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Bauchi: 58 Confirmed Dead In Fresh Cholera Outbreak

September 21, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Not less than 58 persons have been killed by a fresh outbreak of cholera across 14 of the 20 local government areas in Bauchi state.

The Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Auwal Jatau, who disclosed this while inaugurating the State Cholera Steering Committee and the State Technical Working Committee, also confirmed that the state has recorded 258 new cases of the disease.

Jatau noted that cholera remains one of the biggest public health threats in the state, despite the government’s ongoing efforts to fight it.

He stressed that most outbreaks can be prevented if timely action, proper coordination, and improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene are put in place.

The deputy governor explained that the newly established steering committee will serve as the main coordinating body for Bauchi State’s multi-sectoral response to cholera.

It will also help to drive long-term prevention strategies in line with the National Cholera Control Plan and the goals of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

Cholera is a severe diarrheic illness caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacteria.

The disease can kill within hours if untreated, though some cases may be mild or without symptoms.

Earlier this year, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, (NCDC), reported a sharp increase in cholera cases across the country.

Between January 27 and February 2, 2025, infections rose by 75 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. Even more alarming, deaths linked to the disease increased by 250 per cent within the same five-week period.

VP Shettima To Represent President Tinubu At UNGA

Ayodele Oni

September 21, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, (UNGA) holding in New York, United States of America, between Monday, September 22 and Sunday 28, 2025.

He will be standing in for President Bola Tinubu during the seven days event.

Shettima, who is scheduled to join other leaders at the global event to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations slated for Monday, at the UN headquarters in New York, will also join other dignitaries at the high-level general debates from Tuesday, September 23 to Sunday 28.

Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications,

(Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, in a statement on Saturday, explained that the vice president will also deliver Nigeria’s national statement on Wednesday, on behalf of President Tinubu.

Besides, the Vice President will attend a special event on Climate for Heads of State and Government to be hosted by the UN Secretary-General on Wednesday, September 24, where Nigeria is expected to announce its new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

Shettima is also billed to attend the high-level roundtable of the Global Champions on Adequate and Affordable Housing to be hosted by the President of Kenya on September 24 and attend to other bilateral meetings and events.

After attending UNGA, the Vice President will leave for Frankfurt, Germany, where he is slated to meet with officials of the Deutche Bank before returning to Nigeria.

Tinubu, Atiku Divide CPC Amid Marginalisation Complaints By Members

James Orji

September 21, 2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has polarised the leaders of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change, CP, the political structure of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

Recall that the CPC was among the legacy political parties that formed the All Progressives Congress, APC in the race to the 2015 national elections

Out of the 36 state chairmen of the CPC, 20 are now supporting the president while 16 have declared their support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

The magazine reports that the state chairmen have become divided following the demise of Buhari, on who to support for the 2027 presidential election.

The situation recently led to 16 state chairmen of the defunct party to pull their weight behind Abubakar, citing neglect by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Explaining the reason for the decision taken by 16 state chairmen, the Forum of State Chairmen of the CPC, in a statement said the CPC bloc has been shoved aside following President Tinubu’s election victory in 2023, despite being part of the coalition that brought the incumbent to power.

The forum however stated that they are still loyal to the president and the APC, provided that the problem of marginalization is addressed.

It also pledge its support for former Governors Tanko Almakura and Aminu Bello Masari, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass as their leaders. defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) has explained why 16 of its members broke ranks with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

In a statement signed by its leaders, the Forum said neglect of the CPC bloc in the ruling party was the main reason for the defection. It noted that despite being part of the coalition that brought APC to power, the bloc has suffered marginalisation in appointments and recognition.

The defunct CPC state chairmen denied endorsement of former Vice President and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Atiku Abubakar, for the forthcoming general elections.

The Forum of State Chairmen of the CPC in a statement at the weekend dismissed the purported endorsement.

In the statement signed by Kasim Mabo (National Chairman); Sulaiman Oyaremi (National Secretary); Olalekan Obolo (South West Coordinator); Enyinnaya Ibiam Nnachi (South East Coordinator) and Ahmad Dawayo (North East and North West Coordinator), they clarified that 16 of the 37 member Forum have however pledged allegiance to the former Vice President.

The statement noted that 20 of its members remain firmly committed to the APC and a fresh mandate for President Bola Tinubu.

Part of the statement: “We wish to categorically state that 20 members of the group remain committed to the All Progressives Congress. We wish to state clearly that for some time now our Forum has been put under intense pressure which includes financial gratification by opposition leaders which accounts for why nine of our members succumbed to their pressure a few months ago and seven others joined them only last week as it appears they could no longer resist the pressure. As we speak however 20 of us remain unwaivering as we have lost one of our members from Borno State.

“This moment however calls for reflection, especially by the Presidency and the APC leadership to urgently address the continued neglect of the CPC bloc, particularly the Forum of State Chairmen who are feeling increasingly alienated. Without the fear of sounding immodest we remain the direct link to the grassroots structures that gave the CPC its national relevance and we were the Chairmen that worked with President Buhari of blessed memory to achieve the much touted 12.5 million votes.

“We remain loyal, patient, but firm in our resolve to demand for better patronage just as we pray that the Almighty God shall continue to guide Mr President and indeed all our leaders.”

Since the death of Buhari on July 13, 2025 the CPC has yet to announce a clear leader, raising worries among party’s supporters of the possibility that the party may not be able to speak in one voice ahead the general elections in less than two years.

Gov Fubara’s Tenure Will End On November 29, Not May 29 2027 -Kenneth Okonkwo

Suleiman Anyalewechi

September 20, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The former spokesperson for the Campaign Organization of Peter Obi, the Labour Party, LP, Presidential 3candidate during the 2023 general election, Kenneth Okonkwo, has stated that the tenure of Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara should be ending on November 29, 2027, instead of May 29,

He urged the returnee Governor to challenge his illegal and unconstitutional removal from office for a period of six months by President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement on his official site on Saturday, September 20, 2025, the Nollywood star maintained that the Supreme Court had, in previous judicial pronouncements, affirmed that Governors are elected for a period of four years.

According to Okonkwo, having been short-changed through the President’s illegal emergency rule declaration on March 18, 2025, Governor Fubara who made a return to office on Thursday, after a six-month suspension, should insist on having his complete constitutionally guaranteed four-year mandate.

He, therefore, urged Fubara to approach the Supreme Court to seek a Judicial affirmation to hand over on November 29, instead of May 29, 2027.

“Governor Fubara was elected to serve for four years from the date of being sworn in .

“The illegal declaration of the state of emergency has reduced his term in office by six months

“This will send a conclusive message to every future President that his actions cannot terminate or shorten the will of the people as expressed through elections.

“The power to Governor of Rivers State belongs to Rivers people, not any President, or his unelected Sole Administrator” Okonkwo stated.

Okonkwo’s statement is coming on the heels of Governor Fubara’s declaration that he deliberately refused to mount legal proceedings against his suspension through emergency rule declaration.

In a statewide broadcast on his resumption in office on Friday September 19, Governor Fubara explained that he chose not to challenge his suspension just to allow peace to reign in the State.

Ironically, and curiously too, the Supreme Court of Nigeria refused to list for hearing and determination , an application filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governors Forum challenging the constitutionality of the suspension of the Governor by President Tinubu after proclaiming a State of Emergency.

Not a few observers,both nationally and internationally ,have accused the country’s Apex Court of, alleged, high-level complicity in the orchestrated plot to undermine democratic principles in Rivers State, and Nigeria as a whole.

Gunmen Kill Enugu Catholic Priest, Rev Fr Eya

Suleiman Anyalewechi

September 20, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Catholic family in Enugu State has been thrown into anguish and mourning.

This follows the gruesome killing of one of its Priests, Rev Fr Mathew Eya, by gunmen in Eha-Ndiagu, Eha-Alumonah in Nsukka Local Council of the State.

According to eye witness accounts, Fr Eya who was the Priest in-charge of St.Charles Catholic Church in Eha -Alumona was shot and killed by the hoodlums late Friday evening September 19, 2025, while returning home from an engagement in Enugu.

The assailants who operated on a motorcycle, reportedly seized and killed the Catholic Cleric very close to an ongoing healthcare delivery project in the area.

The motives of the dastardly act could not be clearly established as at the time of reporting.

But not a few have ruled out the possibility of a failed kidnap attempt, insisting that it may have been a glaring case of assassination.

A witness informed that Fr Eya was alone in the vehicle at the time he was Intercepted by the gunmen.

“They shot at his tyres, thereby forcing his vehicle to stop. Then, they approached and shot him severally at a close range. From the way the gunmen operated, it does not look like a case of abduction even though some people are thinking along that line.”

The Police and State Government, as well as the Catholic authorities in Enugu state, were yet to officially react to the development at the time of this reporting.

Epileptic Power Supply: Four States Meet To Chart Way Forward

Ayodele Oni

September 20, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Four States of Ekiti, Ondo, Edo and Delta have met over unsatisfactory performance of the Electricity Distribution Company providing power supply to the states, which has led to epileptic supply.

The engagement, which held during a conference call, at the instance of Ondo state Commissioner for Energy, Johnson Alabi, focused on charting a sustainable energy future for citizens across the four States.

The four are under the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).

According to Engr. Alabi, the meeting was primarily to address issues surrounding asset delineation and the urgent need to woo investors for a total takeover and upgrade of the existing distribution infrastructure.

He noted that BEDC has consistently failed to improve facilities, leaving consumers to shoulder the burden of procuring transformers, cables, poles, and other essential materials.

According to a statement by Debbie Funmilayo, Information Officer, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources/OSPC, the meeting further disclosed that BEDC, in its defense, claimed that all the assets in question were acquired during the privatization exercise.

However, this assertion, the commissioner emphasized, has sparked a major controversy between the Ondo State Government (ODSG), the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), and BEDC, as there was never any formal agreement on such usage, nor has BEDC provided compensation for the ongoing utilization of these assets.

Alabi stressed that BEDC has grossly underperformed in Ondo State and other affected states, showing no clear pathway towards economic growth through reliable electricity supply.

“If BEDC is allowed to continue in this trajectory, the power situation will remain stagnant, to the detriment of our citizens and economies,” he warned.

The immediate past Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utility in Ekiti State, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, also lamented BEDC’s inefficiency, particularly its failure to resolve transmission bottlenecks.

He underscored the urgent need for fresh power injection into the states, adding that the current BEDC–national grid structure cannot sustainably support long-term development.

Prof. Aluko further advocated for a comprehensive review of BEDC’s financial standing to enable the states to identify strategic opportunities for investor-driven interventions.

At the end of deliberations, the Commissioners reached a consensus on the following key resolutions:

“Each state must obtain a detailed financial position of BEDC, as transparency is critical to their role as equity stakeholders.

“A joint letter would be drafted and addressed to BEDC, formally communicating their position.

“All states are to thoroughly review the asset delineation exercise conducted by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), to confirm alignment with the asset lists previously submitted by states detailing all networks deployed directly by the state government within their geographical boundaries.”

Other Commissioners in attendance were Washington Osa-Osifo, Edo State, and Sunday Tataobuzogwu, Delta State.

Anambra Rejects Philips Consulting Rating As One Of the Worst States In Nigeria

James Orji

September 20, 2025

Anambra State Government has rejected the 2025 state performance index rating branding the state as one of the worst state to live in the country.

In the report released on Thursday, by Philips Consulting Limited, PCL, the Charles Soludo-led state was rated 34^th while Oyo state comfortably sits on the top of the performance table.

There are 36 states in the country and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Reacting to the report, the state, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, faulted the methodology, saying other international rating organisations have rated Anambra high, describing PCL report as flawed, biased and lacking in credibility.

The commissioner said the state has performed better than many states in the country, citing key performance index such as health, infrastructure, Education, adding that agencies such as UNISEF and Dangote Foundation among others rated the state high in these areas.

Part of the statement: “Philips Consulting Limited, once renowned for its expertise in human resource services, now appears to have veered into areas far beyond its traditional competence. Everyone now rushes into the business of ‘ranking’ as the new fad in town.

“While it is not wrong for a firm to broaden its scope, such ventures demand rigorous training, capacity development, and methodological soundness. Without these, credibility is compromised, and reputations are put at risk.

“The 2025 PCL State Performance Index raises fundamental questions: What capacity does PCL have to rank Nigerian states? How was this research designed, and on what basis were such sweeping conclusions drawn? Increasingly, intellectuals and observers alike are asking whether PCL is losing strategic focus and has joined the crowd of spurious rating agencies.

“For context, in the 2024 edition, Anambra was ranked 8th. Even then, we were amused by the methodology and its results, and we never took it seriously. Now, in 2025, with a phantom change in methodology, the state suddenly plunged to 34th. Such dramatic swings within one year should have compelled any serious consultant to re-examine assumptions, refine data, and validate findings perhaps via field engagement, not publishing questionable outcomes.

“Methodological flaws – PCL claimed 78 respondents for Anambra State, a population of over 6 million people (adjusted 2022 census estimate). By the widely accepted Cochran’s formula, a minimum of 385 respondents is required for a five percent margin of error, while 9,593 respondents are required for one per cent margin of error. Anything less introduces serious levels of sampling error.

“Sample distribution bias – PCL admits that 76 per cent of its respondents were male. A credible survey must proportionally represent age, gender, income, and employment status, drawn from census or reliable population data. By skewing so heavily toward one gender and failing to stratify properly, the research was fundamentally compromised.

“Over-reliance on spending without outcomes – The report appears to emphasise state expenditure levels without adequately measuring the efficiency or tangible outcomes of such spending. By focusing on the absolute amount spent rather than juxtaposing it with the real impact achieved, the analysis risks overlooking whether resources are being utilized effectively – Value for Money.

“Lack of ground engagement – No evidence exists that PCL engaged stakeholders, visited communities, or conducted any direct validation of outcomes in Anambra. Findings were inferred without context, first-hand observation, or alignment with verifiable state-level data.

“Contradictions with verifiable data – Education: Anambra is a national leader in education. Since September 2023, the state has implemented truly free education from Nursery to JSS3, extending this to SS3 in 2024 in all public schools. Enrolments rose sharply—27.05 per cent increase in primary and 10.36 per cent increase in secondary schools—bringing the state’s out-of-school rate to just 2.9 per cent (lowest out of 36 states and FCT, UNESCO).

“Additionally, over 8,115 teachers were recruited transparently and competitively and have continued to transform the Education Infrastructure. Without measuring learning outcomes and teacher/teaching quality, any educational ranking is incomplete.

“We are not aware of any other state where a government recruited 8,115 teachers within the first two years in office to end the era of schools without teachers. Over the past two years we have also been massively investing smartly in upgrading physical and technological infrastructure in the schools, and our students and teachers continue to win national and international awards. It will also be nice to know which State(s) do better in these milestones,” she added.

According to the commissioner, in 2024, the National Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge Awards (assessed by UNICEF, Dangote Group, NGF, and the Gates Foundation, among others) ranked Anambra number one in the South-East and number one in Nigeria, awarding Anambra $1.2m in recognition.

“We understand that the rankings were done by an international team of about 15 consultants who visited every state and the FCT. This is in addition to the celebrated revolutionary policy on free antenatal and free delivery in all public hospitals, which has benefited over 120,000 women in two years, as well as massive investments in general hospitals, telemedicine, and tertiary services.

“Anambra’s child mortality rate is second only to Lagos state, and patronage of public hospitals has moved from 25 per cent in 2022 to 73 per cent currently— a historic record, etc. This contrasts sharply with PCL’s ranking of Anambra at 30th in Health—a glaring inconsistency that underscores the superficiality of their approach.

“Infrastructure – the state has awarded 842.2 km of roads in three years (including 8 bridges and flyovers), completing 546.3 km to date, including over 150km dualization projects— earning multiple awards for transformative infrastructure delivery. Yet, PCL’s methodology manages to underplay these tangible achievements.”

Kwakwanso Ready To Join APC, Demands VP Position- Sources

James Orji

September 20, 2025

New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP Leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, says he’s prepared to join the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, but that the term of agreement must be clearly stated.

According to him, he was part of the founding fathers of the APC despite all the threats against him and his supporters by state controlled agencies such as the ICPC, DSS, Police and EFCC.

He however state that he’s not desperate to dump his party, the NNPP under which he contested the 2023 presidential election.

“If you said I should enter APC, I want to join APC, and I didn’t say I will not join APC even now, but for what position? he stated.

But, “we’re not in a hurry to leave the NNPP; we’re happy. However, if there is anyone who wants to work with us truthfully and will not abandon us as before, we are ready,” the NNPP strongman affirmed.

Sources informed the magazine that the negotiations between APC and the former Kano state has reached an advanced stage, but for the position of Vice President Kwakwanso is demanding, as condition for him to join the party.

Presidency strategists are said to be deeply confused over Kwakwanso’s demand as they carefully weigh the fate of Vice President Kassim Shetima as Tinubu’s running mate in the 2027 election.

The magazine reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is wooing Kwakwanso as part of his plan to consolidate his presence in the north ahead the 2027 election, after his popularity nosedived in the region due to allegations by some leaders from the areas, including Kwakwanso that his administration is not being fair to the region in terns of infrastructural distribution, which they said is more concentrated in the south where the president hailed from.

It was also reported that the recent resignation of Abudullahi Ganduje as APC National chairman is not unconnected with plan to bring Kwakwanso into the party, and as the moves by the ruling party intensified, watchers of politics in the country suggests that Tinubu is considering dumping Vice President Kassim Shetima for Kwakwanso, as his running mate in the presidential election slated for less than two years.

Oyetola Woos Global Investors To Nigeria’s Marine And Blue Economy

James Orji

September 20, 2025

Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on international investors to seize the vast opportunities in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy, describing the sector as a gateway to Africa’s economic transformation.

The Minister made the call in London, United Kingdom, where he is participating in the ongoing London International Shipping Week (LISW) 2025, one of the world’s premier maritime gatherings.

Speaking on Thursday at the Africa Maritime and Shipping Assembly, held at the headquarters of the International Maritime Organization, IMO, as part of the LISW, Minister Oyetola, represented by the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, urged investors to look beyond short-term gains and embrace the long-term benefits of investing in Nigeria’s fast-evolving maritime landscape.

Delivering a keynote address on the topic “Navigating Regulatory Seas: Steering Africa’s Maritime Governance Towards Seamless Trade,” he underlined Nigeria’s commitment to regulatory reforms, port modernisation, maritime security, and sustainable shipping practices as critical pillars that make the country an attractive investment destination.

“Our oceans and inland waterways are our lifeblood, our highways to prosperity, and the very arteries that will fuel the African Continental Free Trade Area,” Oyetola said, stressing that Nigeria is committed to unlocking the full potential of its marine resources.

He noted that the government’s ambitious reforms are geared towards positioning the country as the maritime hub of West and Central Africa.

The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s significant progress in maritime security, citing the success of the Deep Blue Project, which has eliminated piracy in Nigerian waters and contributed to a sharp decline in incidents across the Gulf of Guinea. He added that Nigeria has recorded three consecutive years without piracy attacks in its territorial waters, a feat that has earned commendations from the International Maritime Bureau.

“This is proof that Nigeria is a safe destination for maritime investments. Security of our seas is non-negotiable, and we are committed to sustaining these gains through technology-driven surveillance, strong legal frameworks such as the SPOMO Act, and regional collaboration,” he declared.

The Minister further pointed to Nigeria’s growing port infrastructure, with the landmark Lekki Deep Sea Port standing as a symbol of public-private partnership success. With its state-of-the-art facilities and capacity to berth the world’s largest vessels, Lekki Port is expected to serve as a vital transshipment hub for landlocked African nations.

“We are now actively collaborating to scale up transshipment operations for countries such as Chad, Niger and Burkina Faso, positioning Nigeria as the maritime hub of the sub-region,” he said.

The Minister also underscored the importance of sustainable growth, insisting that the blue economy must not only drive profit but also safeguard the environment. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to green shipping practices, eco-friendly port infrastructure and climate-resilient coastal management strategies.

Beyond security and sustainability, Minister Oyetola stressed the urgency of regulatory harmonisation across Africa’s maritime sector. He noted that fragmented regulations and non-tariff barriers undermine the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

“It is a paradox that we seek to remove tariffs through AfCFTA while leaving non-tariff barriers, such as disparate port procedures and differing customs regulations, largely intact,” he said.

He called for accelerated implementation of continental instruments such as the Revised African Maritime Transport Charter to create a predictable and investor-friendly environment.

Nigeria’s participation in the London International Shipping Week comes at a time when the global maritime industry is recalibrating for resilience, sustainability and digital transformation. LISW is recognised as one of the most influential events on the global shipping calendar, bringing together policymakers, regulators, investors, shipowners and maritime professionals from around the world. For Nigeria, Oyetola noted, the event presents an unparalleled opportunity to showcase the country’s readiness to attract foreign direct investment into its maritime value chain and to strengthen its advocacy for Africa’s interests in global maritime governance.

The Minister also used the platform to seek support for Nigeria’s candidature for election into Category C of the IMO Council for the 2026–2027 biennium. He emphasised that Nigeria’s aspiration goes beyond national interest.

“Our campaign is not just about a seat for Nigeria; it is about securing a stronger voice for the entire African continent. A vote for Nigeria is a vote for a proven leader in maritime security, an advocate for African interests, and a champion of global collaboration,” he said.

In closing, Oyetola appealed to investors and African maritime stakeholders alike to harness the sector’s immense opportunities.

“The regulatory seas ahead may be turbulent, but with a clear vision, a firm resolve, and a spirit of collaboration, we can navigate them successfully. Let us commit to building an African maritime sector that is secure, sustainable, and seamlessly integrated. Let us turn our shared challenges into collective strengths,” he urged.

Supreme Court Deliberately Stepped Down Rivers Emergency Case – Prof Odinkalu

Ayodele Oni

September 20, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The refusal of Supreme Court to even attempt to schedule a hearing of the original jurisdiction case on Emergency rule in Rivers State, which ended on Wednesday, has been described as deliberate.

President Bola Tinubu had declared an end to the emergency rule on Wednesday, after six months, reinstating the Legislative and executive arms of government in Rivers state.

The lawmakers, led by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule resumed on Thursday, while Governor Siminalayi Fubara and deputy, Ngozi Odu,

returned to their seats on Friday.

Fubara, in a broadcast on Friday, stated that “As your Governor, I accepted to abide by the state of emergency declaration and chose to cooperate with Mr. President and the National Assembly, guided by my conviction that no sacrifice was too great to secure peace, stability, and progress of Rivers State.

“This was why I also resisted the pressure to challenge the constitutionality of the declaration of a state of emergency, the suspension of democratic institutions, and all other actions that we endured during this difficult period.”

However, while the emergency rule lasted, Attorneys general from Adamawa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Delta, Taraba, Zamfara, and Bayelsa, had initiated a suit at the Supreme Court against President Bola Tinubu’s March 18, 2025, declaration—suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly, insisting that the action violated key constitutional provisions.

This was among other several litigations which condemned the action of the president and demanded a return of elected government in Rivers state.

Renowned Nigerian human rights activist and former National Human Rights Commission chairman, Chidi Odinkalu, in a series of posts on X, criticized the Supreme Court for its failure to hear the high-profile constitutional challenge to the recent state of emergency in Rivers State.

According to him, the inaction is a deliberate “decision” that will “go down in infamy” in Nigeria’s judicial history.

Odinkalu, who holds the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CGoF) honor, highlighted the apex court’s protracted silence on Suit No. SC/CV/329/2025, filed by the 11 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-governed states in April 2025.

“It’s itself a decision, which will go down in infamy in the annals of judicial politics in #Nigeria,” Odinkalu wrote in his lead post, which garnered over 60 likes and dozens of reposts within an hour.

He contrasted the case’s stagnation with the court’s swift handling of prior national matters: including Suit No. SC/CV/162/2023 on the naira redesign policy which was resolved in just 30 days (judgment on March 3, 2023), while Suit No. SC/CV/343/2024 on local government autonomy took 45 days (decided July 11, 2024).

By comparison, the Rivers emergency suit “has not been heard after six months+,” Odinkalu noted, underscoring what he sees as selective urgency.

The plaintiffs in SC/CV/329/2025 sought declarations that Tinubu’s actions contravene Sections 1(2), 5(2), 176, 180, 188, and 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which enshrine federalism, executive powers, gubernatorial tenure, impeachment processes, and emergency proclamation limits.

They further argued that replacing elected officials with an unelected sole administrator—retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas—amounted to an unconstitutional power grab, potentially threatening similar interventions in their own states.

The Federal Government, defended by a formidable team led by former Attorney General Akin Olujinmi (SAN) and over 10 other Senior Advocates of Nigeria, filed a preliminary objection in May 2025 urging dismissal, claiming the suit was “frivolous and speculative.”

The National Assembly echoed this in April, seeking ₦1 billion in costs against the governors.

Tinubu’s emergency proclamation stemmed from a months-long political feud between Fubara and his predecessor-turned-Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, which paralyzed governance in the oil-rich South-South state.

The crisis escalated after Fubara’s May 2023 inauguration, with Wike-aligned lawmakers attempting impeachment in October 2023, a fire-damaged assembly complex demolition, and a failed December 2023 peace deal brokered by Tinubu.

By early 2025, the Supreme Court itself had ruled in related cases that “there was no government in Rivers State” due to the executive-legislative deadlock, paving the way for the March intervention under Section 305.

The six-month rule, which expired September 17, saw Ekwe Ibas oversaw stability measures, including controversial August 30 local government elections boycotted by Fubara’s camp.

Over 40 related lawsuits flooded courts in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa, though lower courts deferred to the Supreme Court’s exclusive jurisdiction under the Emergency Powers Act of 1961—one Federal High Court in Port Harcourt struck out a challenge on September 15, citing this exclusivity.

In a nationwide address on September,

Tinubu lifted the emergency effective at midnight, reinstating Fubara, Odu, and assembly members led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule from September 18.

He defended the measure as a “painfully inevitable” tool to avert “anarchy,” crediting it with restoring order amid pipeline vandalism threats and economic sabotage risks.

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