appointments will impact policy execution, service delivery, and accountability across Ondo State ministries.

Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a senior All Progressives Congress (APC) figure, has condemned threats by the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, over access to the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Eze described Wike as a “chronic liar” and “propagandist” who allegedly uses falsehoods to win sympathy from President Bola Tinubu.

Why It Matters

Eze said claims by Wike that his group was denied approval to use the stadium were “a cocktail concocted to mislead the public.” He noted that the stadium is undergoing major reconstruction and is unsuitable for public gatherings.

“The facility has been under a holistic overhaul for months and using it now would endanger lives,” Eze said.

Conflicting Narratives

The initial claim came from Desmond Akawor, who alleged that the Rivers State Government denied access to the stadium. The event was eventually held at the Capt. Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, another state-owned facility.

Wike reportedly escalated the matter, threatening to use force, including arms, to access the stadium in future events. Eze described such threats as “criminal” and suggested they should prompt action from security agencies.

Historical Context

Eze drew parallels to Wike’s tenure as Rivers State governor, citing executive orders that restricted opposition parties from using government facilities for campaigns ahead of the 2023 elections.

“Assuming the stadium was denied, it would be consistent with the same rules Wike applied when he was governor,” Eze said.

Event Logistics

The Yakubu Gowon Stadium has a 16,000-person capacity, but the mobilized audience for the recent event numbered fewer than 2,000, according to video footage.

“The reconstruction work saved Wike from embarrassment,” Eze noted, adding that the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, with 60,000 capacity, was also available for use.

What’s Next

Eze concluded that Governor Siminalayi Fubara respects the rule of law and would not engage in the mudslinging directed by Wike. Observers now await potential responses from federal authorities regarding the alleged threats.