A delegation of indigenous contractors across Nigeria has commended the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite for her prompt intervention in addressing the long standing issue of outstanding payments owed to members of their community.

Speaking after a meeting with the Minister and her management team, the leader of the delegation, Mr Innocent Asuelimehn, said the engagement was fruitful and reassuring, describing the Minister’s response as timely and encouraging.

Mr Asuelimehn explained that the visit was undertaken on behalf of indigenous contractors nationwide, many of whom have been facing severe financial strain due to unpaid obligations. He expressed profound gratitude to the Minister for stepping in to address the issue, noting that her intervention within 24 hours of their initial engagement was remarkable and worthy of commendation.

According to him, although there is still work to be done, particularly regarding contractors whose payments are yet to be batched, the Minister’s actions have restored hope among members of the community. He added that the contractors are optimistic that she will continue to work with them to ensure that all outstanding liabilities are fully cleared.

Mr Asuelimehn also offered an apology to the Minister over an earlier confrontation, stressing that it was not intentional. He acknowledged that emotions had been high due to the prolonged hardship faced by contractors, but assured that such incidents would not recur going forward.

He further praised the Minister for her warm reception and willingness to sit down and engage directly with the delegation, describing the interaction as heart warming and confidence boosting. “It gave us hope that she is capable and dependable, and that her word can be trusted to get the job done,” he said, adding that the prolonged debt situation has taken a heavy toll on contractors and their families.

Also speaking, Mr Akin Amu, another member of the delegation, confirmed that the Minister reassured them of her commitment to resolving the matter. He disclosed that during their discussions, the Minister assured the contractors that she is working diligently to ensure all liabilities are settled before the end of March.

Mr Amu noted that the Minister informed them she is acting on a clear presidential mandate to deliver and ensure that all outstanding payments are cleared within the stipulated timeframe.
“From all indications, it was a fruitful discussion. We are hopeful that the promises made will be fulfilled,” he said.

The contractors collectively expressed appreciation for the Minister’s responsiveness, capacity, and sense of urgency, stating that her conduct has strengthened their belief that the issue will soon be fully resolved.

They reiterated their gratitude and optimism, expressing confidence that if the current pace is sustained, the long standing payment challenges facing indigenous contractors across the country will finally be brought to an end.

Civil society organisations, media professionals, and leaders of the APC on Friday called for urgent constitutional intervention in the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, demanding that the National Assembly take over the legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly in line with Section 11 of the Constitution.

Addressing journalists during a one week non stop rally at the APC Secretariat on 23rd January 2026, the groups declared that the Rivers State House of Assembly had lost credibility, legitimacy, and public trust due to what they described as persistent abuse of legislative powers and a reckless attempt to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

They warned that Rivers State was sliding into a dangerous constitutional crisis, stressing that the ongoing impeachment process was no longer about legislative oversight but a deliberate effort to destabilise democratic governance. According to them, democracy in the state was under serious threat and silence at this point would amount to complicity.

The groups commended the Rivers State Chief Judge for refusing to constitute a probe panel and for respecting existing court orders, describing the decision as a clear affirmation of the rule of law and a rejection of illegality. They insisted that no evidence of gross misconduct, as required by the Constitution, had been presented against Governor Fubara, adding that the allegations were unsubstantiated and politically motivated.

They further accused the Rivers State House of Assembly of procedural lawlessness, vendetta politics, and disregard for judicial authority, arguing that such conduct rendered the Assembly incapable of performing its constitutional duties. On this basis, they urged the National Assembly to invoke Section 11 subsection 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and assume the legislative functions of the state assembly to restore order and democratic stability.

The APC Leaders Forum and civil society groups also alleged that 27 lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, led by Martins Amaewhule, were behind the crisis. They claimed the lawmakers had received constituency project funds estimated at about ₦350 million each, luxury SUV vehicles, and up to one year salary in advance, yet remained unsatisfied and determined to frustrate the current administration. According to the groups, the lawmakers were more interested in diverting state resources for personal benefit than allowing public funds to serve the people of Rivers State.

The coalition vowed to sustain the protests until decisive constitutional action was taken, including the takeover of legislative functions by the National Assembly. They called on Nigerians of goodwill to peacefully mobilise, maintain civic presence around the National Assembly, and resist what they described as legislative anarchy.

They maintained that Governor Fubara had shown prudence and commitment to the welfare of Rivers people, warning that Rivers State must not be sacrificed on the altar of political desperation.

The groups concluded with a call for unity in defence of democracy, declaring their resolve to continue the struggle until constitutional order is fully restored in Rivers State.

… withdraw petition of alleged corruption

No fewer than 17 Civil Society Organizations, CSOs, Tuesday, withdrew allegations and begged the Director General, DG, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr Adebowale Adedokun.

The CSOs had earlier leveled allegations of financial impropriety, abuse of office, and monetization of Certificates of No Objection against Adedokun, and the Chief of Staff, Mr. Olanrewaju Obasa, which was circulated on different conventional and online media platforms.

Also they had mobilized to hit the streets in regards to the false allegations they had earlier raised against the DG and Obasa, the Chief of Staff scheduled for this week Friday 5th December at the BPP headquarters in Abuja and the National Assembly.

The CSOs had their leaders signed the statement include: Comrade Ibrahim Bello – National Coordinator, Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CFTPI); Hajiya Fatima Sani – Executive Director, Citizens Watch for Good Governance (CWGG); Barr. Chukwudi Eze – Chairman, Accountability and Democratic Values Initiative (ADVI); Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okeke – President, Nigerian Coalition Against Corruption and Waste (NCACW); Pastor Emmanuel Adebayo – General Secretary, Voice of Conscience Foundation (VOCF); Mr. Tunde Ogunleye – National Convener, Integrity Monitors Network (IMN); Ms. Chioma Nwosu – Chairperson, Patriots for Transparent Procurement (PTP); Comrade Aisha Yusuf – National Secretary, Civil Liberties and Anti-Corruption Movement (CLACOM).

Others are, Engr. Musa Abdullahi – Director of Programmes, Due Process Advocacy Network (DPAN); Prof. Grace Adeyemi – Board Chair, National Alliance for Ethical Leadership (NAEL); Mr. Segun Olawale – Spokesperson, Citizens Coalition for Open Governance (CCOG); Barr. (Mrs.) Funmi Adewole – Legal Adviser, Justice and Accountability Project (JAP); Alhaji Usman Danladi – Northern Coordinator, Nigerian Integrity and Development Forum (NIDF); Rev. Fr. Joseph Okon – South-South Zonal Chairman, Public Funds Protection Movement (PFPM); Ms. Bolanle Adeoti – Women Leader, Transparency and Responsibility Advocates (TRA); Elder Peter Okonkwo – South-East Coordinator, Good Governance Monitors Assembly (GGMA); and Mallam Bello Yakubu – North-West Chairman, Anti-Corruption Crusaders Network (ACCN).

The statement reads in part, “Today, the leadership of the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CCSO) – a platform of over seventeen (17) registered and reputable civil society groups across Nigeria – addresses the nation on a matter of principle, accountability, and national interest.

“In the past week, allegations of financial impropriety, abuse of office, and monetization of Certificates of No Objection were levelled against the Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, and the Chief of Staff, Mr. Olanrewaju Obasa. Some member organizations of CCSO, acting on reports circulating in the media and online, issued statements and began mobilizing for a national rally scheduled for Friday, 5th December 2025, at the BPP headquarters and the National Assembly.

“Following an emergency joint meeting of all seventeen member organizations, a thorough review of official records, and direct engagement with verifiable evidence provided by the Bureau, we have reached a unanimous resolution that the allegations are entirely false, baseless, and deliberately fabricated by interests opposed to the far-reaching reforms currently underway at the BPP.

“On behalf of the entire Coalition and its over seventeen member organizations, we hereby: “Unreservedly withdraw every statement, press release, social media post, or public comment issued by CCSO or any of its affiliates that implicated Dr. Adebowale Adedokun and Mr. Olanrewaju Obasa in any wrongdoing.

“Tender an unreserved and sincere public apology to: Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement; Mr. Olanrewaju Obasa, Chief of Staff; The management and staff of the BPP;

“The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; and the Federal Government of Nigeria for the distress, embarrassment, and reputational harm caused by our earlier position.”

Meanwhile, they also unanimously passed vote of confidence on the leadership of DG BPP, Dr Adedokun.

“We pass a unanimous and resounding vote of confidence in the leadership of Dr. Adebowale Adedokun. Under his stewardship, the BPP has recorded historic achievements that deserve national commendation, including:

“Blocking financial leakages through rigorous due process enforcement; Establishing the Price Intelligence Unit, Procurement Surveillance and Audit Unit, and Monitoring and Evaluation Unit; Championing the Nigeria First Policy and Affirmative Procurement;

“Deepening participation of women, youth, and Small and Medium Enterprises in federal contracts; Advancing a contractor classification and rating system set for full rollout by January 2026 – a game-changer that will end the era of awarding multibillion-naira projects to incompetent contractors.”

Also they “Officially and irrevocably cancel the planned rally of Friday, 5th December 2025. All state chapters, zonal coordinators, and partner networks are directed to stand down immediately.

“The CCSO remains irrevocably committed to the fight against corruption wherever it exists. But we are equally committed to truth, fairness, and justice. When evidence shows that a public official is not the problem but part of the solution, it is our duty to acknowledge it publicly and without hesitation. That is what we have done today.

“We urge the media, online platforms, and all Nigerians who helped amplify the false narrative to demonstrate the same courage by retracting their reports and issuing corrections.

“We commend Dr. Adebowale Adedokun and the BPP for their transparency and willingness to be held accountable – qualities that true reformers embody.”