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NASS approves Tinubu’s Rivers emergency rule despite opposition

Abdulquadir Muritala
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NASS approves Tinubu’s Rivers emergency rule despite opposition

Despite stark opposition to the presidential proclamation imposing a state of emergency on oil-rich Rivers State, Nigeria’s two top legislative houses approved the March 18, 2025 declaration by President Bola Tinubu before the expiration of the 48-hour time allowed by the 1999 Constitution.

In separate voice votes, which have been faulted, the 109-member Senate and 360-member House of Representatives, dominated by the president’s party men, supported the emergency rule imposed by the commander-in-chief on the Niger Delta state.

Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, imposed a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy Ngozi Odu; as well as the Rivers State House of Assembly members for six months in the first instance.

Tinubu hinged his decision on Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, saying he can’t continue to watch the political situation in Rivers escalate without taking any action.

The president immediately appointed and sworn in a retired naval chief, Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (rtd), as the sole administration for the oil-rich Niger Delta state.

The suspension of Fubara and other democratically elected representatives was expressly rejected and condemned by many eminent Nigerians, legal luminaries, and groups including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Atedo Peterside, Nasir El-Rufai, Femi Falana, the Labour Party (LP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Nigerian Bar Association, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), among others.

However, the emergency rule has been praised by the pro-Nyesom Wike suspended lawmakers, who accused Fubara of contravening the Supreme Court ruling on the political situation in the state. For two years, Wike, the immediate-past governor of Rivers State, and his estranged ex-political godson Fubara have locked horns over the control of the political structure in the state.

The last time a president declared an emergency rule in Nigeria was on May 14, 2013, when Goodluck Jonathan imposed it on the entire northeast insurgent-ridden states of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa.

At a State House briefing on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, defended his principal’s stance, pointedly blaming Fubara for not implementing the February 28, 2025 raft of decisions of the Supreme Court on Rivers State’s protracted political crisis.

Fagbemi said the emergency rule declaration was some sort of saving grace for Fubara who had been served impeachment notice by pro-Wike lawmakers.

The justice minister thereby advised all those who do not agree with the president’s move to channel their energy to the National Assembly to veto the president’s decision. He added that the state’s blocked allocations might be released to the new administrator.

Senate President Akpabio visits Wike in Abuja

Abdulquadir Muritala
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Senate President Akpabio visits Wike in Abuja

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, paid a visit to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, at his residence in Abuja.

The visit was disclosed in a statement by the minister’s spokesman, Lere Olayinka, on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday.

 

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

At the time of filling this report, no official statement has been released on the agenda of the meeting.

Nigeria, seven other countries running out of HIV drugs — WHO warns

Abdulquadir Muritala
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Nigeria, seven other countries running out of HIV drugs — WHO warns

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the alarm over a looming shortage of HIV drugs in eight countries, including Nigeria.

The development, which affects six African nations, follows the United States government’s recent decision to halt foreign aid.

Read AlsoBrazil to invest about $8bn in Nigeria’s agribusiness

The warning comes in the wake of an executive order issued by US President Donald Trump on his first day in office in January, as part of a broader government spending review.

“Disruptions to HIV programmes could undo 20 years of progress,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned.

He said the interruption could result in over 10 million additional HIV cases and three million HIV-related deaths, describing the toll as “more than triple the number of deaths last year.”

In an announcement made during a press conference on Monday by Dr Tedros, WHO listed Nigeria, Kenya, Lesotho, South Sudan, Burkina Faso and Mali, along with Haiti and Ukraine as countries facing imminent shortages of life-saving antiretroviral (ARV) drugs.

The US foreign aid suspension, initially slated for 90 days, is part of the Trump administration’s “America First” foreign policy and has had far-reaching implications for global health initiatives.

The disruption has severely hampered the delivery of critical medical supplies, including HIV drugs, while most programmes under the US Agency for International Development (USAID) have already been terminated.

Although a waiver was granted in February for the US’s flagship HIV initiative, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar), the programme’s operations have been severely affected due to its reliance on USAID and other impacted organisations.

According to Dr Tedros, the situation has led to the “immediate stop to services for HIV treatment, testing and prevention in more than 50 countries.”

Pepfar, which began in 2003, has been instrumental in providing antiretroviral drugs to vulnerable populations globally and has been credited with saving more than 26 million lives worldwide.

Further compounding the crisis, President Trump also announced plans to pull the US out of the WHO during his early days in office, a move that is expected to further strain the agency’s resources.

“The US administration has been extremely generous over many years. And of course, it’s within its rights to decide what it supports and to what extent,” Dr Tedros said.

“But the US also has a responsibility to ensure that if it withdraws direct funding for countries, it’s done in an orderly and humane way that allows them to find alternative sources of funding.”

Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most affected region globally, with an estimated 25 million people living with HIV, accounting for more than two-thirds of the global total of 38 million. In Nigeria alone, nearly two million people live with the virus, many of whom depend on aid-funded medications. Kenya also ranks among the worst-hit, with around 1.4 million people living with HIV, according to WHO figures.

“We ask the US to reconsider its support for global health, which not only saves lives around the world, it also makes the US safer by preventing outbreaks from spreading internationally,” Dr Tedros said.

PDP Govs to Tinubu: Reverse your hasty, retrogressive decision on Rivers crisis

Abdulquadir Muritala
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PDP Govs to Tinubu: Reverse your hasty, retrogressive decision on Rivers crisis

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling on him to acknowledge his error and immediately reverse the decision.

The Forum described such decision as unconstitutional, dangerous, and a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

Read AlsoTinubu declares state of emergency in Rivers State

In a statement signed by its chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, the Forum expressed solidarity with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the people of Rivers State, vowing to resist any attempt to undermine democratic governance in the state.

The PDP governors accused the President of bias, noting his failure to acknowledge the role played by his Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in fueling the political crisis in Rivers.

“He who goes to the court of equity must go with clean hands. Mr. President, your silence on the active role played by your Minister of the FCT in the Rivers impasse is golden and enabling.

“He has become a law unto himself because he was playing out your script. Now we know. This is totally unstatemanly, biased, and divisive,” the statement read.

The governors warned that the President’s action was a direct attack on democracy and opposition parties, predicting dire consequences for national stability.

“This unwarranted but premeditated attack on Rivers State and the Peoples Democratic Party is today the greatest threat to democracy in our dear country.

“It is a dangerous course of action that will not only endanger our hard-won democracy but will exacerbate crises across the nation, deepen mistrust, elevate security threats, destroy the economy, and undermine our national cohesion.”

The Forum aligned itself with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which has already expressed concern over the President’s suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Citing the NBA’s response, the PDP governors stressed that emergency rule does not grant the President the power to remove elected officials.

“The NBA has affirmed its commitment to upholding the Constitution and ensuring that the rule of law prevails in Nigeria.

“In their words, ‘A state of emergency is an extraordinary measure that must be invoked strictly within constitutional limits. The removal of elected officials under the pretext of emergency rule is unconstitutional and unacceptable.’”

The Forum vowed to challenge the President’s action in court, stating that it would seek judicial interpretation of Section 305(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the procedure for declaring a state of emergency.

“This authoritarian shenanigan is unacceptable and cannot stand,” the governors declared.

The PDP governors urged Tinubu to reconsider his decision and restore democratic governance in Rivers State before it is too late.

“Mr. President is therefore called upon to listen to wise counsel and the voice of reason, as well as accept that he made grievous mistakes and acted in haste, and reverse this atrocious and retrograde decision before it is too late.”

The crisis in Rivers State has escalated in recent months, with political tensions between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, now FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, leading to divisions within the state’s legislature and government.

The declaration of emergency rule and the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the state’s administrator has sparked nationwide debate and opposition, with critics warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for democratic governance in Nigeria.

Tinubu declares state of emergency in Rivers State

Abdulquadir Muritala
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0
Tinubu declares state of emergency in Rivers State

President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following the protracted political crisis in the state.

Tinubu made the proclamation during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and all the members of the House of Assembly for six months.

Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution interprets a state of emergency as a situation of national danger or disaster in which a government suspends normal constitutional procedures to regain control.

A state of emergency allows the President to immediately make any desired regulations to secure public order and safety.

More to follow…

Dangote to build seaport, cement plant projects in Ogun State

Abdulquadir Muritala
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Dangote to build seaport, cement plant projects in Ogun State

Aliko Dangote has revealed plans to build a seaport and expand cement production in Ogun State.

During a meeting with the Ogun State officials on Monday, Dangote told Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Executive Council that his company will construct what he described as “the largest port in the country” at Olokola Free Trade Zone, reviving previously abandoned investment plans in the area.

Read AlsoNigeria would’ve been bankrupt if we hadn’t taken actions – Tinubu

The businessman also announced that two new cement production lines with a combined capacity of 6 million metric tons per annum are being constructed at Itori.

When completed, the facilities will operate alongside the existing 12 million metric ton plant at Ibeshe.

“Our factory at Itori was pulled down twice. When we started the second time, they not only demolished the factory but also the fence, so we left. But right now, because of His Excellency, our governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, we are back,” Dangote said.

Governor Abiodun welcomed the announcements, noting that the cement expansion would make Ogun State the largest cement producer in sub-Saharan Africa with a total capacity of 18 million metric tons.

“The way you selflessly continue to promote this country all over the world, we can’t thank you enough,” the governor told Dangote.

Dangote stated that 70 per cent of his company’s total African cement production currently occurs in Nigeria, with the Obajana plant in Kogi State accounting for 16.25 million metric tons annually.

Following the meeting, the delegation visited the construction site of the cement plant at Itori and inspected the Papalanto concrete-paved road, which is being built under the federal government’s tax credit scheme.

Local traditional rulers, including the Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo, were present during parts of the visit.

Brazil to invest about $8bn in Nigeria’s agribusiness

Abdulquadir Muritala
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0
Brazil to invest about $8bn in Nigeria’s agribusiness

The Federal Government has signed the Green Imperative Project agreement with Brazil which will see the South American country invest about $8 billion in the Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Read AlsoKano government clarifies appeal court ruling on emirship dispute

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Jandor returns to APC two weeks after quitting PDP

Abdulquadir Muritala
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Jandor returns to APC two weeks after quitting PDP

A former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos Jandor has returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Jandor whose real name is Abdul-Azeez Adediran announced his defection to the ruling APC in a press conference in Lagos on Monday, about two weeks after he left the PDP.

Read AlsoSowore accompanies Lagos corper to NYSC office over viral video controversy

He said the decision to join the political party that considers winning not minding who is on the ballot.

“We have decided to return to the All Progressives Congress.”

“We have decided to return to the All Progressives Congress, APC,” he said.

Jandor added, “Before you are quick to remind me of the reasons why I dumped APC, I want to say that there is a Yoruba adage that says, if a woman has not tried two husbands, she would not know which one is better”.

The politician had on March 3rd, 2025 dumped the PDP over what he described as anti-party activities of some leaders of the party in Lagos State.

“We were waiting to see if the party at the national level governed by the constitution of the party would look into the provisions of that constitution and say that for engaging in anti-party activities openly, this is the sanction.

“We waited patiently for two years and see whether that would happen, instead of that, the same person was appointed Vice Chairman, Disciplinary Committee by the national,” he said while resigning from the PDP.

After his public announcement over his decision to dump PDP, he met with President Bola Tinubu; former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and other prominent political bigwigs in the country about a week ago.

Jandor’s political history started with the APC before he left the party with his Lagos4Lagos Movement, a group within the ruling party in 2022.

He joined the PDP before the 2023 election and emerged as the governorship candidate of the party in Lagos. But he lost to APC’s Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Sowore accompanies Lagos corper to NYSC office over viral video controversy

Abdulquadir Muritala
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Sowore accompanies Lagos corper to NYSC office over viral video controversy

Human rights activist and presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Omoyele Sowore, has thrown his support behind Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, the National Youth Service Corps member facing backlash over her viral video criticising President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Sowore, in a video shared on X on Monday, revealed that he had met with Uguamaye in Lagos and would be accompanying her to the NYSC Local Government Inspector’s office alongside a team of attorneys.

Read AlsoKano government clarifies appeal court ruling on emirship dispute

“The journey with youth Corper, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, has commenced in Lagos.

“She is scheduled to appear before the LGI (Local Government Inspector) today and we will escort her to their offices. We are all en route with attorneys,” Sowore captioned the video.

The corps member had recently gone viral after posting a video on TikTok where she lamented the country’s worsening economic conditions and openly criticised Tinubu’s leadership.

She later alleged that she had received threats over her comments, sparking widespread debate on free speech and political dissent in Nigeria.

She also shared a screenshot of an invitation from the NYSC, summoning her to appear before the LGI office at Eti Osa 3 on Monday at 10:00 a.m

Sowore’s involvement has further amplified the situation, drawing more attention to Uguamaye’s case and the potential repercussions she may face from the NYSC or other authorities.

As of now, there has been no official statement from the NYSC regarding the matter.

Trump, Putin to discuss Ukraine this week

Abdulquadir Muritala
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0
Trump, Putin to discuss Ukraine this week

US President Donald Trump and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin are expected to speak this week, officials said on Sunday, as Washington and Kyiv’s European allies press Moscow to accept a ceasefire in the three-year war.

The United States this week proposed a halt in fighting in the war after talks in Saudi Arabia, with Kyiv accepting the proposal.

Putin however has given no clear answer, instead listing a string of conditions and raising “serious questions” over the proposition.

Trump’s envoy for the conflict, Steve Witkoff, who met for several hours with Putin days ago, told CNN in a televised interview that he thinks “the two presidents are going to have a really good and positive discussion this week.”

Earlier the Moscow said that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and that the pair had discussed “concrete aspects of the implementation of understandings” at a US-Russia summit in Saudi Arabia last month.

Read AlsoCourt stops Senate Committee from probing Senator Natasha

Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday accused the Kremlin of not wanting to end the war and warned that Moscow wanted to first “improve their situation on the battlefield” before agreeing to any ceasefire.

The February Riyadh gathering was the first high-level meeting between the United States and Russia since Moscow launched its invasion in February 2022.

“Sergei Lavrov and Marco Rubio agreed to remain in contact,” the Russian foreign ministry said, with no mention of the US-suggested ceasefire.

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said Saturday that the pair had “discussed the next steps” on Ukraine.

She also said Rubio and Lavrov “agreed to continue working towards restoring communication between the United States and Russia”.

The Lavrov-Rubio call came hours after the UK hosted a virtual summit on Ukraine, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer accusing Putin of “dragging his feet” on the ceasefire.

“The ‘yes, but’ from Russia is not good enough,” Starmer said, calling for a stop to the “barbaric attacks on Ukraine once and for all”.

Kyiv the next day said Russia launched 90 Iranian-made Shahed drones onto nine Ukrainian regions.

– Zelensky says Putin ‘lying’ –

In his reaction to the ceasefire earlier this week, Putin said the initiative would benefit primarily Ukraine and not Russian forces, who he said are “advancing” in many areas.

He raised “serious questions” over the initiative.

The proposal came as Russia — which occupies swathes of southern and eastern Ukraine — has had momentum in some areas of the front.

It has ousted Ukrainian forces from parts of its Kursk region, where Kyiv hopes to hold onto Russian territory as a potential bargaining chip in any future negotiations.

Putin said he wanted to discuss Moscow’s concerns with Trump in a phone call.

Zelensky said Saturday that by not agreeing to the ceasefire, Putin was also going against Trump — who has made overtures towards Russia — and accused Moscow of trying to find ways not to end the war.

He accused Putin of “lying about how a ceasefire is supposedly too complicated”.

Ukraine said Sunday that one person was killed by a Russian drone strike on the city of Izyum — in the Kharkiv region, which fell to Russia at the start of its Ukraine invasion before being retaken by Kyiv’s forces.

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