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Rivers State Unity: Group Takes a Swipe at Abiye Sekibo over Plot to Destabilize it
A group under the aegis Rivers Democratic Vanguard says its attention has been drawn to a viral video where one-time Minister for Transportation, Dr Abiye Sekibo was seen whipping up ethnic divisions in a multi ethnic state.
The group said, “While addressing a group of people in Ogu/Bolo LGA under the guise of a thanksgiving program, Dr. Abiye who once served as the Secretary to the State Government under Dr Peter Odili decided to reenact they described as the “era of the already abolished Upland/ Riverine dichotomy” in the state.
A statement signed by the group’s President, Tamunotonye Ibiba and his Secretary, John Igwegbe alleged that Dr Abiye’s utterances aimed at triggering another round of communal crisis reminiscent of his time as the Secretary to the State Government.
Text of the statement reads: “We the members of the Rivers Democratic Vanguard wish to draw the attention of the relevant authorities to the plot to create unnecessary tension capable of throwing the state and the entire Niger Delta into crisis.
“The attempt to subvert the votes of Rivers State of diverse ethnic groups from the present Government of the day by alienating them while giving credence to only the Ijaw Ethnic group is akin to a civilian coup in broad day light and such a sinister and divisive plot shall be resisted as we will mobilise our people from other ethnic groups ie the Ogonis, the Orashis, the Ikwerres and Etche Ethnic nationalities to mention but a few who make up Rivers state.
“While it is the inalienable right of every group to assemble, we want to warn that no such assembly should be a smokescreen to cut out other groups and malign the person of the Honourable Minister of the FCT.
“When double faced individuals begin to play the ostrich, right thinking men only watch to see them meet their Waterloo.
Abiye Sekibo’s gradual descent is reminiscent of a persistent, colossal failure in Politics
“The recent grandstanding of Abiye at a Thanksgiving in Ogu/Bolo has again exposed his penchant for masquerading as a patriot.
“Those who know his disdainful past, know when he leads a “political orchestra”, those that follow the rhythm become victims of monumental disaster. No wonder his sojourn in politics has left a sore taste in the mouth. Sorrow and tears remain the trademark of this man as victims of his savagery never recover from his unquenchable appetite to remain the only cock that will crow.
“His gradual decline reflects a persistent and significant failure in the realm of politics. The former Secretary to the Rivers State Government who was dismissed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo as Minister for Transportation has remained incorrigible as recent events have shown.
“As a key figure overseeing security challenges in the state, he positioned himself as godfather to different militant groups vying for control of illicit proceeds of the Cawthorne channels. His recent declaration of war against the non-Ijaws of the state shows a lack of remorse for his past actions as the self-acclaimed Militant-in-Chief.
“Abiye’s strained relationship with the former Governor and now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike CON, GSSRS deteriorated during the the PDP Governorship primaries due to his opposition to Gov Fubara yet he now presents himself as the staunch supporter of Fubara’s Government, showcasing his chameleonic nature. This is simply the chemelonic character for which he has been known for.
“His unexpected shift to endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after tarnishing his image while supporting Atiku Abubakar raises questions about his motives and loyalty.
“Following his dismissal from the Ministry of Transportation on grounds of alleged corruption and fraud, Abiye’s repeated setbacks led him to consider running for office once again.
“After facing a series of political failures after his dismissal from the Ministry of Transportation, Abiye turned to a gubernatorial bid which also ended in defeat again.
“It was through the intervention of Chief Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in rehabilitating him as a politically displaced individual that Abiye regained some political relevance. However when his aspirations to succeed Wike was thwarted, he and his co-travellers aligned themselves with Atiku Abubakar.
“The moment his ambition to succeed Wike was stalled, he alongside his gangster group decided to pitch tent with Atiku Abubakar not because they had anything to offer but for their personal aggrandizement.
“The nebulous posturing of Abiye symbolizes an irredeemable situation encapsulating his current predicament. Therefore, resorting to ethnic rhetoric to revamp his tarnished political image only exhibits proclivity for violence.
“His assertion that the Ijaws had Ijaws had waited for 24 years to produce another Governor should elicit gratitude towards HE Chief Barr Nyesom Wike, without whom the achievement would not have been possible.
“It is absurd for someone indicted by the Honourable Justice Samuel Kayode Eso Jsc. Truth and Reconciliation Commission to persist in promoting ethnic divisions and violence years later without demonstrating tangible contributions to his community.
“Abiye suddenly found his diminishing voice under the auspices of a Governor who uses Absalom’s treacherous path to fight his father, King David.
“While he begs to return to his vomit in order to have his fingers dipped in the pie, Abiye Sekibo should boldly show where he ever campaigned for Gov Sim Fubara.
“As the saying goes, those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. Abiye’s deceitful ways have ensnared him in a web of his own making, rendering him a wandering soul without a clear purpose.
“It is our hope that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar now recognises the true nature of the individual he once relied on for support in Rivers State.
“Politicians must be cautious of associating with such a morally depraved figure whose rightful place lies outside the realm of respectable society.
“Ijaw people are yet to know the executioner of their two prominent sons. Until they are unmasked, no Ijaw son is more Ijaw than the other. Who killed Marshall Harry and A.K.Dikibo? How many Ijaw sons and daughters did Abiye Sekibo empower or raise as Minister of Transportation (Grade A Minister)? How many developmental projects did Abiye Sekibo attract to Ijaw land when he held sway? The time to answer these puzzles is now.
“Politics in Rivers State has gone beyond primordial sentiments because the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, HE Nyesom Wike promoted an all-inclusive government. Those who will try to reinvent ethnic sentiments in the governance of our dear state will be seen for who they are: serial betrayers and monstrous opportunists.
“We therefore call on all the people of our dear state across ethnic borders to remain calm even in the face of this provocation as we believe that the security agencies will nib the matter in the bud.”
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced plans to establish a centralised system for the authentication and verification of all travel documents in Nigeria.
He made this known during a meeting in Abuja on Tuesday with the United Kingdom’s Minister of State, David Hanson.
In the company of Hanson were delegates from the UK Home Office, National Crime Agency, and the British High Commission.
According to Tunji-Ojo, the initiative aims to tackle immigration and document fraud, particularly those associated with border control.
“We discovered that one of the key drivers of rising document fraud is the absence of a centralised, real-time verification system,” he said.
“Currently, if someone submits 20 documents, you may need to contact 20 different issuing agencies to verify them. That breeds inefficiency.”
He explained that the proposed system would allow real-time verification of all documents—such as bank statements, passports, and certificates—at a single centre.
The minister also said Nigeria was ready to take the lead in formulating a regional strategy for border control, noting that regional differences required customised approaches.
“To tackle a heterogeneous problem with a homogeneous approach will not work,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
“That’s why we’re planning a regional border conference to allow for the development of unified yet adaptable strategies to combat migration and border-related challenges.”
He further disclosed that Nigeria’s EU visa solution platform would go live on May 1.
According to him, this will allow for more efficient processing and international cooperation while safeguarding national security and promoting investment.
“We now have a policy that ensures a response—approval or rejection—within 24 to 48 hours of applying for an EU visa,” he said.
Speaking on President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, Tunji-Ojo emphasised the administration’s commitment to preventing corruption rather than merely reacting to it.
“Our performance will be judged not by the number of convictions or recoveries but by how many crimes or frauds we prevent,” he said.
In his remarks, Hanson expressed the UK’s readiness to continue collaborating with Nigeria to improve criminal justice outcomes.
Hanson noted that the UK was reviewing its e-visa system and migration policies while exploring ways to expand trade, business, and skills development opportunities with Nigeria.
“My colleagues at the High Commission are eager to maintain strong engagement with the Nigerian government,” he said
According to him, the UK looks forward to enhancing cooperation in tackling crime and fraud.
“You can rest assured that the National Crime Agency, the High Commission, and the Home Office are ready to extend a hand of partnership,” he said.
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), says he founded Radio Biafra to “promote truth, peace, and the fight for fundamental human rights”.
Kanu made the remarks in a video recording of his interrogation by the Department of State Services (DSS), which was played in open court on Tuesday during his trial for alleged terrorism and treasonable felony.
Kanu was re-arraigned on March 21 before James Omotosho, judge of a federal high court in Abuja.
At the resumed session on Tuesday, Adegboyega Awomolo, the prosecution counsel, told the court that he filed an ex parte application dated April 10 seeking to protect the identities of the witnesses.
“The essence is for the safety and security of state officers who would be part of the witnesses,” he said.
Omotsho granted the application after Kanu Agabi, counsel to the defendant, said he had no objection.
The first prosecution witness, who was codenamed “AAA” to protect his identity, was then called.
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AAA, a DSS staff, said he was part of the team which arrested Kanu on October 15, 2015, at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Lagos.
The witness said Kanu was arrested and several items, including broadcasting devices which were set up in the room, were confiscated.
In the footage, Kanu admitted to setting up the radio station, which he said was registered with the UK government.
He said it was “illegal” to broadcast in Nigeria since he had not registered with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
Kanu also admitted that the radio was funded by supporters from different parts of the world and that he makes his account public to the UK government.
In another statement made by the separatist leader and read in court, Kanu said he was interrogated by the DSS “without legal representation” as required by law.
All exhibits were tendered through the witness and admitted into evidence.
Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has condemned the arrest of businesswoman Aisha Achimugu at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Achimugu was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Her lawyer, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu, who confirmed her arrest said , “Aisha Achimugu, who arrived voluntarily into the country from London, was arrested by the EFCC around 5 a.m. on Tuesday.
‘In light of what transpired in court on Monday, my client returned based on the undertaking before the court to honour the EFCC’s invitation, but was arrested at the airport.”
Ojukwu criticised the EFCC’s action, describing it as a violation of a court order.
Reacting, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike described the arrest as an affront on the judiciary.
Okwu said it was strange that someone who returned to the country in line with her own averments before the court could be whisked away in such a manner.
He stressed that, “we had thought that the EFCC has stopped such action but this manner of arrest speaks volumes.
“From every record available, Aisha Achimugu filed an affidavit in court to voluntarily report to the EFCC today, Tuesday, then appear in court tomorrow, Wednesday.
“It is then strange that having returned to the country on her own volition, the EFCC had to swoop on her at the airport despite the subsisting court order.
“This confirms our earlier fears that her trial is political and is totally unfortunate.
“We urge the EFCC to respect the sanctity of the rule of law by releasing her.”
Okwu urged the commission to resist the temptation of being used by politicians to fight perceived political enemies.