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State Of Emergency: “You Must Operate Within Your Mandate”, NASS Tells Rivers Administrator, Ibas

April 15, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, stressed the imperativeness of the Rivers state Sole Administrator limiting himself to the provisions of basic governance in the State.

The Source reports that the House of Representatives had, on Sunday April 13, set up a 19-member Ad-Hoc Committee to monitor and ensure that the Sole Administrator, Rear Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas, rtd, operates, strictly, within the confines of his approved roles.

There have been growing concerns among not a few that Ibas has considerably overstepped his mandate with some controversial appointments and decisions.

Speaking during the inauguration of the House Monitoring Committee on Tuesday, Abbas noted that the primary responsibility of Admiral Ibas is to maintain basic governance functions pending when democratic institutions will be restored in the State.

Tajudeen emphasized the need for the Rivers Sole Administrator to operate in line with openness and fairness in the discharge of his duties.

He stressed that in discharging his functions, Ibas must always refer to the National Assembly, particularly, in matters relating to peace, law and order, as well as good governance.

According to the Speaker, the major function of the Monitoring Committee is to ensure that the system in Rivers complies with the law safeguarding public interests, support the transition back to democratic governance, and also ensure the protection of all interest groups.

He emphasized the importance of handling the assignment in Rivers State with utmost care, noting that the state of emergency has attracted considerable national interest and concern.

According to Abbas, both national and international attention are now on the National Assembly to see how it handles the situation in Rivers state.

“On 18, March, 2025 ,the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers state.

“This decisive action was taken out of genuine patriotism, and a deep concern for the security and welfare of both the people of Rivers State and our country as a whole.

“In his address, the President emphasized that his intervention was driven by the imperative to restore peace and to ensure that governance continues unhindered.

“His declaration was based on the provisions of Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and followed careful deliberation in the face of grave crises threatening public order.

“The President’s extraordinary actions were not taken lightly .They reflect a profound sense of duty and responsibility ,and a recognition that when democratic institutions falter ,decisive action is necessary to protect the interest of the nation .This same sense of duty underpins our proceedings.

“It is instructive to recall past instances where our nation has faced similar challenges .We witnessed state of emergencies in Plateau state in 2004 , and Ekiti state in 2006.

“Similarly, in 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan declared a State of Emergency in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States after a series of deadly attacks by terrorists and militant groups.

“In those periods of dire security and governance challenges ,the National Assembly assumed a vital role in upholding constitutional order,

“When State institutions were suspended, the intervention of the National Assembly ensured continuity in governance .

“Our actions today are grounded in Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution which confers upon us the authority to make laws for any state whose elected legislative body is unable to perform its statutory functions.

“Accordingly, in response to the President’s declaration, and in accordance with our constitutional duty, the official Gazatte of the State of Emergency was duly transmitted to both the House and Senate .

“On 20th March, 2025, the chambers deliberated extensively, and approved the President’s request with significant amendments designed to reinforce democratic safeguards and ensure robust oversight.

“These resolutions were duly forwarded to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for implementation.

“The certified true copies of this will be made available to this committee.

“It is Paramount to note that the current adminstration in Rivers State is inherently temporary. With the suspension of the State Governor Mr Siminalayi Fubara, and the entire House of Assembly, a Caretaker Adminstration has been installed under the stewardship of Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Obas Rtd”, Speaker Abbas stated.

Further speaking, Abbas insisted that under the present circumstances,the Sole Administrator is limited in in his mandate.

He explained that it is in the face of the fact that the National Assembly has decided to come up with a committee to monitor and ensure that the Sole Administrator operates within the approved resolutions.

” His role is strictly circumscribed ,as he is charged with maintaining law and order ,and ensuring that the basic functions of governance are met until full democratic governance is restored”, the Speaker said.

He, therefore, enjoined the committee members to be patriotic, and carry out the tasked assigned to them with diligence, transparency and fairness.

He cautioned against using the State of Emergency in the State as an opportunity to engage in the pursuit of vendetta anyone and/or group of persons.

“We act not out of partisan interests ,but in the earnest service of a united and prosperous Nigeria .The eyes of all Nigerians are upon us ,and it is incumbent upon this House ,particularly on the chairman and all members of this esteemed Committee to rise to this historic challenge with courage ,integrity and determination”, Abbas noted .

The Committee is headed by the Majority leader of the House, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, with other members from across the six geo-political zones.

Rivers Chief Magistrate Was Sacked For Absenteeism – RSJSC

Ayodele Oni

April 15, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

More facts have emerged on reasons for the alleged resignation of Chief Magistrate Ejike King George from the services of Rivers State Government.

George announced his retirement on Monday, citing the current political turmoil. He said he couldn’t, in good conscience, work under a quasi Military Government in the State.

But in a reaction on Tuesday, the Rivers Judicial Service Commission (JSC) stated that the retirement of Chief Magistrate Ejike King George is unrelated to the ongoing political crisis in the state.

JSC, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Acting Secretary, Blessings Vic-Jumbo, refuted claims that George’s retirement was voluntary and politically motivated.

The JSC clarified that George was compulsorily retired by the Commission via a letter dated February 12, 2025, due to disciplinary actions stemming from his extended unauthorized absence from work.

The statement specified that the former Chief Magistrate was absent without official leave from August 25, 2023, to December 2024.

According to Vic-Jumbo, a Disciplinary Panel reviewed George’s conduct, found him culpable, and recommended that he be given the option of voluntary retirement within a specified period.

“When he failed to take this option, the Commission proceeded with compulsory retirement, effective February 10, 2025.”

The JSC emphasized that this action was entirely separate from the current political situation in Rivers State.

The Commission took exception to recent remarks by George, which allegedly implied that his departure was due to the emergence of a “quasi-military administration” in the state.

The Commission firmly labeled George’s assertions as “a contrived falsehood” and “a mischievous action calculated to deceive the public, attract undue sympathy, and undeserved patronage.

“The general public should be properly guided,” the disclaimer concluded, distancing the Judiciary from political interpretations surrounding the former magistrate’s departure.

“This development contributes to the increasing tension and sensitivity surrounding governance and judicial affairs in Rivers State, especially amidst recent political unrest.”

Rivers: Ibas Summons Fubara To Justify Appointments Made Since 2023, Why He Thinks He Should Still Be Governor

Ayodele Oni

April 15, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

“Fubara is expected to present documents and records of all the appointments he made, their justifications, procedures followed, and explain why he thinks he should be reinstated as Governor”

The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Odu, have been summoned by the Sole Administrator of the State, Retired Ibok-Ete Ibas to appear before him to clarify some appointments made.

The directive by the administrator to summon the suspended elected Governor and his Deputy, have set tongues on fire and tension rising to high heavens. Questions are also being asked.

For instance, many are asking: Does the mandate of the Sole Administrator covers his decision to summon the Governor under any circumstance since he is not appointed to probe the suspended administration.

The summons letter signed by Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, Secretary to the State Government, to Governor Fubara to appear before the sole administrator reads:

“The Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, CFR, has formally summoned the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, and his Deputy, Dr. Ngozi Ordu, to appear before him for an inquiry into the appointments made under their administration over the past two years.

“Sir Fubara is directed to present all relevant documents and records pertaining to appointments, including justifications and procedures followed during his tenure.

“The session will also serve as an opportunity for the suspended Governor to provide a clear and detailed explanation as to why he believes he should be reinstated to office.

“Both parties are expected to appear in person as follows:

Date: Friday, 18th April, 2025

Time: 10:00am Prompt

Venue: Conference Room, Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt

“Attendance is mandatory. This process forms part of the Sole Administrator’s ongoing efforts to restore transparency and accountability and lasting peace in the governance of Rivers State.”

CBN Stops Commercial Banks From Using ‘Illicit Funds’ For Recapitalisation

James Orji

April 15, 2025

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, says it forbids commercial banks from recapitalizing using illicit funds, saying this is necessary to preserve financial services stability.

According to the Yemi Cardoso-led CBN, the nation’s financial sector must remain strong enough to support the federal government’s plan for a $1 trillion economic projections.

The apex bank gave the warning on Monday at a sector event organised by the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria, FICAN, and Business Editors in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had promised to ensure that the nation’s economy hits the trillion dollar mark by 2030.

Speaking at the event the Director of Banking Supervision at the CBN, Dr Olubukola Akinwunmi, said even though the recapitalisation exercise was designed to reposition the nation’s financial sector, in line with the federal government quest to enlarge the economy, the apex bank will ensure that the process is not compromised by deposit money banks operating in the country.

According to Akinwumi, the CBN will “ensure there is proper verification. And the verification is to ensure that we do not encourage illicit funds into our banking system. Illicit funds can only destabilise the banking system.”

He said the nation’s commercial bank have already passed Stress Test based on investigations conducted by the apex bank which showed that “our banks are on a strong footing. Our banks are standing on sound footing when it comes to liquidity, capital adequacy and non-performing loans.,” adding that DMB have been positioned to withstand any global shocks and headwinds.

“The recapitalisation is also about strengthening the financial system for the future. Larger capital bases translate to greater capacity to fund high-impact sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, and agriculture. Banks must be ready for the emerging global order.”

Under the CBN new recapitalisation guildelines which took effect from March 28, 2024, international commercial banks are expected to raise their minimum capital of N500 billion, while national commercial banks are to raise theirs to N200 billion.

Also, Regional Commercial and Merchant Banks are expected to recapitalise to the tune of N50 billion, while non-interest banks at the national and regional levels are to meet N20 billion and N10 billion recapitalisation.

The CBN had set March 31, 2026 as the deadlinefor all Deposit Money Bank and other financial institutions to fully recapitalise.

How Propaganda Deters South East Youths From Enlisting Into Military

Ayodele Oni

April 15, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

“The allegation that people from the South-East are always the first to be sent to the battle field so as to be killed is not true”

The Nigerian Army has taken the campaign for enlistment into the Military to the South East with a plea to Indigenes to embrace uniformed job.

It lamented the shortage in number of youths from the South East zone in the enlistment into the Military service.

Leader of the 2025 Army Recruitment Enlightenment Team, Brigadier General Chima Ekeator who made this known during a town hall meeting in Enugu with Local Government Council Chairmen, Traditional Rulers, President-Generals of Town Unions and other Stakeholders said it is high time they changed their attitude to reverse the trend.

Ekeator pointed out that it has been observed in the last few years that youths from the South-East zone have kept shunning their slots in the recruitment exercise with the number decreasing yearly.

“Take for example, Enugu State was given about 200 slots, but the people who made it were never up to 100 due to poor application. This has also become a recurring decimal in other states in the South East.

“Kaduna State recorded over 3,000 applications in the ongoing 2025 recruitment exercise while Enugu was still struggling to get up to 100 applicants.

“I call on youths of the zone to apply en masse in the ongoing 2025 recruitment exercise to fill their quotas the way their counterparts in other zones are doing.”

He dismissed allegations that people of South East origin were always the first to be sent to the battle front and were being killed in their numbers in the army adding that officers from the region were also holding strategic positions in the army presently.

Ekeator urged the youths to denounce all falsehoods out there that are making them shun military enlistment and enlist for the 2025 recruitment.

Insecurity: Ondo PDP Calls For State Of Emergency In The State

Ayodele Oni

April 15, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in Ondo State has accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of compromising the security of the State with his victory in the 2024 Governorship election.

The party expressed dismay at the spate of insecurity in the state since after the election and inauguration of Aiyedatiwa as Governor, which has put death toll to not less than 50.

In a statement on Tuesday the director of media and publicity, Leye Igbabo, PDP noted that it may be necessary to direct the attention of President Bola Tinubu to the spate of killings ravaging the State.

“Our Party heard from a reliable source that the clear inaction of the State Governor might be due to the unholy alliance and unwholesome support that the Governor sought and got from certain powerful individuals atop the All Progressive Congress (APC), when he was running for the gubernatorial candidature of the party last year.

“We have reasons to believe that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s hands are tied and incapacitated because most of these mindless killings are allegedly being perpetrated by criminals from his benefactors’ geopolitical zone and ethnic group.

“The Peoples Democratic Party Ondo State Chapter frowns at this horrible situation and sincerely admonishes the State Governor to desist from playing politics with the lives and fortunes of harmless residents who he swore to protect, in the first instance.

“These killings are one too many and indicative of helplessness, hopelessness and huge compromise of those in the corridor of power in Ondo State.

“The Party, is by this statement, equally drawing the kind attention of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to these crude and unwarranted killings and to note the incapacitation of the State Government in tackling the growing menace.

“The kind attention of Mr President, under the prevailing circumstances, is to prepare him to consider the declaration of a state of emergency on insecurity in Ondo State, if the State government continues to demonstrate a lack of capacity to halt the senseless killings before the State, nay the whole Southwest is turned to slaughter-house for incessant spilling of the blood of innocent souls.

“PDP Ondo stateChapter is alarmed by the ceaseless killings of hapless residents of the State, whose main offence is that they lawfully engage in their daily activities needed to bring food to their tables.

“The Party cannot in all honesty, find reasons why such assailants could operate without any form of resistance for months running, in a State where there is said to be a valid government in place.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa has indeed failed in his constitutional duty as enshrined in Section 14(2)b of the 1999 constitution as amended, in that he can no longer secure and protect lives and property of citizens of Ondo State.

“It is heart-wrenching to note that in less than one month, about fifty persons have been gruesomely massacred in various settlements within the State.

“Sadly, no arrest or prosecution has been made since then and neither was any arrest even made of the marauding armed herdsmen who were on killing spree in the past. The PDP, therefore, wonders if a government still exists in Ondo State in the face of these unprovoked and unrestrained killings.”

“Jesus Never Visited the Poor”: Ibiyeomie’s Misrepresentation of the Gospel

The Source

April 15, 2025

By Abraham Amah

The recent claim by Pastor David Ibiyeomie that Jesus never visited the poor during His earthly ministry—and therefore must have hated poverty—is not only theologically inaccurate but also stands in direct contradiction to the character and mission of Christ as revealed in Scripture. While the intention may have been to emphasize the dignity of prosperity, such a narrative dangerously distorts the compassionate essence of the Gospel and risks misleading believers into a flawed understanding of Christ’s message.

From the outset of His ministry, Jesus made it unequivocally clear that the poor were central to His mission. In Luke 4:18–19, Jesus read from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue, declaring, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor.” This was not a symbolic or abstract statement—it was a foundational declaration of purpose. The Good News—the Gospel—was, and remains, directed first and foremost to those who are marginalized, oppressed, and economically disadvantaged.

Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus not only preached to the poor but lived among them. He did not reside in palaces or dine in luxury. Born in a manger (Luke 2:7) and raised in Nazareth—a town so obscure that people asked, “Can anything good come from there?” (John 1:46)—Jesus deliberately identified with the lowly and the humble. His life was a living sermon against material obsession and a model of humility and compassion.

One of the clearest examples of Jesus personally engaging with the socially disadvantaged was His visit to the home of Simon the Leper (Matthew 26:6–13). In those days, lepers were not only sick but also outcasts—often poor and excluded from society. Yet Jesus not only visited Simon’s home but allowed a woman to anoint Him there, affirming both the setting and the people within it. His presence was a deliberate confrontation of exclusion and a bold embrace of the forgotten.

In Luke 7:11–17, Jesus entered the town of Nain, where He encountered a widow whose only son had died. Widows in that time were among the most economically vulnerable. Jesus was not merely passing by; He stopped, comforted her, and raised her son from the dead. His visit was personal, compassionate, and transformative—clear proof that He not only visited the poor but restored them.

Another powerful encounter was with Bartimaeus, a blind beggar sitting by the roadside (Mark 10:46–52). When Bartimaeus cried out, people tried to silence him. But Jesus stopped, called him forward, and healed him. This moment was more than a miracle—it was a public affirmation of the dignity of the poor and marginalized.

The feeding of the five thousand (Mark 6:30–44) is another instance of Jesus’ direct ministry to the poor. Seeing the crowd hungry and tired, He did not send them away but miraculously provided bread and fish. This act was not only miraculous—it was deeply compassionate. Jesus addressed physical hunger with divine provision, reaffirming that the poor were not ignored but valued.

The story of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25–34) offers further insight. She had spent all her money on physicians, leaving her financially and socially destitute. Yet Jesus did not turn her away when she touched His garment. He stopped, spoke kindly to her, and publicly affirmed her faith. This was an encounter that restored not only her health but her dignity and standing.

In Luke 21:1–4, Jesus commended a poor widow who gave two small copper coins at the temple. He praised her above the wealthy, saying she had given more than all the others. He didn’t just notice her—He elevated her as a model of sacrificial giving and spiritual depth.

His encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1–42) further affirms His intentional outreach to the socially and spiritually impoverished. She was a woman of questionable reputation, drawing water alone—a sign of social isolation. Jesus visited her town, engaged her in deep theological conversation, and used her as a vessel to bring the Gospel to her community. The Good News reached the forgotten through her testimony.

In Matthew 11:5, Jesus reaffirmed His mission with clear evidence: “The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the Gospel is proclaimed to the poor.” Preaching to the poor was not symbolic—it was a visible and central sign of the Kingdom of God. Any doctrine that separates Christ from the poor denies His own words and works.

To suggest that Jesus “hated poverty” is to misinterpret His rejection of sin and erroneously apply it to economic status. Jesus never glorified poverty, but He never despised the poor. He warned against the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10), not wealth itself. In the Beatitudes, He declared, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3), and warned, “Woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort” (Luke 6:24). His teachings promote humility, contentment, and spiritual dependence on God—not contempt for the impoverished.

Today, what is deeply concerning is how certain strands of prosperity theology reduce the Gospel to a transaction—where material wealth is viewed as the ultimate evidence of divine favor. Yet Jesus strongly warned in Luke 12:15, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” His encounter with the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16–22) ended in sorrow because the man could not part with his wealth. Jesus concluded, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

In conclusion, the assertion that Jesus never visited the poor—and that He detested poverty—is a grave theological error. It misrepresents the Savior who “emptied Himself” (Philippians 2:7), taking on the form of a servant. Jesus did not come to endorse poverty, but neither did He shun those who lived in it. He came to redeem all—rich and poor alike—and to lift the lowly. Any theology that ignores this truth risks replacing the Gospel of Christ with a gospel of materialism, pride, and exclusion.

That said, Pastor David Ibiyeomie is a Spirit-filled minister of the Gospel whose influence and contributions to the Body of Christ are both impactful and undeniable. Like all men of God, he is human, and from time to time, may speak outside the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. His recent statement should not be used to define his entire ministry. However, as a respected spiritual leader, he—and others in similar positions—must exercise caution when making public doctrinal declarations. Words from the pulpit carry great weight, and statements that deviate from sound biblical truth can lead to misinterpretation and confusion. This moment should serve as a gentle reminder that every utterance must align with Scripture and reflect the spirit and compassion of Christ.

Elder Amah is a Public Commentator, Cultural and Ethical Advocate

LG Election: Lagos APC In Chaos Over Obasa’s Alleged Imposition Of Chairmen In Ojokoro, Agege

Akinwale Kasali

April 15, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Stakeholders Meeting Ends In Crisis

The upcoming July 12, 2025 Local Government Elections in Lagos State has thrown the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, into crisis. This stems from the alleged imposition of Chairmen for Agege Local Government and Ojokoro Local Council Development Area by Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.

At the APC Stakeholders Meeting held at Ojokoro LCDA Monday evening, aggrieved members stormed the venue in protest.

The aggrieved protesters lamented the imposition of Chairmanship Candidate in Ojokoro and Agege. The

Protesters chanted “Ole!” (thief), “We can’t take it”.

They accused Obasa of imposing a candidate from Agege on Ojokoro residents.

Other chants included ‘Who knows Sanusi?’, ‘Obasa can’t control us from Agege’, and ‘We won’t allow a stranger rule us here’.

One of the aggrieved protesters, Olusegun Akinoso-Olawaye, spoke on the disruption of the meeting, stating that the meeting was initially to ratify an imposed candidate with no ties to the Council.

He stressed that a Chairmanship aspirant must reside in Ojokoro, worked for the party, and actively participated in Council politics.

He warned that imposing an outsider with no electoral history in Ojokoro would have negative consequences.

“We are here to reject imposition. All aspirants deserve a fair contest to prove their political relevance,” Akinoso-Olawaye said.

He noted there are at least 18 aspirants for the Chairmanship, all of whom have supporters present at the protest.

Bola Ojetayo, one of the leaders of the protets lamented that party leaders often prioritise personal interests over the will of the people.

She said the protest is aimed at preventing the installation of an unfamiliar figure as the next Council Chairman.

“We must not sell our seat to outsiders. A stranger cannot come and lead us in our own home.

“Leaders can’t sit elsewhere and decide for us. Someone in Agege shouldn’t determine Ojokoro’s leadership,” Ojetayo said.

Following this development, James Owolabi, a former House of Representatives member and APC stalwart in Ojokoro, urged the protesters to remain peaceful and avoid violence.

Owolabi, who represented Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency, acknowledged the concerns and affirmed their right to protest within the party.

“You have a voice in the party. Express yourselves peacefully without violence,” Owolabi advised.

Other APC leaders present included: Jelili Oseni, Ojokoro LCDA Chairman, and Ipoola Omisore, a former Lagos Assembly member.

Also in attendance were Alh. Amosu Aminu, Chief Oriyomi Olaogun, and Mr Akindele Aremu, among others.

“I’m Still PDP National Secretary” – Anyanwu

Ayodele Oni

April 15, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Reactions have been trailing resolutions of the People’s Democratic Party’s Governors Forum (PDPGF) which met in Ibadan Oyo state on Monday with Samuel Anyanwu insisting that he remains the national secretary of the party.

One of the resolutions of the PDP Governors was that the Deputy National Secretary should act as National Secretary, pending the nomination and ratification of a Substantive Secretary from the South East Zone and NEC respectively at its next meeting.

However, Anyanwu rejected the resolution by the Forum to appoint an Acting National Secretary. He labeled it “unconstitutional and a direct violation of both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Constitution and a Supreme Court judgment.”

Speaking through his spokesperson, Daboikiabo Warmate, Anyanwu described the Governors’

move as a “draconian” attempt to usurp party structures, calling it a “coup détat” against the PDP.

Warmate noted that the PDP Constitution, specifically in sections 45, 47, 49, 57, and 59 said the appointment, election, replacement, or removal of a national officer must follow due process.

He maintained that Senator Anyanwu has neither resigned nor vacated the office of National Secretary, making the appointment of an acting secretary baseless.

“Only the National Convention holds the authority to appoint or remove national officers, Anyanwu remains the legitimate National Secretary until December 2025.”

Warmate warned of dire consequences if the resolution is not immediately reversed, accusing the governors of acting beyond their constitutional powers and stirring internal party conflict, particularly one linked to alleged personal rifts with the FCT Minister.

He emphasized that only a national convention—not the governors’ forum—has the authority to appoint or remove national officers, slamming the move as illegal and a dangerous precedent for the party’s integrity.

Anyanwu called for calm and urged the governors to adhere to due process, warning that failure to reverse their decision could severely damage the PDP’s credibility and unity.

Nigerian Immigration Service Issues Fresh Guidelines For Contactless Passport Applications

Tosin Olatokunbo

April 15, 2025

The Service said on Tuesday that 11 steps should be followed by Nigerians trying to renew their passports, saying the new Biometric Passport Application, has been launched in four countries including the United States of America, Mexico, Jamaica and Brazil.

The NIS disclosed this in a statement on its verified X account, saying the new biometric system will soon be available in Nigeria and Australia where it has yet to be launched.

According to the agency those eligible for contact passport includes persons between 18 and 60 years, those with not more than six months to the expiration on their current passports and those for re-issuance of existing passport.

“It is yet to be rolled out in Australia and Nigeria, a future date will be announced for both countries in due course,” the NIS stated.

The Service further disclosed that the application process which can be accessed on Google Play Store (NIS Mobile) is designed to help Nigerian passport holders carry out their renewal process without visiting any Passport Centre for Biometric enrollment.

Below, steps to be followed by Nigerians applying contactless passport:

Download and install the NIS Mobile App from relevant mobile app store(Google Playstore); create a profile and activate your account using a valid email
Click on ‘passport application services’ tab on the landing page.
Proceed with the passport application process as indicated and ensure to choose the self enrollment option.
Make payment and note your application ID and Reference No.
Click the contactless biometric enrollment option on the passport application services
Input your application ID and reference number as required to check eligibility and proceed
If you are not eligible, proceed to book appointment via the NIS passport application portal (passport.int.immigration.gov.ng)
If eligible proceed with biometric fingerprints and passport photograph enrollment and submit appropriately.
Print your application form and payment receipt.
Send your old passport including your application form and payment receipt to the processing Embassy in a self-addressed return envelope l refusal to comply with this means that you will not receive your newly produced passport)
Wait for your passport to be delivered to the address indicated on your envelope within the stated timeline.

Meanwhile, the NIS said In addition, the NIS said those for correction of data, replacement of lost or stolen passport and other exceptional cases are not eligible under the new system.

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