In light of recent political tensions in Rivers State, which have generated significant concern among residents, the lifting of a six-month emergency rule in the region has not resulted in the resumption of activities by the suspended governor.

Complicating matters further is the unexplained absence of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, prompting speculation regarding his whereabouts. However, contrary to public perception, the date for the governor’s return has now been disclosed. Click to continue reading.

The recent political developments have generated considerable anticipation among the public, particularly in Port Harcourt, where thousands of dedicated supporters congregated outside the Government House by 6 a.m. on Thursday. These individuals gathered in hopes of witnessing the governor’s return, celebrating his reinstatement following the conclusion of the emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu. However, as the hours progressed without any sign of the governor, the crowd’s initial enthusiasm began to diminish.

By midday, the energy of the assembly had notably waned. Despite the governor’s reinstatement, which was officially declared by the President the previous Wednesday, he had not yet made an appearance. Gradually, many supporters departed, their morale dampened by this continued absence.

Among the steadfast supporters were several sacked local government chairpersons, including Chijoke Ihunwo from Obio/Akpor and Ezebunwo Itche-Mati from Port Harcourt City. Notably absent were allies of former Governor Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, along with the newly elected local government chairpersons perceived to be aligned with him.

The governor’s absence follows a significant announcement by President Tinubu, which lifted the emergency rule in Rivers State that had led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Nma Odu, and the members of the House of Assembly. During this turbulent period, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) had been appointed as the sole administrator.

A confidential source within the governor’s camp has indicated that he is expected to resume duties on Monday and is making arrangements to address the state and communicate his vision for improved governance to his supporters.

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Simultaneously, the legislative arm of the state resumed its operations on Thursday at the conference hall of the legislative quarters, with Speaker Martins Amaewhule presiding over the proceedings. The lawmakers wasted no time in initiating an inquiry into the state’s financial management during Ibas’s administration and urged Governor Fubara to submit a list of nominees for commissioner positions for legislative scrutiny. The political climate in Rivers State remains tense, with uncertainty continuing to pervade the atmosphere.

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Fubara: ‘Battle Is Not Over; Fresh Prophecy On Rivers State Governor Emerge

As Nigeria gears up for the pivotal 2027 elections, the political atmosphere is charged with speculation and intrigue surrounding the possible return of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

His previous tenure, marked by both challenges and achievements, has left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.

With the political landscape continually evolving, discussions abound regarding his potential influence and the role he might play in shaping the future of Nigerian governance.

In the heart of Abuja, discussions have begun to circulate that Jonathan could once again influence the upcoming race for power.

Since his removal from office in 2015, Jonathan has transformed into a ubiquitous figure in Nigerian politics, haunting every electoral cycle like a specter.

His image frequently resurfaces on billboards across the nation, while his name continues to be prominently featured on campaign buses, suggesting that political operatives still see value in his brand.

Despite his attempts to lead a life that appears detached from the partisan fray—engaging in various philanthropic efforts and public speaking—it is clear that he remains an influential presence.

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Observers are now questioning whether his historical significance and experience could pose a challenge to the current president, Bola Tinubu, and his administration.

As political dynamics shift and candidates begin to position themselves for the upcoming elections, Jonathan’s influence may prove to be more profound than many anticipate, prompting debates about the potential impact of his candidacy on Nigeria’s democratic processes.

President Bola Tinubu has announced his intention to visit Aisha Buhari, the widow of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, in Kaduna State.

We recall that former President Buhari passed away on Sunday, July 13, in the United Kingdom.

The presidency communicated this plan in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the president’s spokesperson, on Thursday, September 18. …click link to continue reading

Fresh political tensions have surfaced in Rivers State, stirring anxiety among residents, even after the lifting of a six-month emergency rule that had been imposed on the region.

The situation has been compounded by the mysterious absence of the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, leaving many to wonder about his whereabouts. Click to continue reading.

This uncertainty ignited a wave of anticipation early Thursday morning, as thousands of devoted supporters gathered outside the gates of the Government House in Port Harcourt as early as 6 a.m., eagerly awaiting the governor’s return. They hoped to witness his reappearance and celebrate his reinstatement, only to be met with disappointment as the hours passed without any sign of him.

As midday approached, the energy of the crowd began to wane. The governor, despite being reinstated following the official conclusion of the emergency rule by President Bola Tinubu, had not made any appearance. One by one, many supporters reluctantly left the scene, their enthusiasm dampened by his continued absence.

Among the loyal crowd were several sacked local government chairmen who remained steadfast in their support for Fubara, including the likes of Chijoke Ihunwo from Obio/Akpor and Ezebunwo Itche-Mati from Port Harcourt City. In stark contrast, the event was noticeably devoid of allies of the former Governor Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, as well as the newly elected local government chairmen who are perceived to be aligned with him.

The governor’s absence followed a momentous declaration from President Bola Tinubu the previous Wednesday, which formally lifted the emergency rule in Rivers State. This rule had not only suspended Fubara but also his deputy, Ngozi Nma Odu, alongside members of the House of Assembly, with Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) appointed as the sole administrator during that turbulent period.

Meanwhile, the legislative arm of the state resumed its activities on Thursday at the conference hall of the legislative quarters, with Speaker Martins Amaewhule taking charge of the proceedings.

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The lawmakers wasted no time, launching an inquiry into the state’s finances during Ibas’s administration, while also urging Governor Fubara to submit a list of nominees for commissioners for their scrutiny. The atmosphere in Rivers State remains charged, with political uncertainty lingering in the air.

The common stereotype is that African politics is a fast track to riches. Corruption scandals across the continent reinforce that perception. But there’s another side to the story: a select group of African leaders who amassed vast fortunes well before stepping into government.

They weren’t climbing into office to get rich—they were already among the wealthiest individuals in their nations, with fortunes ranging from tens of millions to billions of dollars.

These men and women made their money in industries as varied as mining, telecoms, banking, brewing, cotton, oil services, and logistics. Forbes and Forbes Afrique have tracked some of their net worths, offering rare glimpses into their fortunes before politics.

1) Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa)
Before becoming South Africa’s president in 2018, Ramaphosa built Shanduka Group into one of the country’s leading Black-owned investment companies with stakes in mining, fast food, and banking. Forbes once pegged his fortune at about $450 million, long before he returned to politics as deputy president and then president.

Public Office: President (2018– ); Deputy President (2014–2018).

2) Patrice Talon (Benin)
Nicknamed “King of Cotton,” Talon made his money in cotton ginning and port logistics. By 2015, Forbes estimated his wealth at about $400 million, a year before he won Benin’s presidency.

Public Office: President (2016– ).

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3) Aziz Akhannouch (Morocco)
Akhannouch built Akwa Group, a major petroleum and chemicals conglomerate. Forbes continues to list him as a billionaire, with wealth hovering around $1.5–1.6 billion. His fortune was firmly established before he became Morocco’s prime minister in 2021.

Public Office: Prime Minister (2021– ); former Minister of Agriculture.

4) Moulay Hafid Elalamy (Morocco)
Elalamy founded Saham Group and turned it into a major insurance player across Africa and the Middle East. In 2018, he sold Saham Finances to Sanlam for more than $1 billion, long before stepping away from Morocco’s industry and trade ministry.

Public Office: Minister of Industry & Trade (2013–2021).

5) Atiku Abubakar (Nigeria)

Atiku co-founded INTELS Nigeria, a dominant oil-and-gas logistics company in 1982, and established the American University of Nigeria. In 2021, he sold his stake in INTELS for over $100 million. He is the founder of Priam Group which is an umbrella conglomerate for a number of businesses spanning several sectors of the economy including manufacturing, media, banking, logistics and food processing.

Public Office: Vice President (1999–2007).

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6) Peter Obi (Nigeria)
Obi built Next International, an import and distribution business, and later chaired Fidelity Bank. His financial security was well in place before serving as Anambra’s governor and becoming a presidential candidate.

Public Office: Governor of Anambra State (2006–2014).

7) Seyi Makinde (Nigeria)
Makinde founded Makon Group, an oil-services firm, and famously disclosed assets worth ₦48.15 billion when he became governor, underscoring that he didn’t need political office for wealth.

Public Office: Governor of Oyo State (2019– ).

8) Tabitha Karanja (Kenya)
Karanja co-founded Keroche Breweries in the 1990s, growing it into the country’s largest independent brewery and forcing multinational competitors to reckon with a homegrown challenger. In 2022, voters in Nakuru County sent her to Parliament’s upper house, making her one of the few prominent entrepreneurs to cross into high-level politics.

Public Office: Senator, Nakuru County (2022– ).

9) Sam Matekane (Lesotho)
Sam Matekane was Lesotho’s most successful businessman before his foray into politics. He is the founder of Matekane Group of Companies which has tentacles in construction, mining and aviation. Matekane entered politics and, in 2022, rose to become the country’s prime minister.

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Public Office: Prime Minister (2022– ).

10) Rostam Aziz (Tanzania)
Aziz accumulated wealth through telecom investments and industrial services. Once listed by Forbes as a billionaire, he was already a major business figure when he entered parliament.

Public Office: Member of Parliament (1994–2011).

11) Peter Mbah (Nigeria)
Peter Mbah, the founder of Pinnacle Oil & Gas, established significant downstream petroleum facilities in Lekki years before turning to politics.

Public Office: Governor of Enugu State (2023– ).

12) Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya)
The Kenyatta family empire spans banking, dairy, and real estate. Uhuru himself appeared on Forbes’ Africa rich list with a $500 million net worth before becoming Kenya’s president.

Public Office: President (2013–2022).

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13) Tokyo Sexwale (South Africa)
A former anti-apartheid activist and Robben Island prisoner, Sexwale founded Mvelaphanda Group and became a key mining financier before serving as housing minister.

Public Office: Minister of Human Settlements (2009–2013).

14) Hakainde Hichilema (Zambia)
Hichilema was a successful rancher and corporate dealmaker before politics. He led Grant Thornton Zambia and amassed one of the country’s largest cattle herds before becoming president in 2021.

Public Office: President (2021– ).

15) Ronald Karauri (Kenya)
Karauri, a former Kenya Airways pilot, co-founded SportPesa, a major sports betting firm. His wealth was secured before he entered parliament as Kasarani’s MP in 2022.

Public Office: Member of Parliament (2022– ).

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Former President Goodluck Jonathan is looking more likely to run against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

Recent events in the political scene are fueling this possibility.

On Thursday, Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate from the Labour Party, had an important and private meeting with Jonathan in Abuja. Click link to continue reading.

The Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party have ruled out dropping names and party structures for the 2027 general election, but would