TodayPrice

Category: Politics

  • Tinubu is desperate to whip opponents to their knees — Niger Delta activist

    Tinubu is desperate to whip opponents to their knees — Niger Delta activist

    Niger Delta activist Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe has described President Bola Tinubu’s interventions in the Rivers crisis as part of the ploy to whip political opponents to the knees.

    Speaking on Arise TV on Thursday, March 20, 2025, Sara Igbe condemned the suspension of Siminalayi Fubara as Governor of Rivers State, stressing that the president has no power to do so.

    The activist also knocked the President for sparing his minister, Nyesom Wike, whom he accused of causing confusion in the Niger-Delta and other parts of the country.

    Describing the President’s action as illegal, Sara-Igbe said Tinubu suspended Fubara because he was desperate to decimate opposition parties.

    According to him, section 305 which the president applied in suspending Fubara should have been applied in the North where bandits and terrorists are taking lives of Nigerians.

    “In the case of Rivers State, there’s no war, no fight, the whole place is quiet and yet a state of emergency was declared. Not only that, an elected governor was suspended, the House of Assembly was also suspended. This is somehow not proper, it’s an illegal action.

    “Mr President seems to be desperate to whip opponents to their knees and Wike is the hatchet man of Mr President.”

    Prior to Fubara’s suspension, the activist said during Niger-Delta leaders’ meeting with Tinubu, the president blamed Fubara and spared his minister.

  • Emergency Rule: No court order restrains Ibas, Ehie clarifies

    Emergency Rule: No court order restrains Ibas, Ehie clarifies

    The Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Ehie Edison, has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that the state government obtained a court injunction to prevent Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (rtd) from resuming duties.

    In a statement personally signed on Thursday in Port Harcourt, Ehie described the reports as false and an attempt to escalate the already tense political atmosphere in the state.

    “Certain individuals are spreading misinformation that I secured an order from the Rivers State High Court preventing the Sole Administrator from assuming office at Government House, Port Harcourt,” he said.

    He further debunked claims that the alleged order stemmed from a fictitious lawsuit challenging the federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

    “Ordinarily, I would ignore such baseless social media rants from troublemakers seeking to create disaffection. However, to prevent the public from being misled, I must set the record straight. Even the originators of this falsehood couldn’t spell my name correctly or provide any credible legal details regarding the supposed lawsuit,” he added.

    The former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly urged the public to disregard the misinformation, emphasizing his commitment to peace and lawful conduct.

    “I remain law-abiding and committed to conducting my affairs peacefully. I urge the good people of Rivers State and Nigerians at large to treat this reckless post as an attempt to incite unnecessary anger and division,” Ehie stated.

  • Cartoon: Gold-medallist swimmers

    Cartoon: Gold-medallist swimmers

    Cartoon: Gold-medallist swimmers
    Cartoon: Gold-medallist swimmers
  • Confusion, allegation trail Anambra APC delegates congress

    Confusion, allegation trail Anambra APC delegates congress

    Awka—The All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congress in Anambra State has ended in confusion, with allegations that the eight-man congress committee has gone into hiding.

    The ward congress election, held across the 326 wards in 21 local government areas, was meant to select delegates for the gubernatorial primary election.

    However, the delay in announcing the results has created anxiety among the seven governorship aspirants cleared by the APC national secretariat in Abuja.

    The aspirants, including Sir. Paul Chukwuma, Prof. Obiora Francis Okonkwo, and Prince Nicholas Chukwujekwu Ukachukwu, are vying for the party’s flag bearer position ahead of the APC gubernatorial primaries on April 5, 2025.

    Accusations are flying, with some pointing fingers at the state leadership of the party,   which is allegedly attempting to compromise the exercise.

    However, the state chairman of APC, Chief Basil Ejidike downplayed the issue, saying that although there were small challenges, such challenges were not enough to derail the whole process.

    It was gathered that members of the state executive of the party are aligning with different aspirants, which is adding to the emerging confusion.

    In the meantime, three aspirants, one from Anambra North, one from Central, and the other from South, have become top contenders based on the voting pattern during the delegates’ election on March 15.

    An official of APC in the state said the confusion surrounding the ward congress has raised concerns about the party’s ability to manage the outcome, which could lead to a serious implosion and potentially cost the party the governorship contest on November 8, 2025.

    He said: “With the delegate elections largely concluded, all eyes are on the Election Supervision Committee. There is a widespread call for the committee to uphold transparency and fairness in the collation of results.

    “The credibility of the process is vital for the Anambra APC and the future of democracy in Nigeria. At the heart of democracy lies consensus-building and interest aggregation, principles that thrive on shared values and trust. These ideals cannot be bought or imposed, and nowhere was this more evident than in the Anambra APC delegate elections.

    “The election process was marred in a few  areas by skirmishes and acts of brigandage by rival aspirants to disrupt an otherwise peaceful process. These unfortunate incidents underscore a fundamental reality: desperation often takes over when inducement fails to sway committed party members.

    “However, the Anambra APC members have shown remarkable resilience and clarity of purpose, rejecting attempts to compromise the integrity of the process through violence or financial inducement.”

  • Tinubu acted in Nigeria’s interest — Rivers Assembly

    Tinubu acted in Nigeria’s interest — Rivers Assembly

    PORT HARCOURT—Suspended Rivers State House of Assembly has backed the declaration of state of emergency on the state by President Bola Tinubu, who removed the governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Prof Ngozi Nma Odu, from office.

    The assembly  in a statement signed by the speaker, Martin Chike Amaewhule, in Port Harcourt yesterday, claimed that the declaration was as a result of the refusal of the Governor of the state to adhere and implement the Supreme Court judgement in the state.

    He said: “The condition of our dear Rivers State today is mainly because of the malfeasance of the governor who serially disobeyed judgements and orders of courts, failed to govern the state in line with his oath of office and the constitution.

    “The governor’s despotic and tyrannical actions as confirmed by the courts in which he also unconstitutionally obstructed the Rivers State House of Assembly, which is an arm of government from functioning, underlies this situation.”

    Amaewhule promised that his team would abide by the declaration, adding that the appointment of a sole administrator for the state was in the best interest of Rivers.

    “As an Assembly, we assure you all, our constituents that we would abide by this declaration, even though it is not what we prayed for.

    ‘’The President has acted in the best interest of the country, therefore, we call on you all to remain calm as the sole administrator appointed by the President assumes his duty in the best interest of our state and nation.  Rest assured that we would give any kind of support required of Rivers State House of Assembly to the sole administrator in the best interest of our dear state.

    “Once again,we thank you all tor your continued support, prayers and understanding. We expect that you will all give the sole administrator the needed support to steer the ship of state during this period of emergency.”

  • NLC, TUC to Tinubu: Reverse emergency rule

    NLC, TUC to Tinubu: Reverse emergency rule

    ABUJA — THE Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC,  have condemned the recent declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of elected officers.

    The two labour centres said the action of the President blatantly violated the provisions of Part II, Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and constituted an overreach of executive power.

    Consequently, they demanded the immediate reversal of what they described as “unconstitutional state of emergency” in the interest of democracy, economic stability, and the welfare of Nigerian workers.

    A statement issued by the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero and his TUC counterpart, Comrade Festus Osifo, warned that Nigeria’s democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.

    The statement partly read: “The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, unequivocally condemn Mr. President’s hasty and unconstitutional declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

    “This action blatantly violates the provisions of Part II, Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and constitutes an overreach of executive power.

    “The purported suspension or removal of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the State House of Assembly is not only unlawful but a direct assault on democracy.

    “It sets a dangerous precedent, eroding constitutional governance and threatening the autonomy of subnational governments.

    “No democratic society can thrive where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed at the whims of the President. This reckless move should deeply concern every reasonable governor and citizen who believes in the rule of law.

    “We, therefore, call on Mr. President to revoke this unconstitutional declaration in compliance with Section 305(6) of the Constitution, which clearly outlines the legal process for declaring and sustaining a state of emergency.”

    They contended that the President, as the custodian of the nation’s executive powers, must exercise restraint, respect constitutional limits, and act in a manner that inspires national confidence rather than suspicion.

    The said any decision that jeopardizes national security, economic stability, and democratic governance must be reconsidered.

    According to the statement: “Nigeria has suffered the painful consequences of political overreach in the past, and we cannot afford to repeat such mistakes.

    “Beyond the political and legal implications, this unjustified state of emergency will have severe socio-economic repercussions on workers and the masses. It will disrupt economic activities, forcing businesses to shut down or scale back operations;

    “Lead to job losses, wage cuts, and economic hardship for thousands of workers in both the formal and informal sectors;

    “Create an atmosphere of uncertainty, discouraging investment and slowing economic growth in Rivers State and beyond;

    “Expose citizens to security risks, as history has shown that politically motivated states of emergency often escalate rather than resolve crises.

    “Accordingly,  the  Labour movement will not remain silent while the livelihoods of workers and the well-being of ordinary Nigerians are threatened by political machinations.

    “Given his storied background in political struggle, we urge Mr. President not to betray his democratic credentials by engaging in actions reminiscent of military-era authoritarianism.

    “Leadership demands wisdom, restraint, and an unwavering commitment to democratic principles.

    “We demand the immediate reversal of this unconstitutional state of emergency in the interest of democracy, economic stability, and the welfare of Nigerian workers. Nigeria’s democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.”

  • Senate approves chairman, 11 members for National Assembly Service Commission

    Senate approves chairman, 11 members for National Assembly Service Commission

    ABUJA – THE Senate has approved the appointment of Dr. Saviour Enyiekere as the Chairman, National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) and 11 others as members of the Commission.

    The Upper Chamber, however, stepped down the confirmation of the second member from South-East, Nnanna Kalu.

    The approval yesterday was sequel to the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service during plenary on Wednesday.

    Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Cyril Fasuyi, said the Chairman of the commission is Dr Saviour Enyiekere, South-South; Suleiman Hunkuyi, North-West, Yusuf Yusuf; North-West.

    Others are Aminu Malle; North-East; Alhaji Mahmud; North-East, Mark Terso; North-Central, Salihu Balogun; North Central, Taiwo Oluga; South-West, Afeez Ipesa-Balogun; South-West.

    “Festus Odii; South-East, Patrick Giwa; South-South, Mrs. Mary Ekpeyong; South-South”.

    According to Fasuyi, based on the findings, the committee is satisfied with their credentials, performance, experience and reputation, adding, “Mr. President, there is a point that I would like you to note. The Committee recommends that the Senate confirm the nominations of 12 out of the 13 members of the commission as chairman and members of NASC except the nominees from the south-east zone.

    “The member from the South-East Zone should be stepped down pending the outcome of the committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions.”

    In his contribution, Senator Seriake Dickson, PDP, Bayelsa West, who commended the chairman and members of his committee for doing a painstaking job, said: “But you see, what is worth doing is worth doing well. From inception till date, the state of Bayelsa, of the six states in the South-south has never produced a member of this commission.”

  • Okpebholo assures 2027 victory for Tinubu, as 17 of 18 acting LG chairmen defect to APC

    Okpebholo assures 2027 victory for Tinubu, as 17 of 18 acting LG chairmen defect to APC

    BENIN CITY – THE governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo on Wednesday consolidated his hold on the polity of the state when he received 17 Acting chairmen out of the 18 local government areas in the state where he predicted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would win the 2027 presidential election with a landslide.

    He received the defectors at the New Festival Hall of Government House, Benin City, where he praised the leadership style of President Tinubu adding that the steps that the previous administration was.. afraid to take that would have put the nation on a sound footing for development and growth is what he took by removing the contentious fuel subsidy.

    The Governor said his administration is ready to work to change the lives of the people for the better, adding that in just four months in office, he and his team have changed the narrative of Edo State.

    He said: “I welcome you all our Chairmen who have come to join us, and I praise you for the courage and bravery to leave your party to join the APC. It takes a grounded politician to take this step you have taken today.

    “Let me draw your minds back to where we are coming from as an administration. We practically met that Edo state was not working when we came into office. What we met in Edo were insecurity, killings, looting the Edo treasury using consultants to deceive Edo people and other backward policies implemented by the Obaseki led administration, but we came and changed the narrative.”

    He also thanked the councillors who spoke for their various communities through the impeachment exercises in the councils and subsequent election of these new chairmen across the 17 local government areas of Edo State.

    “2027 is a reality in Edo State as President Bola Amed Tinubu will continue in office. I charge the 17 of you today that the campaign for the election of President Bola Tinubu has started here today. Go back to your various local governments and erect his billboards to draw home the message of re-electing President Tinubu.

    “There is no vacancy in 2027 in Abuja. Those forming a political party now can’t rule us. They ruled their States and the people suffered from kidnapping, but since they left offices, their States are now free. Such people can’t rule Nigeria,” he declared.

    The party secretary who received the decampees on behalf of the APC, Lawrence Okah thanked the new members, urging them to unite with other members of the party as the administration of Governor Okpebholo has come to rescue the State from retrogression.

    Responding on behalf of the Chairmen, the ALGON chairman and chairman of Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, Hon. Kelvin Iyere thanked the Governor and all APC party faithful for accepting them into the fold of the APC.

    Reacting to the defection, the PDP alleged that the governor gave the defectors N2 million each.

    A statement by the Publicity Secretary of the Caretaker Committee of the PDP, Chris Nehikhare said “We condemn in the strongest terms the reckless use of state resources to purchase support and loyalty, while critical sectors of the state remain in dire need of government intervention, from security to public safety and order, revenue generation, education, and healthcare, among others.

    “The security crisis in the last few weeks has claimed the lives of at least 40 innocent Edo citizens, who are victims of the brutality of herders, kidnappers, and other violent attacks. The activities of thugs and non-state actors who have continued to harass, intimidate and extort citizens of the State have remained unabated, leaving the majority of residents in fear and causing a drastic fall in revenue generation.

    “As a party, we remain confident that the judiciary will correct the injustice of September 21, 2024, and return the stolen mandate to the PDP and Asue Ighodalo, whom the people of Edo State overwhelmingly voted for in the last governorship election so as to bring an end to Okpebholo and APC’s rascality in the State.”

  • Why Tinubu’s declaration of state of emergency in Rivers can’t stand – PDP

    Why Tinubu’s declaration of state of emergency in Rivers can’t stand – PDP

    ABUJA – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State, insisting that it violates the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and cannot stand.

    Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, after an emergency meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC), PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, stated that President Tinubu lacks the constitutional authority to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly.

    Ologunagba emphasized that no section of the Constitution grants the President the power to suspend or remove an elected governor under a state of emergency.

    “There is no provision in the Nigerian Constitution that gives President Tinubu the power to sack a duly elected governor, his deputy, or the State Assembly. This is a brazen violation of democracy and must be rejected by all Nigerians.”

    The PDP further argued that Tinubu’s action sets a dangerous precedent that could undermine Nigeria’s democracy.

    The party accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government of deliberately orchestrating the crisis in Rivers State to justify an illegal power grab.

    “It is now clear that the Rivers State crisis was manufactured to create a pretext for this unconstitutional action. The President is abusing power to weaken opposition-controlled states and impose a one-party dictatorship.”

    The PDP called on: The National Assembly to reject the state of emergency and prevent the illegal removal of Governor Fubara.

    The Supreme Court to uphold the Constitution and declare Tinubu’s action null and void.

    The international community to intervene and protect Nigeria’s democracy.

    “This reckless abuse of power must be resisted. Nigeria is a democracy, not a dictatorship. We call on all democratic forces to reject this illegality.”

    The PDP vowed to challenge the State of Emergency through all legal and political means to ensure that democracy is protected in Rivers State and across Nigeria.

  • Fubara remains Rivers governor – PDP

    Fubara remains Rivers governor – PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has insisted that Siminalayi Fubara remains the Governor of Rivers State, describing President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency as illegal, unconstitutional, and null and void.

    Addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, after an emergency meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC), PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, stated that Tinubu lacks the constitutional authority to remove a democratically elected governor, his deputy, or the State Assembly.

    Ologunagba reaffirmed the party’s position that Tinubu’s State of Emergency in Rivers State cannot stand, as it violates multiple provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    “The purported suspension of Governor Fubara is unconstitutional, impracticable, invalid, and completely out of the question. No provision of the Constitution empowers the President to dismantle a sub-national government or suspend a democratically elected governor under any circumstances.”

    He accused Tinubu of attempting to suspend the 1999 Constitution, overturn a democratic government, and impose an undemocratic regime, citing violations of Sections 1(2), 14(2)(a), 180, 217(2)(b)(c), and 305(2) of the Constitution.

    “The Constitution does not grant the President the power to dismantle a tier of government, appoint a sole administrator as governor, or override the duties of the State Assembly.”

    The PDP also accused President Tinubu of bypassing the National Assembly, a mandatory constitutional step, before a state of emergency can take effect.

    “Section 305(2) of the Constitution clearly states that the President must transmit the proclamation to the National Assembly, which must approve it before it takes effect. Tinubu’s order for immediate implementation is a blatant violation of the Constitution.”

    The party also condemned the revocation of the PDP National Secretariat’s Right of Occupancy (R of O) by the APC-led Federal Government, calling it a targeted attack on the opposition.

    “This attempt to revoke our National Secretariat’s land title is part of a broader scheme to weaken opposition forces and silence democracy in Nigeria.”

    The PDP urged: The National Assembly to invoke its legislative powers to stop Tinubu’s unconstitutional actions. The military and security agencies to remain neutral and uphold democratic principles. Nigerians and the international community to reject this assault on democracy.

    “Governor Fubara remains the elected Governor of Rivers State. The PDP stands firmly with him and the people of Rivers. President Tinubu must act as a ‘resolver’ of crises, not an ‘exacerbator’ of problems. Rivers State was at peace before this illegal declaration.”

    The PDP concluded by vowing to resist the unconstitutional takeover through all legal and democratic means.