It’s Illegal, Abnormal for Non-indigene to Preside Over Affairs of Rivers’ Electoral Commision says Mikko

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Former federal lawmaker Hon. Bernard Mikko,  has raised concern over the appointment of a non-indigene to head the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, calling it “abnormal” and politically provocative, even as he appealed for calm and reconciliation in the state’s prolonged political crisis.

Speaking in an interview with ARISE News yesterday, amid growing tensions over the appointment of Cross River-born Michael Odey as Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Mikko said the move, while not necessarily illegal, undermines the spirit of federalism and poses a threat to the political rights of Rivers people.

“It is illegal or abnormal for somebody from another state to preside over the affairs of our state—not only as a sole administrator but also as chairman of the Electoral Commission,” Mikko said.

“We, the elders, are not pursuing legality right now. We’re pursuing peace. But this precedent is dangerous. Tomorrow, if there’s confusion in Nigeria, another country might say they want a non-Nigerian to conduct elections here.”

Despite this, Mikko urged the people of Rivers to remain focused on restoring order and unity, rather than deepening divisions over political appointments.

“If this man has been brought from Kosovo or anywhere, the government should let him do what he came to do. People shouldn’t be apprehensive. We are all Rivers people and want peace.”

The former lawmaker also addressed the stalled state budget, which had been blocked by the courts, saying it has crippled governance in Rivers.

He said, “I just came from Port Harcourt. All the projects have stopped because the budget was shut down. But now that the National Assembly has passed the budget and the President has signed it, let the governor return and execute it.”

On the political standoff between suspended Governor Sim Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Mikko downplayed the idea of surrender, instead framing Fubara’s moves as strategic for peace.

“I wouldn’t use the word ‘kowtow’. The governor has chosen the path of reconciliation, and that’s what we elders advised. This isn’t a war—it’s a political disagreement.”

He also offered a sharp critique of how the crisis has isolated Fubara, despite earlier public support for him.

“Now he has to go and beg. So it looks to me like you people deceived him. I thought you would condemn the aberration of this state of emergency, but instead you say Wike is doing well in FCT.”

In an emotional appeal, Mikko declared unwavering support for the embattled governor.

“You can see him standing alone. But we, the elders of Rivers State, are with him in spirit. God is with him.”

Looking forward, Mikko said the focus should now be on lifting the state of emergency, holding local government elections, and restoring democratic governance.

“We didn’t call for this crisis—it happened to us. We just want the governor to return to execute the mandate Rivers people gave him. No bombs, no violence. Just peace.”

Mikko concluded by emphasising that political scholars may debate who was right or wrong, but for now, the task ahead is reconciliation and healing.

“Let the academics write papers on who won or lost. We’re not interested in that. We’re interested in saving our state.”

​  

  • Related Posts

    With Renewed Confidence, Stock Market Gains N26.01trn in Eight Months

    With Renewed Confidence, Stock Market Gains N26.01trn in Eight Months

    ·                     NGX capitalisation jumps 41.4% to N88.77trn

    ·                     FX stability, bold reforms, corporate resilience fueling rally

    ·                     Analysts project market to cross N100trn mark before end of 2025

    Kayode Tokede

    With renewed confidence, the stock market has delivered a stunning performance, gaining N26.01 trillion in just eight months.

    Driven by strong investor appetite, bold policy shifts, and a wave of corporate resilience, the rally signals not just numbers on the trading board but a broader story of optimism and recovery.

    Specifically, the market capitalisation that opened 2025 at N62.763 trillion, gained N26.01 trillion or 41.43per cent in eight months to close yesterday, the last trading day in August at N88.769 trillion.

    Also, the Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index (NGX ASI) closed yesterday, at 140,295.50 basis points, advancing by 37,369.10 basis points or 36.31 per cent year-to-date (YtD) from 102,926.40 basis points it closed for trading in 2024.

    Capital market analysts attributed the stock market N26.01 trillion growth to stability in the foreign exchange market, companies recovering from foreign exchange losses, market liquidity, capital inflow, dominance of domestic investors, increasing portfolio investment, Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) banking sector recapitalisation, and insurance sector reforms. All these, they pointed out, have played  critical role in overall stock market appreciation in the growth so far in the first eight months of 2025.

    So far in 2025, the stock market has seen the Monetary Policy Committee of the CBN retaining interest rate at 27.50 per cent, inflation rate moving to 21.88 per cent as of July 2025 from 15.44per cent in December 2024, listing by introduction of Legend Internet Plc and banks announcing the outcome of fresh capital raising on the  Exchange.

    Also, yield on Nigerian Treasury Bills  (NTB) has dropped to 15.61 per cent as of July 2025 from  18.00 per cent. 

    In the eight months under review, several stocks listed on the NGX have recorded strong month-to-date appreciation, reflecting heightened foreign investor confidence driven by improved macroeconomic indicators and robust corporate earnings.

    THISDAY checks showed that out of the N88.769 trillion market capitalisation, BUA Foods Plc contributed 11.96 per cent when its market capiitalisation closed yesterday, at N10.62 trillion, followed by MTN Nigeria Communications Plc that contributed 10.3 per cent amid N9.13 trillion market capitalisation as of August 29, 2025. 

    The growth in BUA Foods stock price impacted on NGX Consumer Goods Index on the NGX to emerge as the best performing index, while the NGX Oil & Gas Index maintained its position as the worst performing index on NGX.

    As NGX Consumer Goods Index appreciated by 84.24per cent YtD, NGX Oil & Gas plummeted to -12.19 per cent in its YtD performance. 

    Capital market analysts noted that the corporate earnings reports of H1 2025, among other factors, encouraged investors seeking high returns in a volatile macro environment.

    The Managing Director, Globalview Capital Limited, Mr. Aruna Kebira in a chat with  THISDAY,  noted  that the  stock  market  in the eight months of 2025, benefitted from drop in inflation, among others.

    “The yields in the money market are not looking as attractive as they were in 2024, making discerning investors in search of better yields consider the capital market as their investment destination.

    “In the last MPC, the MPR was retained, including other metrics. This is sending positive signals that, as the inflation figure and money market yields are downward looking,  the MPC would have a reason to tinker the MPR downward. Which is not always fixed income friendly,” he added.

    He predicted that the stock market in  September 2025, would be hinged on the quality of the audited half year results and account of Zenith Bank Pl, among others.

    “If the various issuers demonstrate a performance higher than the corresponding period of 2024 and declare an impressive interim dividend, the stock  market will move to appreciate their prices.

    “I also see an improvement in the liquidity around the stock market arena, which will boost market participation and invite the bull into the market,” he added.

    For his part, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, APT Securities and Funds Limited, Kasimu Garba Kurfi, projected that the market capitalisation was expected to surpass the N100 trillion mark by the end of 2025, buoyed by foreign exchange stability, strong corporate fundamentals, and increased primary market activities.

    Kurfi identified key drivers of the 2025 market rally, including the elimination of foreign exchange-related losses by companies.

    He pointed out that in 2024, listed firms posted pre-tax FX losses of N507.2 billion, up from N359 billion in 2023, representing a combined N867 billion in losses.

    “In 2025, we have seen zero FX losses due to exchange rate stability, and this has significantly boosted investor confidence,” he said.

    The APT Securities boss said the signing of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA 25) has triggered a rally in insurance stocks, while the CBN’s bank recapitalisation programme has revived the primary market, attracting over N2 trillion in 2024, with similar volumes anticipated in 2025.

    Capital market analysts noted that sustaining this momentum in the remaining of 2025 will depend on the continuation of stable and credible economic policies.

    The Vice President, Highcap Securities, David Adonri noted that the equities market so far in 2025 has witnessed massive interest in the recovering major stocks such as Airtel Africa, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Cadbury Nigeria Plc, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, and others which propelled the rally.

    In addition,  analysts at Cordros Research stated that, “We believe the domestic equities market might respond positively to the MPC’s decision to pause interest rate ikes as investors assess the likelihood of policy easing in the medium term.

     “We also expect to see some rotation into sectors positioned for expansion in a lower-rate environment, particularly the manufacturing sector, as lower financing costs, improved input cost dynamics, and stronger consumer demand enhance growth prospects, making the sector more attractive to investors

    The post With Renewed Confidence, Stock Market Gains N26.01trn in Eight Months appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

    ​  

    ·                     NGX capitalisation jumps 41.4% to N88.77trn ·                     FX stability, bold reforms, corporate resilience fueling rally ·                     Analysts project market to cross N100trn mark before end of 2025 Kayode Tokede With renewed confidence, the
    The post With Renewed Confidence, Stock Market Gains N26.01trn in Eight Months appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

    Jonathan Has Not Ruled Himself Out of 2027 Contest, Says Cousin

    Jonathan Has Not Ruled Himself Out of 2027 Contest, Says Cousin

    ·Bala Mohammed: PDP considering former president, Obi for 2027 presidential ticket

    Chuks Okocha in Abuja

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has denied reports suggesting that he has abandoned plans to contest the 2027 presidential election, describing the publication as false and misleading.

    Jonathan’s cousin, Azibaola Robert, who debunked the report in a statement on his verified Facebook page, however, declined to confirm if the former president has decided to contest in 2027.

    The denial followed a report that Jonathan had opted not to pursue a second-term ambition so as not to disrupt Southern unity ahead of the polls.

    Although the former president has not formally declared his candidacy, strong indications point to ongoing nationwide consultations with political stakeholders as part of moves to actualise a potential comeback bid.

    Azibaola, who faulted the news report, wrote: “The story is completely false. Former President Jonathan never said he would not contest in 2027. The so-called aide quoted in the publication does not exist.”

    The clarification comes amid growing speculation over Jonathan’s political future.

    While he has not officially announced his intention to run, his cousin stressed that he has equally not ruled himself out.

    “The former president has made it clear that he would not yield to calls not to run, since those making such admonitions had selfish motives,” Azibaola said, without disclosing when Jonathan might formally declare his ambition.

    Jonathan, who served as president between 2010 and 2015, remains a formidable figure in Nigeria’s political landscape.

    Meanwhile, Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is considering Jonathan or Peter Obi, ex-governor of Anambra, to possibly lead the party to the polls in 2027.

    His comment comes in the wake of the PDP’s decision to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South.

    On Wednesday, Abba Moro, Senator representing Benue South, said some individuals have been engaging with Jonathan and Obi over a potential return to the PDP.

    He also hinted that Obi could clinch the party’s presidential ticket in 2027 if he decides to return.

    Speaking during his appearance on national television, Mohammed said Jonathan remains “one of the most celebrated politicians today despite previous political blackmail against him” before the 2019 election.

    Mohammed, who is Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, said Obi, who contested on the platform of the Labour Party (LP) in 2023, would be given a chance if he returns.

    “But certainly, President Jonathan is one of the candidates we are thinking of, if he joins us and opens his mind to run,” he said.

    “And even other people like Governor Obi, because if he decides to come to a better platform where there are no encumbrances, he will be given the opportunity too,” Bala said.

    Asked whether the PDP governors were engaging Obi ahead of the 2027 election, he replied: “Have you not seen him with me? He’s my brother, my friend.”

    “And of course, he’s one of the most celebrated politicians too. You see him within the coalition or no coalition. Definitely, we are not sleeping, only that we don’t make noise,” Mohammed added.

    He noted that other Southern politicians, including Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State, are also free to contest the ticket.

    “There are so many politicians. I even had a session with Governor Amaechi. I have not been sleeping,” the Bauchi governor said.

    “I have to make sure I create a closing-of-rank for people to come and help.”

    When asked about the possibility of Rotimi Amaechi returning to the PDP, the Bauchi governor replied: “Well, he’s free if he wants to come back.”

    Mohammed also said the PDP lost the 2023 election because it failed to zone the presidential ticket to the South.

    The governor suggested that the party needs a Christian from the South to emerge as a presidential candidate, with a Muslim from the north as running mate

    The post Jonathan Has Not Ruled Himself Out of 2027 Contest, Says Cousin appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

    ​  

    ·Bala Mohammed: PDP considering former president, Obi for 2027 presidential ticket Chuks Okocha in Abuja Former President Goodluck Jonathan has denied reports suggesting that he has abandoned plans to contest the
    The post Jonathan Has Not Ruled Himself Out of 2027 Contest, Says Cousin appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Business & Economy

    We’re Making Vehicle Ownership Easier for Nigerians, Says Carloha

    We’re Making Vehicle Ownership Easier for Nigerians, Says Carloha

    AGF Defends Dropping of High-Profile Cases, Says No Political Influence

    Ogun Govt releases 130 hectares for Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port project 

    Nigeria’s data center market to grow from $278 million in 2024 to $671 million by 2030 – NCSP

    Budget reports delayed by project checks, fiscal transition – Budget office

    Budget reports delayed by project checks, fiscal transition – Budget office

    African airlines record 9.4% growth in air cargo demand in July 2025 – IATA

    African airlines record 2.8% passenger demand growth in July 2025 – IATA 

    Cornerstone Vs. Mansard: Which Insurance stock is the better bet now? 

    GTCO increases GTBank’s paid-up capital to N504 Billion 

    Cornerstone Insurance announces appointment of Omonkhogbe as Emeka Ogbechie exit director role 

    GTCO Injects N365.85 billion into GTBank to meet CBN’s recapitalisation mandate 

    Top 10 states by FAAC net allocation in H1 2025; Delta, Rivers, Lagos top allocation chart 

    Spiro makes strategic push into Nigeria’s Electric Motorcycle Market

    All On Chairman urges bold investments to bridge energy gap in Nigeria 

    NIPOST: Nigerians to pay $80 custom duty for shipments to US effective August 29 

    Champion Breweries will own 80% of Bullet – David Butler, CEO of enJOYcorp

    Unified Payments marks 28 years of excellence in financial innovation and economic empowerment 

    Tony Elumelu reveals 3 leadership lessons from becoming a bank manager at 27 

    Nigerian Government introduces new medium-term strategy towards achieving $1 trillion economy

    Nigerian Government introduces new medium-term strategy towards achieving $1 trillion economy

    TCN speaks on explosion claim at Onitsha sub-region

    TCN speaks on explosion claim at Onitsha sub-region

    NNPC requires $60 billion investment to boost oil, gas, refining capacity – Ojulari

    NNPC requires $60 billion investment to boost oil, gas, refining capacity – Ojulari

    SCOA, RTBRISCOE lead gainers as All-Share Index slips 0.49% 

    The rise of Villager: How Uche Cole is building the Zara of Africa from the ground up

    Youth empowered podcast showcases bold startup journeys in Nigeria

    FG secures 200 hectares in Lekki Free Trade Zone for building materials hub 

    Marketing: An Art or a Science?

    Customs Agents Seek Waiver for Imported Goods Held Up at Ports Due to Glitches

    Redefining the Cocoa Trade and Nigerian Agriculture

    Domestic Air Travellers Lament over Prohibitive Cost of Flight Ticket

    FG, Brazil Deal Spur Air Peace S’American Flight

    NAMA Receives NCAA Certificate for ATC Simulator

    Obi Cubana Commends United Nigeria Airlines  

    Kwara to Begin Cargo Services at Tunde Idiagbon Airport 

    Shareholders Applaud NASD’s Return to Profitability,First Cash Dividend

    Nigerian Printers Urged to Embrace Cost Effective Technologies 

    Zabira Marks Sixth Anniversary, Rebrand as ‘The People’s Wallet’