News

Abalama Reception: A Sinister Plot To Incriminate Us -Asari Dokubo

Published

14 hours ago

March 17, 2025

The Amanyanabo of Torusarama Piri, Da Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari, Dabaye Amakiri I, has alleged that the organisers of the Abalama reception for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, had a hidden agenda, to provoke a crisis and frame him as the mastermind in a bid to tarnish his reputation.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday at his Obuama residence, Dokubo stated that credible intelligence exposed the plot, in response to which he addressed the world in a live broadcast and withdrew his Royal Fouche Security Services Ltd personnel from the Emohua/Kalabari Road to prevent any escalation.
“We heard rumours that some Kalabari people working with the FCT Minister were planning a reception for him. But beneath this so-called reception was a scheme to entangle us; the Royal Fouche Security Services, in a premeditated crisis, where they had intended to attack themselves and falsely accuse us of instigating the violence.
“I went live and alerted the world about this sinister plot orchestrated by Wike’s supporters,” he stated.
This was contained in a statement by Dokubo’s Chief Press Secretary and palace spokesman, Daerefa-a Christopher Braide.
Dokubo questioned why the event organisers blatantly ignored the traditional ruler of Abalama, who had earlier advised against hosting the reception due to security concerns, emphasizing that this disregard signaled ulterior motives behind the gathering.
He condemned the use of teargas and physical assault by security agents on unarmed women, which included his younger sister and serving member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Boma Goodhead.
“These women merely expressed their displeasure over Wike’s reckless statement belittling the entire Ijaw Nation, yet they were met with violence. Such actions are unacceptable.
The traditional ruler described Wike’s comments about the Ijaw people as reckless, provocative, and deeply unfortunate, warning that Rivers Ijaws, who occupy nine out of the 23 local government areas (LGAs), had taken note of Wike’s derogatory remarks and would respond at the appropriate time.
“Anyone who underestimates the fury of the Ijaw people is a fool. Whether Wike was under the influence of hard drugs or alcohol, it is said that ‘out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.’
“I do not wish to dwell on these matters, but let me be clear—if Wike continues down this path, what he is looking for, I pray it does not happen because if it does, let him gather all his forces, Ijaw people are equal to the task, we will vanquish all of them put together.”
Dokubo also rebuked Ijaw politicians who aligned with Wike, referring to them as “Amaderi-apu” (saboteurs), noting that; “A time of reckoning is coming for those who betray their own people for personal gain.”
He traced Wike’s political rise to the benevolence of Ijaw figures such as Marshal Harry and Patience Jonathan, arguing that Wike had betrayed everyone who helped him attain power.
“Marshal Harry made him a local government chairman. Goodluck and Patience Jonathan made him governor. He once worshiped at their feet, but today, look at his actions. Politicians make the mistake of empowering those they think they can control. Now, he turns around to insult the Ijaw people. How?”
Asari Dokubo cautioned President Bola Tinubu to be wary of Wike’s treacherous nature, labeling him a serial betrayer of his benefactors.
“Wike once bowed and shook Tinubu’s hands with both hands. Now, he shakes him with just one. A betrayer remains a betrayer. The way he will betray Tinubu will be far worse than what he did to Goodluck Jonathan.
“Tinubu must watch his back. Many daggers are aimed at him. Let him not end up like Julius Caesar, crying ‘Et tu, Brute?’”
Commenting on the ongoing Rivers State political crisis, the Amanyanabo of Torusarama Piri condemned the Supreme Court justices for what he termed judicial overreach, stressing that Rivers people would not accept a judgment that contradicts the Constitution.
“The Supreme Court has turned into Santa Claus, handing out rulings on cases it has no jurisdiction over, creating unnecessary crises in Rivers State.”
He questioned the hasty implementation of the controversial Supreme Court judgment that removed local government chairmen from office, criticizing Governor Siminalayi Fubara for swiftly removing the local government chairmen, accusing him of acting too hastily.
“Yes, the Supreme Court is final, but what happens when it oversteps its jurisdiction? It has no authority over local government elections. That power ends at the High Court.”
He also criticized the court for importing legal arguments that were not before it, particularly the defection of 27 House of Assembly members.
“The Supreme Court ruled on a matter it was never asked to decide on. The defection case is still ongoing at the court of first instance, yet the Supreme Court imposed its judgment. This contradicts legal precedents, including the Plateau case where defectors lost their seats.
“We have always been told that courts do not give judgments on matters not before them. But today, the Supreme Court has become Father Christmas, handing out rulings like gifts.
“The people of Rivers State must rise against this injustice. They must not remain silent in the face of tyranny.”
He also ridiculed Wike’s threats, dismissing them as empty words.
“Wike says ‘when the law speaks, Asawana will run, Asawana will die.’ But did Asawana run? Did Asawana die? No! You do not push a people beyond their limits, because when they finally react, you will see the true consequences of your actions,” he concluded.

News

Kano Gov Congratulates NUJ At 70

Published

14 hours ago

March 17, 2025

The Tide

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has congratulated the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on its 70th anniversary.
The governor acknowledged the NUJ’s vital role in strengthening democracy and promoting accountability in governance.
This is contained in a statement by the governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Dawakin Tofa in Kano, yesterday.
The governor lauded the NUJ for its unwavering commitment to ethical journalism and nation building.
He commended the union’s leadership, led by Mr Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, for advancing press freedom and advocating for journalists’ welfare.
“The NUJ has been instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s narrative, promoting democracy and ensuring accountability in governance.
”The Kano state government recognises the critical role of the media in our democracy and will continue to support and collaborate with the NUJ to uphold a free and independent press,” he stated.
Yusuf urged journalists to continue to uphold professionalism, integrity and objectivity.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering a strong partnership with the union, while ensuring that the media remained a pillar of democracy in the state and the country at large.
“Once again, congratulations to the NUJ on this remarkable achievement. May the next 70 years bring even greater successes and accomplishments for the union and its members,” he stated.

News

Monarch Lauds Fubara On Enduring Peace, Installs Three Chiefs In Ngo

Published

14 hours ago

March 17, 2025

The Tide

The Village Head of Ngo in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, King Dogood Ngere, has commended the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for his peaceful disposition and leadership qualities in the State.
King Ngere has also appealed to the governor and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to resolve their differences and work together for the interest of peace and development of the State.
The monarch stressed the need for the two leaders to put Rivers State interest above personal interest and reconcile their differences.
He said Fubara’s decision to implement the Supreme Court judgement shows that he is a man of peace and appealed to the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Rt Martin Amaewhule to work with the Executive to move the State forward.
The traditional ruler stated this shortly after he installed three chiefs at his palace in Ngo Town.
The three chiefs are Chief Daniel Dimkpa Nelson of Ebirien Ngere family, Chief John Biboh John of Ngor Egbesi family, and Awajimotumu Ukot Idawaji as chief of Ida Awaji family.
Addressing the new chiefs after their installation, King Ngere charged them to see themselves as role models for their individual families, stressing that as chiefs, it behoves them to be exemplary in their conducts.
According to the traditional ruler, the new chiefs must not only work for the peace of their families but Ngo community in general.
King Ngere also advised members of the three families to give their chiefs the desired respect while also supporting them to succeed.
He commended Governor Fubara for his numerous developmental projects in Andoni, particularly the ongoing Ngo/Oyorokoto Road, saying that when completed, the road will open up economic opportunities in the area.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Secretary of the Egweoke Council of Chiefs, Chief Awajiokan Mbosowo Ukumor, described the installation ceremony as a big success.
He said the three chiefs fulfilled all the conditions for their installation and are therefore admitted as members of the Ngo Council of Chiefs.
The ceremony was attended by people from various walks of life.

News

NDLEA Seizes Large Consignments Of Skunk, Heroin Across Six States, FCT

Published

14 hours ago

March 17, 2025

The Tide

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized large consignments of skunk, heroin, and other opioids in raids across Kano, Kwara, Kaduna, Taraba, Abia, Osun, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
NDLEA’s Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Abuja, yesterday.
Babafemi said that in Kano, a total of 727 blocks of compressed skunk weighing 479kg were recovered from a 40-year-old suspect.
According to him, the suspect was arrested by operatives of the NDLEA at the Chalawa area of the state on March 12.
He added that no fewer than 58,300 pills of tramadol were also intercepted along Kabba-Obajana highway, Kogi, in a commercial bus coming from Lagos, enroute Abuja on March 11.
He added that raid operations in Kachia, in Kaduna on March 13, led to the arrest of a 21 year-old suspect, with 4,900 pills of tramadol 225mg seized from him.
Babafemi said that a similar exercise in the Hayin Banki area of Kaduna North Local Government Area (LGA) on March 14, also resulted in the arrest of another 25-year-old suspect.
According to Babafemi, 2,900 tablets of tramadol 225mg was also recovered from him.
“A total of 40,200 tablets of tramadol 225mg were recovered from the duo of Olowoko Faruk and Akeem Ridwan along Ilorin – Jebba expressway, Bode Saadu, Kwara, on Friday, March 14.
“The NDLEA operatives equally seized 21,700 capsules of same opioid from a suspect, along Eiyenkorin expressway, Ilorin on Thursday, March 13.
“Also, in Taraba, NDLEA officers on Friday, March 14, another 30-year-old suspect, at Bente Road, Kurmi LGA, with 15.77kg of skunk,” he stated.
Speaking further, he noted that agency operatives had also on March 13 in Osun, intercepted a commercial bus with registration number, SGB 564 YS coming from Idumota, Lagos Island.
According to him, the NDLEA operatives recovered a total of 48.7kg Ghanaian Loud, Colorado and Canadian Loud, all strains of cannabis.
“Not less than nine suspects have been arrested in connection with the seizure in Osogbo and Ile-Ife during follow up operations.
“A 58-year-old suspect was on March 11, arrested along Gwagwalada expressway, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, with 27,800 pills of tramadol 225mg.
“Another 26 year old suspect sold was nabbed same day with various quantities of skunk and cocaine at Wuse zone 3 area of Abuja.
“In Abia, NDLEA operatives had also on March 15, raided the Ntigha community, Isiala-Ngwa North LGA, where a 34-year-old suspect was arrested.
“Operatives recovered from him, 274grams of heroin, 141grams of methamphetamine, 2.931kg of cannabis sativa, four grams of cocaine and N753,015 monetary exhibit,” he said.