Tag: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

  • Tinubu to inaugurate PH road, Aba

    Tinubu to inaugurate PH road, Aba

    UMUAHIA—President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is expected in Abia State to inaugurate the reconstructed Port Harcourt Road Aba, before May 29.

    Governor Alex  Otti who disclosed this during a media parley Wednesday night, in Umuahia, said the 6.5-kilometre strategic road would be handed over to the state Ministry of Works  in a week as the contractor, Julius Berger, had completed the project.

    Otti awarded the contract for the reconstruction of the road shortly after assuming office in 2023, with a completion date of two years.

    The Governor also said President Tinubu would, during the visit, flag off the proposed Abia Medical City project estimated to gulp a whopping 1.3 billion US Dollars.

    He explained that the medical city, a flagship medical project of his administration when completed, would end overseas medical tourism by Abians and other Nigerians.

    Gov. Otti who said the city would serve as a referral medical centre in the West African sub-region, added that it would be generating about 200 million dollars for the state per annum.

    The Governor who said his administration had posted some remarkable achievements in the health sector “less than two years of being in charge”, added that 103 out of the ongoing 200 Primary Health Centres projects had attained 70 percent completion.

    Otti who said work was also progressing in the remaining 97 PHCs, assured that all 900 PHCs across the state, “will receive the touch of the new Abia”.

    The Governor who said several General Hospitals were also receiving attention at the same time, explained that the aim was to ensure the availability of quality and affordable health service in all public medical facilities in the state.

    He disclosed that his administration had approved the engagement of additional health workers to bridge the yawning gap in healthcare service delivery, adding that financial provisions have already been made to pay the new hands.

    The Governor further explained that apart from the 200 PHCs currently being renovated and equipped by the State Government, the World Bank, “is also renovating additional 68 PHCs in the state”.

    He said his administration was very intentional about investments in the health, infrastructure, and education sectors considering their critical importance in the development of any society.

    The Governor revealed that school enrollment in Abia had soared to 700,000 following the free and compulsory education policy of his administration from primary school to Junior secondary three.

    He said that the upsurge in students’ enrollment, informed the recent directive by his administration to engage additional 4000 teachers besides the initial 5000 being recruited.

    “Beyond recruiting new teachers, we are also ensuring that our teachers receive the necessary training to be able to provide the needed quality education that can make our products globally competitive”, Otti said.

    “We are paying special attention to mathematics, science, and technology so we can have tech experts and gurus in robotics”, the Governor added.

    Responding to a question, Gov. Otti said he was not aware that pensioners of the Abia State University Uturu, ABSU, were owed 24 months, and directed the Commissioner for Tertiary Education to investigate the claims and furnish him with the facts for necessary action.

    He said that the 5000-bed hostel he recently directed to be built for the institution would be ready in three months.

    The Governor added that he had also directed the renovation of old students’ hostels in the institution to make them conducive for students.

    Otti who thanked Abians for their sustained support to his administration, assured that more transformations would be witnessed in the months ahead.

  • 2027: Northern group pledges 2m votes for Tinubu

    2027: Northern group pledges 2m votes for Tinubu

    The Northern Nigeria Youths Union (NNYU), has promised to garner over two million votes for President Bola Tinubu during the 2027 General Elections.

    The Chairman of the union, Abubakar Aliyu, discussed this on Wednesday shortly after the conclusion of a major meeting held in Jos, Plateau.

    “We are speaking after the conclusion of a large gathering of young men and women who have committed themselves to contributing to the journey of Tinubu.

    “This is after seeing how he is implementing a myriad of developmental projects across the country, especially in the Northern parts of Nigeria,” Aliyu said in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna.

    The chairman, who is also the Galadiman Takai, cited Tinubu’s recent inauguration of the construction of the Abuja to Kaduna to Kano Highway.

    Aliyu said, “This is a road that has three lanes on each side, which will attract more developments to the North and the entire country.”

    He also referenced the phenomenal decline in the prices of food stuffs during just-concluded Ramadan’ fast, averring, “everyone glaringly witnessed this feat.

    “The prices of various goods had also nosedived and even the price of fuel had reduced significantly.

    “We in our organisation, the Northern Nigeria Youth Union, assure the president that when the election comes, we will give him more than two million votes.”

    Aliyu stated that the union had registered members, Muslims and Christians, all volunteers in each of the 19 Northern states.

    He added, “It is is not that we were given money from somewhere, we are just volunteers with patriotism.

    “Considering our large membership, when the elections are held, we will also attract the attention of many people to cast their votes for Tinubu.

    ” Therefore, with a large membership of over 65,000 people, and the efforts we will make to get people with voter’s cards, will ensure that we generate the votes for Tinubu.

    “This is a guarantee that this will indeed be done.”

    The chairman, however, called on Tinubu to ensure that all his political appointees were closely monitored.

    “This call becomes necessary so that the people could be properly cared for as per the constitutional provisions,”Aliyu explained.

  • Buhari’s men pass confidence vote on Tinubu

    Buhari’s men pass confidence vote on Tinubu

    ABUJA: Against reports of discontent among members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change CPC, one of the legacy parties which formed the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, leaders of the bloc have passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu.

    The CPC bloc had former President Muhammadu Buhari as its leader before the merger to form the APC.
    Since the defection of one of its members and a former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir el-Rufai to Social Democratic Party, SDP, there had been concerns that the CPC bloc in the APC was feeling marginalized and planning to ditch the ruling party.

    The bloc in a resolution, yesterday, said: “Recent misleading narratives suggesting defection or discontent among CPC stakeholders are baseless, mischievous, and should be disregarded.

    “We remain a vital part of the APC, fully committed to its leadership and vision.”

    Those who signed the resolutions include a former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Umaru Al-Makura, former Governor of Katsina State and ex-House Speaker, Aminu Masari, Mallam Adamu Adamu, Senator Ibrahim Musa, Senator Mustafa Salihu, Farouk Aliyu, Almajiri Geidam, Waziri Bulama, Dr. Nasiru Argungu and Dr. Dominic Alancha.

    Others were Ayuba Balami, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, Lucy Ajayi, Captain Bala Jibrin, Uche Ufearoh, Alh. Yusuf Salihu, Abubakar Maikudi, Engr. Mutallib Badmus, Alh. Muhammed Datti, Muhammed Etsu, Chief Jerry Johnson and Alh. Alkali Ajikolo.

    Part of the resolutions read: “We, the undersigned leaders and dedicated members of the former CPC, instrumental in the historic merger that birthed the APC, issue this statement to reaffirm our unwavering loyalty to our great party and express our strong solidarity with the administration of President Tinubu.

    “Recent misleading narratives suggesting defection or discontent among CPC stakeholders are baseless, mischievous, and should be disregarded. We remain a vital part of the APC, fully committed to its leadership and vision.

    “We categorically state that we have neither left the APC nor do we intend to leave. The CPC bloc remains one of the APC’s foundational pillars, and we are resolute in our commitment to the party and its progressive ideals.

    “As a legacy party within the APC, we take pride in the sacrifices made to build a platform that fosters national unity, justice, and development. We will not allow individuals to dismantle the party we helped build through years of tireless dedication.

    “Attempts to sow disunity within the party and the country do not reflect the will or position of genuine CPC core members and are wholly unacceptable.

    “We fully endorse the economic and governance reforms led by President Tinubu. While these policies may present challenges, they are crucial steps toward rebuilding our economy and securing a prosperous future for all Nigerians. We urge patience and collective support as their benefits unfold.

    “We acknowledge that some members may feel sidelined, but such concerns are not unique to any one bloc. We encourage those affected to seek redress through established constitutional channels within the party, rather than resorting to negative public agitation or hasty exits.

    “At this pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, all APC members, especially those deeply rooted in the party’s formation, must work together to preserve its legacy and consolidate Nigeria’s democracy. Actions that undermine our unity and national stability must be avoided.

    “We urge APC leadership to increase engagement with members at all levels. Strengthening internal communication will foster inclusiveness, reduce tensions, and enhance support for the party’s programs. Party unity must be continuously nurtured to sustain past gains and secure a prosperous future.

    “We therefore reaffirm our loyalty to the APC and our steadfast support for President Tinubu. The CPC family remains a crucial pillar of the APC and will continue to play a responsible role in its growth and in Nigeria’s progress.”

  • Tinubu approves N20bn take-off fund for NASRDA’s space regulation project

    Tinubu approves N20bn take-off fund for NASRDA’s space regulation project

    The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) is set to commence the implementation of its space regulation and licensing mandate with N20 billion take-off fund approved by President Bola Tinubu.

    The Director-General of NASRDA, Dr Matthew Adepoju, said this on Thursday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    Adepoju said the regulatory function of the agency as encapsulated in NASDRA Act (2010) had remained unfulfilled since its establishment in 1999.

    He spoke against the background of NASRDA stakeholders’ workshop on space regulation scheduled for April 8.
    He said on assumption of office he raised a memo to President Bola Tinubu on the need to enforce the regulatory functions of NASDRA.

    According to him, this is in line with the provisions of Section 6 and 9 of the laws establishing it, adding that Tinubu eventually approved the take-off fund.

    “When I raised that memo stating that our space can no longer be unregulated, Mr President graciously approved the take-off fund of N20 billion few months ago.

    “This is to enable us to commence the space regulation and spectrum management in Nigeria.

    “Although times and lots of activities happen that have security implications but if we don’t take charge of our space sector, it will continue to be misused,’’ Adepoju said.

    Adepoju said the agency was yet to access the N20 billion, adding that release of funds was always subject to its availability.

    “Within the framework of what is possible for us to do now, we’ve set up the platform and we are commencing our regulatory and licensing functions,” he told NAN.

    He explained that the space sector had three segments, the upstream, midstream and downstream.

    “We have the upstream, which is deep space, the midstream, which is in between the space objects, such as satellites and the planet Earth.

    “We have the downstream, which has to do with ground stations, activities and people who are utilising space products and services.

    “In between these three sectors, there are activities that must be regulated otherwise Nigerians will be short-changed.

    “People have to be licensed and issued guidelines, the spectrum within Nigeria has to be monitored and the agency has been granted this power since 2010 and this has lots of benefits,’’ he said.

    Adepoju said the platform for the licensing was ready and open to both public and private sector operators in the space arena.

    The licensing, he said, was available for people using and providing space products and services.

    He emphasised the need for strict oversight of satellite image providers, geographic information system operators, satellite-based telecommunication and broadcasting services, among others.

    He also said that if unregulated, geographical data intelligence could be exploited by non-state actors for illicit activities.

    The Director-General further told NAN that the initiative would enhance national security, economic diversification and local content development.

    He said it would also generate revenue from sub-sectors such as oil and gas, shipping and telecommunications relied on space products for their operations.

  • 2027: Finding alternative political party, our main hurdle — Anti-Tinubu coalition

    2027: Finding alternative political party, our main hurdle — Anti-Tinubu coalition

    ABUJA: Ahead of the 2027 general election, the new broad-based coalition of opposition leaders say they are on the verge of reaching a final consensus on its structure and modus operandi, noting that its main hurdle had been finding an alternative political party.

    The coalition noted that while the issue of zoning is being raised by some individuals, the matter had not been formally discussed at its meetings.

    It added that at this stage of negotiations, the main focus was around getting leaders to agree to work together, as “there is strong recognition that prospective members should set aside personal ambitions to contest the 2027 elections.”

    The coalition disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja and signed by Salihu Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman, Northwest, of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

    Last Thursday, some opposition leaders had at a news conference in Abuja, opposed the presidential declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

    They also said the group would work as a coalition to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.

    Those in the forefront of the coalition are former vice president and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party LP, Mr Peter Obi, former Governor of Kaduna state, Malam Nasir el-Rufai and Tinubu’s estranged ally and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Babachir Lawal.

    They are joined in the coalition by some aggrieved elements of the APC including a former Governor of Nasarawa State and former National Chairman of the APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu; former Rivers state Governor and ex-Transport minister, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and; former Ekiti state Governor and ex-Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi.

    Lukman noted that while responding to a question during the press conference, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had confirmed that the formation of a coalition ahead of 2027 general election was going on.
    According to Lukman, this has generated wide interests and national debates with varied interpretations.
    He said in order to set the records straight, it was important to state that negotiations were ongoing, adding that nothing had been finalized.

    “Once concluded, formal announcements will be made with all the details regarding composition of membership, programme of action towards 2027, framework for contesting the 2027 elections, etc,” he stated.
    According to him, consultations are in advanced stages, basically reaching out to prospective members of the coalition, mapping out issues for agreements among members.

    He said: “At this stage of negotiations, the main focus is around getting leaders to agree to work together and substantially there is strong recognition that prospective members should set aside personal ambitions to contest the 2027 elections.

    “The second issue being negotiated is the political party that will be the platform for the 2027 electoral contest. These two issues are carefully being negotiated. While acknowledging that with respect to the requirement for members to set aside personal ambitions, there are strong interests being expressed around issues of zoning by individual leaders, these issues are yet to be formally discussed at any consultation meeting.

    “The speculation, therefore, by some media analysts about disagreements stalemating the coalition negotiation is not true. The consensus among leaders is that the final decision about processes of candidates’ selection can only be handled and determined when there is agreement regarding the political party on whose platform the coalition will field candidates.

    “The question of negotiating the political party is the most difficult challenge. This is an area that many members of the coalitions have been engaging in different ways for more than a year now. Perhaps, it is important to highlight that there are many groups, including some members of the coalition, who have filed applications to register political parties.

    “For reasons best known to INEC, these applications are being frustrated. The only conclusion that can be reached in the circumstance is that INEC has decided that it will not register new parties.

    “To make matters worse, many of the existing registered parties who did not meet the electoral threshold of winning any seat in the last general elections face the threat of deregistration. Given this unpleasant reality, members of the coalition opened negotiations with some of the existing parties that have met the electoral threshold.

    ‘’Interestingly, somehow, some of the prospective parties being negotiated are being remotely pushed into crises mode in the same way PDP, Labour Party and NNPP have been entangled with existential problems. It is almost a clear case of destroying the legal basis for any party to qualify to field candidates for 2027 other than the ruling APC,” he added.

    Allegation’s untrue – INEC

    However, INEC yesterday disclaimed the allegations, saying associations which meet the requirements for registration as political parties would be duly registered.

    Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, said the commission had had to even notify political associations when they file incomplete documents for registration as parties.

    Reacting to the allegation, Oyekanmi said: “It is not true, the commission will not frustrate any association seeking registration as a political party. We operate a transparent process. There are conditions to be fulfilled and there is an application procedure to be followed, as contained in the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties (2022).

    “There are documents to be submitted and verified, and there are different stages of an application. An applicant needs to be in compliance with all the requirements and must also submit genuine documents.
    “If there are issues during the application process, the commission will immediately inform the applicant to rectify such areas.’’

  • Suspension of Rivers Gov, Lawmakers: South-south tackles Tinubu blow-by-blow

    Suspension of Rivers Gov, Lawmakers: South-south tackles Tinubu blow-by-blow

    •President lacks the power to sack elected gov, dep gov, lawmakers – Leaders, stakeholders
    •Brokered unrealistic peace accord between Gov Fubara, Wike
    •It’s incorrect to say the governor ignored the Supreme Court judgment
    •Fubara is wrong to demolish the Assembly complex without providing an alternative venue
    •Both Tinubu and Fubara mismanaged the crisis

    Is President Tinubu unaware that Fubara withdrew his case in court but the lawmakers refused to do so?

    Rising from a meeting with the nation’s security chiefs, leaders, and principal officials of the National Assembly on March 18, President Bola Tinubu, citing several other reasons, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor, his deputy, and lawmakers.

    In a nationwide broadcast, he asserted, “I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State. Like many of you, I watched the development with the hope that the parties involved would allow good sense to prevail as soon as possible, but all that hope burned out without any solution to the crisis.

    ”With the crisis persisting, there is no way democratic governance, which we have all fought and worked for over the years, can thrive in a way that will redound to the benefit of the good people of the state. The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started, with the good people unable to access the dividends of democracy.

    “Also, it is public knowledge that the Governor of Rivers State for unjustifiable reasons, demolished the House of Assembly of the state as far back as 13th December 2023 and has, up until now, fourteen (14) months after, not rebuilt same.

    “I have made personal interventions between the contending parties for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, but my efforts have been largely ignored by the parties to the crisis. I am also aware that many well-meaning Nigerians, Leaders of Thought, and patriotic groups have also intervened at various times with the best of intentions to resolve the matter but efforts were also to no avail. Still, I thank them.

    “On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court, in a judgment in respect of about eight consolidated appeals concerning the political crisis in Rivers State, based on several grave unconstitutional acts and disregard of the rule of law that have been committed by the Governor of Rivers State as shown by the evidence before it pronounced in clear terms:

    ‘A government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state under the 1999 Constitution as amended. In this case, the head of the executive arm of the government has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him to govern without the legislature as a despot. As it is there is no government in Rivers State.’

    “The above pronouncement came after a catalog of judicial findings of constitutional breaches against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    “In their judgment, having found and held that 27 members of the House who had allegedly defected,
    ‘are still valid members of Rivers State House of Assembly, and cannot be prevented from participating in the proceedings of that House by the 8th Respondent (that is, the governor) in cohorts with four members.’
    “The Supreme Court, then, made orders to restore the state to immediate constitutional democracy. These orders include the immediate passing of an Appropriation Bill by the Rivers State House of Assembly, which up till now, has not been facilitated.

    “Some militants had threatened fire and brimstone against their perceived enemy of the governor who has up till now NOT disowned them.

    “Apart from that, the House and the governor have not been able to work together.

    “The latest security reports made available to me show that between yesterday and today there have been disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by some militant without the governor taking any action to curtail them. I have, of course, given stern orders to the security agencies to ensure the safety of the lives of the good people of Rivers State and the oil pipelines.

    ”With all these and many more, no good, and responsible President will stand and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the Constitution to address the situation in the state, which no doubt requires extraordinary measures to restore good governance, peace, order and security.

    “In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State, having failed to request me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th March 2025 and I so do.

    “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 six months.”

    He announced his nomination of a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Retd.) as Administrator of the state.

    Some Nigerians blamed the president for his action, which they described as unconstitutional, and others said it was timely and pragmatic of him to prevent the political crisis in Rivers State from consuming the state and nation.

    Many believe those who blew up the pipelines played into the hands of President Tinubu and Wike. However, there was palpable fear that militants, who, in 24 hours, exploded two oil facilities in the state could inflict more havoc on the nation’s economy if not quickly checked by Tuesday evening when the president declared a state of emergency in the state.

    Destroying oil facilities was the last card some Ijaw tribesmen of the governor, Siminalayi Fubara, believe they could use to countermand Tinubu and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, should the Speaker, Martin Amaehule- led House of Assembly, devoted to the minister, play the impeachment card.

    And, as soon as the lawmakers served the governor and his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu notices of misconduct on Monday, March 17, the boys in the creek swung into action. First was a detonation of the Tran Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, on the same day. The second was an oil facility in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, on Tuesday, less than 24 hours.

    Unknown to them, these two attacks and the danger they posed to the nation’s economy were the picture-perfect alibi President Tinubu and Wike sought to consummate the declaration of a state of emergency in the state. This is in addition to the Supreme Court ruling last month that, “There is no government in Rivers State.”

    Those familiar with the political dynamics unfolding in Rivers State know that Tinubu has done everything to satisfy his political ally, Wike, who installed Fubara. An entitled Wike thinks Fubara betrayed him after he made him governor, and swore to deal with him.

    The probability is that within six months of the Administrator, Fubara will come cap in hand begging for a cease-fire with Wike. In the circumstance, they would arm-twist him to kowtow to Wike’s orders to govern the state and finally, embrace all steps to hand over the state to APC in 2027.

    Fubara had thought the central road they would follow to oust him was impeachment which he and his strategists had planned to frustrate, they did not imagine an elected governor being suspended under a state of emergency in a democratic dispensation.

    Many South-South leaders and stakeholders, who picked point by point the president’s excuses for his action, faulted most of his claims, while a few others vindicated him.

    The Ibenanaowei (traditional ruler) of Ekpetiama Kingdom in Bayelsa State, and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo; Coordinator General of Edo Unity League, in Benin City, Edo State, Prof Akenuwa Obarogie; and a former national spokesman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) HRH Anabs Sara-Igbe, who scrutinized the president’s explanations for his action, and faulted most of his claims.

    The former national spokesperson of the Movement for the Survival of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta, Clarkson Amaebi; and Lawson Oyoyo, a legal practitioner and activist, and the convener of the Ogoni Development Drive, ODD, Comrade Solomon Lenu, also put the president on the hot seat.

    But, the Convener of the Convener South- South Reawakening Group, Elder Joseph Ambakederimo, exonerated the president in some areas, while Zik Gbemre, Coordinator of the Niger Delta Peace Coalition vindicated him.

    Tinubu’s peace terms for Fubara and Wike – Prof Obaragie

    ”In fairness, the President brokered a half-baked peace accord. The accord was euphemistic because it merely scratched the surface, rather than a root cause analysis of the crisis.”

    “ Rather than instruct the FCT Minister to stop meddling in Rivers State political issues, and refrain from waging native war against the governor, the president merely asked the governor to continually accord Wike his due respect, and allow the 27 warmongering Assembly members to do their legislative business.

    It was a poor judgment on the part of the president – HRM Dakolo

    “Yes, the intervention of Mr. President may be good from his point of view, but is it the same way the people of River State see those interventions?

    “Some said that the intervention, which Governor Fubara followed hook line and sinker was not obeyed by the Wike’s group.”

    HRH Sara-Igbe

    “It is a one-sided agreement by Mr. President, and Governor Fubara complied with the peace terms.
    “As a peace-loving man, he immediately withdrew all his cases in the court but Amaewhule and the 26 lawmakers refused to do so. Is Mr. President saying that he is not aware of that fact? Nigerians have been watching the trend of events in the state and they know the truth”.

    “Fubara craved for peace but Wike and the lawmakers were busy stoking the crisis. Wike was busy threatening and insulting elders in the state. He was boasting about impeaching Fubara. We all saw what his handpicked loyalists in the Assembly did even after the Supreme Court judgment by serving the governor an impeachment notice”.

    Amaebi

    “The president did not make any genuine effort to resolve the crisis. He only gave an eight-point directive to the governor without any corresponding directive to Wike. Despite the skewed directive, Fubara initiated the implementation by withdrawing the pending suit against the House of Assembly which turned out to be his nemesis.”

    Oyoyo Esq.

    “In what many Nigerians remarked to be a pre-arranged peace agreement between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, President Tinubu, in his second effort to broker peace between them came up with an 8-point agenda.”

    Gbemre

    “I will not blame Bola Ahmed Tinubu on this, he called both parties involved in the Rivers State crisis to the Presidential Villa, and we are told both parties signed a written agreement. And that Governor Siminalayi Fubara did not implement his side.

    ”The President said he tried publicly and privately to resolve the disagreements between the governor and 27 lawmakers but it did not work.”

    Fubara not implementing Supreme Court judgment: HRM Dakolo

    “No, it is not true. As far as we know, Fubara obeyed everything in this recent Supreme Court judgment. Fubara wrote to the House of Assembly, he went to the House of Assembly. As you know, that Supreme Court judgment has been adjudged as anti-people judgment. It is the Supreme Court no doubt, but since that judgment came, there has been heightened tension in the land.

    “And the purpose of such a body is not to aggravate; not to cause more problems but to do justice in the interest of the majority of the people, not justice that seemed to be in the interest of one character. So, if today, after that judgment, you have a purported state of emergency, you see explosions here and there, and unrest, it means that those judges should go and hide themselves in shame.

    “If there is a way to adjust that judgment, they should do that, otherwise they will go down in history if there is a book of infamy, which is where their names will be written clearly. As you know, I am not a lawyer but lawyers have said, and judges have said that a five-man panel cannot override a seven-man panel.

    “So, if a seven-man panel has decided in the past, which is the precedent. Five men cannot come today, alter and override it. There is a whole problem in the judiciary and the world is watching. Fubara has done quite well.”

    HRH Sara-Igbe

    “In its recent statement, THE Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum comprising eminent personalities like the former Governor of Rivers state, Chief Rufus Ada-George re-echoed that Gov. Siminialayi Fubara made genuine efforts to present the budget as directed within the specified period.

    ”He wrote to the House through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), but it was rejected. He went to the House of Assembly himself, only to be locked out by the lawmakers. Following this development, the governor formally notified the Assembly of his intention to present the budget on March 19, 2025, or any other date convenient to the House within that month.

    ”Despite all these efforts, the lawmakers failed to respond. Instead, they adjourned plenary indefinitely, and resumed on Monday, only to serve an impeachment notice on the Governor and Deputy Governor. These actions were intended to prevent the Governor from presenting the budget, as directed by the Supreme Court, and to provide a pretext for the President to impose a state of emergency as he has done now on Rivers State.

    ”The President’s portrayal of Governor Sim Fubara as non-compliant, while disregarding the misconduct of the 27 House of Assembly members, is misleading and unfair. By doing so, the President has created a narrative that places the blame solely on the Governor which is not the true position of the events.

    ”This biased perspective overlooks the role of the lawmakers, acting, under the influence and direction of the minister of FCT, thus, perpetuating an unjust and one-sided view of the situation”.

    ”The above reflection of the realities of the state of events in Rivers put to question President Tinubu’s assertion that ‘Fubara had practically done nothing to obey the Supreme Court’s verdict’. Again, it points to the total disregard to genuine information either on the part of the President or his media experts.”

    Prof Obarogie

    ”It is not correct to accuse Fubara of doing nothing to implement the Supreme Court judgment, as the 27 warmongering Assembly members denied him every opportunity for an amicable engagement, especially the budget presentation.”

    Ambakederimo

    “Governor Fubara has been magnanimous so far in trying to get this matter resolved, more antagonism has come from his protégé and his foot soldiers, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who violated the Supreme Court order by shutting out the governor that is willing and have pledged to abide by every item in the order sheet.

    “So far, the House members exhibited reckless behavior not fit of lawmakers; this is where l again supported the president on his action for suspending the members of the House of Assembly along with the governor.”

    Amaebi

    “Fubara wrote the Assembly following the Supreme Court judgment. He wrote the Assembly for them to meet on how to implement the decision of the court, including paying outstanding allowances, but they ignored him.

    He wrote to the House to submit the 2025 Appropriation Bill, they again ignored him, and also barred him from gaining access to the Assembly complex.”

    Demolition of the Rivers Assembly: Prof Obarogie

    ”In the first place, demolishing the Rivers State House of Assembly was an unconscionable, barbaric, and reckless action by the governor. In saner climes, the Governors Forum and the National Assembly would hand him an ultimatum within which to rebuild the legislative building.”

    HRM Dakolo

    “In terms of demolishing the House of Assembly, it is neither here nor there. The House of Assembly building was built by the executive, okay? Governor Fubara said that there have been requests to rebuild, refurbish the assembly, or whatever. He looked at it and felt, okay, that is what we should start doing.

    “After all, were billions not used in refurbishing the vice president’s gatehouses, president’s cottages, and so on? It is in line. And that should not be a problem. That should not be counted as an offense against a governor.

    “More so, he is the governor of his state. Are the people protesting? Why should anybody somewhere else cry more than the Rivers people? Why should anybody somewhere, whether Abuja or London or Frankfurt cry more than the River’s people? The governor is there. He was voted in by the people.

    “If the people do not want him, they will do the needful. It is not for anyone else who does not understand what is going on to begin to use sentiments and say he is demolishing the house. Demolishing which house? Do people not buy houses, demolish them, and build skyscrapers on top of it?

    “As far as I am concerned, I do not think it is about the members of the House of Assembly. The House of Assembly people who are against him are doing that because they belong to that cartel that wants to keep sharing N19 billion every month. So people must see this.”

    Ambakederimo

    “The demolition of the House of Assembly for me is a very crude and blatant use of power. This is how the political class abuse power and it is becoming a trend in our body politic. Going further, it is a waste of scarce resources. No reason given for the demolition should be justified, if the building was not good enough, the House of Assembly can be used for other facilities and a new one put up.

    “For the governor not to have deemed fit to provide for a new building smacks of deliberate and premeditated action that should call for an administration panel of inquiry. But to also use this as one reason to oust the governor is not strong enough. In all these, the governor goofed.”

    Amaebi

    “The much talked about demolition of the House of Assembly is a lame excuse. It is within the prerogative of the governor to destroy and build if he feels that it is no longer befitting for the purpose it was built. After all, President Tinubu also rebuilt the vice president’s house with multi-billion naira.”

    Gbemre

    “Let us face the fact squarely. Tinubu did not force Governor Fubara to break down the River State legislative building. That is the height of abuse of power. Being a governor does not give him the audacity to break a different arm of the government’s building.

    ”Was he drunk when he sent bulldozers to break River State legislature building for personal ego? No person knew what he would have done the day he visited the building where the lawmakers were sitting if the gate was open.

    ”Maybe he would have ordered his thugs to beat up 27 lawmakers against him. There are processes to follow. He won’t just drive to the River State Legislative Quarters. He should have properly informed them.

    ”He asked his illegal appointees to write the lawmakers. What stops him from signing the letter when he is fully aware that his appointees were not approved by the River State legislature?

    ”I want to ask Governor Fubara, so it is constitutional to demolish the Rivers State House of Assembly building? It is constitutional to appoint commissioners without approval of the Legislature?

    ”It is constitutional to spend state money without approval of legislature? Does Governor Fubara have the constitutional power to undermine Supreme Court judgment? No.

    ”They say ‘he who comes to equity must come with clean hands’. Tinubu’s action was to save the state from burning further, hence both parties were asked to go on six months’ vacation. Those praising Fubara for being autocratic are not helping him and River State.

    ”On Sunday, March 16 evening precisely, I discussed with a Deltan politician who said if it were him as governor of River State, he would have pursued the 27 lawmakers from the state.

    ”These are kinds of words they told Gov Fubara. It is only a moron that will set his house on fire, and beg his neighbors to help to extinguish the fire. Fubara is the governor of his state and he has to use a lot of natural wisdom to handle this matter.”

    Lenu:

    ”The reconstruction of that edifice is almost at the lintel level. Physical structures do not lie. Anybody can access the Moscow Road where the Assembly Complex is situated to confirm this”.

    Gov Fubara not renouncing militants: HRM Dakolo

    “Is it the job of the governor to disown militants? Did they come to the Government House to threaten? If they threaten in social media, is the governor so jobless that he has to monitor everything? Is he the Commander of the Delta Safe? Is the governor the Chief of Defence Staff? Is the governor the Inspector General of Police? Is he the governor of the NNPCL that gave contracts for the protection of oil and gas pipelines to people? What kind of joke is this?

    Prof Obarogie

    “The President should know that militants are fiefs and have divergent alliances. The governor may not have their ears. The governor also shares in the blame by not openly condemning the threats made by the militants. There is a conspiracy theory to the effect that the militants’ threats and the eventual bombing of the pipeline were premeditated to lay the ground for the state of emergency declaration.”

    Ambakederimo

    “The governor did not conduct himself well in terms of spoken words concerning violence. He gave himself away too quickly. My take on attacks on oil pipelines may have been different from the assumption out there. I say this from an advantageous position as someone who has interacted with many of the militant principal actors in finding alternative incentives to make them look away from the destruction of oil infrastructure and operations of unlicensed refineries.

    “Many of these principal actors are feeling aggrieved that they are left out of the pipeline security contracts, and these guys may capitalize on a crisis like this, and vent their anger on the pipelines.
    “So as of now, no one can say for sure who is responsible for hitting the pipelines. Militarization of the region is not the solution, strategic engagement with the people of the oil-bearing communities is the best way to go.

    “I will encourage the government to engage with the leadership of the Community Development Committees of Niger Delta Oil and Gas Producing Areas (CDC) to find a lasting pathway forward to incessant attacks on oil infrastructure.”

    Amaebi:

    “The President is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and has the responsibility to protect lives and properties, including critical infrastructures. If some persons threaten to destroy oil facilities, they must direct the necessary security agencies to arrest such persons. It is not within the ambit of any state governor, including Fubara, to bear that responsibility.”

    Suspension of Fubara, others: HRM Dakolo

    “Mr. President should not allow himself to be used in this manner, I have read what the Attorney General of Federation said; that should not come from an Attorney General, and he is not a personal lawyer of somebody, he is the Attorney General of the Federation.

    “I am the King of Ekpetiama Kingdom, I should not side with one group against another group in my kingdom, and I should be fair to all. They should guide the President correctly. They have led the president astray consciously or unconsciously, and the earlier he retraces his steps the better.

    I would not know why Mr. President did not rebuke Wike, but all of these underscore the fact that he may just be one-sided and the result speaks for itself. It is obvious they are out for the oil and nothing else, and so long as he (Fubara) feels that Rivers State money should not be shared with any group of people other than the Rivers people, he will keep having problems.

    “This is unbelievable, am still looking through the constitution to see where Mr. President elected by the people can just wake up one day, and say to an elected governor like himself, you have been suspended for six months. What kind of democracy is that?

    “Even in a banana republic, it will not happen. Why should this happen because the pipelines have been affected? Any time oil is involved, the temperature, the character, the attitude, and the behavior of the government of Nigeria are different. We have been living with 87 deprivations and then one oil well or one pipeline and something is sabotaged, the head of the security apparatus of Nigeria is the one to resign not a governor. A governor whose security is being tele-guided by the Inspector General from Abuja, by some military chiefs in Abuja?

    Prof Obarogie

    “The presidential broadcast painted a miscarriage of justice coloration, as the President tends to rob the back of Nyesom Wike by all available means than to justly act in a manner that assuages the tangible suspicion of stakeholders. It was an overtly mishandled crisis, both by the Governor and the President.”

    Ambakederimo

    “Whether the President has the power to suspend an elected governor is what l cannot say, but public commentators have referred to relevant sections of the constitution to say the president has no constitutional powers to do so.

    ”My submission is that this matter can still be resolved even at this stage. It is just a matter of being strategic and application of strategic intelligence. There are individuals in this country that President Tinubu cannot say no to, the governor should listen to wise counsel, Nyesom Wike can be reined- in by the intervention of these persons, who influence the President. This is the real political solution to resolve this Rivers State political imbroglio.”

    Amaebi

    “The president’s suspension of Fubara, an elected governor, is unconstitutional. It is procedurally flawed. It is pure impunity taken too far. It is akin to military dictatorship which is highly condemnable.

    “The president did not act as the statesman. He is too partisan and clearly showed his hand that his one-sided stance is stimulated by the 2027 elections. He applauded the actions of his appointee. This is a very sad testimony.”

    PANDEF intervention Prof Obarogie

    ”The President must have believed a security report available to him to the effect that PANDEF was aiding and abetting the governor against the 27 warmongering Assembly members, and Nyesom Wike, notoriously known as their patron-clientele.

    ”So, when they visited him, he did not receive them with an open mind. He saw them as a party to the crisis, rather than a willing party to the peaceful resolution of the crisis.”

    HRM Dakolo

    Governor Fubara welcomed the PANDEF intervention, but Wike refused to pay them any attention till tomorrow morning. And of course, what Wike did a few days ago was to abuse the hell out of them. Abuse their head, abuse the dead, abuse the living, so he does not want to settle.

    All he wants is for Fubara must agree to that agreement they had in the dark. Any such agreement is personal and once it is about the people, such agreement is balderdash. If Fubara was a dubious man, he could cut a deal but that is not serving the people.

    “The man said even if I have been bad before now, I am the governor and I want to be good. Yes, someone can opt to be good for once in his lifetime, you can be bad forever, and the people are paramount.”

    Ambakederimo

    “With the benefit of hindsight, again, I say that the PANDEF and other leaders, be it from our ethnic divide, have not done well, and did not do well even up to this stage. We lack strategic engagement when it comes to political engineering.

    “A positive intervention can still be achievable even at this stage if the right contacts are invoked. Governor Fubara still can do much more and straighten out this matter, and also Minister Nyesom Wike. I know and see the body language of the President as a man who is amenable to rescind this decision for the sake of the people of Rivers State.”

    Amaebi

    “When well-meaning Nigerians, including PANDEF, waded into the matter to resolve it, Wike was not forthcoming and was evasive. Even when PANDEF met with the president, he told them that the Supreme Court has given judgment on it, and Fubara should implement the judgment of the Supreme Court.”

    That Fubara, lawmakers couldn’t work together anymore/dividends of democracy – Prof Obarogie

    ”The President was partially correct in his assessment of the dividends of democracy delivery. He must be mindful of making simplistic fallacies, by thinking that the dividends of democracy are wholly delivered by the governor or the executive arm of government.

    ”The legislators have both legislative and oversight functions to make for a holistic delivery of the dividends of democracy. By dismantling the Assembly complex, he rendered the temple of legislation non-existent.”

    HRM Dakolo

    “It is obvious with the type of judgment where people decamped, swore to an affidavit that they have decamped, and somehow because of his (Tinubu) intervention, a bit of it was withdrawn but the other party continued.

    ”You are now saying people who have decamped do not seem to have decamped. Some have even said the National Assembly was supposed to have taken over the Rivers State House of Assembly because 27 persons have decamped, and so they have lost their seats, and this other group is too small to do the legislative business. In that kind of situation, they are supposed to come and help out.

    “What you are seeing in Rivers State is an oil war, if you remove that, you can talk from now till eternity, but you will not get it right. Certain interests want to take over the control of the oil and gas fields and ensure the continuous flow of oil. So, aside from Fubara, and the majority of the Rivers people interested in their lives and safety, I can tell you, unfortunately, pitiably and shamefully, the federal government of Nigeria is not interested in the safety of the people of Rivers State.”

    Ambakederimo

    ”It is a truism that the cordial working relationship between the House members and the governor has irretrievably broken down, things have shown a proclivity to the sloppy slope. Again, as I said, the governor did not engage strategically, the President is right when he said the governor did not come to him.

    ”In terms of governance in Rivers State, there was seamless governance going on in Rivers State until the Supreme Court ordered stopping legitimate funds to be released to Rivers State even when there was calm.”

  • 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.”

    .

    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.