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  • PANDEF alarmed by state of emergency declared in Rivers State

    PANDEF alarmed by state of emergency declared in Rivers State

    The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed deep concern over the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, describing the crisis as “ordinarily avoidable.”

    In a statement signed by its National Spokesman, Chief Dr. Obiuwevbi Christopher Ominimini, PANDEF noted that it is closely monitoring the situation and will soon release its official position.

    “For the past few months, Rivers State has been engulfed in political turmoil involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and 27 elected members of the State House of Assembly,” the statement read.

    Earlier today, President Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Odu, and all 27 elected lawmakers for an initial period of six months.

    “By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months,” the President stated.

    To oversee the state’s affairs, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator, citing the need to restore stability and protect the interests of the people of Rivers State.

    The decision has sparked widespread reactions, with various stakeholders voicing concerns over the implications of the emergency rule. PANDEF, a leading voice in the Niger Delta region, has pledged to assess the situation carefully before making further pronouncements.

    As tensions persist, all eyes remain on the federal government and the affected political figures in Rivers State.

  • Reject ‘presidential coup’ against Fubara, NNPP urges National Assembly

    Reject ‘presidential coup’ against Fubara, NNPP urges National Assembly

    ABUJA- THE National Working Committee, NWC of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, has described as an absurd political decision and a very dangerous precedent, the six-month suspension that was slammed on Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.

    The NNPP, while condemning the action of President Tinubu in very strong terms, said that having reviewed the political situation in Rivers State, it came to a conclusion that it had clearly not degenerated to the level of warranting a State of Emergency, adding that except for the inherent political interest in the State, a more reasonable solution could have been applied rather than emergency rule.

    The NNPP called on President Tinubu to immediately reverse its decision and also called on members of the National Assembly to reject what it described as tantamount to a “presidential coup against a constitutionally elected government of the people in Rivers State.”

    A statement on Wednesday by the National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson read, “NNPP declared that the action of the president was not only unconstitutional but also “an absurd political decision and a very dangerous precedent.”

    “The statement reviewed the political situation in Rivers State, noting that it had clearly not degenerated to the level warranting a State of Emergency, adding that except for the inherent political interest in the State, a more reasonable solution could have been applied rather than emergency rule.

    “Of course, the presidential fiat invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution is arbitrary in the circumstances, to say the least, particularly on the conditions precedent and implications for democracy and development of the country,” the statement said.

    “It is clearly a dangerous precedent which can only be interpreted as an absurd political manipulation on the part of the Federal Government.

    “Why the rush to proclaim a State of Emergency without the conditions precedent as required by law? Doesn’t the president’s action vitiate the rule of law he talked about in his speech? Hasn’t he, by this rash action shown us that he does not fully understand the long-term implications and have the requisite skills required to rule a complex country like Nigeria? Or is it about his Party’s much-touted political interest in Rivers State ahead 2027?

    “These are questions germane to this unfortunate decision which of course sends frightening signals both locally and internationally regarding the rule of law and overall state of things in our union”.

    The statement was unequivocal that President Bola Tinubu was ill-advised, saying that he should have acted as a father for the parties involved in the Rivers State quagmire instead of being seen as one-sided and vindictive.

    “Yes, this rational deduction could be gleaned even from the sequence of his speech which gives away Emergency Rule proclamation as a political orchestration towards a political end.

    “This sort of action was what the NNPP had warned Nigerians and the people of Kano against, which it saw being orchestrated by some evil forces during the Emirate crisis. But for the maturity of the Governor and the good people of Kano State who avoided being ‘tricked’ into taking their resistance onto the streets, the same scenario might have played out with an unjustifiable declaration of a State of Emergency in Kano State.

    “The NNPP, however, reckoned with the implication of the declaration of the State of Emergency for the economy, warning that it was a decision capable of triggering restlessness in the Niger Delta with disastrous effects on the national economy.

    “Now the challenge is how to deal with a possible implosion in the Niger Delta over this matter. Are we seeing signs of this as per the incidents in the State in the last few days and how this could affect oil production as the nation’s economic mainstay?

    “Calling on the Presidency to immediately reverse its decision, the Party also called on members of the National Assembly to reject what is tantamount to a “presidential coup against a constitutionally elected government of the people in Rivers State.

    “In conclusion, the Party called on Nigerians to be vigilant to any measures or actions by the government and the individuals within it that could jeopardize the nation’s democracy which, it said, was hard-earned and must be protected against impunity and ill-advised decisions and policies.”

  • 2023 SDP’s vice-presidential candidate, Kano gov candidate, 36 LGA chairmen, secretaries, others join APC

    2023 SDP’s vice-presidential candidate, Kano gov candidate, 36 LGA chairmen, secretaries, others join APC

    ABUJA – AHEAD of 2027 general elections, there was a major depletion in the family of the Social Democratic Party, SDP yesterday as the 2023 Vice Presidential candidate of the SDP, Engr. Yusuf Buhari and the party’s Kano State governorship candidate, Bala Mohammed Gwagwarawa have dùmped the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

    Also yesterday, as part of political realignment, members of the Kano State Working Committee of SDP, 38 local government chairmen and Secretaries, 13 Houses of Assembly candidates and 6 House of Representatives candidates dumped the SDP for the APC.

    This development is coming some weeks after the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufia left the APC for SDP, all permutations for 2027.

    The defection of the SDP’s chieftains yesterday at REIZ Continental Hotel, Abuja was facilitated by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, APC, Kano North.

    Addressing those who moved to APC, the Deputy President of the Senate who noted that the defection of the heavyweights of the SDP was a clear indication that the mission to use the party to tackle the APC in 2027 was dead on arrival, said, “Let me start by saying those who have been moving around, going around the country, trying to woo people to SDP, and thinking that their effort will give birth to a platform that will challenge the APC in the next election, the idea is confirmed to be dead on arrival. Dead on arrival.

    “Why do I say that? People have rejected that invitation. People have said no, we are not coming to your party. The former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido and others, who have been mentioned have said no.

    “And to add salt into an injury, those who are in the party (SDP) are now moving to our party, APC. The party is going to be empty. Today, the Vice Presidential Candidate, the Governorship Candidate in Kano State and other heavyweights in the SDP have joined APC.

    ” If we had postponed the meeting to tomorrow, we would have gotten almost all the candidates who stood under the banner of the party in various states being part of this. But we are going to do that in another day in the future.”

    Jibrin who assured them that they they would be treated equally and fairly in the APC, said, ” everybody is the same. So do not feel that you are coming in today and so you are not as important as those who have been in the party for long. No, you are all the same.”

    The Deputy President of the Senate who hailed the decampees for recognizing the progresses that are being recorded under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said, “Of course, as you said, when he came on board, he met a situation that was not palatable, but he brought in some reforms that are now being implemented and they are now working. It’s a good situation.

    “And we can see how the prices are going down. Prices are going down. Inflation is coming down and so many other things. I’m glad that that is the reason why you decided to move ahead with your people down to the APC.”

    In his remarks, the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje who warmly welcomed the prominent defectors, however assured them that they will be availed of all rights and privileges accorded all all party members.

    Represented by the Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, Ganduje described the defection as a transition “from darkness to light,” underscoring APC’s role as a beacon of transformative leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He describes them as “political heavyweights” with deep grassroots connections, and praised them for aligning with a party dedicated to national renewal.

    Ganduje who emphasized President Tinubu’s bold reforms across economic, social, and governance sectors, expressing confidence that Nigeria will emerge as one of the world’s most developed nations by the end of his tenure, said, ” APC is a party of inclusion, where every member enjoys equal rights to contest elections and contribute to nation-building,” Dr. Ganduje noted.

    Also speaking, a former governor of Kano State, Senator Kabiru Gaya who told the gathering that the SDP was already empty by the time El-Rufai joined it, said, “The party is dead because the Vice Presidential candidate is here, the Governorship Candidate of SDP is here, and all other stakeholders of SDP are here. So I’m sure today we are celebrating the burial of that party.

    ” I would say kudos to the Deputy Senate President for your effort to bring these important and heavyweight politicians to our party.”

    Why we left our party after El-Rufai’s defection, Yusuf Buhari, Gwagwarwa

    Informing the gathering on why they left the SDP following El- Rufai’s joining the SDP, the Vice Presidential Candidate of the SDP, Yusuf Buhari who explained that they were motivated to the APC by the successes being recorded under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said, “The fact of the matter is that everything is very clear. When this government came into power under the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there were a lot of problems on the ground. Even though we know that the former administration has done a lot, but there are still a lot of problems on the ground.

    “Amongst them was the issue of insecurity. The subsidy regime has gone upside down. And because of that, His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu had to instill very strong and very painful economic reforms. Whenever you try to come up with reforms, there have to be pains.

    “But after two years, we have started to see that these economic policies are yielding some fruits. The foreign exchange is beginning to stabilize. Prices of goods are coming down. Insecurity is being addressed by our military, by our brave armed forces. So hopefully, a lot of our men and women, especially in the rural areas, are going to go back to their farmlands, which is going to further reduce the cost of good prices,”

    Also speaking, the former gubernatorial candidate of the SDP in Kano, Bala Muhammad Gwagwarwa who noted that they decided to return to APC given the outstanding performance of President Tinubu in about two years and thanked the Deputy President of the Senate for laying the foundation for their defection, said, “Today we decided to come back to the family. APC is a family to me. I’m part and parcel of the founders of APC. Today, we decided to come back to APC because now the country is being governed by someone who knows politics, who knows the terrain of democracy. Someone who stood for democracy. Someone who believed in this country and who worked hard to make it better. That is the President, Senator, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

  • State of Emergency in Rivers: Disrespect for constituted authority – Bode George

    State of Emergency in Rivers: Disrespect for constituted authority – Bode George

    Former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it a blatant disregard for constituted authority.

    Reacting to the development, George said, “This is absolute Armageddon—total disrespect for constituted authority. The Constitution has been viciously violated.”

    He continued, “We can’t keep quiet. This is recklessness of the highest order. What did Fubara do? As Commander-in-Chief, Tinubu gave Wike soldiers and security agents to destabilize Rivers State. The governor has no control over security agencies, yet he remained calm. Nobody has explained what he did to warrant this dictatorial emergency rule.”

    George likened the situation to past political crises, stating, “This is exactly how it started in 1962 and 1983. It’s a dress rehearsal for what Tinubu wants to do in 2027. The APC wants to take control of all states through unconstitutional means.”

    He questioned the legality of Tinubu’s actions, asking, “Did he get National Assembly approval before his broadcast? What happened in Rivers is the hand of Esau and the voice of Jacob. Why didn’t he declare a state of emergency in Lagos when lawmakers were fighting? Why invite Diete-Spiff and Niger Delta leaders last week if he already planned this?”

    George concluded, “Is Tinubu now becoming a civilian dictator?”

  • Rivers: Military on high alert — Defence minister backs Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration

    Rivers: Military on high alert — Defence minister backs Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration

    Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has expressed his strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, emphasising that this decisive action is vital for restoring stability to the state’s turbulent political landscape.

    Matawalle stated that the declaration is a necessary measure to address the ongoing political crisis, which has hindered the delivery of democratic governance and the welfare of the people of Rivers State.

    He called on all political actors involved in the crisis to adhere to the President’s declaration and work collaboratively towards a peaceful resolution.

    A statement by the Minister’s office said, “In light of the current situation, the Nigerian Military is on high alert to safeguard government infrastructure and ensure the security of the citizens”.

    He “warned that any attempts to attack government facilities or disrupt public order will be met with a resolute response from security forces”.

    Reflecting on the President’s address regarding the state of emergency, he acknowledged the gravity of the political crisis in Rivers State and the urgent need for intervention.

    He highlighted the unfortunate demolition of the House of Assembly by the state governor, which has left the state without a functioning legislature for over fourteen months.

    This action has contributed to the ongoing political impasse and the inability of the government to effectively serve the people.

    The Minister also noted the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, which reaffirmed the constitutional necessity of a functioning legislature and condemned the governor’s actions as unconstitutional.

    He emphasized that the court’s findings call for immediate restoration of democratic governance in the state.

    Matawalle further expressed concern over recent reports of vandalism and threats from militants, underscoring the need for a unified effort to restore peace and security.

    He reiterated that the Federal Government is committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens and the protection of vital infrastructure in Rivers State.

    In addition, the Minister of State reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Defence and the Nigerian Armed Forces to upholding national security and ensuring that Rivers State returns to peace, stability and democratic governance.

    The Minister urged all stakeholders to embrace this opportunity for renewed governance and cooperation and expressed hope that the state of emergency will pave the way for a peaceful and democratic Rivers State, benefitting all its residents.

  • Photos: Akpabio visits Wike in Abuja

    Photos: Akpabio visits Wike in Abuja

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday visited the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, at his residence in Abuja.

    Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, revealed this on his X account.

    “The Uncommon Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during his visit to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in his residence today,” Olayinka wrote.

    Though the purpose of the visit was not immediately clear, it occurred before President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara and state lawmakers for six months in the first instance.

    Wike is a former governor of Rivers State and has been in a running battle with Fubara.

  • State of Emergency: Take a cue from Rivers or…, APC scribe tells Gov Adeleke

    State of Emergency: Take a cue from Rivers or…, APC scribe tells Gov Adeleke

    ABUJA— THE National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, yesterday, described the presidential declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, urging Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to take a cue from Rivers as a “state of emergency may also be apposite.”

    Basiru, who noted that there has been a breakdown of law and order, said Rivers was already becoming a failed state.

    He urged Governor Adeleke of Osun State to allow the court reinstated local government councils to operate.
    He said: “It is a welcome positive decision from President Bola Tinubu to restore law and order to Rivers State which was already becoming a failed state with negative consequences on the citizens of the state.

    “It is disheartening that both the executive and legislative arms of Rivers state had abdicated their constitutional responsibilities of securing the welfare and security of the people of Rivers state in the quest for a fight to finish political brigandage.

    “It is hoped that the Osun Governor takes a cue from this development and allow the court reinstated local government councils to operate as otherwise a state of emergency may also be apposite.”

    ALGON recognises reinstated Osun LG chairmen

    Meanwhile, following the crisis that rocked local government secretariats in Osun State over its control, the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON, yesterday, recognised the reinstated council officials.

    The All Progressives Congress, APC, and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have been locked in a supremacy battle over control of the council.

    However, ALGON in a letter by its Acting Director-General, Mrs Evan Ekekwe and National President, Engr. Bello Lawal, stated that having followed the development in the state, it decided to recognise the reinstated officials as the legal officers.

    While condemning the wanton destruction of property and loss of lives that accompanied the local government crisis in the state, ALGON disclosed its readiness to abide by the rule of law.

    The statement reads: “ALGON is law-abiding Association that believes in the rule of law and consequently will uphold the decision of the Court of Appeal which reinstated you and your peers as the legal Council Chairmen in Osun State.

    “ALGON will recognize you as such. However, we plead caution, tolerance and maturity in navigating the precarious situation.

    “ALGON’s leadership will reach out to the leadership of NULGE to seek their intervention and appeal to Local Government staff in Osun State to resume their lawful duties.”

    Confirming the letter, the ALGON chairman in Osun State, Mr Abiodun Idowu, pleaded with workers across the councils to resume their duty posts in the state’s interest.

    Idowu said: “We have received a copy of a letter from ALGON recognising us as legal executives of the Osun State councils, we are currently talking to NULGE on the need for the workers to resume their duties posts.
    “On the issue of rumoured settlement from Osun State Government to our members, we are not aware of it and we have no business of negotiating with anyone as we have been legally reinstated already.”

  • Rivers: NBA blasts Tinubu, condemns suspension of Fubara, calls it unconstitutional

    Rivers: NBA blasts Tinubu, condemns suspension of Fubara, calls it unconstitutional

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly opposed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and his suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

    The NBA, in a statement released on March 18, 2025, by its president, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, emphasized that the President lacks constitutional power to unilaterally remove elected officials under the guise of emergency rule.

    President Tinubu, in his national address, cited rising political tensions and recent acts of pipeline vandalism as justification for the emergency declaration.

    However, the NBA argues that such actions, while concerning, do not meet the constitutional threshold for suspending an elected government.

    The NBA pointed to Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which governs the procedure for declaring a state of emergency. While this section grants the President emergency powers, it does not allow for the removal or suspension of elected officials. The NBA stressed that the only constitutional method for removing a governor or deputy governor is through impeachment as outlined in Section 188.

    Furthermore, the removal of lawmakers must adhere to electoral laws and constitutional provisions. The NBA insisted that a state of emergency does not equate to an automatic dissolution of an elected government, and any attempt to do so is an overreach of executive power.

    The NBA also highlighted that Tinubu’s emergency declaration requires approval from the National Assembly within two days if in session, or ten days if not. Until such approval is granted, the declaration remains legally ineffective.

    Condemning the move as a “dangerous affront” to democracy, the NBA warned that allowing the suspension of elected officials under emergency rule could set a precedent for removing state governments based on political considerations. It urged the National Assembly to reject any attempt to ratify the unconstitutional suspension of Rivers State officials.

    The NBA called on all stakeholders, including the judiciary, civil society, and international observers, to monitor the situation closely. It reaffirmed its commitment to upholding Nigeria’s democracy and urged the federal government to resolve political conflicts through constitutional and legal mechanisms, not executive orders.

    The association concluded by insisting that Nigeria’s democracy must be protected at all costs, warning that any unconstitutional interference in state governance threatens the nation’s democratic stability.

  • Rivers: PDP faction faults impeachment notice to Fubara, deputy

    Rivers: PDP faction faults impeachment notice to Fubara, deputy

    The factional leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Working Committee in Rivers, led by Mr Nname Ewor, has condemned the impeachment notice against the governor and deputy by the Rivers House of Assembly.

    The committee also said that the impeachment of Gov. Siminalaye Fubara was not part of the Supreme Court order.

    Ewor, at a media briefing on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, urged the Martins Amaewule-led House of Assembly to follow the part of peace towards implementation of the Feb. 28 Supreme Court ruling.

    According to him, impeachment was not part of the judgment, therefore, the House cannot at the moment contemplate it, especially when the governor is working towards implementing the ruling.

    Ewor also, urged Gov. Siminalaye Fubara to faststrack the implementation of the ruling as well as ensure administrative stability at the grassroots by conducting the local government election.

    ”We urge you (Fubara) to fully implement the Supreme Court judgment and also conduct the local government election since you had graciously dissolved the immediate past chairmen and councillors in adherence to the Supreme court.

    ”We urge you to remain committed in your efforts to re-presenting the 2025 appropriation bill though your first attempt at accomplishing this task was resisted by the lawmakers.

    ‘’We, however, look forward to positive outcome on the rescheduled March 19 for the budget presentation,” he said.

    Ewor urged the governor to pay less attention to the issue of impeachment notice as it is not part of the Supreme Court judgment.

    He also urged members to embrace peace and cooperate with the governor in his efforts towards actualizing the 2025 budget presentation.

    This, he said, among other demands by the Supreme Court, would put an end to the political unrest in the state

  • Wike revokes PDP’s new secretariat land

    Wike revokes PDP’s new secretariat land

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike has approved the revocation of the land housing the new National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), located in the Central Business District, Abuja.

    The multi-level Secretariat building which has remained uncompleted for 20 years, is situated in a prime location within the city centre.

    Work commenced on the 12-story building project initially estimated to cost N16 billion in 2008.

    However, after the party raised over N62billion from fundraising activities including a well-attended dinner and the sale of forms during over four electoral cycles, the project has remained uncompleted.

    A letter confirming the revocation was signed by the Director, Land Administration, Chijoke Nwankwoeze, on behalf of the Minister.

    It was dated 13th, March 2025 and addressed to the PDP National Chairman, was made public, in Abuja, on Tuesday.

    The letter with reference number: MISC 81346 titled: Notice of Revocation of Right of Occupancy in Respect of Plot Number 243 within Central Area (A00) District, Abuja, read in part:

    “I have been directed to refer to the above Right of Occupancy granted to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), National Secretariat and inform you that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has in the exercise of powers conferred on him under the Land Use Act No.6 of 1978, Cap L5, Laws of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, revoked your rights, interests and privileges over Plot No. 243 within Central Area, Cadastral Zone A00, Abuja.

    “The revocation is in view of your continued contravention of the terms and conditions of grant of the Right of Occupancy by failing to pay the annual ground rents due on the property for twenty (20) years, from 1st of January 2006 to 1st of January 2025.

    “This is despite the many publications made by the FCT Administration since 2023 in several national dailies and on electronic media requesting all allottees of plots in the Federal Capital Territory to pay up every outstanding bills and ground rents on their properties.

    “You would please note that the said breaches by Peoples Democratic Party, National Secretariat (MISC 81346) run contrary to the provisions of Section 28, Subsection 5 (a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.

    “lam to further inform you that the subject property (Plot No. 243 Central Area, Cadastral Zone A00, Abuja) has thus reverted to the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Administration will take immediate possession thereof.”

    An official response was still being awaited from the PDP as at the time of filing this report.