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 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.

By George Mgbeleke

Rights group demands independent investigation into explosive allegation by APC campaign spokesperson, warns EFCC, ICPC and Code of Conduct Bureau against complicity through inaction

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) demands that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu immediately take personal responsibility for ensuring an independent, transparent and far-reaching investigation into the explosive allegation that some ministers paid billions of naira to secure appointments in his administration.

HURIWA in a statement by its National coordinator,Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko says the allegation by Alwan Hassan, a spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, represents a serious indictment of the integrity of public appointments and raises deeply disturbing questions about the possible commercialisation of political power under the present administration.
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If ministers allegedly paid billions of naira to secure their positions, Nigerians deserve to know who collected the money, who facilitated the transactions, and what those appointees intended to recover from public funds.
HURIWA says President Tinubu cannot continue to enjoy the benefits of executive authority while an allegation of this magnitude hangs over his administration without a clear, unequivocal and credible response from the Presidency.
The association insists that this is not an ordinary political controversy that can be dismissed with carefully worded statements, public relations manoeuvres or the familiar strategy of waiting for public outrage to subside. It is an allegation that strikes directly at the heart of public trust, the integrity of government and the credibility of the administration’s anti-corruption promises.
TINUBU MUST BREAK HIS SILENCE
HURIWA challenges President Tinubu to speak directly to Nigerians and order a genuinely independent investigation into Hassan’s allegation that some ministers paid billions of naira to secure their appointments.
The President must not allow the public to conclude that political loyalty, financial influence and access to the corridors of power enjoy greater protection than accountability and the rule of law.
HURIWA asks: Can Nigerians reasonably expect ministers who allegedly invested billions of naira to obtain public office to serve the public interest without attempting to recover their supposed investments through the machinery of government?
If the allegation is false, HURIWA demands that the appropriate authorities establish the facts and that Hassan provide a clear explanation of his extraordinary claim. If the allegation has substance, the government must identify those involved and prosecute anyone against whom sufficient evidence establishes criminal wrongdoing.
The Presidency must not treat an allegation of this gravity as a passing inconvenience. It must confront it.
EFCC, ICPC AND CODE OF CONDUCT BUREAU MUST ACT
HURIWA condemns what it regards as the disturbing absence of a clear, publicly communicated investigative response from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau.
The association challenges these institutions to demonstrate that their statutory responsibilities do not stop where politically influential individuals begin.
HURIWA says the agencies must establish whether they have received complaints, commenced preliminary inquiries or taken any investigative steps concerning the allegation. They must act within their respective mandates, follow the evidence wherever it leads and resist every attempt to shield politicallysecure their appointments.
The President must not allow the public to conclude that political loyalty, financial influence and access to the corridors of power enjoy greater protection than accountability and the rule of law.
HURIWA asks: Can Nigerians reasonably expect ministers who allegedly invested billions of naira to obtain public office to serve the public interest without attempting to recover their supposed investments through the machinery of government?
If the allegation is false, HURIWA demands that the appropriate authorities establish the facts and that Hassan provide a clear explanation of his extraordinary claim. If the allegation has substance, the government must identify those involved and prosecute anyone against whom sufficient evidence establishes criminal wrongdoing.
The Presidency must not treat an allegation of this gravity as a passing inconvenience. It must confront it.
EFCC, ICPC AND CODE OF CONDUCT BUREAU MUST ACT
HURIWA condemns what it regards as the disturbing absence of a clear, publicly communicated investigative response from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau.
The association challenges these institutions to demonstrate that their statutory responsibilities do not stop where politically influential individuals begin.
HURIWA says the agencies must establish whether they have received complaints, commenced preliminary inquiries or taken any investigative steps concerning the allegation. They must act within their respective mandates, follow the evidence wherever it leads and resist every attempt to shield politically connected individuals from scrutiny.
The association warns that failure to act on credible allegations involving powerful public officials risks creating the impression that Nigeria operates two systems of justice: one for ordinary citizens and another for members of the political establishment.
HURIWA says Nigerians cannot continue to watch anti-corruption institutions display urgency when investigating politically exposed critics while appearing hesitant when allegations concern the corridors of power.
Silence is not proof of complicity, but prolonged institutional inaction in the face of credible allegations can seriously damage public confidence.
N400 MILLION BRIBERY ALLEGATION MUST ALSO BE INVESTIGATED
HURIWA says the latest allegation must also intensify scrutiny of the separate N400 million bribery allegation reportedly made by the director-general of an agency described in the controversy as a phantom agency.
The association demands an independent investigation into that allegation, including the identity of any person who allegedly demanded or offered the money, the circumstances surrounding the claim and any evidence capable of establishing whether an offence occurred.
HURIWA insists that investigators must operate without interference from powerful officials who may be mentioned in the allegations.
The association warns that no individual, regardless of political standing or proximity to the President, should be allowed to obstruct a lawful investigation.
HURIWA further insists that investigators should examine any demonstrable connections between the separate controversies without assuming that the allegations necessarily form part of a single scheme.
The association says the Nigerian public deserves evidence-based answers, not political denials, selective outrage or administrative silence.
THIS IS NOT THE FIRST ALLEGATION OF MONETISING ACCESS TO POWER
HURIWA recalls a previous controversy in which a ranking senator from Borno State, belonging to the APC, reportedly accused officials around the Presidency of demanding substantial payments from individuals seeking appointments with the President.
The association says the recurrence of allegations concerning payments for access to political appointments makes it imperative for the Presidency to establish whether these claims have any factual basis.
HURIWA warns that Nigerians will find it difficult to trust assurances about transparency and good governance if allegations of financial transactions surrounding public appointments repeatedly emerge without credible explanations or visible investigative action.
The association says public appointments must never become an auction in which the highest bidder purchases access to power and subsequently uses public office to recoup the alleged expenditure.
PUBLIC OFFICE IS NOT AN INVESTMENT SCHEME
HURIWA declares that ministerial appointments are a constitutional responsibility and a public trust, not commercial transactions for private enrichment.
If individuals pay enormous sums to secure ministerial positions, and subsequently exploit public office to recover those sums, the consequences could extend beyond corruption to the distortion of public spending, the weakening of institutions and the diversion of resources meant for ordinary Nigerians.
The association therefore demands that the Presidency and the relevant anti-corruption agencies answer five fundamental questions:
Who allegedly paid the billions of naira?
Who allegedly received the money or facilitated the transactions?
Were any public officials involved in soliciting, collecting or arranging such payments?
Did any appointees subsequently abuse their offices to recover alleged financial investments?
What concrete steps are the EFCC, ICPC and Code of Conduct Bureau taking to establish the facts?
HURIWA says these questions require credible answers backed by evidence, not political spin.
HURIWA’S DEMANDS
The association calls on President Tinubu to:
Personally demand a transparent investigation into the allegation without directing investigators towards any predetermined conclusion.
Ensure that the relevant anti-corruption agencies investigate within their respective legal mandates and publish appropriate updates without compromising the integrity of their inquiries.
Protect investigators from political interference and ensure that no individual receives immunity from scrutiny because of political influence.
Require Alwan Hassan to clarify the basis of his allegation and cooperate with any lawful investigation.
Ensure that credible evidence of criminal wrongdoing leads to prosecution, irrespective of the position, party affiliation or political connections of the individuals involved.
HURIWA stresses that the allegations remain unproven and that every person implicated is entitled to due process. However, the presumption of innocence must not become an excuse for institutional paralysis or a convenient shield against legitimate scrutiny.
TINUBU MUST NOT ALLOW THIS CONTROVERSY TO BE BURIED
HURIWA warns that the Presidency’s failure to respond convincingly could deepen public suspicion and undermine confidence in the government’s declared commitment to fighting corruption.
The association says Nigerians are entitled to demand accountability from those who exercise power in their name. No political party, public officeholder or government institution can legitimately claim exemption from that obligation.
HURIWA insists that President Tinubu must demonstrate, through concrete action, that his administration will not tolerate the sale of public appointments, the monetisation of political access or the abuse of public office for private enrichment.
The central question is simple: if billions of naira were allegedly paid to secure ministerial appointments, who collected the money, and what has the government done to establish the truth?
HURIWA demands answers. Nigerians deserve answers. And the anti-corruption agencies must demonstrate through lawful, independent action that no allegation is too politically inconvenient to investigate.
The association will continue to demand transparency and accountability until the relevant authorities address these allegations credibly.