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Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has called on members of the State House of Assembly to prioritize the interests of the people and embrace peace to resolve the ongoing political impasse in the state.

Speaking on Thursday while commissioning projects in Okrika Local Government Area, Fubara emphasized the need for stability to enable effective governance.

“It is important at this stage that we all embrace peace,” he said. “The Supreme Court has made its judgment, and we have no option but to abide by it. By the special grace of God, we have started the process.”

He urged all political actors in the state to put past grievances behind them and focus on implementing the Supreme Court’s February 28, 2025, decisions.

“We are appealing to other parties: consider the interest of Rivers State. The only thing we owe this state is peace and development,” he added. “I am open any day, any time for total peace in our state because if I have to govern well, there is the need for peace.”

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has expressed willingness to collaborate with Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mohammed, who also serves as the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, made the declaration on Thursday during a courtesy visit by Obi to Bauchi.

Although the governor did not explicitly suggest a formal alliance between their parties, their discussions reportedly centered on governance, economic issues, and areas of mutual interest.

Obi arrived at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport in Bauchi at around 10:00 a.m., where he was received by Deputy Governor Mohammed Auwal Jatau. He was accompanied by former Minister of Finance, Senator Nenadi Usman, among others, before proceeding to the Government House for a closed-door meeting with Governor Mohammed.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Mohammed described Obi as a “foremost statesman” with deep economic expertise, political vision, and a strong commitment to good governance. He emphasized the need for unity among opposition parties to address Nigeria’s challenges.

“We in the PDP, as the chairman of my colleagues, the governors, have always admired him. We have always shown interest because behind the scenes, I have been meeting him,” Mohammed said.

“This is not the first time. In fact, I was going to meet him in Abuja, but out of his humility, he decided to come here.”

The governor acknowledged Obi’s role as a key figure in Nigeria’s opposition, stating that collaboration could help bridge political divides, strengthen governance, and address poverty and ignorance.

“As for me, I am ready to work with Peter Obi to ensure we close ranks, bring good governance to the country, and give a vibrant opposition with knowledge, vision, and sincerity,” he added.

Obi, in his remarks, described his visit as part of wider consultations aimed at addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges. He stressed the importance of cooperation across party lines to drive national development.

“We must invest in critical areas to pull people out of poverty and reduce criminality. The North is a critical component if we are going to get it right in this country,” Obi stated.

He also criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for what he described as a focus on trivial issues rather than addressing urgent concerns such as hunger, poverty, education, and healthcare.

“It is time to preoccupy ourselves with discussions that affect the people. That is why I am here,” Obi said.

The Nigerian Senate on Thursday passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, following recent controversies surrounding the Red Chamber.

The motion was moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele under Orders 40 and 51, emphasizing the need for clarity, adherence to legislative rules, and a renewed focus on governance.

The controversy stems from the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, over allegations of gross misconduct and violations of Senate rules. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, described her suspension as an injustice and reported the matter to the United Nations’ Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on Tuesday.

However, the Senate, in a response to the IPU on Wednesday, clarified that her suspension was unrelated to the sexual harassment claims but was based on disciplinary infractions.

Speaking on the Senate floor, Bamidele acknowledged heightened public interest in the case due to the allegations but insisted that the Senate had not, at any point since August 2023, been formally notified of any sexual harassment complaints. He stated that the matter before the Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee was strictly about breaches of legislative rules.

“I want to make it clear that the matter referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges had nothing to do with sexual harassment. The Senate President did not preside over any case related to such allegations. What was addressed was a flagrant disregard for Senate rules, and we followed due process as guided by the Constitution,” he said.

Bamidele defended the Senate’s authority to regulate its internal affairs, including disciplinary actions such as suspensions, arguing that such measures were necessary to maintain order and legislative integrity. He dismissed claims that the Senate acted beyond its constitutional rights, stating that suspension remains a critical tool to prevent disorder within the chamber.

Regarding international reactions, Bamidele clarified that the IPU acted within its own rules and that any statements made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan at the IPU meeting were in a personal capacity, not as an official delegate representing Nigeria.

“We need to move past the events of the last two weeks and focus on our legislative responsibilities, including electoral reforms, economic recovery, and tax reform bills,” he added.

Addressing concerns raised by Civil Society Organizations, Bamidele acknowledged Nigeria’s ongoing challenges while urging the public to be objective in their assessments.

“We have heard you, but we need to concentrate on our work. If we choose to remain silent on this matter going forward, know that it is intentional. Please be objective in your analysis and save energy for genuine cases of sexual harassment,” he stated.

Following deliberations, the Senate passed a vote of confidence in Akpabio’s leadership, commending the handling of the situation.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over Thursday’s plenary session, emphasized the need for lawmakers to focus on their oversight functions, particularly in light of the recently passed budget.

He further noted that the matter is now before the courts, urging the Senate to allow the legal process to take its course.