….Tenders apology to Nigerians

Report by Bonaventure Melah

Maxwell Opara, a prominent human rights lawyer and social advocate, has publicly declared his deep regret regarding his involvement in the political movement that led to the removal of former President Goodluck Jonathan from office in 2015.

He expressed his regrets while speaking during a recent media engagement where he tendered formal apology to the Nigerian people, suggesting that the current socio-political and economic climate has necessitated a sober reflection on the past leadership of the country.

According to a video posted on the Official YouTube channel of SYMFONI, while Opara was addressing the ongoing crisis involving the Independent National Electoral Commission and the African Democratic Congress, he stated, “I have lost confidence. Any progressive person has. We are the people that fought that Jonathan should go, yes, but I am regretting it. I am apologizing to Nigerians.”

He emphasized that his stance stems from observing the current trajectory of the nation.

The legal practitioner further criticized the leadership at the electoral commission, specifically calling for the honorable resignation of Professor Josh Amupitan over his alleged handling of internal party affairs. Opara argued that individuals holding such high academic and legal distinctions should prioritize their integrity over political appointments, questioning the legacy they intend to leave for future generations.

He noted that the constant pressure from the ruling class has continued to diminish democratic values.

Opara also raised alarms regarding what he perceives as the deliberate sabotage of opposition parties like the PDP and Labour Party to ensure a smooth path for the incumbency in 2027. He maintained that a healthy democracy requires a strong and unfettered opposition, rather than a system where the electoral umpire appears to take sides. The lawyer insisted that if the current trend continues, Nigerians might face a future without any credible alternatives.

In his concluding remarks, the activist urged Nigerian professionals to reclaim their voices and resist being used as tools for political manipulation by those in power. He highlighted that the suffering in the northern regions and across the federation is a direct consequence of cumulative leadership failures that began after Jonathan’s exit. Opara remained firm that his apology is a debt he owes to the nation for his role in the transition.

River State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has commended workers for the industry harmony existing between them and his administration since he assumed office in 2023.

The Governor particularly hailed the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress ( TUC) and all affiliate unions in the state, for choosing dialogue rather than confrontation in resolving trade disputes, saying this mature approach to labour unionism has promoted industrial harmony in Rivers State.

In a goodwill message to the workers of Rivers State on May Day 2026, Governor Fubara said the peace enjoyed at work places across the state is a product of the maturity of the leadership of the organised labour and enjoined them to keep the dialogue table open and industrial relations in the state, progressive.

The Governor expressed gratitude to all workers in the Rivers State Civil Service for their contributions towards the development of the state and pledged that his administration will continue to ensure that their welfare and wellbeing remain a priority. He disclosed that the State Secretariat Complex rehabilitation is ongoing and when completed, will improve the work environment and promote efficiency and productivity in the civil service.

In the past 35 months, Fubara said, the civil servants have maintained peace, harmony and stability despite the political storms in the state. He assured them that their dedication and sacrifice will not be in vain.

Onwuka Nzechi, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, in a statement Friday, quoted Fubara to have said- “Despite political storms, you did not down tools. Our schools did not shut. Our hospitals did not close. That is because you chose service over strife. Rivers State owes you a debt of gratitude. On our part, salaries have been paid promptly every consecutive month. Pensions are being cleared. Let me assure you that no senior citizen who served this state will be left behind.

“Today, Rivers State stands still to honour the people who keep it moving. You are the teachers in Khana and Ahoada who show up even when the rain is heavy. You are the nurses at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital ( RSUTH) who hold the night shift with grace. You are the civil servants in the State Secretariat who turn policy into service, the engineers on the Port Harcourt Ring Road braving the sun, the sanitation workers who give us clean streets before the city wakes, and the farmers and artisans whose labour feeds our economy.

“My charge to you this May Day: Keep being the difference. Be diligent and give your best to Rivers State. The road from Degema to Port Harcourt is shorter today because an engineer woke up to work. A child in Etche can read because a teacher refused to give up. That is the Rivers story. You are the authors.”

The governor acknowledged that while the cost of living has tested every household and transport to work takes more from the pocket, the average worker has not given up because of their belief in Rivers State, adding that his administration will not betray that trust.

Anambra State has described as untrue, story making the rounds on media that some structures at the new government house collapsed on Thursday following rainstorm.

A statement signed by Christian Aburime, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Saturday, said the report was false and malicious, saying no structure within the new government house collapsed.

The statement said what was affected was a portion of the barricade barriers constructed outside the government house perimeter fence and attributed the incident to heavy wind that affected many structures across the state including privately owned properties.

The statement reads- “The attention of the Anambra State Government has been drawn to misleading and mischievous reports by a few sections of the media suggesting that “a structure in the new Government House” collapsed due to substandard quality during the heavy rainstorm that occurred on Thursday evening, 9th April, 2026.

“For the avoidance of doubt and to set the records straight, we wish to state categorically that no structure within the Anambra State Government House collapsed. What was affected were a few partitions of the barricade barriers erected outside the Government House, approximately 20 metres away from the perimeter fence.

“The unfortunate incident was as a result of heavy wind and thunderstorms that wreaked havoc across several parts of the state that evening, which also affected property in private homes.

“Meanwhile, the Anambra Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) has already mobilised to the site. Work is ongoing to fully rebuild the damaged sections of the barrier and to introduce additional engineering measures, including the creation of ample space to allow for free flow of heavy wind, in order to prevent future occurrences.

“The Anambra State Government condemns the circulation of fake news on this matter as a deliberate attempt by a few misguided elements to mislead Ndi Anambra and politicise a natural weather event which is not exclusive to Anambra State.

“We urge the general public to disregard the fake news and continue to support the progressive agenda of Mr Governor.”