By David Owei

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, have publicly demonstrated their political alliance, rallying support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates ahead of the 2027 general election.

The two leaders spoke at a mega rally organised by the Rainbow Coalition at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, Port Harcourt, where candidates of the coalition parties were unveiled before a large crowd of supporters and residents of the state.

Wike, the founder of the Rainbow Coalition and a major political leader in Rivers State, declared that the coalition had resolved to mobilise votes for Tinubu irrespective of the political affiliations of its members.

He also announced the coalition’s endorsement of the APC governorship candidate, Kingsley Ogundu Chinda, and other APC candidates contesting National Assembly and state Assembly seats.

The rally, which featured the participation of Fubara and other political leaders, was presented as a demonstration of political unity and a commitment to preventing a return to the crisis that rocked the state in recent years.

Wike said the turnout had sent a clear message about Rivers State’s political direction ahead of the next general election.

“You have made a statement today for those who may not know that today Rivers State is entirely for Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

He added that the coalition was determined to replace political division with unity and collective leadership.

“In this dispensation, we will not have again Rivers of blood. In this dispensation, we will not have again killing and crisis among us in Rivers. Rather, what we will have is a united Rivers State and one government,” Wike said.

The former Rivers governor explained that the Rainbow Coalition was established to bring together political parties and their supporters behind Tinubu, insisting that the arrangement was not intended to undermine any of the participating parties.

He claimed that the coalition’s position reflected an agreement among its political leaders to support Tinubu’s re-election, irrespective of party membership.

Wike, who described himself as a national leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), also dismissed the claims of an individual he described as a factional PDP leader, insisting that only recognised party authorities could speak for the party.

He urged PDP members across the country including Imo, Gombe, Kwara, Zamfara and Ogun states to support Tinubu.

The FCT minister said the coalition’s political arrangement was designed to unite its members behind a common presidential candidate while supporting APC candidates in Rivers State.

Wike launched a blistering attack on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, who is the party’s vice-presidential candidate.

He questioned the credibility of Atiku’s political commitments, claiming that the former vice-president had a history of changing positions.

Wike referred to his experience during the 2022 PDP presidential primaries, in which he contested against Atiku, and recalled the debate over the unwritten power-sharing understanding between northern and southern Nigeria during the 2015 presidential election.

He challenged Amaechi to explain how his present political alliance aligned with positions he had previously taken on power rotation and other national issues.

“As bad as Atiku’s ticket is, attaching Rotimi as the vice worsened it,” Wike said.

The minister also criticised Amaechi’s record as Rivers governor between 2007 and 2015, raising questions about several projects and financial transactions associated with his administration.

He cited Amaechi’s promise to eliminate malaria through fumigation, the proposed Justice Karibi-Whyte Specialist Hospital, the Port Harcourt monorail project and the sale of the Omoku gas turbine.

On the fumigation programme, Wike claimed that $10 million was spent despite the persistence of malaria in the state.
He also alleged that $39 million was paid for the proposed specialist hospital, which he said was never completed, while questioning the expenditure of N68 billion on the monorail project.

On the Omoku gas turbine, Wike alleged that Amaechi’s administration sold the facility for $308 million in December 2014 and questioned the whereabouts of the proceeds.

He said he established the Justice Omereji Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the transaction, claiming that Amaechi was indicted by the panel and subsequently lost court challenges to the findings.

Wike asked the audience whether Amaechi should be entrusted with the office of vice-president, arguing that the coalition would not support what he described as political gambling.

“Where is the $308 million? Where is the $39 million? Where is the N68 billion? And where is the $10 million for fumigation?” he asked.

The minister urged Rivers residents to reject the ADC ticket and support Tinubu, insisting that the Rainbow Coalition had already made its political choice.

In his remarks, Fubara declared his commitment to the Rainbow Coalition, describing the gathering as a reunion with his political family.

The governor acknowledged Wike’s role in his emergence as governor, saying he remained grateful for the political support that had helped him attain the position.

“I am happy to be here and standing in the midst of my family. This is my family because I wouldn’t have been the governor if God did not pass through my oga to make me a governor,” he said.

Fubara, who said he was present with his “soul and body and spirit,” called on members of the coalition to work together to preserve their political influence in Rivers State.

He also dismissed concerns about leadership disagreements within the coalition, saying members were now united under one political structure.

“We are now in one house. There is no issue of who is your leader. There is only one leader because we are now in one house,” the governor said.

Fubara subsequently unveiled Chinda as the APC governorship candidate and presented him with the party’s flag. He also unveiled the other candidates of the coalition’s participating parties and presented their respective party flags.

The governor described the exercise as a rare honour, expressing confidence that the candidates would win the 2027 elections.
His participation in the rally underscored the public display of unity between him and Wike, whose political differences had previously contributed to a prolonged crisis in the state.

Fubara urged coalition members to remain committed to their common political objectives and work towards electoral victory.

In his acceptance speech, Chinda, who spoke on behalf of candidates of the six political parties, said the coalition was united by the objective of returning Tinubu to office and advancing the interests of Rivers State.

He described the alliance as a significant development in the state’s political landscape, saying it represented a departure from the politics of winner-takes-all.

“We are gathered to make positive history. We are gathered in one accord and one purpose, and that purpose is to return President Tinubu as the President of the country,” Chinda said.

The APC governorship candidate thanked the coalition’s leaders and supporters, promising that, if elected, he would run an inclusive administration that would prioritise the welfare of Rivers residents.

“When we are elected, we will continue to run a government of inclusivity, a government that will place the interest of Rivers people first. We will all be part of the government because the coalition will not stop after the election,” he said.

Chinda also expressed optimism about a peaceful transition after the election, promising that the state would witness more development projects under his administration.

He thanked Fubara for unveiling the candidates and presenting them with their party flags, describing the gesture as a demonstration of unity and collective commitment.

The candidate further declared the coalition’s support for Tinubu, saying Rivers State was ready to back the president’s re-election bid.

BY UTHMAN BABA-NASEER,MINNA

The Justice Mohammed Mohammed Judicial Commission of Inquiry investigating the death of alleged illegal miners at the custody of the NSCDC has visited a mining site in Lokoto in Shiroro Local Government on sight inspection.

The Commission’s sight visit to the community is to get first hand information on the testimonies received from one the community members of Lokoto that alleged that the miners chased him out his farm land.

The Commission also visited a mining area in M.I Wushishi and the detention facility in the NSCDC headquarters and the Mining Marshal old Command headquarters to assess the capacity of the both facilities.

During the visit to the both mining sites,the Chairman of the Commission Justice Mohammed Mohammed and members of the Commission,had an interface with members of the Lokoto village and he was briefed on how the miners destroyed their farmland as a result of their illegal mining activities.

Justice Mohammed Mohammed and other members of the commission had during the inspection, moved round the mining site where he saw some of the already destroyed farm land of the community as a result of illegal activities of the miners.

One of the community member of Lokoto, Sani Abubakar had earlier told the Commission that the miners have been threatening him whenever he is on his farm.

He testified that as a result of incessant inversion on his farm by the miners,he filed a written complaint to the NSCDC to assist in safeguarding his farmland from the activities of the miners.

According to him, when he submitted his written complaint to the NSCDC,he was advised to type the complaint and he was directed to a computer centre where the complaint was typed.

He further told the Commission that he paid the sum of one hundred thousand naira (N100,000) to the NSCDC operatives that went to his farmland to effect the arrest of the miners.

He explained that the money was to mobilize them to fuel the vehicle to the farmland.

Justice Mohammed and members of the Commission also inspected the custodial facilities where the 37 miners were detained before their death.

It was observed by members of the commission that the facility has no enough capacity to accommodate the over 66 suspects earlier detained in the facility.

The detention facility was built to accommodate twenty eight to thirty suspects but over sixty six suspects were detained in the custody without ventilation

By George Mgbeleke

The Nigerian Senate has approved recommendations to strengthen anti-trafficking laws, investigate suspected trafficking networks, increase funding for relevant agencies and establish a national reintegration programme for Nigerians rescued from human trafficking and exploitation abroad.

The recommendations followed the consideration of a joint report by the Senate Committees on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Foreign Affairs, and Special Duties on the urgent need to protect Nigerians from trafficking, slavery and human rights abuses in Libya.

Presenting the report, Senator Anthony Yaro, who represents Gombe South and is Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, said the committees had consulted stakeholders and examined the issues raised in a motion on the subject.

He said the recommendations were designed to strengthen Nigeria’s response to human trafficking, improve protection for victims and disrupt criminal networks responsible for the exploitation of Nigerians.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, subsequently led the chamber in considering and approving the recommendations.

Under the resolutions, the Senate called for a review and stronger enforcement of existing anti-trafficking legislation, including the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015 and the Child Rights Act 2003.

It also urged the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other relevant agencies to investigate suspected trafficking networks and travel agencies allegedly involved in the recruitment and exploitation of Nigerians abroad.

The proposed investigations are expected to examine recruitment networks, financial transactions, travel arrangements and other evidence that could help identify and prosecute those responsible.

The Senate further recommended increased funding for NAPTIP and other relevant agencies to improve their capacity to investigate and prosecute offenders and provide assistance to victims.

It also called on the Federal Government to establish a national reintegration and protection programme for returning victims, to be coordinated by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons in collaboration with NAPTIP.

On international cooperation, the Senate urged the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to intensify diplomatic engagement with Libya to combat human trafficking, modern-day slavery and irregular migration.

The proposed cooperation would focus on intelligence sharing, improved border management, dismantling trafficking networks, protecting vulnerable migrants and facilitating the repatriation of victims.

Akpabio recounts rescue of trafficked children

During deliberations, Akpabio broadened the discussion beyond Nigerians trafficked to Libya, recounting a case involving three children allegedly abducted in Akwa Ibom State and moved through several locations before their rescue by the police.

According to the Senate President, the children were taken to Aba, Katsina and Lagos as traffickers allegedly attempted to sell them before moving them across the border to Ghana.

He said the children had been missing for approximately 93 days before the police traced their movements and rescued them.

Akpabio commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for their roles in the recovery operation.

He also said he had directed the police to arrange a meeting with the eldest child, who reportedly warned prospective buyers that the Senate President was searching for them.

“I’ve promised myself that when I see the child, I will give that child scholarship to university level,” Akpabio said.

The Senate President said the case demonstrated the need to strengthen security measures and improve public awareness of human trafficking and child abduction.

He warned that trafficking was not limited to international destinations, noting that children were also being abducted and moved between states within Nigeria.

Senate President seeks stricter tenancy laws

Akpabio called for stronger tenancy regulations to ensure that landlords and property managers maintain verifiable records of their tenants.

He proposed a system he described as “Know Your Tenant”, drawing a comparison with the Know Your Customer requirements used in the financial sector.

“This one we can say, know your tenant. Let’s make the necessary law for the FCT, for instance,” he said.

He argued that proper identification and registration of tenants could assist security agencies in tracing suspects when crimes were committed.

The Senate President also called for the regulation of short-let accommodation, insisting that occupants should provide valid means of identification to make it easier to investigate criminal activities linked to rented properties.

He said the National Assembly should explore appropriate legislation for the Federal Capital Territory, while state governments and Houses of Assembly could consider similar measures within their jurisdictions.

Akpabio further urged lawmakers to strengthen the enforcement of existing anti-trafficking and child-protection laws rather than rely solely on passing new legislation.

Tambuwal advocates registration of tenants and properties

Former Sokoto State Governor and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, told the Senate that he had previously supported legislation to strengthen the registration of tenants and rental properties.

He said a bill he initiated while serving as Speaker was circulated to state Houses of Assembly but was not passed by them.

According to Tambuwal, a similar proposal was subsequently enacted in Sokoto State during his tenure as governor, establishing a Rent Control and Management Commission with provisions for registering tenants and properties available for rent.

He urged the Senate to examine the law and consider encouraging other states to establish similar mechanisms.

Tambuwal said such measures could strengthen security checks and help authorities trace individuals suspected of committing crimes from rented properties.

Senators warn against weak enforcement

Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South Senatorial District, said the effectiveness of anti-trafficking measures would depend largely on the enforcement of existing laws.

He noted that some states already had legislation regulating tenancy but questioned whether the provisions were being adequately implemented.

“The issue for me, and I think that is the main issue, is enforcement of our laws,” Imasuen said.

He called for stronger accountability mechanisms to ensure that trafficking, kidnapping and other serious offences were thoroughly investigated and that cases did not disappear from public attention without clear outcomes.

Imasuen also urged authorities to ensure that investigations and prosecutions were pursued transparently.

Senator Babangida Hussaini, representing Jigawa North-West, informed the chamber that Lagos State had operated a tenancy law since 2012, suggesting that existing provisions could provide a reference point for other jurisdictions.

Senators call for wider public awareness

Akpabio also urged the National Orientation Agency and other relevant institutions to intensify public education on the dangers of human trafficking.

He said some victims were deceived with promises of education, employment and better living conditions before being exploited abroad.

The Senate President recounted cases in which young Nigerians were allegedly recruited under the pretext of securing jobs overseas but were subsequently forced into prostitution after their travel documents were confiscated.

He urged families to exercise caution when approached with offers of overseas employment and educational opportunities that could expose their children to exploitation.

Senator Mohammed Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central, said state governments also had an important role to play in addressing the problem.

He argued that public awareness campaigns should be accompanied by efforts to create employment opportunities for young people within Nigeria.

“The issue you talk about shall not be left to the National Orientation Agency alone,” Aliero said, adding that state governments should educate young people about fraudulent overseas recruitment schemes.

He maintained that improving access to employment at home could reduce the pressure on young Nigerians to seek opportunities abroad through potentially dangerous channels.

Oshiomhole calls for action on international trafficking networks

Senator Adams Oshiomhole also contributed to the discussion, stressing that human trafficking should be treated as an international problem involving both the countries from which victims are recruited and those in which they are exploited.

He argued that efforts to curb trafficking should address not only the recruitment of vulnerable Nigerians but also the demand that sustains exploitation in destination countries.

Oshiomhole recalled discussions with Italian officials on the trafficking of Nigerian women and girls, arguing that destination countries must take responsibility for addressing the demand for sexual exploitation.

He maintained that Nigeria should strengthen domestic enforcement while engaging foreign governments to dismantle the networks that facilitate trafficking across borders.

The Senate’s resolutions seek to combine stronger legislation, better-funded enforcement agencies, victim rehabilitation, public awareness and international cooperation in tackling trafficking and exploitation.

The lawmakers also stressed the need for coordinated action by federal and state governments to protect vulnerable Nigerians, prevent recruitment through deceptive promises and ensure that returning victims receive adequate support to rebuild their lives.