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Rivers State Of Emergency: Lawyers Protest, Demand Immediate Restoration Of Democratic Rule

April 30, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Legal practitioners under the aegis of “Lawyers in Defence of Democracy”, LDD, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, joined the growing list of street protesters agitating for the restoration of democratic order in Rivers State.

Following the declaration of a state of emergency in the State by President Bola Tinubu, and the subsequent suspension of the Governor and other democratic institutions on March 18, 2025, several women and youth groups have taken to the streets in protests demanding, among other things, the removal of retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator, as well as the restoration of democratic rule.

Led by its Country Director, Barr. Uchechukwu Udeh Sylvester, the LDD declared the imposition of a State of emergency on Rivers, and the suspension of democratically elected institution, as an aberration which must not be allowed to fester.

In their letter of protest, the aggrieved lawyers urged President Donald Trump and all other democratic nations in the world to intervene, and stop the gradual and steady erosion of democratic principles in Nigeria.

According to LDD, the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy and the State House of Assembly Members is a brazen attempt to stifle democracy and undermine Constitutional order.

The Lawyers also berated the National Assembly for giving a stamp of approval to the orchestrated plot to undermine and truncate democracy in the Country.

The Lawyers expressed serious concern that the National Assembly could gloat over the feelings of overwhelming majority of Nigerians, to approve the illegal contraption in Rivers State.

“In an era where democracy is supposed to reign supreme, giving democracy dividends to the masses, we have found ourselves at a crossroads, a sober moment of reckoning where constitutional order is being tested most brazenly.

“This could only happen during the days of military juntas, but we are not under the firm grip of a military dictatorship.

“At the moment, the country is being governed under a constitutional democracy that operates a presidential system of Government.

“President Bola Tinubu should not have taken the decision because democracy is a learning process, and the judiciary has demonstrated the capacity to resolve issues .

“The President should have allowed the various State organs to resolve the issues, the LDD noted.

The protesting Lawyers called on President Tinubu to immediately reverse the emergency rule and allow elected officials to discharge their mandates to the people.

Enugu: Peter Obi’s Campaign Coordinator Dumps LP, Defects To PDP

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 30, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The poaching from the ranks of the Labour Party LP, by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Enugu State continued on Wednesday with the LP State Publicity Secretary Titus Odo, a former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and a known ally of Peter Obi, Prince Emeka Mamah, as well as several others joining forces with the PDP.

The Source reports that a few weeks back, Hon Chijioke Edoga, the LP Governorship candidate in the State, during the 2023 general election had similarly defected to the PDP, citing the need to encourage Governor Peter Mba in his efforts at moving Enugu forward as a major reason.

Instructively, Mamah ,who was Obi’s Enugu State Presidential Campaign Coordinator and Odo, had joined the LP in 2023 from the PDP, alongside Edoga.

Odo, the LP spokesperson,while speaking during a formal reception ceremony at the PDP State Secretariat in Enugu, expressed happiness that he has returned to his political nest, PDP.

Like ,Edoga, before him, Odo equally noted that he was attracted back to the PDP by the massive developmental stride of the state Governor who, incidentally, defeated LP in 2023, in rather controversial circumstances .

“I am happy to tell you that I am back to my home. I came back because of the giant developmental strides of t Governor Mbah, and I say kudos to him.

“The second reason is the defection of my immediate boss, the LP Governorship candidate in the 2023 election in Enugu, Dr Chijioke Edoga.

“Another reason is that I am impressed with what the Executive Council Chairman of Igboeze North, Uchenna Ogara, is doing in the area, and I want to join them in this epoch making stride.”

In the same vein, Mamah, who is also from the same Igboeze Council as Odo, appreciated the PDP at all levels in the State for receiving him back into their fold.

He expressed satisfaction with the efforts of Governor Mbah, noting that he was goaded into returning by the need to partner with him in taking Enugu to a greater height.

Receiving the defectors the Enugu Chairman of the PDP, Dr Martin Chukwunwike, expressed joy over the development, and noted that Governor Mbah has directed to take all necessary legitimate steps to bring back all those who left the party pre-2023 general elections.

“We are happy to have them back in our fold, and God has set this party on a good footing as victory in 2027 is already assured” the chairman noted.

Gov. Eno On Way Out Of PDP, Says “Party’s Plane Is Spoilt, May Not Be Able To Take Me To My Next Destination”

Ayodele Oni

April 30, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Barring a last minute change of mind, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, may be the next member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to ditch the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)

Eno has given hint of his possible defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was like a spoilt aircraft, and may no longer have the capacity to take him to the next destination come 2027.

Speaking against the backdrop of recent gale of defections from the PDP with the latest being the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborewori, who moved with the whole PDP Party structure, including his immediate predecessor and the Party’s Vice Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Elections, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, Eno hinted that the heavily fragmented PDP may soon grind to a halt.

Addressing a huge crowd that thronged the Town Square meeting of the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency at the QIC Central School, Ikot Akpankuk, Headquarters of Ukanafun Local Government Area, the Governor disclosed that he might join the fray as soon as the crucial 2027 election year inches closer.

It had been speculated that more Governors elected on the platform of the PDP may ditch the party before the 2027 General Elections.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Elrufai, has however down-played the euphoria which greeted the defection. He said Governors don’t win election.

El-Rufai, now a chieftain of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), stated that these moves will not deter his efforts to find solutions to Nigeria’s problems.

According to him, each Governor has one vote and elections are won by the people, not politicians.

“It’s good for headlines, it’s good to sell your media, but on the ground, politically, if you don’t have the people, you can have as high a profile as possible, you are nothing.”

Kano: Ten Years After, LG Councilors To Receive Outstanding Allowances

Ayodele Oni

April 30, 2025

Abba-Kabir-Yusuf-Kano-Governor (1) — Governor Abba-Kabir-Yusuf

By Ayodele Oni

After almost eleven years, reprieve has come to 3,000 political office holders at local governments in Kano state that served between 2014 and 2024 as Governor Abba Yusuf approved a total of ₦15.6 billion for the settlement of outstanding allowances.

The allowances include severance gratuities, accommodation, and leave/recess, owed to over 3,000 former councillors from the 44 local government councils.

The Special Adviser on Information to the governor, Ibrahim Adam in a statement, explained that the financial package targets councillors that served during three distinct periods: 2014-2017, 2018-2020, and 2021-2024.

According to him,the funds will be disbursed in three installments across April, May, and June 2025.

He stated that the former councillors served under the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, now national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), during which their entitlements remained unpaid.

“The issue of these outstanding payments has caused considerable frustration among the affected council members.

“Governor Yusuf, elected on a different political platform, has taken the initiative to settle their earned entitlements, marking a departure from previous administrative practices.

“The approval of ₦15.6 billion is a fulfillment of Governor Abba Yusuf’s promise to ensure that all outstanding entitlements owed to our dedicated public servants are settled. It is our duty to uphold the dignity of those who serve in elected positions.”

He further emphasized that this financial intervention is not just a commitment to the past but also a step towards fostering trust and accountability in governance.

“His Excellency recognize the sacrifices made by these councillors throughout their service. It is time to right the wrongs of the past, and the government is determined to make this happen.

“Local government officials have expressed appreciation for Governor Yusuf’s decision, viewing it as a critical step toward rectifying the financial injustices faced by these former councillors.

“This timely intervention is expected to provide much-needed support to the over 3,000 individuals who have long awaited their rightful entitlements.

“Governor Yusuf’s administration continues to gain public support as it actively works to resolve various humanitarian and administrative issues that have persisted from previous regimes.

“As the scheduled payments approach, many are hopeful that this financial relief will further enhance the well-being of the former councillors and contribute positively to their communities.”

“Nobody kidnapped Me, I Don’t Want To Be Kidnapped” – Sunny Ade

Akinwale Kasali

April 30, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Sunday Adegeye, legendary Afrobeat maestro, popular as King Sunny Ade, KSA, has expressed his heartfelt appreciation to his families, friends, colleagues, fans and Nigerians for their show of love, concern and care following his widespread kidnapping rumour spread by his daughter, Damilola.

In a live video shared by one of his wives, Bose Olubo-Adegeye, the Musician said “I am safe, hale and hearty”. He urged Nigerians to dispel the rumour.

Damilola raised alarm over her Father’s whereabouts, and accused her step brother, Dayo, whom she described as KSA’s manager, of allegedly holding the veteran singer hostage, masterminding his kidnap, stole his money and generally mismanaging his affairs.

In a flurry of social media posts, Damilola called for Dayo’s arrest, claiming he had been “stealing” from the musician and preventing access to him.

However, debunking the kidnap rumour in a live video, KSA reassured his fans that he was hale, hearty, and actively performing live music at events.

He specifically mentioned performing at a show in Lekki, Lagos, over the weekend and noted that he was on his way to another performance.

“Nobody kidnapped me. I pray, as I don’t want anybody to kidnap me. I believe that the whole world is in love with me. This is me, King Sunny Ade. I have to thank God and you, my fans, for the concern. I have been doing my shows. I was at a show last Saturday at Lekki, Lagos.

“I am on my way to have a show, and I am coming back again to play in Lagos, as well.

“So, I have nothing to say other than to thank God and to thank you.

“I know my children are in love with me, and they want to see me. I didn’t go anywhere. This is me. I thank the children, too, for their concern as well.

“By God’s grace, enjoyment continues. I am still in music. Music is my life; it is my business, and I will continue to do it. I thank the whole world for loving me as usual,” he added.

Dayo, KSA’s Manager had earlier debunked the Kidnap rumour spread by Damilola before the legendary Musician also came out to dispel the rumour.

Sports, Platform To Promote National Unity – Uzodimma

The Source

April 30, 2025

The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has received the Unity Torch for the 2025 National Sports Festival taking place in Ogun State.

The Governor did Monday, April 28, 2025 and described the event as a platform to promote unity among the participating States in the country.

Receiving the Unity Torch on behalf of the Imo State Government at the Government House, Owerri before Sports enthusiasts, staff of the National Sports Commission and Imo State Sports Council who gathered to witness the event, the Governor urged the Imo contingents to go and make the State proud by winning the coveted medals.

He reminded them that Imo State is known for excellent performance in sports, and encouraged the contingents to go out there with determination and come back with many gold medals to make the State proud.

“Go and win, and win, and win, to the glory of God,” he challenged them.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon Obinna Onyeocha handed over the Unity Torch to the Team Leader from the National Sports Commission, Ms Mbora Ikana, who in turn handed it over to the Governor amid singing, drumming and dancing.

Present at the event were the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, and some members of the State Expanded Executive Council.

Zenith Bank Fetes Shareholders With Dividends Payout Of N195.67bn

Tosin Olatokunbo

April 30, 2025

Zenith Bank Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Shareholders of Zenith Bank Plc, at the 34th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, approved the proposed final dividend payment of NGN4.00 per share, bringing the total dividend for the 2024 financial year to NGN5.00 per share, with a total value of NGN195.67 billion.
The Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, thanked the shareholders for their unflinching support and commitment, which have been responsible for the bank’s stellar performance over the years. He noted that despite challenges globally in 2024, Zenith Bank was able to leverage the opportunities within the environment of each subsidiary to record a performance that solidly attests to the bank’s resilience as a brand.
The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, expressed her appreciation to the shareholders for their commitment and support, promising quantum leap in dividends going forward. According to her, “This is the first time that I am addressing the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in my capacity as the first female GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank. I would like to thank you for your confidence and support that has placed me in this position today”. She further said that “Zenith Bank is committed to, not only meeting your expectations, but exceeding them. We are focused on running a very efficient and sustainable institution that is resilient and will ensure that our institution outlives many generations to come”. Talking specifically about dividend, she emphasized that “If you look at our dividends trajectory, payments over the period have always increased and we will continue to maintain this record. We have successfully completed our recapitalization exercise, achieving 160% subscription. Therefore, we are not under any pressure to go back for the second time to raise funds. Zenith Bank has sufficient capital buffer to do business and we will continue to delight our shareholders. We are committed to growing our topline organically while adhering to our strict corporate governance culture.”
Dr. Faruk Umar, President of the Association of the Rights of Nigerian Shareholders (AARNS), applauded the Group Managing Director for her efforts in ensuring the growth of the bank’s financial indices. He said, “We are very happy that the bank is paying us N5. Most importantly the GMD/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, has done so well. In the past year, she won the award for the Banker of the Year which is very commendable, and all the bank’s indices have gone up; we are now experiencing trillions in profit against N676 billion the previous year, and the shareholder’s funds, the gross earnings – everything now is in trillions. I think this is very commendable. The bank has won so many awards – no bank in Nigeria has won such qualitative awards like they have. They also surpassed the capitalization threshold of CBN by 160% – this is unprecedented. We are very happy with their performance.”
Speaking on the dividend payout, Alhaji Otunba Mukhtar Mukhtar, Chairman, Trusted Shareholders Association of Nigeria, said “The consistency of Zenith Bank dividend payout has never been matched in Nigeria. Since the inception of this bank, they have kept giving shareholders a consistent dividend payout, and this has made shareholders to be richer, happier, and more excited at the hardwork, performance and commitment of the bank. We are very happy. If you look at the Profit Before Tax (PBT) and the Profit After Tax (PAT), they have been able to cross the N1 trillion threshold. They have given us a Profit Before Tax of N1.3 trillion, which is very commendable. The shareholders, as you have seen at the meeting, have expressed their happiness and joy about this performance. I am grateful to the Chairman, Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR, the Management and the Board for such an outstanding performance.”
Ambassador Dr. Olatunde Okelana, the Balogun Olugbon of Orile- Igbon, Oyo State, also commented on the bank’s dividend payout. In his words, “Zenith Bank investment has been the best for me. I want to believe that whoever has not invested in Zenith Bank has lost. Their dividend policy is very palatable, very beautiful in the banking industry and the lady at the helm of affairs is performing wonderfully well. She is one of the best female CEOs in the banking Industry in Nigeria. I am a capitalist, so I invest where my money can give me beautiful returns. I want to tell you that Zenith Bank has been the best in the capital market and it is the best investment. Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR, the Founder & Chairman, is a benefit to mankind, he has done the best by giving us Zenith Bank. 99.9% of my savings is in Zenith Bank, because I have confidence in them and in the Management led by Dame Dr. Adaora. I want to encourage many Nigerians to invest in Zenith Bank so that they too can reap the fruit of their labor as soon as possible. I am very happy to be a shareholder of this bank.
Chief Timothy Adesiyan, President of the Shareholders Solidarity Association of Nigeria, praised the Chairman and Management of Zenith Bank for their consistent delivery of value to shareholders. He noted, “The dividend we received this year of N5 has been a promise which they have given to us at several forums which they have called at different times, and we thank them for not failing us in their promise. I am very proud to be a shareholder of Zenith Bank, and also their customer. The bank is a very reliable bank – if you keep your investments in Zenith Bank, you can go to sleep because there is always somebody there watching your investment for you.”

GTCO Food And Drink Festival Begins Friday

Tosin Olatokunbo

April 30, 2025

The stage is set for Africa’s most anticipated celebration of food, drink, and culture as Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) announces the 8th edition of the GTCO Food and Drink Festival, scheduled to hold from Friday, May 2nd to Sunday, May 4th, 2025, at GTCentre, Plot 1 Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos.

This year’s festival is themed “A Shared Experience”, highlighting how every meal tells a story—stories of culture, community, and tradition that unite people across generations and geographies. The 2025 edition will feature 204 free retail stalls, showcasing the rich diversity and creativity of our food culture—from traditional Nigerian dishes and regional delicacies to contemporary fusion cuisines, savory bites, refreshing beverages, and gourmet desserts. Attendees can also look forward to a series of masterclasses, where internationally renowned chefs and respected culinary experts will share practical insights, recipes, and techniques spanning a wide range of cuisines and disciplines.

In addition to the food exhibition and masterclasses, visitors will enjoy an expansive street food arena, offering a vibrant selection of popular local delicacies, and a dedicated children’s play area, ensuring a fun, safe, and memorable experience for the entire family.

Speaking on the significance of the festival, Mr. Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, said: “The GTCO Food and Drink Festival is a celebration of our rich cultural diversity and entrepreneurial spirit. Every meal shared is a reminder of our traditions and the universal language of food that connects us all. Beyond the festivities, the festival reflects our commitment to supporting local enterprise—creating a free business platform where food retailers can connect with consumers, share their unique offerings, and take meaningful steps toward growth and long-term sustainability.”

At the heart of the festival is GTCO’s vision of Promoting Enterprise in support of small businesses, especially indigenous foodpreneurs. It is part of the Group’s broader commitment to creating Great Experiences for customers by offering meaningful opportunities for connection, growth, and shared success.

Admission to the GTCO Food and Drink Festival is free, and everyone is welcome to join in this extraordinary celebration of food, culture, and enterprise.

“As Vice Presidential Candidate, Okowa Was Of No Use To PDP” – Mark

The Source

April 30, 2025

By Gideon Njoku

The exit of a former Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, cannot be described as a tsunami. That is the opinion of a former National Legal Adviser of the PDP, Mark Jacob.

Here is why, according to him.

As PDP’s Vice Presidential Candidate, Jacob recalls, Okowa, a sitting Governor then, made no positive impact on the fortunes of the Party. He was unable to deliver Delta State to the PDP. So, reasoned Jacob, what possible impact would his exit from the PDP now have on the Party?

Jacob spoke on Arise TV in reaction to the unprecedented dumping of the PDP by the whole Party structure in Delta State which includes the Governor, Sherrif Oborevwori, Okowa, all Members of the PDP in the National Assembly and State Assembly, all State Executive Council Members, and all Local Government Area Chairmen, their Vice Chairmen and Councillors.

President Bola Tinubu described it as a political tsunami. But Jacob disagrees.

While Jacob admits that no political Party should celebrate the loss of its sitting State Governor, he doubts any negative impact Okowa’s dumping of the Party would have on it.

His words: “Truthfully, there is no political party that will be celebrating the departure of a sitting Governor. So, truth be told, that it is a big one for a sitting Governor to leave a political party. But whether that amounts to an earthquake is something else to discuss because we all know that in the 2023 election, the former Governor of Delta State was the running mate to Atiku Abubakar, and he could not deliver his State to the PDP.

“So, sometimes, these big men have their role, but their level of control politically, and when it comes to elections is something that must be interrogated. As a running mate, if he could not deliver his State, it goes a long way to say what tsunami he can cause by being in APC.

“And, particularly, also, when you look at the State where this is happening, the people of Delta State have consistently displayed electoral capacity to think for themselves, to take decisions that are beneficial to themselves, not necessarily the decisions of stakeholders or Governors or Senators, the people of Delta State must be respected.

“It is possible that the Governor and the former Governor have their interests which may not be the same interest as the interest of the electorate. And this must be put in perspective.

“And, just like I said, the example I gave, he didn’t move the people to vote for him, even when the people had a chance of having a Vice President from their State.

“So, it is questionable whether indeed, having moved to the APC, the people will follow him.”

For the records, when Rotimi Amaechi, the former Governor of Rivers State dumped the PDP for the APC in 2015, the people did not move with him. Not only did Rivers vote PDP in the Presidential Election, Amaechi could not install his successor. PDP’s Candidate, Nyesom Wike, won the Governorship election.

Same scenario, also, played out in Zamfara State when Governor Bello Matawalle ditched the PDP for the APC. He lost his reelection for a second term and the APC did not win the State in the Presidential Election.

Missing The Point On Peter Obi’s US Lecture

The Source

April 30, 2025

By Dr Moses Paul

It is both troubling and disappointing that rather than engaging intellectually with the points Mr Peter Obi raised during his lecture at Johns Hopkins University, some individuals have resorted to name-calling and personal attacks. This behaviour is not only counterproductive but it also undermines the very fabric of democratic dialogue, where facts and ideas should be weighed, debated, and countered with superior facts, not with insults.

Mr. Peter Obi presented statistical comparisons between Nigeria and other nations, highlighting where we stand today in areas such as healthcare, education, economic development, and governance. His intention was not to demarket Nigeria but to present an honest, evidence-based analysis of our current realities and to propose solutions for national advancement.

If you believe Mr Peter Obi’s figures are wrong. The appropriate response is to counter his statistics with better, verifiable data, not to attack his character. The question critics must answer is: What is the alternative to what Mr Peter Obi said? If the statistics he presented are inaccurate, then show us the correct numbers. Provide your own analysis. Bring forth your argument backed with evidence. Resorting to smear campaigns only exposes the intellectual bankruptcy of your position.

To those accusing Mr Peter Obi of demarketing Nigeria: Telling the truth is not demarketing; it is empowering. How can citizens make informed decisions if they are shielded from the reality of their nation’s condition? It is better to tell the people the truth. They will not kill you for it. On the contrary, a well-informed citizenry is a prerequisite for national progress.

We must not forget that Mr. Peter Obi, during his lecture, did not engage in name-calling or cast aspersions against anyone, including President Tinubu. He simply analyzed different countries, presented evidence, and shared actionable solutions on what Nigeria could do better. He made a clear and respectful case for reform, a rare example of issue-based advocacy that our political space desperately needs.

Some argue that since Peter Obi did not build enough hospitals during his tenure, he has no moral right to criticize the healthcare system. However, it is on record that Mr Peter Obi built, from scratch to completion and in record time, the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital.

This line of argument is false. In a democracy, critique is not reserved for the perfect. Even if a leader made mistakes in the past, it does not disqualify them from highlighting present failures and proposing solutions. In fact, it is often those who have governed before and who understand the inner workings of the system, who are best equipped to diagnose its flaws and suggest better pathways forward.

Mr. Peter Obi’s critique was not personal. It was a call for introspection and national rebirth. He didn’t even mention individuals in his analysis; he focused on institutions, systems, and outcomes. That is how responsible leadership and citizenship should function.

Ultimately, this moment demands honesty, courage, and maturity. Nigeria can not afford the luxury of false pride and defensive ignorance. We are not doing the right thing as a nation, and until we face this fact squarely, we can not hope to change our trajectory.

A new Nigeria is POssible!!!

Dr Paul writes from Abuja

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