Some traditional rulers from the Niger Delta have called on President Bola Tinubu to either dismiss the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, or rein him in to prevent further unrest in Rivers State.

HRM King Dodo II of Bilabiri Kingdom, Bayelsa State, and HRH King-Jerry Prebor of the Meinbutus Federal Communities, Warri, Delta State, made the appeal amid tensions in the oil-rich state and the recent bombing of the Trans-Niger pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

King Prebor, speaking with Vanguard over the phone, urged the president to act swiftly, warning that the situation could escalate. “Given the current events in Rivers State and the likely outcome, I implore President Tinubu, Wike’s employer, to fire him now or call him to order before things get out of hand,” he said.

Similarly, King Dodo II emphasized the need for urgent intervention, cautioning that Wike’s actions could strain the president’s relationship with the people of Rivers State. “On the present situation in the Niger Delta, particularly Rivers State, the president should call his minister to order. The president should take the matter of Rivers State as a serious issue and act fast on it. He should not become the enemy of the Rivers people because of Wike’s selfish desire,” he stated.

Their concerns come as political tensions and security challenges continue to mount in the region.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has condemned the persistent ethnic and religious divisions in the North, urging a shift in mindset for regional progress.

Speaking at a dinner in Kaduna attended by CAN chairmen, secretaries, and Christian leaders from across the region, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, lamented that these divisions had hindered development and peaceful coexistence. He emphasized the need for a new era of love, respect, and partnership to overcome these challenges.

“It is disheartening when people perceive us as divided and intolerant. We must usher in a new phase, one of love, respect, and partnership. Our region is blessed, but divisions have cost us dearly. It’s time for a shift in mindset,” Hayab stated.

He reaffirmed CAN’s commitment to unity and addressing obstacles to progress while maintaining its role in advocating for truth with love and understanding. “We will remain a voice for Northern Christians, defenders of truth, and speakers of truth to power. However, we will do so in a way that fosters peace and unity,” he added.

Leader of the Northern CAN Women’s Wing, Ambassador Elizabeth Azizi, commended Hayab’s leadership, describing him as a capable and visionary leader. Several other Christian leaders also paid tribute to him during the event.

Among those present were the Secretary General of Northern CAN, Bishop Mohammed Naga (Borno State); the Director of Legal and Public Affairs, Dr. Barr. Grace Kaka (Bauchi State); and the Director of Ecumenism and Interfaith, Rev. Godwin Adole (Sokoto State). Others included the Director of Planning, Research, and Strategy, Rev. Emeka Obianyor; the Director of Youth, Women, and Education, Rev. Fr. Prof. Ngbea Gabriel (Benue State); and the Northern CAN Vice Chairman, Rev. Dr. Jonah Samson, who also chairs CAN North Central Zone.

Former ECWA General Secretary Worldwide, Rev. Yunusa Madu; President of the Pentecostal Bishops Forum and Seat of God Ministries, Kaduna, Bishop Ademola Idowu Tinuoye; and many other Christian leaders were also in attendance.

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has suspended three members of his cabinet for alleged absenteeism. The affected commissioners—Solomon Azi (Grants and Donor Agencies), Victor Chukwu (Environment), and Ikeuwa Omebe (Rural Development)—were suspended for one month for failing to attend the state executive council meeting held on Monday, March 17, without permission.

Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor, disclosed the decision while briefing journalists on the outcome of the meeting. He stated that Governor Nwifuru had previously warned against absenteeism and laxity among public officials. As a consequence, the suspended commissioners will forfeit all privileges attached to their offices during the suspension period.

Additionally, the governor urged contractors handling state projects to accelerate work in line with contractual agreements, warning that legal action would be taken against any firm failing to meet deadlines.

In another development, the state executive council approved several projects to enhance infrastructure at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Afikpo. These include the construction of staff quarters, a female hostel, and a health clinic. Okpor noted that the initiative aligns with Governor Nwifuru’s commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda by improving the living and working conditions for corps members and staff.

The council also approved N40 million for the Ministry of Water Resources to construct a central water store, emphasizing the need to safeguard the ministry’s equipment and consumables.

The council recognized the achievements of the Ebonyi State University (EBSU) Faculty of Law team, which won the 33rd Christof Heyns African Moot Court Competition in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2024. The victorious team, comprising Michael Agu-Ebeke, Ibor Nwamaka, and their guardian, Dr. (Mrs) Chioma Iteshi, was inducted into the prestigious Ebonyi State Honour Awardees.

Governor Nwifuru commended the team for their exceptional performance, noting that they became the first Nigerian law faculty to win the competition in 33 years. Each awardee received a N5 million cash prize.

The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education, urging Ebonyi State University and other institutions to prioritize practical-based research to produce graduates equipped to solve contemporary challenges.