Politics
Blessing Fubara Enters Rivers Governorship Race, Promises One-Term Leadership
Ambassador Blessing Fubara has officially joined the Rivers governorship race under the platform of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), pledging to serve only one term if elected governor of Rivers State.
The elder brother of Siminalayi Fubara made the declaration ahead of the NDC primaries, presenting himself as a candidate focused on restoring peace, economic growth, and political stability in Rivers State. According to Blessing Fubara, the state needs urgent leadership capable of rebuilding investor confidence and reviving its reputation as one of Nigeria’s strongest economic centers.
Speaking during his declaration, Blessing Fubara said the Rivers governorship election offers an opportunity for citizens to reclaim the state’s “lost glory.” He described himself as a “ready, competent, and energetic” leader prepared to reposition Rivers State for progress and development.
The governorship aspirant expressed concern over what he described as the declining economic condition in Rivers State. He stated that many residents have suffered from reduced opportunities, weakened investments, and growing political uncertainty. He added that the Rivers governorship race should not only be about politics but also about rebuilding the state’s economy and public confidence.
Blessing Fubara called on residents across political parties, ethnic groups, and communities to unite for the future of Rivers State. According to him, collective participation in the NDC primaries and the broader electoral process would help restore the state’s position as the “treasure base of the nation.”
“Today, we see a Rivers State that is distressed. Today, we see a Rivers State that is shortchanged. Today, we see a Rivers State that is almost seeming like a conquered state. No. We are not conquered people,” the governorship hopeful stated while addressing supporters.
The Rivers governorship aspirant also appealed to supporters across the 23 local government areas of the state to actively participate in the ongoing NDC primaries. He claimed to enjoy strong grassroots backing from millions of party members across Rivers State.
A major highlight of his declaration was his promise to serve only a single four-year term if elected during the Rivers governorship election. Blessing Fubara explained that the decision was necessary to preserve the state’s existing senatorial rotation system and maintain political balance.
According to the governorship candidate, allowing the Rivers Southeast Senatorial District to complete its expected eight-year leadership cycle would help strengthen fairness, peace, and stability within the state’s political structure.
“It will set a wrong and dangerous precedent if we alter the senatorial rotation of leadership and governance in Rivers State,” Blessing Fubara said.
The NDC governorship hopeful further promised that his administration would prioritize peacebuilding, economic investment, infrastructure development, and job creation if elected governor. He emphasized that restoring confidence among investors and residents would remain central to his agenda.
The NDC primaries are currently taking place nationwide as political parties prepare for the next round of governorship elections across Nigeria.
Related Stories
- INEC Nigeria — Updates on elections and political processes in Nigeria.
- Rivers State Government — Official information about Rivers State policies and governance.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has fully endorsed a sweeping international operation aimed at dismantling illicit financial networks. In a coordinated security push, Nigeria’s Sanctions Committee explicitly praised the decision of the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to sanction a Lagos-based Bureau De Change (BDC) operator and three linked exchange firms. By synchronizing efforts with global allies, the government is intensifying its campaign to disrupt terrorism financing in Nigeria through rogue currency operations.
The recent international dragnet targeted Mukhtar Muhammad Adamu and several shell companies, including Generation Currency BDC and Nine to Nine Exchange BDC. These operators allegedly served as vital monetary conduits for the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a brutal splinter faction of Boko Haram. Both local and international intelligence agencies have identified this specific network as a primary mechanism used to bypass standard banking oversight. Consequently, global agencies are coordinating aggressively to disrupt terrorism financing in Nigeria before these illicit funds can reach conflict zones in the North-East and the Lake Chad Basin.
To ensure compliance with the asset freeze, domestic financial regulators have issued an immediate directive to all commercial banks and legal financial entities. Financial institutions must immediately identify, freeze, and report any funds or assets associated with the blacklisted individuals. These aggressive administrative measures form a core pillar of the state’s comprehensive national security strategy. The Central Bank of Nigeria maintains that tightening regulatory loopholes for currency dealers remains the fastest way to disrupt terrorism financing in Nigeria.
Looking ahead, authorities emphasize that cleaning up the parallel foreign exchange market is a long-term economic and security priority. By working alongside international regulatory bodies like the US Department of the Treasury, Nigeria intends to permanently block back-channel funding paths used by extremist cells. Security experts agree that while physical counter-insurgency is necessary, starving these networks of their liquid resources remains the single most effective method to disrupt terrorism financing in Nigeria and restore lasting stability to the region.
Verified References for Deep-Diving
To read more about the ongoing policy changes, regional security briefs, or specific sanctions lists, explore the official records available through the Nigeria Sanctions Committee data portal.
For a broadcast overview of the local security and enforcement landscape, this TVC News broadcast overview details how the Federal Government previously deployed asset freezes against high-profile financing networks across the country
Nigeria’s political landscape witnessed another dramatic twist after the Court of Appeal halted the enforcement of a Federal High Court judgment that ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties. The development has sparked intense debate across the country, with many political observers viewing it as a major victory for opposition parties. The phrase Court of Appeal suspends deregistration of ADC and other parties quickly became one of the most discussed political stories in Nigeria.
How the Controversy Began
The controversy started when a Federal High Court in Abuja directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties for allegedly failing to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration. The affected parties included the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). The court held that the parties failed to meet electoral performance thresholds required by law.
Following the judgment, concerns immediately emerged about the future of opposition politics in Nigeria. Many argued that the ruling could significantly reshape the political landscape ahead of upcoming elections. As a result, the headline Court of Appeal suspends deregistration of ADC and other parties attracted widespread public attention.
Appeal Court Steps In
Barely 24 hours after the controversial ruling, the Court of Appeal intervened and ordered a stay of execution on the judgment. In a unanimous decision, a three-member panel of the appellate court suspended the enforcement of the deregistration order pending the determination of the substantive appeal. This means the affected parties will remain legally recognized until the appeal is concluded. The decision reinforced the significance of the story Court of Appeal suspends deregistration of ADC and other parties.
The appellate court also criticized the trial judge for proceeding with the judgment despite an earlier Court of Appeal order that had halted further proceedings in the case. According to reports, the appellate court described the action as a disregard for judicial authority and emphasized the need for lower courts to respect existing orders from higher courts.
Why the Decision Matters
The ruling is particularly important because it affects the political future of several opposition parties ahead of major elections. Had the deregistration order remained in force, candidates contesting under the affected platforms could have faced automatic disqualification from future elections. The decision that Court of Appeal suspends deregistration of ADC and other parties therefore provides temporary relief to both party leaders and their supporters.
Political analysts believe the appellate court’s intervention helps preserve political competition while the legal issues are fully resolved. It also prevents confusion among voters and electoral stakeholders who may have been affected by the sudden deregistration order.
Reactions from ADC and Other Parties
Leaders of the affected political parties welcomed the appellate court’s decision. The ADC, in particular, had earlier rejected the Federal High Court judgment, describing it as unconstitutional and politically troubling. Party officials insisted they would challenge the ruling through all available legal channels. The latest development, where the Court of Appeal suspends deregistration of ADC and other parties, has strengthened their confidence in the judicial process.
Several opposition figures also argued that removing political parties from the electoral system could weaken democratic participation. They maintained that all registered parties should be allowed to compete fairly while disputes are resolved through the courts.
What Happens Next?
The Court of Appeal has indicated that it will continue hearing the substantive appeal in the coming days. Until a final judgment is delivered, INEC cannot implement the deregistration order. Consequently, the affected parties remain on the electoral register and retain their legal status. This means the story Court of Appeal suspends deregistration of ADC and other parties is far from over and could continue to shape political discussions in the months ahead.
Legal experts say the final outcome could have long-term implications for how political party registration and deregistration are handled in Nigeria. The case may also influence future interpretations of constitutional provisions governing political parties and electoral participation.
Final Thoughts
The decision by the appellate court has temporarily halted what could have been one of the most significant political shake-ups in recent Nigerian history. By ordering a stay of execution, the court ensured that the affected parties remain active while the legal battle continues. As political stakeholders await the next hearing, Court of Appeal suspends deregistration of ADC and other parties remains a major story with potentially far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s democracy and electoral future.
The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) has announced the suspension of all overnight vigils nationwide, citing the worsening security situation in Nigeria. The church has also directed that all services, meetings, and programmes across its branches must end by 8:00 p.m. until further notice.
The decision underscores growing concerns about insecurity in Nigeria, which has increasingly affected religious gatherings, community events, schools, and businesses across various parts of the country.
MFM Introduces New Worship Guidelines
According to an official circular issued by Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, all church activities at every level of the ministry must conclude no later than 8:00 p.m.
The directive, which took immediate effect, was communicated to Regional Overseers, branch pastors, and ministry leaders nationwide. The new policy affects all branches, zones, and regions under the MFM church network.
Under the revised guidelines, any programme that would traditionally extend into the night must now be adjusted to fit within the approved timeframe. This means that regular church services, special meetings, and other ministry activities must comply with the new closing time.
For more information about the ministry, readers can visit the official Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Website.
Overnight Vigils Suspended Indefinitely
One of the most significant changes announced by the church is the indefinite suspension of all MFM overnight vigils and late-night prayer meetings.
Overnight vigils have long been a central part of worship within many Pentecostal churches in Nigeria, including MFM. These gatherings often involve extended periods of prayer, worship, and spiritual activities that continue through the night.
However, in response to rising security concerns in Nigeria, church leadership has decided that such programmes should be temporarily halted. Where prayer meetings remain necessary, congregations have been instructed to convert them into evening sessions that conclude on or before 8:00 p.m.
The decision reflects a growing trend among institutions adopting precautionary measures to ensure public safety amid ongoing security challenges.
Church Explains Reason for Decision
The circular was signed by Temitope A. Olawale, Director of Administration for MFM International Headquarters and Nigeria.
According to the statement, the suspension of overnight vigils is purely a preventive measure designed to protect members and church workers from potential security risks.
Church leaders emphasized that the directive was not motivated by doctrinal changes but by the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of worshippers.
The statement noted that the decision was taken in light of the prevailing security situation in Nigeria, which continues to generate concern among religious organizations and community leaders.
Updates on national security matters can be accessed through the Nigeria Police Force Official Website.
Implementation Across All Branches
The new MFM security directive applies to all church branches nationwide. Regional leaders have been instructed to ensure immediate implementation and strict compliance within their jurisdictions.
The ministry specifically directed Mega Regional Overseers to monitor adherence to the guidelines and ensure that local branches fully comply with the new operational schedule.
Copies of the circular were distributed to key leadership offices and ministry departments, including administrative units, youth ministries, women’s ministries, and other church organizations.
This broad distribution highlights the seriousness with which the church is approaching the issue of worship safety in Nigeria.
Growing Concerns About Insecurity in Nigeria
The decision by Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries comes amid increasing concerns about insecurity in Nigeria, including incidents of kidnapping, armed attacks, and violence affecting communities in different parts of the country.
Religious organizations have not been immune to these challenges. Many churches and faith-based groups have reviewed their security procedures in recent years to better protect worshippers attending services and special events.
By limiting activities to daylight and early evening hours, MFM hopes to reduce exposure to potential risks while allowing members to continue participating in church programmes safely.
Balancing Worship and Safety
While the suspension of MFM overnight vigils may disappoint some members who value late-night prayer gatherings, church leaders maintain that protecting lives must remain the priority.
The ministry expressed confidence that members would cooperate with the directive and continue participating in adjusted worship schedules. It also encouraged believers to remain prayerful while observing the new guidelines.
As concerns over security challenges in Nigeria continue, the decision by MFM highlights how religious institutions are adapting their operations to safeguard congregants without disrupting their core mission of worship and spiritual development.
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