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The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has stated that the proposed N1.48 trillion budget for 2025 makes provisions for the return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other affected political officeholders.

Ibas made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja while appearing before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight to defend the budget proposal.

He explained that the draft budget aligns with the strategic objectives of the Rivers State Development Plan (2017–2027), and provides a framework to boost revenue generation, fast-track infrastructure development, enhance human capital, and foster inclusive economic growth across various sectors.

“In anticipation of the eventual return to constitutional order, the draft budget prudently retains provisions for the offices and functions of suspended political actors, some of whom have already drawn on allocated resources in the first quarter and are expected to resume their duties at the expiration of the emergency period,” he said.

Ibas, however, expressed concern over the refusal of some state officials to provide essential information needed for the preparation of the budget.

“Regrettably, some state officials withheld critical information required to ensure a more complete capture of those expenditures at the time of submission of the budget estimates,” he added.

Nigerian chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has found himself at the center of criticism following his recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

The encounter, during which Onakoya presented a special edition gold-plated Adire chess set to the president, has sparked widespread criticism and polarized opinions across the country.

Onakoya, celebrated for his Guinness World Record-breaking 60-hour chess marathon and his efforts to empower underprivileged children through chess, met with Tinubu at the president’s Lagos residence on June 9.

The meeting was highlighted by Tinubu’s public praise of Onakoya’s work, with the president expressing support for expanding the Chess in Slums initiative nationwide.

However, the association with Tinubu, whose administration has faced scrutiny over economic challenges and poverty, has led to a backlash from some Nigerians.

Critics argue that Onakoya’s meeting with the president undermines the integrity of his grassroots movement. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been flooded with comments accusing him of aligning with a government they believe perpetuates the very slum conditions his organization seeks to address.

One sentiment suggests that Onakoya’s visit could be perceived as an endorsement of Tinubu’s leadership, diluting the moral clarity that has defined Chess in Slums.
Others have speculated that the meeting might be a strategic move by the administration to co-opt Onakoya’s influence for political gain.

Defenders of Onakoya, however, emphasize his track record of transparency and dedication to uplifting vulnerable children.

They view the meeting as a potential opportunity to secure governmental support for his cause, arguing that collaboration could amplify the reach of his initiative. Supporters point to his consistent focus on education and empowerment, urging critics to separate his humanitarian efforts from political affiliations.

The controversy reflects broader frustrations among Nigerians regarding leadership and social inequality. Onakoya’s rise from the slums of Ikorodu to global recognition has made him a symbol of hope, but his engagement with Tinubu has ignited raw anger over systemic failures.

As the debate intensifies, opinions remain sharply divided, with some lauding his strategic outreach while others see it as a betrayal of his roots.

Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has confirmed that the 2025 budget anticipates the return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other political officeholders following the expiration of emergency rule in the state.

Ibas made the remarks during a budget defence session with the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee on the Rivers emergency rule on Wednesday.

He disclosed that the proposed N1.48 trillion fiscal plan was deliberately structured to accommodate officials expected to resume duties once constitutional governance is restored.

“In anticipation of the eventual return to constitutional order, the draft budget prudently retains provisions for the offices and functions of suspended political actors, some of whom have already drawn on allocated resources in the first quarter and are expected to resume their duties at the expiration of the emergency period,” he said.

Governor Fubara was suspended from office in March 2025 following prolonged political unrest and violent confrontations between factions loyal to Fubara and his predecessor Nyesom Wike. The crisis, which had crippled governance led to President Bola Tinubu declaring an emergency rule in the South-South state. He suspended Governor Fubara and dissolved the State Executive Council. A proclamation was subsequently issued placing the state under emergency rule, with Vice Admiral Ibas appointed to oversee governance pending a resolution of the crisis.

During Wednesday’s hearing, Ibas also disclosed that the 2025 budget aims to regularise expenditures made prior to the emergency declaration. He, however, lamented that efforts to ensure a full accounting were hindered by a lack of cooperation from some state officials.

“Before the state of emergency declaration by His Excellency President Bola Tinubu, regrettably, some state officials withheld critical information required to ensure a more complete capture of those expenditures at the time of submission of the budget estimates,” he said.

Ibas clarified that the budget was developed in line with Section 11, Subsection 4 of the Constitution and formally transmitted to the National Assembly for legislative consideration.

Reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to stability and development in Rivers State, he noted that the budget reflects President Tinubu’s directive to maintain governance structures and support grassroots entrepreneurship.

“God willing, every River citizen with a great idea, carefully thought out, and well-planned will find the funding required to turn their dreams into successful ventures, irrespective of tribe, ethnic, or political divide,” Ibas added.

The Federal Government has cancelled the military parade in commemoration of the 26th Democracy Day holding on Thursday, June 12, 2025.

Details of the celebration released by the Inter- Ministerial Committee on Democracy Day celebration, stated that President Bola Tinubu will deliver a nationwide broadcast at 7am on Thursday without the Democracy Day parade like the previous years.

Instead, President Tinubu will appear at a special joint session of the National Assembly at 12 noon.

The joint session is expected to feature addresses on the State of the Nation, reflections on Nigeria’s democratic journey, and renewed calls for national unity and reform.

Later in the day, a public lecture is scheduled to be held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, by 4pm.

The event will bring together government officials, political leaders, and stakeholders in civil society to reflect on the country’s democratic trajectory under the theme: “Consolidating on the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms.”

The statement encouraged the public to follow the broadcast and participate in the national conversation on deepening democratic institutions and reforms.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has notified electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) serving the six states in the North East that there will be blackout in the region while some places will witness significant drop in the supply of electricity.

A letter sent to one of the DisCos and signed by TCN’s Regional Operations Manager, Bauchi Region, Engr J.O Joseph, said the reduction in supply is due to the erection of 330kV Turn-In and Turn-Out towers at the new Bauchi 330kV Substation transmission lines.

The notice said the outage which will start on June 10 and end on June 14 will affect the Jos-Bauchi-Gombe 132kV line.

“With respect to the above subject matter, an outage has been scheduled from 1000hrs of 10th-1700hrs of 14th June, 2025 to enable EPC contractor erect new 330kV Turn-In and turn-Out Towers at the new Bauchi 330kV Substation and cross the existing 132kV Line.

“Note that after a review of the contractor’s schedule, the breakdown is as follows; Jos-Gombe SC Line will be out for the stated duration to enable the erection of new towers for the turn-in and out at the new Bauchi 330kV substation. This means that Damaturu, Molai, Yola and Jalingo will be out of supply while Gombe and Biu substations will be fed through Dadin Kowa Hydro power plant and Baga Road substation will be fed by MEPP.

Jos-Bauchi-Gombe 132kV line will be out on the 14th for the crossing of the 132kV line. Please, note that this memo supersedes the earlier one,” it said.

The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has distanced itself from Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s recent visit to Governor Alex Otti, stating that the engagement was carried out in the senator’s personal capacity and not on behalf of the party.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the party’s Acting Publicity Secretary, Sterling Urakpa, the APC strongly disapproved of Kalu’s commendation of the Labour Party-led administration in the state.

“Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s visit to Governor Alex Otti was a personal engagement. It does not reflect the position or endorsement of the Abia State APC,” the statement read.

The party maintained that Kalu’s actions and remarks were inconsistent with its official stance on governance in Abia.

“The party remains firm in its position that the Labour Party government in Abia is fraught with unresolved conflicts of interest, a troubling lack of transparency, and the concealment of project costs and contract details,” the statement added.