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  • Tinubu lauds NASS for ratifying state of emergency in Rivers

    Tinubu lauds NASS for ratifying state of emergency in Rivers

    ABUJA — PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has commended the National Assembly for “its decisive and patriotic ratification of the State of Emergency proclamation in Rivers State”, a critical step to restoring stability after a protracted political crisis that paralysed governance in the state and endangered national economic security for over 15 months.

    The President specifically commended the leadership of the National Assembly, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, other principal officers and members “for prioritising the security and welfare of Rivers State people above partisan interests and other considerations.”

    A statement by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said the President “further acknowledged the lawmakers’ diligent review of classified security briefings, underscoring the urgent need for intervention to prevent further escalation.”

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    According to the statement: “The crisis in Rivers State was at a perilous tipping point, threatening the security of vital oil and gas installations and undermining the national economy and the significant progress we have made in the reforms initiated since our administration commenced in May 2023.

    “As I detailed in my address to the nation on 18 March, the near-total collapse of governance, threats to federal economic assets, and the risk of widespread violence left no room for hesitation. This emergency measure is a lifeline to safeguard livelihoods, secure critical infrastructure, and restore democratic accountability.”

    The President affirmed that the six-month emergency will empower the newly-appointed Sole Administrator to stabilise Rivers State, address systemic breakdowns, and facilitate dialogue among conflicting parties.

    President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the National Assembly to advance peace, economic resilience, and equitable development across Nigeria.

    “Today’s decision exemplifies what our nation can achieve when unity of purpose and patriotism guide the action of leaders. We remain steadfast in pursuing a safer, more prosperous Nigeria—one where every citizen’s potential is safeguarded and nurtured,” he said.

    He thanked all Nigerians for their understanding and urged all stakeholders to support the restoration of peace in Rivers State.

  • Suspension of Fubara, others: Tinubu has stabbed Niger Delta in the back – PANDEF

    Suspension of Fubara, others: Tinubu has stabbed Niger Delta in the back – PANDEF

    The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State, calling it a betrayal of the Niger Delta region.

    The group expressed its outrage in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of its Board of Trustees and expanded National Executive Committee in Abuja on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

    The emergency meeting was convened in response to President Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor, Deputy Governor, and the House of Assembly on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. PANDEF described the move as “shocking” and “widely condemned by most Nigerians.”

    According to PANDEF, the declaration of a State of Emergency comes just days after President Tinubu hosted a high-level South-South delegation that included traditional rulers, former governors, and ex-service chiefs. During that meeting, Tinubu had reportedly commended PANDEF’s Peace and Reconciliation Committee for its mediation efforts in the Rivers political crisis and encouraged them to continue their work.

    Despite the President’s assurances, PANDEF highlighted several troubling developments leading up to the emergency declaration:

    On March 12, 2025, just a day after the delegation’s visit, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, whom PANDEF accuses of fueling the political crisis in Rivers State, made “derogatory remarks” against the group and Niger Delta leaders. Tinubu has not reprimanded Wike despite public outrage.

    Governor Siminalayi Fubara had expressed his willingness to present the 2025 budget in line with a Supreme Court judgment and the President’s directive. However, the Rivers State House of Assembly abruptly went on indefinite adjournment on March 14 and later initiated impeachment proceedings against the Governor and his Deputy.

    On March 17, PANDEF formally wrote to President Tinubu expressing concerns over the obstruction of the budget presentation by the FCT Minister and the House of Assembly.

    On March 18, just a day before the Governor was scheduled to present the budget, Tinubu declared a State of Emergency, effectively removing the elected state leadership.

    PANDEF recalled that in May 2013, Tinubu had strongly opposed former President Goodluck Jonathan’s declaration of a State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states during the height of Boko Haram insurgency. At the time, Tinubu had condemned the move as a “diabolic partisanship” meant to undermine democracy. PANDEF now questions why Tinubu would take even more drastic action against Rivers State, where the situation is far less dire than in the insurgency-ravaged North.

    The group also pointed out that similar pipeline attacks have occurred in the past without triggering a military response or emergency declaration. It criticized the government’s double standards, noting that states in the North, which have suffered repeated terrorist attacks, have not faced such measures.

    Furthermore, PANDEF questioned the timing of the emergency rule, as the Court of Appeal was yet to rule on the legality of the Rivers State House of Assembly members involved in the crisis. The group sees the move as a deliberate attempt to subvert ongoing judicial processes.

    In its communiqué, PANDEF urged the National Assembly, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, to reject what it called an “onslaught on democratic governance.” The group vowed to continue advocating for peace and pursuing all constitutional means to challenge the President’s actions.

    Signed by top PANDEF leaders, including Co-Chairmen HRM Alfred Diete-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, National Chairman Amb. Dr. Godknows Igali, and National Spokesman Chief Obiuwevbi Ominimini, the communiqué underscores PANDEF’s determination to resist what it sees as an unjustified political intervention in Rivers State.

    As tensions rise, the Niger Delta waits to see how both the government and the National Assembly will respond to these accusations of political overreach.

  • ‘Your call for state of emergency senseless’ – Osun Govt, PDP tackle Senator Ajibola

    ‘Your call for state of emergency senseless’ – Osun Govt, PDP tackle Senator Ajibola

    The Osun State Government and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state have described the state of the emergency comment attributed to the APC national scribe Dr. Ajibola Basiru as “senseless.”

    The state government, in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, on Wednesday, described the call as an attempt to regain government through the backdoor.

    According to him, it would be better for Senator Basiru and his party, the APC, not to disturb the peace and tranquility currently enjoyed in Osun in an attempt to take the reigns of governance through the backdoor.

    “It must, however, be emphasized that not only Basiru alone holds this senseless and obnoxious impression but the entire APC cohorts and their members/followers in Osun state, who, on a daily basis, are scheming for one mischievous device or the other in order to come through the backdoor to take the reigns of governance in Osun state but by the grace of God and with the support of the people of Osun state for the administration of Ademola Adeleke, all the evil machinations against the people-oriented government of Ademola Adeleke will not see the light of the day.

    “Furthermore, we call on our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to see through the antics of people like Ajibola Basiru, a rejected and frustrated politician and his already rejected APC apologists in Osun, by dismissing the wicked and baseless call for the declaration of the state of emergency in Osun.

    “Well, any right-thinking person will know and interpret all these political shenanigans of APC to be that of already frustrated souls looking for whatever means to make Osun ungovernable.

    “On the unwarranted and unnecessary political crisis created by the APC in Osun, as a reminder, three cases are now pending before the courts of law instituted by different stakeholders,” he added.

    Also, the PDP, reacting through its Director of Media and Publicity, Oladele Bamiji, described Basiru’s statement as that of a desperate politician, saying the call is unnecessary.

    “The statement attributed to the National Secretary of the APC is reckless and dangerous. I wouldn’t know why someone would be calling for a state of emergency in Osun; in a state like this, it’s like the APC wants to bastardize our democratic experience.

    “What it now looks like is that every state lost by the APC will now be taken back through the back door through a state of emergency.

    “There will always be disagreement in any political environment, but calling for a state of emergency speaks volumes about the real intention of the APC causing unnecessary violence in the state recently over the issue of local government councils. If Governor Ademola Adeleke has not charged the newly elected council officials to stay away God knows what might have happened by now in the state. But his call depict desperation”, he added.

  • Tinubu meets with south-south monarchs in Aso Villa

    Tinubu meets with south-south monarchs in Aso Villa

    ABUJA — PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu is meeting with the Asagba of Asaba, Delta State, Obi Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The first class monarch came alongside some royal fathers suspected to be members of the Obi-in-Council.

    The visit is coming on the heels of tension in some parts of the South-South geopolitical zone as a result of the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.

    The President while declaring the state of emergency, announced the suspension of the Rivers State governor, Sim Fubara, his deputy and the entire members of the House of Representatives for an initial six months.

    The President also appointed the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole Administrator.

    Prof. Azinge is the 14th Asagba of Asaba and was crowned the Obi on 26th August 2024.

  • Sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, arrives Rivers, holds security meeting

    Sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, arrives Rivers, holds security meeting

    The Sole Administrator for Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) has arrived the state to resume duties, saying “Port Harcourt is my city. Everything appears calm.”

    Ibas arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa at about 11:25 am on Thursday and was received by top officials and security personnel. He was immediately treated to a guard of honour at the airport.

    Ibas, accompanied by the State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, and the Assistant Inspector General of Police, zone 16, immediately proceeded to Government House, Port Harcourt.

    Upon arriving at the Government House, he was conducted around by some officials and thereafter proceeded to the executive Council Chamber where he addressed the Government House officials and the service chiefs who were present.

    In a brief chat with the media, Ibas said: “I want to thank you all for what you have been doing so far. When I got in here, I decided to meet with the head of service and service commanders. I will have to meet them for formal briefing. I assure you that later this evening, I will have to address you on some issues you want to know.”

    Asked about the hospitality accorded him upon his arrival, the retired Vice Admiral who spotted an all-white native attire said: “Port Harcourt is my city. Everything appears calm. We just want Port Harcourt to get to where it has always been.”

  • Senate, Reps approve Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers; Dickson tackles Akpabio

    Senate, Reps approve Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers; Dickson tackles Akpabio

    The Senate and House of Representatives, today, Thursday, passed and adopted the state of emergency proclamation of President Bola Tinubu in Rivers state, and the six-month suspension he slammed on Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    Hours earlier, the House of Representatives passed and adopted the proclamation through a voice vote with 243 members in attendance.

    The House also made recommendations to the proclamation.

    The House recommended that a national committee should be set up to mitigate and restore peace back to Rivers State.

    Secondly, the National Assembly should take over the activities of the state Assembly within six months.

    Senate…

    At the upper chamber, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced the passage after a closed-door session that lasted over one hour.

    According to him, the Senate relied on its Orders 133, 134, 135 and 136.

    Earlier, Akpabio disclosed that Tinubu had written the Senate a letter of proclamation on the six-month suspension he slammed on Fubara.

    The letter read, aloud at plenary by Akpabio, said: “In compliance with the provisions of Section 305, Subsection 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, I hereby forward, for the Constitution of the Senate, copies of the official Gazette of the State of Emergency Proclamation 2025.

    “The main features of the proclamation are as follows:

  • Senate receives Tinubu’s proclamation letter on state of emergency

    Senate receives Tinubu’s proclamation letter on state of emergency

    ABUJA – PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has written the Senate a letter of proclamation on the six-month suspension he slammed on Governor Siminalaye Fubara of Rivers State.

    The letter was read at plenary by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

    The Senate Immediately went into a closed-door session

    The letter read, “I compliance with the provisions of Section 305, Subsection 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended. I hereby forward, for the Constitution of the Senate, copies of the official Gazette of the State of Emergency Proclamation 2025.

    “The main features of the proclamation are as follows:

    “A declaration of a State of Emergency in one State of the Federation, namely, River State.

    “The suspension from office of the Governor, his Deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly.

    “An appointment of Vice-Admiral Iboete Iba, as the Administrator to administer the State something to any instruction or regulation as made from time to time be issued by me.

    “While I look forward to the expeditious Constitution of the Senate, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

    Akpabio after reading the letter said, “This letter is committed to the Committee of the entire Senate for Immediate passage.”

    Immediately after the letter, Senator Seriake Dickson, PDP, Bayelsa West raised a point of Order 133 that has to do with having a closed-door session over the proclamation letter.

    The day’s plenary session commenced at noon with the National Anthem and thereafter the prayer at 12.01 pm.

    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 Adebute, APC, Lagos West.

  • Rivers Crisis: MASSOB backs Wike, blames Fubara for reneging

    Rivers Crisis: MASSOB backs Wike, blames Fubara for reneging

    Founder of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike has taken a swipe at Simi Fubara of Rivers State for not keeping to whatever terms of agreement between him and his godfather, Nysome Wike, which he said was responsible for the present state of emergency declared in the state.

    In a video he released on Thursday, the Biafra agitation leader took sides with the Minister for Federal Capital Territory, Wike, stating that he who goes to equity should have clean hands.

    Uwazuruike stated that even though he was taking an unpopular position, natural justice demands that agreements should be kept even among thieves.

    According to Uwazuruike, the crisis in Port Harcourt affects and is prevalent in both the south east and south south geopolitical zones of Nigeria, noting that the crisis would have been avoided if one party kept to agreement.

    “If you know that you’re a politician and that you are approached to do a dirty job which your conscience doesn’t permit you to do, at that inception say I won’t, I can’t do it. That makes you a gentleman. It’s very common in the south east and south south where somebody will bring you out from the obscurity and make you a Governor, but at the end of the day you refuse to do your own part of the bargain. It not good!”

    He waved the idea of people saying that the Governor was voted by the masses, stating that if a godfather had not given a party’s ticket to the beneficiary, nobody would have seen or known the candidate for votes to him.

    “In this crisis, if it continues, many innocent people will die and when you trace the origin you will see that two persons reached an agreement and one party fulfill his own part of the bargain while the other refused to perform his part after benefiting from that agreement. It’s unjust and we need to look at that angle.

    “If he (Fubara) had listened to the advice of former governor Fayoshe, he wouldn’t have fallen into this temptation. Nobody is a better governor because Nigeria is a corrupt nation. If you know that you cannot keep to an agreement, why should you accept it? Is it because you have been sworn in as a Governor and now has executive powers and you start flexing muscles. What has he gained now in all these?

    “This is very important for our people because it’s distracting everybody in the south east and south south. We are not the only people in Nigeria, look at the other places. I’m not happy about it because it will involve the lives of our people and that is why I’m saying it. We need to weigh the balance and not just to mention Wike! Wike!! Wike is not the only devil in Nigeria politics. All the Governors in Nigeria are corrupt and no one should play the victim card here.”

  • Akpabio, Dickson clash over Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration

    Akpabio, Dickson clash over Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration

    The President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio and the Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, heatedly argued during plenary over the provision of Senate rules regarding the handling of President Bola Tinubu’s State of Emergency declaration in Rivers State.

    During the Senate plenary on Thursday, March 20, 2025, Senator Bamidele Opeyemi moved a motion to reorder the Order Paper to allow the Senate to handle the debate on the state of emergency in Rivers before other motions itemized for legislative action.

    As Bamidele stood to point out the order, Dickson raised a point of order, which Akpabio was hesitant to oblige.

    Rather than giving Dickson the floor, Akpabio reminded him of how the former Governor of Bayelsa State had gone on television to say he wouldn’t support the Senate on the state of emergency in Rivers.

    While Dickson insisted on getting Akpabio’s attention through a point of order, the Senate President asked him to put off his mic.

    Akpabio said, “Senator Seriake Dickson, let’s not argue. If we argue, it won’t be good for any of us.

    “We are all distinguished people. You were a former governor, and I was a former governor. Please turn off your mic and sit down. I watched you on television. You said whatever the Senate does, the Senate will never go with you.

    “I said you said whatever the Senate does, the Senate will never have your vote.

    “I don’t know but if you have already made up your mind to go on television when the Senate has not done anything or considered any issue, I am not arguing with you, but I say, please allow me to preside.”

    Reacting, Dickson said, “Mr Senate President, you know we must have mutual respect for all our colleagues, and I do have regard for you, particularly, as our presiding officer and I think that should be reciprocal.”

    He maintained that his point of order was to draw the senators’ attention to the provision requiring them to break into a closed-door meeting first.

  • Reps pass Tinubu’s state of emergency rule in Rivers

    Reps pass Tinubu’s state of emergency rule in Rivers

    On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed and adopted President Tinubu’s proclamation by voice vote, with 243 members in attendance.

    Read Also: Tinubu swears in Ibas as Rivers administrator; Fubara, family, others vacate govt house

    The House also made recommendations to the proclamation.

    The House recommended that a national committee should be set up to mitigate and restore peace back to Rivers State.

    Secondly, the National Assembly should take over the activities of the state Assembly within six months.

    Details soon.