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PDP National Scribe Tussle: Group Backs Udeh-Okoye; Says Party’s Decision Conforms With Supreme Court’s Ruling

By
James Orji
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Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Rt Hon Ude Okoye

As the brickbats rage on over the PDP National Secretary position a group Conference of Professionals in the Peoples Democratic Party, CP-PDP, has thrown its weight behind the recent Supreme Court judgment over the matter.

The magazine reported that the two protagonists in the contest Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye had following last week’s apex court judgment on the issue, took different positions on who was favoured by the ruling.

Meanwhile, it was general held by political pundits that the judgment favoured the erstwhile PDP governorship candidate in Imo state,  Anyanwu who after the ruling stormed the Wadata House National Headquarters of the party in Abuja, the nation’s capital with his teeming supporters to consolidate his position.

The CP-PDP however said in a statement that it’s in support of the party’s position which affirmed Ude-Okoye as the party’s National scribe, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling which upheld the political party’s supremacy in selecting its officials, membership and nomination of candidates for election among others.

The group’s statement issued on Sunday by the Protem National Coordinator CP-PDP, Barr. Obinna Nwachukwu, said the apex court had by the ruling affirmed political party’s powers to determine their operations and structures in line with their Guidelines, saying the decision will further strengthen the nation’s democracy.

“Against this backdrop, the Conference stands with the stated position of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP in recognizing Rt. Hon. SKE Udeh-Okoye as the substantive National Secretary of the PDP, Okoye having emerged through the internal democratic processes in line with provisions of the PDP Constitution,” the group said.

Adding that, “The Conference urges Rt. Hon. Udeh-Okoye to brace up and join hands with other members of the NWC to further stabilize the PDP by instilling discipline, reconciliations, unity of purpose and strengthening our party’s structure across the country for the task ahead.

Rivers Crisis: Senate Failed Required Quorum While Passing Tinubu’s Emergency Rule- Senator

By
James Orji
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Aminu Tambuwal

Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has accused the Nigerian Senate of failing to form the constitutionally required quorum when it approved the State of Emergency proclamation on Rivers state by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The senator’s remark comes after a legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Abiodun Jelili Owonikoko said the Senate’s action should be challenged at the nation’s Supreme Court, saying the action could be invalidated by the apex court if it discovered that the requirement required to validate the president’s action by the National Assembly was not met.

Tambuwal, a former governor of Sokoto state and ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives made the remark on Sunday while speaking to The Sun Newspaper.

According to him, the 1999 Constitution required that 74 Senators or two-third of the 109 senators ratified such Emergency Rule proclamation by the president.

This requirement was not met last week when the Senator Godswill Akpabio-led Senate debated  and ratified the president’s decision to suspend all democratic institutions, including the Governor, Deputy Governor and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Senator Tambuwal said.

The magazine reported that President Tinubu had on March 17 suspended Governor Siminalaye Fubara, his Deputy and lawmakers in the state House of Assembly amidst the protracted political tension resulting from the clash between pro-Fubara lawmakers and pro- Nyesom Wike lawmakers.

Wike, a former governor of the state and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, was Fubara’s political godfather before they were thorn apart due to unresolved issues.

Recall that the Senate and the House of Representatives had ratified the president’s proclamation barely 48 hours after.

Senator Tambuwal however insist that the thresh-hold of two-third majority in the uppers house was not met before the president’s proclamation was approved by the senators.

The senator’s position has further heightened suggestions that many lawmakers who were not in support of the president’s action were prepared to vote against it, that it was hastily passed to avoid backlash from those that opposed it in the National Assembly, and to avoid a situation where the president will be embarrassed.

Recall that a former governor of Bayelsa state, Senator Seriake Dickson had clashed with Senate President Akpabio over the issue. Senator Dickson later revealed that he staged a walk out, alongside some other senators during the Senate Executive session where the Emergency Rule was ratified.

Senator Tambuwal however insisted that the Senate action  “fell short of the provision of the Constitution” because the number of senators present failed the two-third threshold required by law.

Tambuwal: “I will be speaking to you from the point of view of being a lawyer, a member of the Body of Benchers and a life Bencher for that matter and not necessarily as a lawmaker who is a member of the 10th Senate. And, in addition to that, possibly my experience as a former presiding officer, former Speaker of the House of Representatives who presided over a matter such as this in 2013.

“Section 305 of the Constitution is very clear. It is unambiguous, the language is very plain, of the Constitution as to first, how the president can declare a state of emergency and what is required of the legislature, the two chambers – both the Senate and the House of Representatives before passing such a resolution.

“What is required is that you must obtain and have two-thirds of all the members, of either of the two chambers, in support of the resolution.

“In the case of what happened in the Senate, where I belong, I don’t know whether members of your team, who are members of the press corps, had the privilege of checking the (Senate) register to see whether there were up to 72, 73 senators on the floor. From what I saw, there was no such number on the floor on that day.

“So, if you juxtapose that to the requirement of the Constitution which says that the Senate must have two-thirds of its members, all of its members to pass that resolution, in support of it, not just present and voting. No! Supporting it. It means that what was done fell short of the provision of the Constitution.”

Emergency Rule: Tinubu To Jonathan, Soyinka ‘I have A Country To Govern’

By
James Orji
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Goodluck Jonathan and Bola Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has faulted former President Goodluck Jonathan’s uncomplimentary remark over the recently declared state of Emergency in Rivers state.

The Presidency also described the remark of Nobel Laurette, Prof. Wole Soyinka over the Emergency Rule as inappropriate.

The duo had criticised President Tinubu declaration of state of Emergency in the oil bearing state as inappropriate and an overreach on the power that the president wields.

While former President Jonathan said the president’s decision has the capacity to scare investors away, Prof Soyinka stated that the decision is a slap on the federalism that the country operates.

Tinubu’s action is “A clear abuse of offices, clear abuse of power,” Jonathan argued.

On March 17, President Tinubu declared the Emergency Rule citing the protracted political conundrum in the state, which he said threatened order and security in the oil rich state.

As part of the Emergency Rule, the President suspended the governor of the state, Siminalaye Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu and members of the state house of Assembly. He also appointed a former Chief of Naval Staff to Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd.) to oversee the affaisr of the state, for six months as Sole Administrator.

The decision has been widely criticised by not a few Nigerians, who claimed the situation in the state, at the time did not warrant  Emergency Rule.

Jonathan and Soyinka appear to share similar opinion.

Responding to the two respected leaders, Tinubu said he respected their opinion, noting however that he cannot be swayed by it because he has a country to run.

Tinubu’s reaction was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by one of his media aides, Temitope Ajayi who said Tinubu’s action saved the state from degenerating into chaos.

According to him, President Tinubu exercised his powers as contained in the 1999 Constitution, saying he would not “ allow any part of the country or state to descend into chaos,” adding that the president’s duty is to protect the country.

Ajayi said, “President Tinubu has a duty to preserve Nigeria’s corporate existence. He won’t allow any part of the country or state to descend into chaos.

“The Supreme Court ruled that there is no functioning government in Rivers State known to the constitution of Nigeria. President Tinubu won’t fail in his sacred duty to protect and preserve the country.”

Meanwhile, the magazine reports that controversy has continued to trail the National Assembly’s approval of the president’s action, particularly the decision of the Senate and  members of the House of Representatives to adopt the Voice Vote option to ratify the Emergency Rule.

Imo Police Command  Busts Kidnapping Syndicate, Nabs Three

By
The Source
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Police Officer

Operatives of the Imo State Police Command Anti-Kidnapping Unit have apprehended three individuals in connection with the Conspiracy and kidnapping of Mr. Sabinus Ibe, a 48-year-old resident of Owerri. The suspects, identified as Favour Dike, ‘f’ 22 years old; Ifeanyi Kingsley, 30 years old; and Wisdom Chikodi, 31 years old, were arrested on March 18, 2025, following thorough investigations and strategic operations led by the Commander Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Owerri.

The victim, Mr. Sabinus Ibe, was abducted on February 22, 2025, at around 8:00 PM in Egbu, Owerri. He was forcibly taken to an undisclosed location by the kidnappers. The kidnappers then demanded a ransom for his release, which was paid through a POS transaction. The payment was traced to a Moniepoint account (8213707568) operated by one of the suspects, Favour Dike, at the Timber and Allied Market in Owerri North Local Government Area.

Upon arrest, Favour Dike admitted to receiving a-two million Naira ransom payment on the instructions of Ifeanyi Kingsley, a trader in Timber and Allied Market Naze in Owerri. Kingsley later confessed to providing Dike’s POS account details at the request of his friend, Wisdom Chikodi, a member of the kidnapping syndicate. Chikodi, from Umuezuo Ekwereazu in Ahiazu LGA, is believed to have played a significant role in orchestrating the kidnapping.

Further investigation led to the arrest of Wisdom Chikodi in his hotel room at New Owerri. Chikodi then took operatives to the Old Township Stadium, Tetlow Road, where gang members fled upon seeing the Police, abandoning an ash-colored Toyota Camry 2.4 model. A search of the vehicle uncovered two pump-action rifles, one locally made gun, and 18 live cartridges. Several additional arrests were made as operatives pursued the fleeing suspects.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Police Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to fighting crime. He assured that the suspects will be arraigned in court after the investigation, and efforts are underway to apprehend other members of the syndicate.

The public is urged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police Station or via 0803 477 3600

Police Officer Runs Amok, Kill One, Injure Many in Calabar

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nigerian Police

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Cross River State Police Command, on Sunday March 23, 2025 said that concerted efforts are underway to mitigate tensions, as well as ensure peace and security in a Calabar Community where some people were shot by suspected mentally challenged Police personnel.

The Source reports that a police operative, Effiong Bassey,  attached to the Atakpa Divisional Police Headquarters, had on Sunday shot and killed one person, and injured several others.

The Police Officer who is believed to be mentally deranged suddenly opened fire at some bystanders close to the Atakpa Police formation in Calabar.

The incident was said to have caused a pandemonium. People  scampered  for safety.

A statement issued by Irene Ugbo, SP, the Cross River state police Command spokesperson, informed that the officer responsible for the  attack has been identified as Inspector Effiong Bassy.

The Officer, according to the statement, returned from his duty postwith his AK-47 rifle only to go berserk shooting some bystanders in the process.

The Police spokesperson said the major concern of the Command is to calm frayed nerves ,and engage with key stakeholders to ensure the reduction of tension in the affected community.

“Bassy returned from his night duty at Ekondo Microfinance Bank,and began to exhibit abnormal behavior.

“Inspector Bassy refused to hand over the AK-47 rifle he was assigned and instead proceeded to block the Station’s gate, preventing anyone from entering or leaving the premises.

“Despite attempts at peaceful dialogue to resolve the situation, the officer’s actions escalated.

“Subsequently, tactical units/patrol teams were deployed to the scene, where Inspector Bassy, suspected to be mentally deranged, opened fire on bystanders who had been instructed to leave the are.

“Tragically, three individuals were struck by the officer’s stray bullets including Ijeoma Wilson Obot ,a 41 year old female ,who later succumbed to her injuries.

“The two other victims–Charles Mkpang and another individual are currently receiving medical treatment ,and are in stable condition”, Ugbo stated .

The Command noted that investigations are ongoing to unravel the cause(s) of the action of the concerned officer.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspector General of Police AIG in charge of zone 6, Calabar Mohammed Bala and the Cross River State Command Management team have visited the victims at the hospital where they are receiving treatment.

This is even as the Police Authorities have extended their heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased.

Uzodimma To 66 New Monarchs:  Govt’ll Withdraw Recognition If You Fail To Manage Domain

By
The Source
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Imo monarchs who received Staff of Office
Cross session of Imo monarchs who received Staff of Office from Governor Hope Uzodimma at Government House Owerri... weekend

A total of 66 Traditional Rulers in Imo State were Saturday, March 22, 2025, recognised and handed over Staff of Office by the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma who also read the riot act to the lucky ones to perform or lose their recognition from government.

The colourful event took place at the Sam Mbakwe Executive Council Chambers,  Government House Owerri.

Uzodimma who reminded the Royal Fathers of their roles in ensuring peace and order in their respective communities, urged them to always work hand in gloves with government to foster peace and security in the State.

He further charged them to ensure they work closely with their Community “as Ambassadors of government and not compete with the Local Government Chairmen or other Principal Officers of the Government,” reminding them that they are elected by their communities; while government only gives recognition.

He  warned that government will not hesitate to withdraw the Certificate of Recognition issued to any Royal Father discovered to have made false declaration to government or found incapable of managing his community.

As custodians of their Communities tradition and custom, the Governor reminded the monarchs of the need to live in their domain with their subjects, as failure to do so will attract consequences.

He also counseled them against entering into unholy alliance, via oath taking, with non state actors perpetrating insecurity in the State, maintaining that rather than such, part of their responsibility is to mobilise the youths in their jurisdiction for the purpose of warding off external assault and securing the people.

Governor Uzodimma charged them to remain honest and ensure justice at all time, as they relate closely with their people, pointing out that sustaining security in the State depends on their ability to bring peace among their people.

“If you don’t live in your community; if you abandon your people, and we get any security report suggesting that you are a Traditional Ruler in Diaspora; we will withdraw your recognition,” he stressed.

In a vote of thanks on behalf of the newly recognised Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze Prof. Peter Nnabuo of Umuezeala Umueme in Oru East Local Government Area expressed delight for the honour given them by the Governor and pledged their loyalty to the Government of Imo State, and their readiness to ensure peace and security in their various communities.

Key officials from the three arms of government, ranking monarchs in Imo State, captains of industries and politicians of note witnessed the occasion.

SERAP Sues Tinubu Over State Of Emergency Rule In Rivers

By
Akinwale Kasali
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has condemned, strongly, the declaration of State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

SERAP has, therefore, taken President Tinubu to court over what it called the “unlawful suspension” of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and House of Assembly members.

President Tinubu had announced a six-month suspension of Fubara and co, and proclaimed a state of emergency in the State.

SERAP argued that the decision violates constitutional provisions and undermines democratic governance.

The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, was initiated by three members of SERAP’s Volunteers’ Lawyers Network (SVLN) in Rivers State—Yirabari Israel Nulog, Nengim Ikpoemugh Royal, and Gracious Eyoh-Sifumbukho.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, (SAN), and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) were also been joined as defendants.

The suit, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/558/2025, demands “an order setting aside the suspension of the democratically elected officials in Rivers State by President Tinubu while proclaiming a state of emergency in the state” and “an order setting aside the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.”

SERAP, in a statement by its Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare on Sunday, argued that “the rule of law would be a mere figure of speech if the people’s right to participation can be arbitrarily suspended or violated.

“Democracy is an inherent element of the rule of law. Nigeria’s democracy ought to have as its foundation respect for human rights and the rule of law,” the statement read.

SERAP insists that the suspension contradicts both the Nigerian Constitution and international legal obligations, citing the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance.

“The combined provisions of Sections 1(2), 14(1)(c), 176(1)(2), and 305(1) of the Nigerian Constitution create a delicate balance of rights and responsibilities, ensuring that the exercise of presidential power does not override the people’s right to participate in their own governance,” the organisation asserted.

It further argued that Section 305, which grants the president powers to declare a state of emergency, “is neither absolute nor superior to other provisions of the Constitution,” stressing that such power must be exercised in a way that upholds democratic participation.

“The suspension of the democratically elected officials in Rivers State has seriously undermined the ability of the plaintiffs to participate more effectively in their own government, the credibility and integrity of the country’s electoral process, and the notion of the rule of law,” SERAP stated.

Among other reliefs sought, the plaintiffs are asking the Court for a declaration that Tinubu’s actions are “unlawful, unconstitutional, null, and void” and an injunction restraining the appointed sole administrator from acting in that capacity.

“No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit,” the statement concluded.

Explosion Rocks Another Rivers State Oil Facility

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Explosion at NNPC Buguma Community, Asari-Toru

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Amidst State of Emergency, another explosion has  hit an  oil facility in the troubled Rivers State.

A statement from the Executive Director ,of a civil society group, Youth and Environmental Advocacy Centre, YEAC,  Dr Fyneface Dumnamene on Sunday March 23, 2025, informed that the early morning explosion affected Soku oil facility ,in Akuku Toru local council of Rivers state .

The group noted that the facility is being operated by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited, NLNG.

The Source reports that the latest explosion is coming on the heels of  two  other incidents in the last  one week .

It will be recalled that explosion had rocked the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo ,Gokana Local Government Area ,and another oil installation in Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni local council all within the second week of March .

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his nationwide broadcast , to announce the imposition of a State of emergency on Rivers state on Tuesday March 18, cited the attacks as one of the reasons for his action .

The President and his Attorney General and Minister of Justice had blamed the attack on the oil facilities on the suspended Governor of the state Siminalayi Fubara who they accused of goading the attackers

However, the cause(s) of the latest explosion could not be ascertained  as at the time of  reporting.

But the YEAC-Nigeria said the explosion severely  affected the Soku,oil facility ,with the subsequent fire  still raging .

“An explosion accompanied by fireballs was heard ,and seen in the sky from the facility area ,which is difficult to reach .

“The fire is still ongoing as of the time of report”, the YEAC noted .

However ,speculations are rife that the incident may have been caused by equipment failure or a sabotage attack.

The YEAC in its statement urged all industry regulatory authorities ,and security agencies to urgently investigate the incident ,with a view to finding out the cause(s) .

Particularly, the group called on the authorities of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency to conduct a thorough inquest into the incident,so as to bring to justice the perpetrators .

As at the time of reporting ,concerned industry regulators and security agencies were yet to react to the development.

FAAN Commences Upgrade Of Facilities At Ibadan Airport

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ibadan Airport

By Ayodele Oni

Flights activities at the Samuel Ladoja Akintola Airport, Ibadan, Oyo state have been put on hold as the Federal Airports Authority,(FAAN) commenced upgrade of facilities at the airport Preparatory to elevation of its status.

FAAN announced the temporary closure of the airport, to facilitate extensive upgrade works aimed at enhancing the airport’s infrastructure and operational standards.

A statement signed by Mrs Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, confirmed that the Federal Government of Nigeria had approved the closure, which became necessary to enable the execution of critical improvements at the airport.

The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has consequently closed the runway and suspended airport operations in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations.

The planned upgrades form part of the Oyo State Government’s strategic initiative to elevate Ibadan Airport from a domestic to an international airport.

Various improvements and remodelling works are currently underway to meet global standards and improve passenger experience.

FAAN emphasised that the closure aligns with aviation safety recommendations and best practices, underscoring the importance of ensuring the safety of both passengers and airport personnel during the upgrade period.

FAAN appealed to all airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation throughout the period of closure and reiterated its commitment to providing safe skies, secure airports, and seamless travel experiences.

Gov Yusuf Offers Automatic Employment To Beneficiaries Of Kano Foreign Scholarship Scheme

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Abba Yusuf - Governor of Kano State
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Government on Sunday March, 23, 2025, announced an automatic employment package for 54 professionals who recently earned their  postgraduate certificates in India under the State’s scholarship programme.

The 54 persons were among those who benefitted from the state Government’s foreign scholarship schemes for indigenes of the state to study some professional courses abroad.

A statement from Governor Abba Yusuf’s media aide, Sanusi Dawakin Tofa, informed that the beneficiaries comprise 36 Medical Doctors, 11 Pharmacists, two Anatomists and one Radiographer.

According to the statement, Governor Yusuf made the offer of employment on Friday March 21,  during a reception ceremony/ Ramandan breakfast  organized for the returning postgraduates, who studied at Symbiosis International University in Pune, India.

The beneficiaries are to be all absorbed into the Kano state civil service to help drive the health sector ,according to the Governor.

Governor Yusuf expressed surprise that in the past, most of the returning graduates were left to be working outside the State, thereby defeating the very core aim of the scholarship scheme.

“We have made all necessary arrangements to offer you automatic employment within the Kano state Civil Service.

“Your appointment letters will be issued shortly through the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the office of the Head of Service.

“You will benefit from the newly implemented minimum wage of N71,000 in the state.

“We have improved allowances for health wormers to ensure a conducive working environment.

“I am surprised to see beneficiaries of Government scholarship working outside Kano instead of contributing to the development of the state.

“We appeal to you to use your knowledge and expertise to improve the lives of our people, especially, women and address critical health related issues like maternal mortality and sickle cell anemia”, Governor Yusuf stated.

The Kano State Governor   promised to sustain the foreign scholarship education programme, owing to its critical importance to  the development of the state.

According to him, about one thousand persons have benefitted from the scholarship scheme since his adminstration came on board in 2023.

About 418  of the beneficiaries were sent to India and Uganda in 2024, noting that all, but 68, have returned, having completed their studies.

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