By Abigail David

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says the political crisis in Rivers State prevented Governor Siminalayi Fubara from pursuing a second term, blaming the situation on what he described as poor political advice and the influence of external interests.

Speaking during his monthly media chat aired on Tuesday, Wike said he repeatedly advised Fubara to preserve the political structure that supported his emergence as governor rather than distance himself from it.

The former Rivers State governor said he expected his successor to build on the foundation laid by his administration, adding that continuity would have benefited the state.

Wike also claimed that individuals who initially opposed Fubara’s governorship later became his close associates and encouraged him to challenge those who supported his rise to office.

According to the minister, the political fallout ultimately affected Fubara’s chances of seeking another term in office.

He disclosed that attempts were made to reconcile both camps but said political considerations prevented a lasting resolution.

Wike further alleged that some external interests sought to influence political developments in Rivers State for personal gain, accusing them of giving the governor advice that deepened the crisis.

Despite the disagreement, Wike said his support for Fubara at the time of his election reflected the confidence he had in him.

The political dispute between Wike and Fubara began shortly after the governor assumed office in 2023 and later escalated into a prolonged crisis involving the Rivers State House of Assembly. The conflict eventually drew federal intervention before political tensions eased.

By Abigail David

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Team Nigeria for its outstanding performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, where the country won 24 medals.

Nigeria concluded the competition with 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze medals, finishing among the top-performing nations at the Games.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the athletes for their resilience, discipline and determination, describing their achievements as a reflection of the Nigerian spirit.

Tinubu said the medal haul was a reward for the athletes’ hard work and commitment, adding that they represented the country with honour and made Nigerians proud.

The President noted that the experience gained during the Games would serve as a strong foundation for future international competitions while inspiring more young Nigerians to embrace dedication, discipline and national service.

He also commended the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the National Sports Commission for their roles in supporting the athletes and promoting sports development in the country.

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in sports by strengthening sporting institutions, improving training facilities and creating more opportunities for Nigerian athletes to compete successfully at continental and global events.

Team Nigeria excelled in events including athletics, weightlifting, wrestling, boxing and para-sports, extending the country’s strong record at the Commonwealth Games and reinforcing its position among Africa’s leading sporting nations.

By Abigail David

Australia has strengthened its lead at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, maintaining a comfortable advantage at the top of the medal table as the competition approaches its conclusion.

The latest standings show Australia leading with 128 medals, including 55 gold, 30 silver and 43 bronze, placing the nation well ahead of its closest rivals.

England occupies second place with 80 medals (17 gold, 34 silver and 29 bronze), while Canada is third with 53 medals, also winning 17 gold medals but fewer silver medals than England.

Host nation Scotland sits fourth with 34 medals, made up of 10 gold, eight silver and 16 bronze.

Nigeria remains the highest-ranked African nation in fifth place after winning 18 medals—nine gold, six silver and three bronze—maintaining a strong continental showing.

New Zealand and South Africa follow in sixth and seventh positions respectively, with both countries winning 25 medals. Malaysia, Wales and India complete the top 10.

The medal standings also reflect a wide gap between the leading nations and the rest of the field. Of the 74 Commonwealth Games Associations competing in Glasgow, 38 have won at least one medal, while 36 are yet to reach the podium.

Australia’s dominance has been one of the defining stories of the Games, accounting for 55 gold medals—nearly one-third of the gold medals won by all medal-winning nations combined.

Several smaller nations have also enjoyed memorable moments, with Grenada, Dominica, the British Virgin Islands and The Bahamas each claiming a gold medal, while Rwanda, Tuvalu, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan and Malta have all secured bronze medals.

Among African countries, Nigeria leads the medal race ahead of South Africa, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda, Ghana, Mauritius, Namibia, Zambia and Lesotho.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games, which began on July 23, will conclude on August 2, with several events still to be decided before the closing ceremony.

Top 10 Medal Table (Current Standings)