October 5, 2025

[PHOTOS] Wike, Fubara, Rivers Elders Council Meet in Port Harcourt

Hamilton Nwosa

Writer

[VIDEO] Obiano speaks from U.S., says ‘rumours of my death will only extend my life’ By Obinna Uballa Former Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has personally debunked widespread rumours of his death, declaring in a video message on Friday that he is alive, well, and currently in the United States. In the short clip, which circulated on social media, Obiano – speaking in Igbo, dismissed the reports as false and mischievous. He said the rumour-mongers were only helping to prolong his life. “The truth is that I am in the United States. I am not in London, and I didn’t go to the hospital. We give God the glory. All the lies they are peddling is for them to extend my life. That is how it will be through Christ our Lord,” the former governor declared. His message came hours after his former Commissioner for Information, Mr C. Don Adinuba, also publicly refuted the claims, confirming that he had personally spoken with Obiano. Adinuba, in a statement on Friday, described the reports as baseless, stressing that the former governor is “hale and hearty” and very much alive. “Obiano has never lived in the United Kingdom. He lives in the United States of America. I just spoke with him now,” he said, urging members of the public to disregard the rumour. He warned that such unfounded claims were capable of causing unnecessary panic and distress to Obiano’s family, friends, and supporters across Anambra State and beyond. The former governor’s direct appearance and reassurance have effectively put to rest the speculation that had spread widely on social media earlier in the day.

By Obinna Uballa Former Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has personally debunked widespread rumours of his death, declaring in a video message on Friday that he is alive, well, and currently in the United States. In the short clip, which circulated on social media, Obiano - speaking in Igbo, dismissed the reports as false…

November 15, 2025 • News

Air Peace Faces Nationwide Disruption as Lessor Withdraws Aircraft

By Abiola Olawale Air Peace, one of Nigeria's major carriers, is experiencing widespread flight disruptions, including delays and cancellations nationwide, following the withdrawal of three aircraft by a major lessor, SmartLynx Airlines. The operational setback, which has been ongoing for the past week, has impacted the airline's schedule, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded and prompting…

November 14, 2025 • News

Ex-Anambra Commissioner Debunks Reports, Says Obiano Hale and Hearty

By Abiola Olawale Former Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, is alive and in good health, his former Commissioner for Information, Mr. C. Don Adinuba, has confirmed. The announcement comes in direct refutation of rumours circulating on social media suggesting the former governor had passed away. Adinuba dismissed the reports on Friday, describing them as…

November 14, 2025 • News

By Abiola Olawale

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara convened with the Rivers State Elders Council in Port Harcourt on Saturday evening.

The New Diplomat gathered that the closed-door gathering, attended by key figures including State House of Assembly Speaker Martins Amaewhule and Elders Council Chairman Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, has ignited hopes for reconciliation and stability in the oil-rich state.

The meeting marks the first major public reconciliation effort between Wike and Fubara since President Bola Tinubu lifted the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State on September 17, 2025.

Photos from the gathering were shared on Sunday morning by the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and New Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, via his official X handle.

Olayinka described the gathering as a sign of unity among stakeholders, noting: “FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, Chairman of the Rivers State Elders Council, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and other leaders in a meeting in Port Harcourt yesterday. The political family is fully united.”

The New Diplomat also reports that those present at Saturday’s meeting included Senators Barinada Mpigi, Magnus Abe, Wilson Ake, George Sekibo, and Olaka Nwogu; Hon. Felix Nwaeke (Tai/Oyigbo Federal Constituency); Hon. Kelechi Nwogu (Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency); Deputy Speaker, Hon. Dumle Maol; and House Leader, Hon. Major Jack.

Others in attendance were Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, HRM Sergeant Awuse, Chief OCJ Okocha (SAN), four former Attorneys-General — Frank Owhor, Ken Chikere, Worgu Boms, and Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor (SAN); APC South-South Vice Chairman, Victor Giadom; PDP State Chairman, Chukwuemeka Aaron; and Port Harcourt City Mayor, Alwell Ihunda.

Also present were former Minister of Environment, Udi Odom; HYPRP Board Chairman, Emma Deeyah; former federal lawmakers Chidi Wihioka and Chinyere Igwe; former Speaker Rivers State House of Assembly, Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani; Boma Iyaye (EDFA, NDDC); Marcus Nle Eji (ED Works/Projects, South South Development Commission); Prof. Henry Ogiri (Federal Commissioner, NPC); Emeka Woke (DG, NOSDRA); Dr. Sampson Parker (Chairman, Rivers State Hospital Management Board); Fred Kpakol (Member, HYPREP Board); former PDP Chairman, Felix Obuah; and Chidi Amadi, Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister.

Share this news

Headline