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  • Borno Assembly passes vote of confidence on Tinubu, Shettima

    Borno Assembly passes vote of confidence on Tinubu, Shettima

    The Borno State House of Assembly (BOSHA) presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan on Thursday passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Vice, Senator Kashim Shettima, on the presidential ‘Renewed Hope’ initiative aimed at tackling security challenges in parts of the North East and the country as a whole.

    The House equally gave its unwavering support and stood firmly behind Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on his 10-point agenda, which focused on restoring peace, stability and resentment of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.

    This also raised the alarm over the renewed Boko Haram attacks on several communities, urging the government at all levels and the military to be proactive in addressing it.

    These were disclosed after Thursday’s plenary and Notice of Motion sponsored by the member representing Marte Constituency, Hon. Engr. Mohammed Gambomi Marte, on ‘The Need To Address The Resurgence of Boko Haram Terrorists and Islamic State In West Africa Province (ISWAP)” in some parts of Borno and its environs.

    The Motion, which was co-sponsored by other honorable members, received a unanimous endorsement on the floor of the house after deliberations, during which ten (10) resolutions were reached.

    Earlier, according to Hon. Marte, “the alarming rate of the resurgence of terrorism orchestrated by Boko Haram/ISWAP after enjoying relative peace in the last two to three years calls for serious concern, as Guzamala and Abadam local government areas remained under Boko Haram control with no civil authority in any of its communities.

    “Likewise, some parts of Monguno, Hawul, Biu, Bama, Gwoza, Damboa Chibok, Kala Balge, Mafa, Dikwa, Kukawa, Ngala, Dikwa, Askira- Uba and Marte local government areas among others remained frequently hit places by terrorists in recent times.” He lamented.

    Also contributing, members representing Hawul, Dikwa, Damboa, Biu, and Nganzai local government areas, Mohammed Kwajaffa, Mohammed Zakariya, Wakil Korede, Yakubu Kimba, Mohammed Ali Gajiram and two other co-sponsors, argued that Borno people and the entire North East region had witnessed relative peace; unfortunately, the resurgence of activities of terrorists in Wulgo, Damboa, Sabon Gari, Wajiroko, Izge, Ngoshe, Tarfa, Ngohi, Kautikari, Damasak among other communities have dashed out the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration, as unspecified number of troops and civilians were killed and injured in the renewed onslaught.

    Reading out the 10 Resolutions, Speaker Lawan said: “As you are aware, the Borno State Government recently voiced alarm over the increasing attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP in the state, similarly the Federal.

    The government acknowledged the challenges posed by these insurgent activities. The president condemned the act as a desperate move by terrorists facing mounting pressure.

    “In light of these developments, the Borno State House of Assembly has expressed its vote of confidence in President Bola.

    Ahmed Tinubu (Grand Commander of the Federal Republic) and the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima (Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger) administration on the presidential

    ‘renewed hope’ initiative aimed at tackling security challenges in the country.

    “Equally, the Borno State House of Assembly gave its unwavering support and stood firmly behind Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, mni, FNSE, the Governor of Borno State, on his 10-

    Point agenda focused on restoring peace, stability and resettlement in the state and repose 100% confidence in him and

    His administration in restoring Borno’s lost glory as a home of peace.

    “We also passed a vote of confidence on the military and other security agencies, including our Civilian Joint Tasks Force, local hunters and vigilantes, for their sacrifices.

    “These collaborative efforts between the state and the federal authorities underscore unified commitment to addressing the Security challenges in Borno State and the broader North East region.

    “This Honorable House, therefore, resolved as follows:-

    1. Called on the Executive to initiate a comprehensive review of our security frameworks and allocate adequate resources to bolster local security architecture and the need to adapt social intervention programs that address youth unemployment, social inequality, and the underlying grievances that often fuel unrest.

    “2. Called on the Federal Government to urgently deploy additional security forces and equipment to affected areas and ensure improved coordination among all branches of the security forces.

    “3. Called on the executive to increase funding and logistical support for the security architecture within the affected regions to rebuild public confidence and restore normalcy.

    “4. Encourage strategic intelligence-sharing, border surveillance, and regional cooperation among the countries.

    That bordered our states to contain the spread and influence of these terrorist groups.

    “5. Called on the relevant security agencies to intensify their

    Operations improve intelligence gathering and enhance community policing efforts.

    “6. Called on the Federal Government to urgently establish a Brigade (or Regiment) Command for a Large operational unit with combined arms capabilities at Guzamala LGA, which does not have any military formation at the moment to enable return.of displaced Persons within Guzamala and

    Abadam LGAs”. Rt. Hon. Lawan said.

    He continued, adding, “7. The House called on individuals and communities to encourage and adopt Community policing.

    “8. Called on our traditional and religious leaders to intensify prayers.

    “9. Urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

    Other humanitarian bodies should immediately provide relief materials and establish temporary shelter and medical aid for displaced persons.

    “Finally 10. The Honourable House called on the Federal Government to urgently rehabilitate and reconstruct all Federal road network linking LGAs in Borno State and other States in the North East sub-region”. The Speaker concluded.

  • Visit Borno’-ex-state commissioner, Kareto challenges Tinubu’s minister

    Visit Borno’-ex-state commissioner, Kareto challenges Tinubu’s minister

    A Chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and former Commissioner of Trade, Commerce and Industry, Hon.Yerima Lawan Kareto has extended an invitation to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris to find time, come to Borno and follow him to Damasak, the Council Headquarters of Mobbar local government area alone.

    Kareto who hails from Damasak, hitherto a liberated border town with Niger Republic and about 190.5km drive from Maiduguri, the state capital said, he will personally drive the Minister through the thick and thin, so as to see things for himself, before making any statement on the increasing renewed Boko Haram onslaught across the region.

    Recall last Tuesday at the end of an Expanded Security Council Meeting comprised of Heads of Security agencies, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in Maiduguri, Governor Babagana Zulum, who chaired the important and timely meeting suggested that the state may be losing control to Boko Haram insurgents, due to the renewed Boko Haram attacks which have so far killed many lives as well as dislodged Military Formations in Wulgo, Sabon Gari, Wajirko, Izge among others.

    However, in a press statement issued to Journalists on Wednesday signed by the Minister, Idris disagreed with Zulum’s claim. The minister emphasised that the administration remains committed to combating terrorism and banditry across the nation.

    He argued that the security agencies are working round-the-clock to bring the situation in parts of Borno and other states under control.

    The Minister’s statement attracted wider public condemnations. Although, a day after (Thursday 10th April 2025), the minister’s media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim ‘back- pedalled’ and described the report credited to his Boss as “categorically false and a gross distortion of the minister’s remarks.”

    Ibrahim stressed that, at no point did the minister say, “Ignore Zulum, Boko Haram has not taken over Borno.”

    However, reacting in a press statement signed by Hon. Kareto, a copy which was made available to our Correspondent at the week end, the former Borno Commissioner said, such terse statement from the Minister’s Media aide alleging that he (the Minister) was misquoted, is not enough, but inviting Idris to Borno would also avail him the opportunity to personally tender apology to Government and the good people of Borno.

    Kareto expressed shock at the Minister who sits at his comfort zone in Abuja and be dishing out statement himself or through his media aide on the subject matter. He insisted that such back -pedalling tactics were not enough to make Government and the good people of Borno believe that he (Minister Idris) was actually misquoted.

    “Let me informed the Minister that such statement is not enough to cool the high tensions raised on the resilient Borno people who have trust and confidence on Governor Babagana Zulum’s good governance, this can be attested to numerous people oriented projects and the unrelenting support in cash and kind to security agencies since 2019 to date.

    “Minister Idris have to come to Borno under my personal invitation to follow me to Damasak. This would avail him the opportunity to tender an unreserved apology and to tell Nigerians whether Governor Zulum, the Shehu Of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi and other security agencies who deliberated extensively on the renewed attacks, were all better informed that Borno is losing ground to terrorists or not”.

    Kareto who said Borno people stood firmly and in solidarity at all times to the present administration, urges Governor Zulum and the security agencies, especially the troops in the frontline not to be deterred by the Minister’s outburst, but remain committed and focused in the fight against the renewed killings and other criminalities bedevilling many communities in the state

  • Tinubu, Obasanjo, Obi, MTN, others mourn business icon, Paschal Dozie

    Tinubu, Obasanjo, Obi, MTN, others mourn business icon, Paschal Dozie

    PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Dozie family, the business community and all Nigerians, on the passing of Dr. Pascal Gabriel Dozie, an elder statesman, entrepreneur and banker. He was 85.

    Pascal Dozie was a visionary whose contributions to Nigeria’s economic architecture left an enduring legacy. As the founder of Diamond Bank and the pioneer Chairman of MTN Nigeria, he was at the forefront of two of the most transformative sectors in Nigeria’s development journey — banking and telecommunications.

    Dozie, a steadfast believer in Nigeria’s vast potential, was pivotal in shaping the financial services industry and expanding access to mobile connectivity nationwide. His influential leadership extended well beyond corporate boardrooms.

    In addition to his business acumen, Dozie served as a former director at the Central Bank of Nigeria, President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, and Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, dedicating decades of service to national policy formulation, private sector development, and youth empowerment.

    President Tinubu in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, lauded Dozie as “a rare breed business leader whose wisdom, humility, and pioneering efforts laid a foundation upon which many continue to build. His passing is a profound loss to the private sector and Nigeria.”

    The President prayed for the peaceful repose of Dozie’s soul and extends his condolences to his wife, children, and extended family.

    Obasanjo mourns, as Pascal Dozie dies at 85

    Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has described the late Padcal Dozie as one of the nation’s most intrepid entrepreneurs.

    Late Paschal Dozie died, early yesterday, the passing Obasanjo said was received with mixed feelings of sadness and gratitude to God.

    In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former President said he was “sad because we will miss his contribution to the building of a new Nigeria of his dream but I am grateful to God for such a life well spent in the service of our fatherland.

    “We thank God for his life. He lived to the ripe age of 85 and in the course of this, he was able to make impact, not just at the family level but also within the community and his profession.

    In his tribute, Obasanjo said the late Dozie was “a serial entrepreneur who rose to become one of the major figures and icons in the Nigerian business and entrepreneurial community in the 20th and 21st centuries in Nigeria. He was former Chairman of the MTN Foundation, former Board Member of the African Capital Alliance, founder and the main inspiration behind the defunct Diamond Bank, former President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, among others. I am impressed by his humility and his humanism. He was a great man!

    “My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time as they mourn the passing of this illustrious son of Africa.

    “On behalf of my family and on my own behalf, I express sincere condolences and pray God to grant them all the grace to bear this great loss.

    “May the gentle soul of the dear departed rest in perfect peace.

    Obi mourns Diamond Bank founder, Dozie

    In his remark, Mr Peter Obi, Labour Party Presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, on Tuesday mourned Dr Pascal Dozie, Founder of Diamond Bank and a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and business morgul.

    Obi a former governor of Anambra, in his condolence message posted on his X handle, expressed his sadness over the demise of the business mogul.

    The elder statesman, entrepreneur, and banker died at the age of 85.

    According to Obi, I am deeply saddened this morning by the news of the passing of Dr Pascal Dozie, a man I held in high esteem.

    “I met him during the formation of Diamond Bank and later MTN Nigeria, and throughout our collaboration, I came to know him as a true gentleman and a teacher who always sought the good of all.

    “His legacy as a banker and an entrepreneur stands as a testament to his vision, leadership and commitment to excellence which inspired countless individuals and businesses.”

    Obi prayed that God Almighty, who called him home, grant him eternal rest and grant his family and all who mourn him the fortitude to bear his irreplaceable loss.

    ”May God Almighty bless his family always,” he added.

    A business icon and technocrat par excellence —Former CIS President

    Olatunde Amolegbe, former President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, CIS, said: “His footprint will remain in the business landscape in Nigeria for a long time to come. His most enduring legacy will probably be the mentorship of other people that have gone on do great things or head great institutions. May his soul rest in peace.”

    Pascal Dozie wasn’t just a businessman

    Commenting, Clifford Egbomeade, economic analysts and Communication expert, said: “Dr. Pascal Dozie wasn’t just a businessman — he was a builder of dreams, of institutions, and of people.

    “From founding Diamond Bank to laying the foundation for what MTN Nigeria has become today, he showed us what it means to lead with vision, courage, and grace. The impact of his life’s work continues to shape Nigeria’s financial and telecom sectors in profound ways. But beyond the boardroom, those who knew him speak of his humility, wisdom, and deep love for Nigeria.Losing someone like Dr. Dozie is more than the passing of an icon; it’s the loss of a national treasure. Yet, in our grief, we are comforted by the incredible legacy he leaves behind. A legacy that will continue to light the path for generations of leaders and innovators.”

    MTN Nigeria mourns Dozie, says he’s a steady hand with enduring legacy

    MTN Nigeria yesterday regretted the passing of its founding Chairman Dr. Pascal Dozie, saying he brought insight, experience, and leadership to the company at a time when bold vision was essential.

    In a statement signed by the CEO, Mr Karl Toriola, MTN described Dozie as a steady hand, with and enduring legacy.

    The company said Dozie was a quiet revolutionary, who could ease tensions with grace and consistently led with clarity and conviction, even as he was warm, principled, and deeply respected by all who encountered him.

    Part of the statement read: “We are saddened by the passing of our founding Chairman, Dr Paschal Gabriel Dozie. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.

    “A pioneer, statesman, and titan of industry, Dr. Dozie played a pivotal role in the emergence of mobile telephony in Nigeria and in shaping the MTN Nigeria story. He brought insight, experience, and leadership at a time when bold vision was essential. He was instrumental in securing the early support and investment that brought the Y’ello dream to life. On May 16, 2001, he made the first call on the MTN network, a historic moment in Nigeria’s telecommunications journey.”

    “For 18 years, from 2001 to 2019, Dr. Dozie served as Chairman, leading with strength and conviction. His presence on the Board was unifying. He championed good governance, corporate responsibility, and long-term value, deeply committed to the greater good. In challenging times, he remained a stabilising force.

    “His unwavering belief in Nigeria’s potential and his dedication to its development were truly inspiring. His leadership at MTN Nigeria laid the foundation for our success, and his legacy will continue to guide us in the years to come”.

    The company listed part of his landmark contributions to the company, to include, incorporation of the MTN Nigeria Foundation in 2004 and commitment to dedicating a percentage of profit after tax to social investments.

    He was also credited to spearheading the launch of one of Africa’s largest switching centres in 2010; playing significant role in 2015 during critical conversations around the regulatory fine and its resolution; introduction of Africa’s first 3G feature phone in 2018; as well as MTN Nigeria’s listing in 2019 on the premium board of the Nigerian Exchange.

    President & CEO, MTN Group, Ralph Mupita also added that “Dr. Dozie was instrumental in MTN Group’s expansion into Nigeria, providing visionary leadership that has left an indelible mark on our company’s history. His commitment to excellence and integrity set a standard that we continue to uphold”.

  • Tinubu lauded for removing Kyari, Akinyelure, NNPC board

    Tinubu lauded for removing Kyari, Akinyelure, NNPC board

    An economist, Prof. Evans Osabuohien, has commended President Bola Tinubu for removing both the Chairman, Board and Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

    Osabuohien, who is Head of the Economics Department at Covenant University in Ota, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday that their removal was a welcome development.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the removal of Pius Akinyelure, the Company’s Chairman, and Mele Kyari, the GCEO, was announced on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Osabuohien said sacking the NNPC board would help to check sharp practices in the petroleum sector.

    “The sacking of the NNPC board was a right step in the right direction,” he added.

    The economist however stated that the move should not stop there. “There is the need for a holistic probe of that sector,” he said.

    Osabuohien said NNPC had been recording losses since in the past two years when it became a private company.

    He suggested that the Federal Government should make NNPC a public liabilities company so that there would be a board of directors which would be responsible to the public.

    “This will make the sector vibrant and be contributing positively to the economy and generating employment opportunities in the country.”

    Osabuohien also urged the Federal Government to look into the recent conflict between the NNPC and Dangote Group.

    NAN reports that presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga had on Tuesday in a statement said President Tinubu had removed both Akinyelure and Kyari, and all other board members.

    The President had instead replaced Akinyelure and Kyari with Ahmadu Kida and Bayo Ojulari respectively.

  • Tinubu sacks Kyari, NNPCL Board, appoints Engr Ojulari as new GCEO

    Tinubu sacks Kyari, NNPCL Board, appoints Engr Ojulari as new GCEO

    President Bola Tinubu, in a sweeping reconstitution of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC) Limited Board, has sacked the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO, Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari, and the Board Chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure.

    President Tinubu also removed all other board members appointed with Akinyelure and Kyari in November 2023.

    This was made public via a statement issued in the early hours of Wednesday by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.

    According to the statement, the new 11-man board has Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the Group CEO and Ahmadu Musa Kida as non-executive chairman.

    The statement further stated that Adedapo Segun, who replaced Umaru Isa Ajiya as the chief financial officer last November, has been appointed to the new board by President Tinubu.

    Six board members, non-executive directors, represent the country’s geopolitical zones. They are Bello Rabiu, North West; Yusuf Usman, North East; and Babs Omotowa, a former managing director of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), who represents North Central.

    President Tinubu appointed Austin Avuru as a non-executive director from the South-South, David Ige as a non-executive director from the South-West, and Henry Obih as a non-executive director from the South-East.

    Mrs Lydia Shehu Jafiya, permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, will represent the ministry on the new board,Which Aminu Said Ahmed will represent the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

    Continuing, the statement said, “All the appointments are effective today, April 2.

    “President Tinubu, invoking the powers granted under Section 59, subsection 2 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, emphasized that the board’s restructuring is crucial for enhancing operational efficiency, restoring investor confidence, boosting local content, driving economic growth, and advancing gas commercialization and diversification.

    “President Tinubu also handed out an immediate action plan to the new board: to conduct a strategic portfolio review of NNPC-operated and joint venture assets to ensure alignment with value maximization objectives.

    “Since 2023, the Tinubu administration has implemented oil sector reforms to attract investment. Last year, NNPC reported $17 billion in new investments within the sector. The administration now envisions increasing the investment to $30 billion by 2027 and $60 billion by 2030.

    “The Tinubu administration targets raising oil production to two million barrels daily by 2027 and three million daily by 2030. Concurrently, the government wants gas production jacked to 8 billion cubic feet daily by 2027 and 10 billion cubic feet by 2030.

    “Furthermore, President Tinubu expects the new board to elevate NNPC’s share of crude oil refining output to 200,000 barrels by 2027 and reach 500,000 by 2030.

    “The new board chairman, Ahmadu Musa Kida, is from Borno State. He is an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he received a degree in civil engineering in 1984. He also obtained a postgraduate diploma in petroleum engineering from the Institut Francaise du Petrol (IFP) in Paris.

    “He started his career in the oil industry at Elf Petroleum Nigeria and later joined Total Exploration and Production as a trainee engineer in 1985.

    “Musa became Total Nigeria’s Deputy Managing Director of Deep Water Services in 2015. Last year, he became an Independent Non-Executive Director at Pan Ocean-Newcross Group.

    “Apart from his oil industry career, Ahmadu Musa Kida is a former basketballer and the president of the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) board.

    “Ojulari, the new NNPC Limited Group CEO, hails from Kwara State. Until his new appointment, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company. His renaissance recently led a consortium of indigenous energy firms in the landmark acquisition of the entire equity holding in the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), worth $2.4 billion.

    “Like Kida, Ojulari is also an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. He worked for Elf Aquitaine as the first Nigerian process engineer to begin a stellar career in the oil sector. From Elf, he joined Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd in 1991 as an associate production technologist.

    “Apart from working in Nigeria, he worked in Europe and the Middle East in different capacities as a petroleum process and production engineer, strategic planner, field developer, and asset manager. In 2015, he became the managing director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO).

    “During his career, he was chairman and a member of the board of trustees of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE Nigerian Council) and a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

    “President Tinubu thanked the old board members for their dedicated service to NNPC Limited, particularly their efforts in rehabilitating the old Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, which enabled them to resume petroleum product production after prolonged shutdowns. He wished them well in their future endeavours.”

  • Why we want to celebrate Tinubu, Wike in Bayelsa  — PDP secretary

    Why we want to celebrate Tinubu, Wike in Bayelsa  — PDP secretary

    George Turnah, the Zonal Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in South-South and Convener of Bayelsa Mega Rally for Tinubu and Wike has explained why Bayelsa is the ideal place to celebrate President Bola Tinubu and his minister, Nyesom Wike.

    Turnah said the planned rally by the New Associate group is not an endorsement of President Tinubu’s second term.

    The New Associate group is reportedly a PDP faction loyal to the former Governor.

    Speaking on Arise Television’s ‘The Morning Show’ on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, the PDP member said in addition to the rally, the group plans to thank and celebrate Wike and President Tinubu for appointing some notable sons and daughters of Bayelsa State into his administration.

    “Why are we doing the rally in Bayelsa? The New Associate is a grassroot organisation. We want to inaugurate the Bayelsa State chapter and in doing so, we also want to do a rally to thank Mr President for his choices of appointment of some notable sons and daughters of Bayelsa State, which in our estimation are performing and doing very well,” he explained.

    Recall that the Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State recently warned against the group’s plan to organise a rally or host Wike in his state.

    Given the recent political crisis in neighbouring Rivers State, the governor said the planned rally is a plot by a ‘PDP renegade’ to disrupt the peace in his state.

    “As you are aware, we have threats from our sister state. The political crisis there is threatening us and we will not allow what is happening there to come into Bayelsa State.

    “Any attempt to import the Rivers State political crisis into Bayelsa will be resisted. I urge security commanders in the state to be on the alert. Parents and traditional rulers should discourage their wards and children from being used by unscrupulous elements to cause trouble in the state,” Governor Diri warned.

    Despite the governor’s warning, Turnah said the rally would take place in the state but not on any Bayelsa State Government property.

  • 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.”

  • Tinubu, new Rivers administrator, Ibas, meet in Aso Villa

    Tinubu, new Rivers administrator, Ibas, meet in Aso Villa

    ABUJA – Barely 24 hours after declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu is holding a crucial meeting with Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.), the newly appointed sole administrator of the state, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Ibas arrived at the State House at approximately 12:48 p.m., where he is expected to receive a formal briefing from the president regarding his new assignment.

    On Tuesday evening, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

    Citing prolonged political instability, constitutional violations, and security threats, the president said the extraordinary measure was necessary to restore order in the oil-rich state. The crisis has been fueled by an ongoing power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

    As part of the emergency measures, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibas (retd.) to oversee the state’s administration until normalcy is restored. Ibas, who served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is expected to steer the state through this transitional period.

    In his national address, Tinubu explained the rationale behind his decision, stating:

    “Having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State, and given that the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State failed to make a request to 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 to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, March 18, 2025.”

    He further clarified that the judicial arm of government in Rivers State remains unaffected and will continue to function as mandated by the Constitution.

    The ongoing meeting at Aso Villa is expected to outline the framework for Ibas’s administration and the federal government’s next steps in managing the political crisis in the state.

  • Tinubu, Gov Abiodun, Obi mourn Doyin Okupe

    Tinubu, Gov Abiodun, Obi mourn Doyin Okupe

    President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and associates of Prince Doyin Okupe, a seasoned medical doctor, politician, communicator, and strategist who played a significant role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

    A prominent son of Iperu-Remo in Ogun State, Okupe served as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan and Special Assistant on Media to President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    Over his three-decade-long political career, he held key positions, including National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC), and was actively involved in the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Accord Party, where he was the national leader.

    Most recently, Okupe served as the Director-General of the Labour Party’s Presidential Campaign for the 2023 election. Beyond politics, he made notable contributions to the medical field as the co-founder of the Royal Cross Medical Centre, Lagos, and publisher of Life Mirror, a health-focused newspaper.

    President Tinubu described Okupe as a bold and articulate advocate for national development, expressing deep sorrow over his passing at a time when his wealth of experience remained invaluable.

    He also sympathised with the government and people of Ogun State, particularly the Iperu-Remo community, acknowledging the void his death leaves behind. Tinubu prayed for the repose of Okupe’s soul and for divine comfort for his loved ones.

    Similarly, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun described Okupe’s death as a personal loss. In a statement issued in Abeokuta by his Special Adviser on Media, Kayode Akinmade, Abiodun noted that Okupe’s passing came shortly after the demise of the Alaperu of Iperu Remo, Oba Adeleke Idowu-Basibo.

    The governor paid tribute to Okupe’s unwavering service to Nigeria, describing him as a patriotic statesman and a committed member of the progressive political family.

    “Receiving the news of the passing of my elder brother, Dr Doyin Okupe, has left me with a profound sense of personal loss. Without a doubt, his departure leaves a void that will not be easily filled,” Abiodun said.

    Other political figures, including Labour Party’s Peter Obi, also joined in mourning Okupe, recognising his contributions to Nigeria’s political and medical sectors.

  • Tinubu mourns renowned writer Mabel Segun

    Tinubu mourns renowned writer Mabel Segun

    President Bola Tinubu has expressed sorrow over the passing of renowned Nigerian writer, poet, and playwright Mabel Segun, who died on Thursday at 95.

    In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended his condolences to the family of the literary icon, as well as to members of the literary community, friends, and admirers of the late author.

    “The President also commiserates with members of the literary community, friends, and fans of the renowned writer,” Onanuga said.

    Segun, a pioneer of children’s literature in Nigeria, dedicated her life to literary excellence.

    She founded the Children’s Literature Association of Nigeria in 1978 and the Children’s Documentation and Research Centre in 1990.

    Her first book, My Father’s Daughter, published in 1965, received global
    acclaim and remains a reference for aspiring writers and literary enthusiasts.

    Mourning her loss, Tinubu paid tribute to her contributions to Nigerian literature, describing her impact as “extraordinary and enduring.”

    “President Tinubu mourns the illustrious writer and describes her extraordinary and enduring impact on Nigeria’s literary landscape over decades,” Onanuga stated.

    The President acknowledged Segun’s immense influence on generations of writers and students, emphasising that her works would continue to inspire literary excellence in Nigeria and beyond.

    “President Tinubu prays for the repose of the literary icon’s soul and divine comfort for her family,” the statement concluded.