TodayPrice

Category: News

  • Fubara tele-guided militants to blow up pipelines – AGF

    Fubara tele-guided militants to blow up pipelines – AGF

    ABUJA – THE Attorney General of the Federation, AGF and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, on Wednesday, alleged that Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State tele-guided militants to blow up pipelines in the state.

    The AGF made the accusation while rationalizing President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency following the protracted political crisis in the state.

    He said if the governor was not culpable, he did not also do anything to dissuade the militants from taking action against the critical national infrastructure.

    He said: “We are in a democracy. So now then, there was what I will call telegraphing of the militants, I will say, by the governor. And the reason I said so was when he began, he said oh, he will let them know when it was time to act to the militant.

    “Let us say it was wrong. Did he come out to disown them? The answer is no. And a week after, they swung into action, you see or witness vandalization of oil pipelines.”

    Noting that the nation almost totally relies on oil, he said for anyone to touch the pipeline, he is not only an enemy of Rivers but Nigeria.

    He said that the judgment of the Supreme Court was the base upon which Tinubu imposed the state of emergency in Rivers State to protect the critical infrastructure in the state.

    The AGF observed that the governor and the members of the state house of assembly had to be suspended because they had failed to ensure a conducive atmosphere for governance in the state.

    He pushed back on criticisms that the president’s action was hasty noting that people were living in fear while others were dying.

    He said both the Governor and his deputy were suspended because it is an extraordinary situation.

    He faulted the argument in some quarters that the Supreme Court in previous judgement on the declaration of State of emergency in states, stressing that situations and events were different.

    The AGF said the ball is now in the court of the National Assembly who he said could reverse the suspensions by denying it the two-thirds majority to ratify the action.

    He also said that the declaration of State of emergency in Rivers State was a warning signal to other states, giving the impression that the government would invoke stricter sanctions.

  • Don’t dare FG – AGF Fagbemi warns states

    Don’t dare FG – AGF Fagbemi warns states

    ABUJA – The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has issued a stern warning to state governments, cautioning against actions that could undermine national security and stability.

    Speaking on Wednesday, Fagbemi accused Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, of allegedly influencing militants to sabotage oil pipelines in the state. His remarks came while defending President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State due to the ongoing political crisis.

    According to the AGF, even if Governor Fubara did not directly order the attacks, his failure to denounce the militants’ threats made him complicit. “We are in a democracy. The governor was seen telegraphing militants, suggesting he would let them know when to act. Even if that was misinterpreted, did he disown them? No. A week later, pipelines were vandalized,” he asserted.

    Fagbemi emphasized the strategic importance of Nigeria’s oil sector, warning that any attack on critical infrastructure is not just an assault on Rivers State but on the entire nation. He maintained that the Supreme Court’s judgment formed the legal basis for Tinubu’s declaration of emergency, adding that the decision was necessary to protect vital assets and restore governance in the state.

    “The governor and the state house of assembly members had to be suspended because they failed to ensure a conducive atmosphere for governance,” he explained, pushing back against claims that the federal government acted hastily.

    He further stated that the situation in Rivers demanded extraordinary measures, noting that the National Assembly now holds the power to either uphold or overturn the president’s decision by denying it the required two-thirds majority.

    The AGF’s remarks serve as a clear warning to other state governments, signaling the federal government’s readiness to take strict action against any threat to national stability.

  • Tinubu, new Rivers administrator, Ibas, meet in Aso Villa

    Tinubu, new Rivers administrator, Ibas, meet in Aso Villa

    ABUJA – Barely 24 hours after declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu is holding a crucial meeting with Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.), the newly appointed sole administrator of the state, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Ibas arrived at the State House at approximately 12:48 p.m., where he is expected to receive a formal briefing from the president regarding his new assignment.

    On Tuesday evening, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

    Citing prolonged political instability, constitutional violations, and security threats, the president said the extraordinary measure was necessary to restore order in the oil-rich state. The crisis has been fueled by an ongoing power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

    As part of the emergency measures, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibas (retd.) to oversee the state’s administration until normalcy is restored. Ibas, who served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is expected to steer the state through this transitional period.

    In his national address, Tinubu explained the rationale behind his decision, stating:

    “Having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State, and given that the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by Section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of Section 305 of the Constitution to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, March 18, 2025.”

    He further clarified that the judicial arm of government in Rivers State remains unaffected and will continue to function as mandated by the Constitution.

    The ongoing meeting at Aso Villa is expected to outline the framework for Ibas’s administration and the federal government’s next steps in managing the political crisis in the state.

  • Nnamdi Kanu: American military veterans task new judge on fair hearing

    Nnamdi Kanu: American military veterans task new judge on fair hearing

    American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) has tasked the new Judge presiding over the trial of the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, on fair hearing and uprightness, saying that “Kanu is a prisoner of conscience.”

    This comes barely 24 hours after Kanu’s family hinted that the IPoB leader would defend himself in court when the hearing resumes on March 21.
    Kanu’s trial was re-assigned to Justice James Omotosho following the recusal of Justice Binta Nyako, who formerly presided over the trial.
    AVID President Dr Sylvester Onyia, in a joint statement with
    Rising Sun President Chief Dede Maxwell and Ambassadors for Self-Determination President Chief Evans Nwankwo frowned at the delays in Kanu’s trial and demanded his unconstitutional release as already ruled by the Court of Appeal, arguing that the counts of charge against said were trumped up.
    The statement read: “We, in conjunction with the Rising Sun and the Ambassadors for Self-Determination, all located in the Continental United States.
    (CONUS), have meticulously monitored the trajectory of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s subjugation in Nigeria’s security.

    “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, has not committed any crime. We are
    aware of his extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria, as well as his unlawful detention in the Nigerian DSS dungeon. Also, we are aware of various court judgments in his favor that have
    not been implemented.
    In July 2022, the United Nations Human Rights Council (through a landmark Opinion issued by its Working Group) stated that the appropriate remedy would be for the Government of Nigeria
    to release Mr Kanu immediately and accord him an enforceable right to compensation and other
    reparations, in accordance with international law.”
    “On December 2023, the Supreme Court of Nigeria held that it was wrong to have revoked Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s bail, meaning that his bail should, without more, be restored by virtue of Section
    287(1) of the Constitution, which states that: “The decisions of the Supreme Court shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons, and by courts with subordinate jurisdiction to that of the Supreme Court.”
    “Based on documented judicial underpinnings, we collectively state the following: We express disappointment with the mode of MNK’s case handling.
    Since the courts acquitted MNK, why are you still trying to prosecute him? He has no case to answer; we demand his immediate and unconditional release now. We also caution Justice James Omotosho about MNK’s safety.
    “As a judge, make no mistake: the Mazi Nnamdi Kanu case was inherited by President Tinubu’s administration with the awareness that you cannot pile illegality atop illegality when the entire world is watching. As a result, the decision or choice you make today will either uphold or destroy Nigeria, and we and our future generations will hold you accountable.
    “Finally, the Fulanis under Buhari’s administration committed this heinous crime against the Igbos, saw how empty the charges against MNK are, pushed it over to the Yoruba President to create dichotomy between the two groups: the Igbos and the Yorubas. Be wise!!!”

  • Declaration of state of emergency in Rivers was inevitable – Ex-PANDEF spokesperson

    Declaration of state of emergency in Rivers was inevitable – Ex-PANDEF spokesperson

    The immediate past Publicity Secretary of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and Convener of Concerned Citizens of Rivers State, Dr. Ken Robinson, has described President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State as an inevitable decision.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, Robinson expressed hope that the president’s intervention would bring an end to the crisis that has plagued the state.

    “Unfortunately, the declaration of a State of Emergency on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, by President Bola Tinubu, and the subsequent measures taken by him were both imperative and inevitable,” he stated.

    He further emphasized that the decision was necessary to prevent further chaos, safeguard lives and property, and protect the national economy from potential disruptions.

    “This action has, we hope, put an end to the unnecessary crisis and averted the potential loss of innocent lives and property in the state, as well as threats to our national economy and security,” he added.

    Robinson recalled that in December 2023, the Concerned Citizens of Rivers State had called for peace and reconciliation among the warring factions following the president’s second intervention. However, he lamented that their efforts were met with resistance from those with vested interests in the conflict.

    “Look at where we are today. Those who should feel ashamed are the individuals in influential positions who could have provided constructive advice to resolve the situation but instead chose sides and exacerbated it,” he stated.

    He prayed for the swift restoration of peace and stability in Rivers State, urging all stakeholders to prioritize the interests of the people over political disputes.

  • My kidney failed, liver shut down – Actress Bambam recounts childbirth experience

    My kidney failed, liver shut down – Actress Bambam recounts childbirth experience

    Reality TV star and actress Bamike Olawunmi, popularly known as Bambam, has opened up about the harrowing experience she faced while giving birth to her first child.

    Bambam and her husband, Teddy A, welcomed their daughter, Zendaya, in 2020, nearly a year after their wedding.

    However, the journey to motherhood was far from smooth, as she recently revealed on an episode of the Me & My Girls podcast.

    Reflecting on her first childbirth experience, Bambam described it as traumatic, recounting how her vital organs began to shut down during laboUr.

    She shared, “A lot of stillbirths are due to negligence. It’s either the doctor was not sound or the nurse didn’t do her job on time or they arrived the hospital late.”

    Bambam went on to reveal the severity of her condition at the time, saying, “During my first labour, my kidney failed, my heart was weak, my liver…everything was just shutting down because of childbirth. She [my daughter] had detached from the placenta. If I was a second late [to the hospital] she would have lost oxygen and I would have had a stillbirth?”

    The actress admitted that the trauma of that experience left a lasting impact on her, adding, “Everytime I look at her, I just say, ‘What if…?’ The what ifs have tormented me. They tormented me so much. I will look at her and I will just… even just remembering I’m getting so nervous. The what ifs were so many and they haunted me for a while. I had to get therapy to walk me through being grateful.”

  • Moment Baba Tee, Ijoba Lande meet first time after wife saga

    Moment Baba Tee, Ijoba Lande meet first time after wife saga

    Nigerian entertainers Ijoba Lande and Baba Tee have met, reconciling differences physically for the first time since their public fallout over Ijoba Lande’s estranged wife, Darasimi.

    As seen in a footage making rounds on social media, the two men were captured sharing a heartfelt hug, marking the end of their public fallout.

    Baba Tee appeared to be offering an explanation, while Ijoba Lande, in a reassuring manner, signaled that the past was behind them before embracing him.

    Though their words were inaudible, their body language conveyed a message of resolution.

    The reconciliation follows weeks of controversy during which Ijoba Lande accused his wife of infidelity, naming Baba Tee as one of those involved.

    Initially, Baba Tee denied the allegations but later admitted to a brief encounter with Dara during a “Truth or Dare” game, for which he publicly apologised.

    However, while peace has been restored between the two entertainers, the situation between Dara and Ijoba Lande remains unresolved.

    Despite stating that he has forgiven his wife, the comedian has made it clear that he has no intention of accepting her back.

  • Bill mandating Facebook, bloggers, others to have offices in Nigeria passes 2nd reading in Senate

    Bill mandating Facebook, bloggers, others to have offices in Nigeria passes 2nd reading in Senate

    Abuja—A bill seeking to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, and requiring social media platforms to establish physical offices within the country has passed second reading.

    The bill was sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North).

    Leading the debate, Senator Nwoko noted that Nigeria as Africa’s most populous nation with over 220 million people had a significant digital presence, ranking first in Africa and second globally in terms of social media usage, spending an average of three hours and 46 minutes daily online, according to a Global Web Index report cited by Business Insider Africa.

    The lawmaker noted that despite the high engagement, multinational social media corporations, such as Facebook, X, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat, do not maintain physical offices in Nigeria, unlike in other climes.

    Senator Nwoko outlined several challenges resulting from the absence of social media offices in Nigeria, including limited local representation; economic losses as well as challenges in legal and data protection compliance.

    The bill also proposed new regulations for bloggers operating in Nigeria, mandating all bloggers to
    establish a verifiable office in any of the capital cities across the country; maintain proper employee records; and belong to a recognized national association of bloggers headquartered in Abuja.

    According to Senator Nwoko, this measure is intended to promote accountability, transparency, and professionalism in Nigeria’s digital media space, similar to traditional media houses.

    Speaking on the bill, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, acknowledged that while having a local address for digital platforms was beneficial, the regulation of bloggers required careful consideration.
    He stated: ‘It’s good to have an address, but bloggers are slightly different. I think the best thing is for the bill to go for a second reading and subsequently public hearing for much more streamlined clarity.”

  • Nnamdi Kanu’s trial legally flawed, says lawyer

    Nnamdi Kanu’s trial legally flawed, says lawyer

    ABUJA – The Federal Government’s planned prosecution of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been described as legally untenable by respected legal expert Barrister Christopher Chidera.

    Chidera argues that the trial, set to commence on 21 March 2025, faces significant jurisdictional challenges that could render it ineffective.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, he highlighted flaws in the case against Kanu due to the repeal of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013, the statute under which Kanu was originally charged.

    He emphasised that prosecuting Kanu under a repealed law violates the principle of stare decisis, which upholds legal consistency, and could undermine the trial’s legitimacy.

    The statement noted, “The question of whether the Nigerian government can effectively prosecute Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on 21 March 2025 hinges on several legal, procedural, and political factors that have emerged in his ongoing case.

    “One significant jurisdictional challenge is the claim that the legal basis for Kanu’s prosecution may be flawed due to the repeal of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013, under which he was initially charged. As this Act is no longer in force, any attempt to prosecute Kanu under it lacks substantive jurisdiction and violates the principle of stare decisis.

    “Another issue arises from Kanu’s extraordinary rendition from Kenya, which his legal team and international observers, including a 2023 U.S. human rights report, have deemed unlawful. This raises questions about Nigeria’s procedural jurisdiction, as the extradition process allegedly bypassed legal norms under both Nigerian and international law.

    “Kanu’s legal team has contended that the case should be heard in the Southeast, where the alleged offences occurred, rather than in Abuja.

    “Kanu’s decision to represent himself on 21 March 2025, they believe, will expose corruption, inconsistencies, and bias within the Nigerian justice system.

    “Politically, the trial’s legitimacy is under scrutiny. Critics argue it has devolved into persecution rather than prosecution, citing prolonged detention without conviction and repeated adjournments.

    “The outcome will likely depend on how Justice Omotosho interprets these challenges within the context of Nigerian law and Kanu’s formidable defence.

    “In conclusion, the Nigerian government faces substantial hurdles in effectively prosecuting Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on 21 March 2025. Jurisdictional challenges—ranging from the repealed legal framework and unlawful rendition to the trial’s venue and Kanu’s strategic self-defence—could collectively undermine the case’s validity and execution.”

  • Protest in Ondo over killing of five farmers by suspected herdsmen

    Protest in Ondo over killing of five farmers by suspected herdsmen

    Another five farmers have reportedly been murdered by armed herdsmen at Aba Oyinbo, Akure North council area of Ondo state.

    Consequently, farmers in the council area staged a protest at the governor’s office in Akure, the state capital, displaying bodies of the casualties.

    Activities at the governor’s office were grounded for hours following the protest.

    Recall that the protest to the governor’s office was the second in the last few weeks following the surge in kidnappings in the state.

    Twenty farmers were killed by suspected herdsmen in the same council area last week after they invaded and sacked four communities.

    The protesters shut down the governor’s office over the spate of kidnapping and the inability of the security agencies to curtail their activities.

    They expressed concern that the criminals were having a field day despite the efforts of the security personnel.

    TodayPriceNG gathered that the farmers were killed early hours of Wednesday by suspected herdsmen.

    Some farmers have equally barricaded the Akure/Owo highway, protesting the abduction and killings in the council area.