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Category: Politics

  • Suspension of Fubara: Ijaw Youth leaders drag FG to ECOWAS Court

    Suspension of Fubara: Ijaw Youth leaders drag FG to ECOWAS Court

    ABUJA–Leaders of the Ijaw Youth Council, Eastern Zone, have dragged the Federal Government before the ECOWAS Court of Justice, over what they described as illegal suspension of Governor Siminalaye Fubara of Rivers State and other elected officials, by President Bola Tinubu.

    The 12 litigants, led by Comrade Ibiso Harry, equally challenged President Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State.

    In the suit marked: ECW/CCJ/APP/18/25, the Applicants, specifically urged the regional court to issue an order, setting aside and/or quashing the suspension of elected officials and removal of the democratic structures and institutions in Rivers state, as an imperative for the enthronement of a full- fledged democratic order.

    They further prayed the court for an order, setting aside all decisions, actions, policies and directives given or issued by the Sole Administrator that President Tinubu appointed on March 18 to superintend over the affairs of Rivers state for six months.

    The Applicants anchored their suit on Articles III and IV of the supplementary protocol amending ECOWAS Court’s protocol; Article II of the Protocol of the court and Article 33 of the Rules of the court.

    They averred that the Respondent’s President (Tinubu), who was elected into political office, lacked the powers to remove or suspend the governor of a state, who was also elected into the office.

    The Ijaw youth leaders further argued that the removal of governor Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, was in gross violation of their fundamental human rights.

    “By so doing, the Defendant has unlawfully taken away the democratic rights of the Applicants and that of the population of Rivers State both individually and collectively,” they added.

    According to the Applicants, President Tinubu’s actions have not only drowned, diffused and collapsed their constitutional rights and that of the people of the state in neo-junta governance but also put them into an unconstitutional, undemocratic and arbitrary manner of governance which they cannot fit into.

    “The implication therefore is that the applicants and the people of Rivers State have lost their existence and dignity as human beings, having been politically emasculated by the loss of the values that accompany democratic governance and deprived of leaders duly elected by them in the democratic space.”

    They maintained that President Tinubu’s actions was antithetical to tenets of democracy, adding that the president exhibited “absoluteness in determining the existence and functioning of democratic systems in national sub-units by upturning and collapsing entrenched democratic systems.”

    “The deliberate disruption of the democratic order in any part of the national structure questions the democratic practice and constitutional authenticity of the nation state, as the forceful removal of popular sovereignty in a part or fraction of the national landscape translates to the non-existence of liberal democracy and non-application and conformity with constitutional norms in the entire federation.

    “The enthronement of an illegal and unconstitutional order in any form within a constitutional democracy threatens the very idea of freedom and precipitates loss of genuineness on the part of the state and its institutions of any legitimate claim to a constitutional democracy.

    “A state of emergency cannot be guise or subterfuge for the usurpation of the executive functions of the Governor or the exercise of the law making powers of the legislature,” the applicants averred in an affidavit they filed in support of the legal action they lodged through a team of lawyers led by Chief Festus Ogwuche.

    Meanwhile, no date has been fixed for the matter to be heard.

  • Emergency rule: ‘We don’t have democracy anymore’ — Pat Utomi slams NASS

    Emergency rule: ‘We don’t have democracy anymore’ — Pat Utomi slams NASS

    Professor Pat Utomi has blasted the National Assembly for endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of State of Emergency in Rivers State, saying Nigeria does not have democracy anymore.

    The professor of political economy said the Senate and House of Representatives’ endorsement was an insult to Nigerians.

    Recall that President Tinubu recently declared a state of emergency in Rivers and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, due to the unresolved political crisis in the state.

    However, despite the barrage of criticisms against the development from political analysts, lawyers and activists across the country, the National Assembly approved the declaration unanimously on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

    Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, March 21, 2025, Prof Utomi said the lawmakers murdered democracy, adding that the National Assembly has been consistent in insulting Nigerians.

    “Democracy was murdered in Nigeria yesterday. I cannot publicly say I come from a country that operates democracy, it’s not a democracy. Even the manner of it is so disdainful of the sensitivity of the Nigerian people. To do what they did yesterday was an insult to the Nigerian people. The National Assembly has become consistent in insulting the Nigerian people. We do not have a democracy anymore,” he said.

    Prof Utomi said most of the current National Assembly members were hiding when people like him fought for democracy.

    He also faulted the lawmakers’ method of voting on the issue and the claim that there was no single dissenting voice during the voice vote.

    Prof Utomi said he had seen a situation when the lawmakers said nays, and the speaker said the ayes have it.

    He added that Nigerian leaders are destroying the country’s institutions, saying it’s a tragedy that Nigeria has been brought to a situation where the world now laughs at the country.

  • Utomi to Tinubu: Why no emergency rule in Lagos during Obasa saga?

    Utomi to Tinubu: Why no emergency rule in Lagos during Obasa saga?

    Prof Pat Utomi has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s motive for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing there was no ground for such a move.

    In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, 2024, President Tinubu cited militant vandalization of pipelines and the political situation in Rivers as reasons for consigning the state to emergency rule.

    The President also nominated Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the state’s affairs after suspending Governor Siminalayi Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State.

    However, Prof Utomi faulted President Tinubu’s decision in an interview on Channels Television, saying that the political crisis in Rivers did not warrant a state of emergency.

    The professor of political economy asserted that even when militants in Rivers were blowing up pipelines during the previous administration, the state was not subjected to emergency rule.

    Prof Utomi further questioned the president for not declaring a state of emergency in Lagos State during the crisis involving the Lagos House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and his colleagues.

    “What is the problem in Rivers State that warranted a state of emergency? Tell me what it is. When pipelines were blowing up like popcorn in Rivers State, was there a state of emergency?”

    Why did he not declare a state of emergency in Lagos State when the assembly was running back and forth? Why Rivers? There’s something about fairness, equity and pure decency, and I don’t see it here, and I think it’s a shame that they want to rubbish the democracy that we all fought so hard for.”

    Prof Utomi also blasted the National Assembly for endorsing President Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State.

    According to him, the endorsement was an insult to Nigerians.

  • We want Natasha back home to learn purposeful representation – Constituents

    We want Natasha back home to learn purposeful representation – Constituents

    The Constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District on Friday said they want to bring back Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan home, through recall to learn purposeful representation.

    Some of the constituents across the five Local Government Areas of the Senatorial district, on  the aegis of  Kogi Central Elites Forum (KCEF), made the declaration in a statement jointly signed by Mr Ibrahim Abdulazeez Ibrahim (President) and Mr Akerejola Johnson
    (Secretary) in Lokoja.

    The concerned indigenes, who are of Ebira extraction like the embattled senator, said they resolved to bring the embattled senator back home, given the alleged embarrassment she had caused the senatorial district internationally.

    They condemned, in strong terms, insinuations that the recall process against the lawmaker representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly was not endorsed by majority of the electorate in the area.

    They urged Nigerians to disregard the deliberate mischief  suggesting that people were deceived to come out for the recall exercise.

    “No one is sponsoring this recall. Our people are largely united on this cause. From the history of Ebiras, you know we cannot be deceived.

    “Even some of us who supported her on social media then are no longer with her. We cannot trade the integrity of the state and Nigeria.

    “A matter as simple as not taking an assigned seat in the senate should not be one that would warrant a “sexual harassment” national embarrassment of this nature. This is not who we are as Ebiras.”

    On the issue of INEC disclaiming the exercise, the constituents said the response was misconstrued.

    “INEC has no official role until after this signature collection phase. We are the ones that are doing the recall, the petitioners. We have to ensure that the required threshold is met before formally presenting it for verification. This is where INEC comes in.”

    They urged the public to disregard any mischievous interpretation of the recall process, saying some politicians would always release statements based on their leanings and interests.

    “For us as Ebira people, we are determined to recall  Akpoti-Uduaghan. While she is at home, she may learn the rudiments of representing her constituents better.

    “Ordinarily, we would never have allowed anyone to intimidate our daughter if she was on her right. But in this particular instance, she disrespected the senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which has clear rules and went on to introduce slants that have never been heard of in the history of the senate.

    ” This is not about content creation as many people have said.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the national assembly has been hit by allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President,  Godswill Akpabio after  Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly refused to respect the senate rules and was penalized.

  • Supreme Court restores Anyanwu as PDP’s National Secretary

    Supreme Court restores Anyanwu as PDP’s National Secretary

    ABUJA–The Supreme Court, on Friday, restored Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

    The apex court, in a unanimous decision by a five-member panel, vacated the concurrent verdicts of the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal in Enugu, which sacked him from office.

    In the lead judgement that was delivered by Justice Jamilu Tukur, the apex court held that the two lower courts were bereft of the jurisdiction to dabble into domestic affairs of a political party that was not justiciable.

    Consequently, the Supreme Court panel affirmed the minority judgement of the appellate court which nullified the decision of the trial court on account of lack of jurisdiction.

    More so, the apex court held that the plaintiff, Mr. Aniagu Emmanuel,whose suit led to Anyanwu’s removal from office, lacked the locus standi (legal right) to institute the action.

    It held that the plaintiff failed to establish how he was affected by who occupied the office of the National Secretary of PDP.

    The appellate court had in a judgement it delivered last December, upheld the High Court verdict that sacked Senator Anyanwu and recognized Chief Udeh-Okoye Enemchukwu as the authentic national scribe of the party.

    In its lead judgement that was delivered by Justice Ridwan Abdullahi, the appellate court dismissed as incompetent and lacking in merit, Anyanwu’s bid to upturn the decision of the high court.

    The court held that Anyanwu’s continued stay in office as National Secretary was in breach of PDP’s Constitution, having contested and emerged as the party’s candidate in the governorship election that held in Imo State last year.

    However, dissatisfied with the concurrent judgements of the two courts, Anyanwu approached the Supreme Court to set them aside.

    Aside from his substantive appeal, he equally filed a motion for accelerated hearing and for the abridgment of time within which the matter would be determined, citing the crucial role of the office of National Secretary in the affairs of the political party.

    It will be recalled that both the Board of Trustees, BOT, and the National Working Committee, NWC, of the PDP, had earlier endorsed Chief Okoye as the National Secretary of the party, in line with the subsisting court judgements.

    Anyanwu outrightly rejected the decisions, insisting that the position was the subject of a pending litigation.

  • Akpabio told me I’d make good movements with my waist – Natasha

    Akpabio told me I’d make good movements with my waist – Natasha

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of making repeated lewd and suggestive remarks towards her, both in and outside the Senate chamber.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for what was described as “gross misconduct and unruly behavior” following a seating arrangement dispute with Akpabio.

    However, her suspension came just a day after she formally submitted a sexual harassment petition against the Senate President on the Senate floor.

    In an interview with the BBC, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that the allegations of misconduct were merely a cover to silence her.

    She alleged that Akpabio frequently made inappropriate advances toward her, sometimes in the presence of other senators.

    “He would squeeze my hands in a very suggestive way,” she said.

    Recalling a particular incident, she stated, “There was a time I forgot to wear my ring because I rushed to work. And there were about five senators there. And Akpabio said, ‘Oh Natasha, you are not wearing your ring… is this an invitation to treat?’”

    She further alleged that Akpabio made sexually charged comments about her marriage.

    “There was another time he made a statement like, ‘Natasha, your husband is really enjoying. It looks like you’d be able to make good movements with your waist.’”

    “He makes such sexist statements. And then they (other senators) all laughed,” she added.

    During the interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan broke down in tears when asked about the impact of her allegations and the backlash she has faced.

    “People don’t understand what it means to carry this. Maybe we don’t talk about it enough in Nigeria or Africa,” she said, her voice breaking.

    “I just want a place where I would just work. I thought the worst was over, but I guess for a woman, it’s never really over, right?”

    Despite the challenges, the senator said she has received support from female parliamentarians across Africa, who have reached out to share their experiences of similar struggles in male-dominated legislative environments.

  • State of Emergency: Your action unconstitutional, recipe for anarchy – Kwankwaso tells Tinubu

    State of Emergency: Your action unconstitutional, recipe for anarchy – Kwankwaso tells Tinubu

    KANO – The 2023 Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has said that President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is not only unconstitutional, but could lead to anarchy.

    Kwankwaso who opposed the action also criticized the 10th National Assembly for drifting into becoming more rubberstamp than its predecessors for failure to check what he described as the excesses by the executive.

    The former Senator in a post he titled “My stance on the Declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State” on his verified Facebook handle, said, “Reflecting on our journey in 1992/93 and the events leading to the annulment in 1993, I remember our mistakes as parliamentarians in the National Assembly, where we focused on leadership tussle instead of holding our primary legislative work. Our failure to hold our responsibility distracted us from the happening that brewed on the Executive side, and which led to the sad events that still define our political history.

    “I have closely followed developments in Rivers State in the past two days, and my initial silence was informed by the desire to let the authorities and parties in the conflict to do what is right.

    “First, I am perturbed by the unilateral decision of President Bola Tinubu to suspend Governor Similayi Fubara of Rivers State, his Deputy and all elected state legislators from office.

    “The legislature has the responsibility to hold the executive responsible and not always play to its tune. It is therefore appalling to see this 10th Assembly become more rubberstamp than any of its predecessors.

    “More disturbing is the unilateral decision by both chambers of the National Assembly to ratify the president’s proclamation. I had hoped that the legislators would not add salt to injury by passing this illegality. The Constitution is clear on the method of voting on issues of such importance, and the decision to use the voice vote in deciding this is not consistent with the proper procedures and transparency.

    “The decision by the legislators to speedily discuss and decide on a state of emergency that alters the democratic leadership structure in Rivers State undermines our democracy.

    “Our judiciary also has the very important task of balancing the balance of power by being fair to all parties in any conflict. I believe that the custodians of the Law in Nigeria need to wake up to their responsibility of calming nerves by being as just as possible, with judgments devoid of any hint of external influence.

    “At this age of our democracy, this action by President Tinubu to suspend all elected officials in Rivers State is not only unconstitutional, but also a recipe for anarchy and disregard for the highest public office in the state. The National Assembly that should check this excess should not encourage it.

    ‘Moreover, for a politician that prides himself as a consistent advocate and defender of democracy in our country, the decision by President Tinubu to draft in the military into a position of leadership is hugely dangerous to the progress we have made in the 26 years of democratic journey.

    “Bola Tinubu should know better than bringing the military closer to power after the good work President Olusegun Obasanjo did of confining them to their barracks while he led this country.
    This proclamation and the subsequent pronouncements by the Attorney General of the Federation have now sent numerous people in states led by the opposition into disarray, as they set a dangerous precedence for how the Head of State can grip on states that do not share the same political standing with the centre.

    ‘I am of the view that the political situation on the ground in Rivers does not justify such a flawed interpretation of section 305(1) of the 1999 constitution.

    “The action constitutes an unconstitutional overdrive, and it could foster a culture of impunity if unchecked,” Kwankwaso stated.

  • Asaba 1967 massacre: Our people need apology, Obi of Asaba tells Tinubu

    Asaba 1967 massacre: Our people need apology, Obi of Asaba tells Tinubu

    ABUJA —– THE Obi of Asaba, Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN, yesterday told President Bola Tinubu that the people of Asaba in Delta State need an apology over the 1967 Asaba massacre.

    The Asagba of Asaba also demanded more federal government presence in Delta State, lamenting that Asaba is the only state capital without any federal university.

    This is as the first-class monarch has commended President Bola Tinubu’s governance, describing him as being on the right track despite the complexities of leading Nigeria.

    Speaking to journalists at the State House in Abuja on Thursday after a courtesy visit to the President, the traditional ruler acknowledged that while challenges exist, Tinubu’s administration remains committed to national progress.

    Prof. Azinge, who was on the visit with other members of a delegation from Asaba Kingdom, said “there might be some hiccups, but on the whole, we score him highly in that regard, and we pray for him.

    He said: “It is a very difficult country to govern. There will always be criticisms here and there, but I believe he is on the right track, and we wish him the very best.”

    The natural ruler stated that a key purpose of his visit was to advocate for greater federal presence in Delta State, particularly in Asaba.

    He highlighted the absence of a federal university in the state capital, calling it a “worrisome” oversight.

    “Asaba remains the only state capital in Nigeria without a federal university. We need institutions in our locality, and that for us is a major concern”, he noted.

    The monarch also used the opportunity to remind President Tinubu of the 1967 Asaba massacre, expressing the need for an official acknowledgment or apology from the federal government.

    “Among other requests, we mentioned to him the massacre of Asaba people in 1967 and that our people need some apology if need be in that regard,” he said.

    Prof. Azinge revealed that the visit was also a gesture of appreciation for various federal projects benefiting Delta State.

    He specifically mentioned the construction of the access road to the Niger Bridge and the routing of a gas pipeline through Asaba and Awka.

    “Secondly, we acknowledged and appreciated some of the gestures extended by the federal government to our area, especially the access road to the Niger Bridge and the passing of a gas line through Asaba to Awka, all of which are in progress,” he stated.

    The Asagba of Asaba described the meeting as both a “thank you” and a “solidarity” visit.

    He expressed gratitude to the President for sending a delegation, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to represent him at the burial of his predecessor, the 13th Asagba of Asaba.

    “So, on the whole, it turned out to be a wonderful visit. He appreciated our coming and indicated that whenever he visits the South-South, he will make a stop in Asaba,” Prof. Azinge concluded.

  • Rivers Crisis: Anger as NASS approves emergency rule with voice vote

    Rivers Crisis: Anger as NASS approves emergency rule with voice vote

    The two chambers of the National Assembly, yesterday, approved President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State which resulted in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and other elected officials for six months, and the appointment of a sole administrator by a voice vote.

    This is contrary to Section 305(4) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which requires a resolution of the National Assembly supported by a two-thirds majority of members to back the president’s request.

    As the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr. Peter Obi, slammed the National Assembly for the approval, arguing that a two-thirds majority could not be determined through a voice vote, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said the legislators’ approval was done with unanimity without a single nay.

    While approving the emergency rule, the Senate said all regulations in Rivers State must be subjected to the approval and oversight of the National Assembly Joint Ad-hoc Committee.

    It also urged the federal government to institute a reconciliation mechanism, including setting up a peace and reconciliation committee, composed of the National Assembly, the executive, eminent Nigerians and other relevant stakeholders, to ensure lasting peace and stability in Rivers.

    In the House of Representatives, the legislators amended the proclamation of President Tinubu, insisting that Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas, report back to the National Assembly and not the Federal Executive Council, FEC.

    Reps amendments

    The House made three amendments which were passed through a voice vote, with 243 members in attendance.
    Another amendment was that a national committee, composed of members from the Presidency, National Assembly and other eminent Nigerians be set up to mitigate and restore peace to Rivers State.

    The third amendment was that the President can review the period of emergency to a shorter period than six months.

    Though few members were allowed to make comments on the president’s request, others expressed concerns over constitutional provisions.

    Senate’s approval

    The Senate approved the state of emergency in Rivers State after about one and a half hours closed door session.!

    Speaking after the closed-door meeting on the resolutions reached by senators, Senate President Akpabio said: “The Senate invokes the powers conveyed on it by Section 305 of Section 2 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended ), approves the proclamation of state of emergency declared by Mr. President in Rivers State of Nigeria.

    “The Senate further directs that the declaration of the state of emergency stated in the proclamation documents demands that the President can review and even terminate the state of emergency at any given time, but not later than six months.

    “The Senate further resolved that Section 11, Subsection 4 be invoked, providing the National Assembly the authority to set up a joint ad hoc committee of both chambers to oversee the administration of Rivers State, henceforth.

    “The Senate further resolved that a committee of eminent Nigerians be set up to reconcile the warring groups in the government of River State within the period of the state of emergency.

    “The Senate further resolved that a committee of eminent Nigerians to reconcile the warring factions in Rivers State be set up to carry out their action during the period of state of emergency.

    “For final ratification, I put it to the Senate that those in favour of the proclamation of the state of emergency 2025 in Rivers State, should say aye “, which was affirmatively responded to by all the senators in the chamber.”

    An elated Akpabio, who was impressed with the affirmative response to the question by senators, said “This approval is done with unanimity, without a single nay.”

    The Senate President continued: “Therefore, pursuant to Section 60 of the constitution, Section 305 (2) and pursuant to our rules, Rule 1 (b) of the standing orders of the Senate and also pursuant to Rules 133, 134, 135 and 136 of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the state of emergency proclamation in Rivers State was approved and other vital resolutions taken.”

    To give the entire process the required legislative backing, the Senate, thereafter, adjourned for one hour and reconvened later to pass the votes and proceedings of the entire session and finally adjourned to Tuesday, March 25, 2025.

    Disquiet at closed-door session

    Vanguard gathered that during the closed door session, senators were sharply divided over the issue.
    According to sources, quorum was not formed, hence senators present resorted to voice vote, against actual voting.

    Senators Seriake Dickson, PDP, Bayelsa West; Enyinnaya Abaribe, APGA, Abia South; Aminu Tambuwal, PDP, Sokoto South; and others stormed out of the chamber in anger as a result.

    Vanguard gathered that 64 senators signed the attendance register, though the presiding officers do not sign the register as they normally walk into the hallowed chamber with the principal officers.

    Earlier, Akpabio had informed his colleagues of President Tinubu’s letter on the proclamation of emergency rule in Rivers State and the letter was read at plenary.

    Akpabio, after reading the letter, said: This letter is committed to the committee of the entire Senate for immediate passage.’’

    The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, APC, Ekiti Central, then raised Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Orders to suspend all other items in the Order Paper to discuss only the Proclamation letter, he was seconded by the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, PDP, Benue South, and the Senate immediately went into a closed door session.

    Akpabio, Dickson clash over Point of Order

    Prior to the closed-door session, there was a mild altercation between Senate President, Akpabio, and Senator Seriake Dickson when Dickson raised a point of Order after Akpabio read Tinubu’s letter.

    As Senator Dickson raised the point of Order, Akpabio told him to sit down and that he already knew where he stood on the state of emergency, having watched him on television on Wednesday, where he said his views would not align with that of the Senate.

    Akpabio and Dickson disagreed sharply over the procedure for handling President Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

    The problem started when the Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion to amend the order of proceedings, allowing the Senate to prioritize debate on the state of emergency before attending to other items on the order paper.

    As Bamidele rose to present the motion, Dickson raised a point of order, seeking to draw attention to what he described as a procedural requirement that the Senate should first convene a closed-door session before debating such a sensitive matter.

    Akpabio appeared reluctant to acknowledge Dickson’s point of order but as tension rose, he allowed Dickson to raise the point of order.

    The Bayelsa lawmaker drew the attention of the Senate to Order 133 of the Senate Standing Rules, which required matters of state of emergency to be deliberated upon in a closed door session.

    Akpabio upon hearing that, upheld his point of order, which was later held by the Senate where all its resolutions were taken on the state of emergency.

    The motion for the adoption of votes and proceedings of Wednesday was adopted by Senator Barinada Mpigi, PDP, Rivers South-East and seconded by Senator Idiat Adebule, APC, Lagos West.

    Obi slams NASS for approving emergency rule

    Faulting the National Assembly, Obi said the use of voice vote on such crucial issues was an insult to Nigerians and a breach of the 1999 constitution.

    Obi, who had along with several other opposition leaders made a passionate appeal to members of the National Assembly to reject the illegal removal of Rivers State governor, Similaya Fubara, and the State Assembly, in a series of tweets on his X handle, yesterday, wrote: “While still agonizing over the ongoing deterioration of democracy in our nation, especially with the situation in Rivers State, and trying to reach out to our National Assembly members not to support and sustain the unconstitutionality and arbitrariness, I just heard that they have added salt to injury by using a voice vote.

    “The constitution is clear that this cannot be done through a voice vote but by calling individuals to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ You cannot determine a two-thirds majority by a voice vote.

    “While a two-thirds majority is crucial, it does not justify bypassing proper procedures and undermining the principles of transparency and accountability. The use of a voice vote in such a significant decision not only disregards constitutional requirements but also erodes public trust in the democratic process.

    “Decisions of such magnitude must be made with integrity, following the letter and spirit of the law. It’s disheartening that a decision as crucial as approving an emergency proclamation — one that could alter the course of the nation — was handled with such casual disregard for constitutional standards.

    “The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) clearly requires that such a proclamation must be approved by at least two-thirds of all members of each arm of the legislature — the Senate and the House of Representatives.

    ‘’A simple call of “Aye” or “Nay” cannot accurately measure this crucial threshold. When a supermajority is required, it demands a recorded vote — whether by division, roll call, or electronic means.

    ‘’This isn’t just a technicality; it’s a matter of law and legitimacy. The Senate Standing Orders and House Rules were established to ensure that decisions of this magnitude are made transparently, with accountability. Ignoring these procedures is not just an oversight; it is a betrayal of the democratic process.”

    Some lawyers also faulted the process of approving the state of emergency proclamation through voice vote, arguing that the process was not sufficient and could nt guarantee fairness and transparency.

    A voice vote was insufficient to pass the resolution -Prof. Erugo, SAN

    Prof. Sam Erugo, SAN, said: “It is apparent that the Senate and House of Representatives did not appreciate the gravity of the President ‘s proclamation, which was referred to them for approval.

    ‘’By Section 305(2) of the Constitution, they were required to ‘consider the situation and decide whether or not to pass a resolution approving the Proclamation.’

    “Going by subsection (6), if there was no resolution supported by two-thirds of all the members of each House of the National Assembly approving the Proclamation, it would have lapsed after two days.
    “This provision shows the seriousness of the matter the National Assembly treated just like any other business.

    “That is the reason the two-thirds majority of each House is required. A voice vote is insufficient to pass the resolution approving the President’s proclamation, which, as it were, required a special resolution and, obviously, the voice vote is unconstitutional.

    “There is no way to determine that two-thirds majority ‘of all the members’ voted in favour of the proclamation, as required by the Constitution.

    “One wonders why the hurry. In other jurisdictions, we should have seen robust debates in both Houses, considering the situation in Rivers State, to determine whether it required the extreme measure of declaration of state of emergency, and to the extent of removing an elected governor.

    “It is unfortunate that Nigerians were deprived the opportunity to have vital information beyond the President’s partisan remarks that would appear to have decided against the governor.”

    Voice voting does not guarantee fairness, transparency -Edun, SAN

    In his reaction, Kunle Edun, SAN, said: “The Rules of the House will guide the legislators how the voting would be done. However, members can insist on a transparent process and considering the national importance of this issue, they should request for physical or electronic voting and counting of the votes.

    “Voice voting does not guarantee fairness and transparency as shown in previous sessions presided over by the Senate President particularly.

    “To show to the whole world the fairness of the entire process, voting must be done either electronically or physically and how each senator voted must be published for Nigerians to see.”

    Uzodimma backs Tinubu, says it’s a national security necessity

    The Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has thrown his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. He described the move as a proactive step necessary to prevent a looming crisis that could destabilize both the state and Nigeria’s economy.

    Addressing journalists in Owerri, Governor Uzodimma emphasized the significance of Rivers State to the nation’s economic survival, particularly in crude oil production. He noted that the ongoing political tensions and refusal of key players to heed advisory interventions had escalated into a national security concern. The governor referenced recent reports of pipeline bombings and explosions in the state, stressing that at a time when Nigeria is striving to boost crude oil production to strengthen its currency and economy, such unrest cannot be tolerated.

    “The President was very proactive, and his actions are highly commendable. Prevention, they say, is better than cure. Imagine what would have happened if the impeachment went ahead—it would have triggered actions and reactions, leading to violence and widespread unrest,” Uzodimma stated.

    He also commended the National Assembly for supporting President Tinubu’s decision, describing it as a step taken in the national interest. He expressed confidence in the Federal Executive Council’s ability to oversee the situation effectively and ensure that law and order prevail. While acknowledging that the Progressive Governors’ Forum had not yet convened since the declaration, Uzodimma assured that, as chairman, he could confidently affirm that the forum stands firmly behind the President.

    “To the best of my knowledge, none of our members will go against the actions of the President. We support any decision that protects the security and stability of the country,” he concluded.

  • We’re committed to democracy, free speech, healthy opposition — FG

    We’re committed to democracy, free speech, healthy opposition — FG

    ABUJA: The federal government has reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to upholding the constitutionally guaranteed rights of all Nigerians, including freedom of speech and healthy opposition. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this yesterday at the ongoing ministerial briefing session in Abuja.

    He pledged the government’s continuous support for creating a conducive environment for the media to thrive in Nigeria and emphasized that constructive criticism and opposition were essential for reinforcing and deepening Nigeria’s democratic framework.

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and his counterpart from the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, briefed the media at the 5th edition of the Ministerial Press Briefing Session.

    “I want to re-emphasize that President Tinubu, as a foremost democrat, is fully committed to protecting the constitutionally guaranteed rights of all Nigerians, and also encourages constructive criticism and healthy opposition because of their essential role in reinforcing and deepening our democratic framework.

    “I hereby take the liberty to reaffirm the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration to upholding press freedom and creating a conducive environment for media practice in Nigeria. This administration believes that a free and responsible press is essential for good governance, transparency, and national development,” Idris said.

    The minister also pledged the government’s continued support for creating a conducive environment for the media to thrive in Nigeria.

    He said a free and responsible press was essential for good governance, transparency, and national development.

    Idris congratulated the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, on its 70th anniversary, acknowledging their enduring commitment to press freedom and journalistic excellence.

    The ongoing ministerial briefing, spearheaded by his ministry, highlights the government’s commitment to accountability and transparency.

    Idris described the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Tuggar, as a seasoned diplomat who deserved commendation for his commitment to promoting Nigeria’s image on the global stage through proactive diplomacy, strategic international engagements, and a clear articulation of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.

    He also praised the Minister of Interior, Dr. Tunji-Ojo, for bringing remarkable innovation towards repositioning the ministry, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.