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“My Response To The Allegations Leveled Against  Me By President Tinubu, AGF” – Fubara

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Simi Fubara and Bola Tinubu and Lateef Fagbemi

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

“The reaction by stakeholders in the Niger Delta, including militants, was triggered by the Minister for FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike, who dismissed Ijaws as a minority of the minorities and powerless in the Nigerian polity”

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara,has broken his silence on the serious allegations made against him by President Bola Tinubu and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.

In his nationwide broadcast on Tuesday during which he proclaimed a State of Emergency in Rivers State, suspended Fubara, his Deputy Dr Ngozi Odu, Members of the State House of Assembly, and appointed  a Sole Administrator, retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, Tinubu literally accused Fubara of committing impeachable offences and held him responsible for the crisis which culminated in the declaration of the State of Emergency in the State.

The President accused Fubara of not sticking to the agreements he, (Tinubu) reached with both parties- Fubara and the loyalists of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike; of pulling down the State House of Assembly Complex to abort his impeachment in October 2024, and making no effort to rebuild same; of not condemning the threats issued a couple of times by angry Ijaw Groups to disrupt  oil exploration in the region; of encouraging them to blow up oil installations, and of not condemning the act when two oil facilities were blown up a couple of days ago.

And, AFG Fagbemi, while justifying the State of Emergency declared and the suspension from office of the Governor and others was more direct in his allegations against Fubara as concerns the explosions that rocked the oil facilities. He accused Fubara of teleguiding those who blew up the facilities.

But Fubara, who has not said much since after his suspension from office has now responded and said nothing could be more unjust, unfair and far from the truth than the allegations against him. He submitted that the opposite is in fact the truth. He, also, pointed accusing fingers at Wike for teleguiding the House of Assembly Members to commit damning offences against his Government, of avoiding peace.

He explained the circumstances which led to the demolition of the Assembly complex and revealed it began when Wike was Governor. He  pointed out that since it was pulled down based on professional advice, his Government had since embarked on the erection of a new complex which is 80 per cent completed. Wike, he posited, should be held responsible for the deliberate disruption of the State. He said more.

Outrage greeted the President’s action but the National Assembly, as expected, on Thursday, endorsed the the President’s action.

Following is Fubara’s response, signed on his behalf by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi.

ALLEGED COMPLICITY IN ATTACKS ON OIL INSTALLATIONS: PUTTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT

“Our attention has been drawn to a number of allegations claiming that Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, did nothing to dissuade criminal groups and militants from making good their threats to attack oil installations in the State.

“There was also another claim that after demolishing the Hallowed Chambers of the State House of Assembly on Moscow Road in Port Harcourt, the Governor did nothing to rebuild the facility.

“Ordinarily, we would have ignored the statements as mere results of lack of adequate information to the Presidency by those tasked with the responsibility of providing same to guide decision-making, but it has become imperative to set the records straight and correct the erroneous impression such narratives are creating in the minds of the Nigerian people.

“First, it is important to clarify that Governor Fubara has nothing to do with the threats by militants and also did not in any way “telegraph” the reported attacks on any oil facility in the State.

“It is on record that the reaction of stakeholders in the Niger Delta, especially elders, chiefs, women, Ijaw National Congress, its youth wing, IYC, as well as militants, among others, was triggered by remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, in a live media chat, during which he dismissed Ijaws as a minority of the minorities and powerless in the Nigerian polity, saying that Ijaws are not the only ones that are militants and can blow up pipelines; that Ogonis, Ikwerres, and others are also militants and can as well blow up pipelines.

“Most of the Ijaw groups and leaders even demanded an apology from the FCT Minister, which he rebuffed.

“Available public records show that Governor Fubara, on several occasions and at every forum, including all the project commissioning events as well as the handover of the AW139 Helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force, between March 3 and 13, 2025, made it clear that his administration was committed to the peace, security, and safety of oil facilities in the State.

“He often recalled his pivotal role as a member of the Presidential Committee on the Protection of Oil Installations in the Region, and repeatedly emphasized the need to protect oil pipelines and other facilities in the State, urging his supporters and the people of the State to avoid acts capable of destabilizing the State or sabotaging the nation’s economy.

“Since inception as the Chief Executive of Rivers State, Governor Fubara has prioritized investment in upscaling the welfare and operational equipment of all personnel and arms of the Armed Forces and security agencies in the State by building livable office and residential accommodation for officers and men and donating vehicles, gunboats, helicopters, and other critical needs of the formations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the performance of their duties.

“His commitment to total peace and good governance in the State has contributed significantly to increased oil production and revenues for the country since May 29, 2023, as the continuous rise in the accruable revenue from the State into the Federation Account has shown over the months.

“On the claim that the Governor acted with impunity to demolish the Hallowed Chambers of the State House of Assembly and did nothing to rebuild the Chambers 14 months after, it is on record that Governor Fubara acted based on professional advice and guidance.

“Let it be clarified that the former Governor and now FCT Minister repeatedly criticized the dilapidated and leaking Assembly Complex, and during the commissioning of the Assembly Quarters in August 2022, challenged the lawmakers to take responsibility for the poor state of the edifice, rejecting requests to rebuild it to ensure a conducive legislative environment for the lawmakers.

“It must be noted that immediately after the incident of October 29, 2023, and experts’ reports, the Government decided to heed the age-old demands of the lawmakers to rebuild the facility and promptly demolished the dilapidated structure to give way to a state-of-the-art Assembly Complex, which is now nearly 80 percent completed.

“It would be recalled that in the wake of the most peaceful and violence-free Local Government election in the State on the 5th October, 2024, the supporters of the FCT Minister violently attacked and razed facilities in some local government council secretariats without any reprisals from Governor Fubara’s supporters.

“It is also pertinent to draw the attention of security agencies to the fact that LGAs where those attacks were unleashed are the same places that have repeatedly witnessed violence perpetrated by detractors of the Governor Fubara-led administration.

“This is why it is important for the security agencies to focus on the real purveyors of violence, critically evaluate these incidents, and diligently undertake investigations to unravel the elements behind the crimes and bring them to justice without let or hindrance.

“It is clearly untrue that somebody who has all the while preached peace and non-violence, even in the face of extreme provocations, would be “telegraphing attacks on oil pipelines” and breaching the peace he has worked so hard to promote and sustain for the good of the people of the State.”

You Were  Unjust In Invasion Of Rivers State South-south Elders Forum Slams Tinubu

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Ada-Geirge abd Bola Tinubu and Simi Fubara

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Fubara’s whereabouts, unknown alleges PANDEF

The South-south Elders  Forum on Thursday, March 20, 2025, expressed serious regrets and shock over the open bias of President Bola Tinubu in the Rivers state political crisis.

This is even as the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, raised the alarm over the whereabouts and safety of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The Source reports that the President on Tuesday imposed a six-month State of Emergency on Rivers state. He, also, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Dr Ngozi Odu, and Members of the State House of Assembly from office.

President Tinubu had cited, according to him, the near-complete  breakdown of law and order, occasioned by the supremacy battle between the executive and legislative arms of Government as  major reasons.

The disagreement between the two arms of Government  was a direct fall out from the estranged relationship between Nyesom Wike,  the FCT Minister, and Governor Fubara, his erstwhile political godson.

The two chambers of the National Assembly on Thursday, brushed aside wide spread opposition from Nigerians to ratify the controversial proclamation of State of emergency.

The president, however, in his nationwide broadcast heaped all the blame for the protracted Rivers state political crisis on the door steps of the Governor.

Conversely, President Tinubu completely exonerated his super Minister, Wike, from any culpability in the smearing impasse, a narrative which his Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, reinforced at a  media briefing at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday.

But in a statement jointly  issued on Thursday by former Governor Rufus Ada-George, former Deputy Governor of the State  Dr Gabriel Toby ,Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively, the South-south Elders Forum noted said that it is disturbing for the President to portray Governor Fubara as the sole progenitor and purveyor of the crisis in the State.

The  Forum said it is disappointed with the President’s narrative signposting the Governor as being in breach of the eight point Agenda entered into at the Presidential Villa, as well as the terms of the Supreme Court judgment.

The Forum expressed shock and surprise that the President could gloat over the roles of the FCT Minister and his men in the State House of Assembly in fomenting and sustaining the crisis in the State.

The South-south elders described the disposition and action of the President as not only unfair, but manifestly unjust.

“By doing so, the President has created a narrative that places the blame solely on the Governor which is not the true position of events.

“This biased perspective overlooks the role of the law makers, acting apparently under the influence, and direction of the Minister of the FCT, thus perpetuating an unjust and one-sided view of the situation”, the Forum stated.

The elders alleged that the Lawmakers, acting on Wike’s behest, severally frustrated  efforts by the Governor to implement the Supreme court rulings.

According to the  Forum, the uncooperative stance of the Legislators was part of a  well- rehearsed script to justify the imposition of a State of Emergency.

However, the Elders expressed concern that the President’s speech has served to misinform the public, thereby, creating an inaccurate narrative about the situation in Rivers state.

“We  therefore,  wish to align with the position of the  Nigerian Bar Association, Afenifere , Ohaneze Ndigbo, Arewa Consultative Forum, Pan Niger Delta Forum, Ijaw National Congress, and other pro-democratic organizations and individuals across the country and beyond in condemning the unconstitutional, undemocratic and uncivilized invasion of Rivers State.

“To this end, we urge all like-minded individuals,who champion good over evil to recognize that the threat to one part of Nigeria today may become a reality elsewhere in the country tomorrow.

“We, therefore, invite all peace loving Nigerians to join us in this fight for social justice and political freedom”, the  elders forum emphasized.

A leader of PANDEF, Anabs Sara-Igbe,  on Thursday claimed that all efforts to locate and establish contact with the Governor Fubara ever since the announcement of the State of Emergency have proved futile.

Following the imposition of emergency rule, the Governor, with the family had  vacated the Government House.

ABC Transport Attacked, All Passengers, Driver, Kidnapped

By
Adesina Soyooye
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ABC Transport

By Adesina Soyooye

Four days after an ABC Transport Bus was attacked and all its passengers, along with the driver, kidnapped, there has been no trace of the victims.

The ill-fated bus and occupavictims. Accosted and kidnapped by gunmen on Sunday.

The victims were on their way from the South-east to Abuja when they ran into trouble.

The gunmen accosted them at Oloma in Ofu Local Government Area, a border town between Kogi and Enugu States. All the 18 passengers and the driver were taken hostage and led into the bush. No word has been heard from any of them.

Retired Commodore Jerry Omodara, the Special Adviser to the Governor of the State, confirmed the sad incident and said that a combination of Security Agents – Military, Police, DSS and others are working round the clock in an effort to locate and rescue the voctims unharmed.

Omodara disclosed that the Security Agencies held a meeting to that effect on Wednesday.

President Tinubu Mourns Abuja Tanker Explosion Victims, Orders Probe

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Abuja Tanker Explosion

By Akinwale Kasali

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a probe into the Abuja Tanker Explosion, incident that resulted in multiple deaths  and at Karu, Abuja.

He also ordered priority treatment in medical facilities in Abuja, for persons injured in the tragic Wednesday explosion.

his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed the directive in a statement he signed Thursday titled, ‘President Tinubu directs investigation into tanker explosion in Karu, sympathises with victims.’

It would be recalled that on Wednesday night, a tragic tanker explosion rocked the Karu area of Abuja, leading to multiple accidents and the loss of several lives.

Preliminary reports suggest that brake failure and poor road conditions contributed to the explosion, though further details are expected upon completion of the official probe.

In the immediate aftermath, Tinubu ordered a thorough investigation, instructing the relevant authorities to determine the root causes and recommend strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Onanuga stated, “The President condoled with family members who lost loved ones in the inferno, which happened at the peak hour.

“President Tinubu ordered priority treatment of the injured in various medical facilities in the capital city.

“The President directed security agencies, particularly those concerned with road safety, to pay closer attention to traffic around the capital city’s entry and exit points.”

He prayed for the souls of the departed and the grace of the Almighty God to comfort families that have lost their loved ones.

Tinubu Salutes National Assembly For Patriotic Stand On Rivers

By
The Source
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday lauded the National Assembly for its decisive and patriotic ratification of the State of Emergency proclamation in Rivers State, a critical step to restoring stability after a protracted political crisis that paralysed governance in the state and endangered national economic security for over 15 months.

The President specifically commended the National Assembly’s leadership—Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, other principal officers and members—for prioritising the security and welfare of Rivers State people above partisan interests and other considerations.

He further acknowledged the lawmakers’ diligent review of classified security briefings, underscoring the urgent need for intervention to prevent further escalation.

“The crisis in Rivers State was at a perilous tipping point, threatening the security of vital oil and gas installations and undermining the national economy and the significant progress we have made in the reforms initiated since our administration commenced in May 2023,” President Tinubu remarked.

“As I detailed in my address to the nation on 18 March, the near-total collapse of governance, threats to federal economic assets, and the risk of widespread violence left no room for hesitation. This emergency measure is a lifeline to safeguard livelihoods, secure critical infrastructure, and restore democratic accountability.”

The President affirmed that the six-month emergency will empower the newly-appointed Sole Administrator to stabilise Rivers State, address systemic breakdowns, and facilitate dialogue among conflicting parties.

President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the National Assembly to advance peace, economic resilience, and equitable development across Nigeria.

“Today’s decision exemplifies what our nation can achieve when unity of purpose and patriotism guide the action of leaders. We remain steadfast in pursuing a safer, more prosperous Nigeria—one where every citizen’s potential is safeguarded and nurtured,” he said.

The President thanked all Nigerians for their understanding and urged all stakeholders to support the restoration of peace in Rivers State.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

2027: Adebayo Reads Riot Act, Says SDP Not For Disgruntled Politicians

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Adewole Adebayo - SDP Presidential Candidate

By Akinwale Kasali

Adewole Adebayo, 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, and also its leader, has warned Politicians joining the Party that the Party isn’t for disgruntled Politicians.

Adebayo made this clear following the insinuation that SDP has become a political Party that is a beautiful bride for disgruntled and internally displaced politicians seeking refuge and relevance.

Debunking that insinuation and perception, Adebayo maintained that the party remains a movement driven by young people and women who want real change in Nigeria.

He noted that it is normal for people who are not satisfied with the State of affairs to find a remedy to such dissatisfactions by going to places where they think they could have a platform.

He, however, stressed that the first set of people who are not satisfied and who have chosen the SDP are the poor masses of Nigeria because, according to him, “the problems in our governance impact the people more than the elite when you talk of hunger, unemployment, insecurity and rising factor costs among other social problems.”

He also said they cannot prevent those who want to join the party from doing so, irrespective of such people’s ambition.

He said: “We cannot criticise people’s motives for coming. A political party is a public institution, like a Church or a Mosque. When somebody’s presence is marked in a Mosque and wants to pray, you cannot say, where were you last night? Where have you been during your life? Let them pray.

“If you come to a Church, you sit at the pew and you say you want to kneel and pray, the Pastor cannot say, ‘wait, I saw you at the nightclub last night’. He has to allow you to pray. So, coming to the Mosque to pray does not mean that you will be made the Chief Imam. Coming to the Church to pray doesn’t mean you are going to be anointed as a Bishop, but you are free to come because it’s a place that allows everyone to come.”

Adebayo decried a situation where certain individuals tried to manipulate the system from the shadows, even as he expressed hope that the political space was already evolving.

“Many of those who worked closely with Professor Mahmoud Yakubu at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2023 are no longer there. Integrity is key, and the law must take its full course. The SDP’s message is clear. We stand for the people. We are not just another big-name political party; we are a movement driven by young people and women who want real change,” he said.

He further stated that the SDP is well organized and focused, insisting that discipline and integrity are the party’s watchwords. He advised those entering the party to drop their egos and follow the rules guiding the party.

He said: “If you want to get rid of an incumbent, you have to have discipline more than the incumbent. If you come and start fighting silliness and any seriousness, you are creating a gap that the ruling party would readily take advantage of, and you can’t blame them.

“So this is the kind of orientation. When you come in, leave your ego at the door. Leave your ambition at the door. Leave all your problems at the door,” he said.

Adebayo also noted that the SDP, as a party, does not have any problem with President Tinubu as a person but with the misgovernance that has characterised his administration.

“There may be a member of our party who has a dispute with somebody like Tinubu or whatever. We don’t have a dispute with Tinubu. We have a dispute with their misgovernance. So we want to focus on that. We don’t have an issue with anybody in person.

“If you don’t govern well, you are working against Nigerian people, their welfare and their security. You are breaching Chapter 2 of the Constitution, and violating your oath of office and we will tackle you on that basis. So, we don’t want to know your personal affairs.”

Group Gives Reason Behind Move For Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Recall

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Natasha Akpoti
Natasha Akpoti

By Akinwale Kasali

Kogi Central Women seek her replacement

The call for the replacement and recall of  suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has intensified. A Group under the auspices of Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders has announced its decision to proceed with her recall process  from the Senate.

The Group said the move is based on the negative image her dispute with Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has cast on the Constituency.

Jafar Aliu Kamaldeen, the Group’s Spokesperson stated: “We, the Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders, have been observing the ongoing developments involving our senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Nigerian Senate, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

“A review of events leading to her suspension for gross misconduct and unruly behavior has raised concerns about whether she is truly protecting the interests of the people of Kogi Central.”

The group further emphasized that the National Assembly is an esteemed institution with rules meant to preserve its integrity.

They supported the Senate’s six-month suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, following the recommendation of the Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions Committee, arguing that she flouted the chamber’s regulations.

It expressed disappointment that despite the Senate’s offer to reconsider the suspension if she tendered a written apology, she has refused to do so.

“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has clearly failed to prioritize the collective interest of Kogi Central. Her refusal to apologize means our voices will be silenced in the Senate for six legislative months, equivalent to twelve calendar months.”

They also criticized her appearance at the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting, where she framed her suspension as a result of sexual harassment allegations. The group claimed this move misrepresented the issue on a global stage instead of seeking redress through internal Senate mechanisms or the courts.

The Group lamented that since her suspension, she has failed to communicate with her constituents or hold a town hall meeting, despite actively engaging voters when campaigning.

It stated that it was due to her inaction and perceived abandonment of her constituents, the group announced the launch of the recall process: “Since she has refused to apologize and left us without representation, we, the people of Kogi Central, have resolved to commence the process of recalling Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. This will allow us to elect a responsible, law-abiding representative in the Senate.”

However, the Kogi Central Women Development Association formally denounced her as their senator and called for mobilization to ensure her recall.

“We demand an apology from her. We will mobilize other groups in Kogi Central to initiate the recall process. It is time for us to elect a representative who is people-centered, law-abiding, and free from unnecessary drama.”

The Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders and Kogi Central Women Development Association have both criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing her failure to engage her constituents and mishandling of her suspension.

They have formally launched a recall process, seeking a new senator to replace her.

Obi to NASS: Use Of Voice Vote On Crucial National Matters Adding Salt To Injury

By
The Source
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Peter Obi

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has berated members of the National Assembly for using voice vote on such crucial national matters as a breach of the constitution.

Obi, who had made a passionate appeal to members of the National Assembly not to endorse the illegal removal of the Rivers State Governor Similaya Fubara in the state of Emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, decried the use of voice vote in the parliament to determine their position on such vital issues.

Writing on his X handle on Thursday Obi noted that “While still agonizing over the ongoing deterioration of democracy in our nation,  especially with the situation in Rivers State, and trying to reach out to our National Assembly members not to support and sustain the unconstitutionality and arbitrariness, I just heard that they have added salt to injury by using a voice vote.

“The Constitution is clear that this cannot be done through a voice vote but by calling individuals to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no.’

“You cannot determine a two-thirds majority by a voice vote.

“While a two-thirds majority is crucial, it does not justify bypassing proper procedures and undermining the principles of transparency and accountability. The use of a voice vote in such a significant decision not only disregards constitutional requirements but also erodes public trust in the democratic process. Decisions of such magnitude must be made with integrity, following the letter and spirit of the law.

“It’s disheartening that a decision as crucial as approving an emergency proclamation — one that could alter the course of the nation — was handled with such casual disregard for constitutional standards. “The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) clearly requires that such a proclamation must be approved by at least two-thirds of all members of each House — the Senate and the House of Representatives. A simple call of “Aye” or “Nay” cannot accurately measure this crucial threshold.

“When a supermajority is required, it demands a recorded vote — whether by division, roll call, or electronic means. This isn’t just a technicality; it’s a matter of law and legitimacy. The Senate Standing Orders and House Rules were established to ensure that decisions of this magnitude are made transparently, with accountability. Ignoring these procedures is not just an oversight; it is a betrayal of the democratic process.

“A voice vote for such a critical matter is not just insufficient; it’s a dangerous precedent. If we can bend the rules so easily, what stops us from undermining other pillars of democracy? Today, it’s a voice vote on a state of emergency — tomorrow, it could be a voice vote on citizens’ fundamental rights.

“It is painful to think that members of the National Assembly, who swore to uphold the Constitution, could participate in a process that sidesteps the very essence of due process. We must ask ourselves: If the law no longer anchors our decisions, then what does?

“This is not just a flawed procedure; it is a warning signal. We cannot afford to gamble with the soul of our democracy.

Edo Gov Backs Out Of South South Govs Position On Rivers, Declares “I Stand With Tinubu”

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Monday Okpebholo

By Ayodele Oni

Apparently trying to toe the line of his godfathers, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, has distanced himself from the stand of South South Governors’ Forum on the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.

Okpebholo, just above three months in office, with the outcome of his election still being challenged at the tribunal, rejected the position of the South-South Governors’ Forum, on the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State proclaimed by President Bola Tinubu.

The South-South Governors’ Forum had in a statement called for the reversal of the state of emergency. It argued that the situation does not meet constitutional requirements.

Chairman of the Forum, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, who signed the statement, urged the federal government to seek a more peaceful resolution.

“To reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace, we propose the rescission of the state of emergency,” the statement read.

However, the Edo Governor who is a member of the Forum said he was neither consulted, nor informed before taking the position.

The statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, noted that Okpebholo stands with President Tinubu.

He said: “While Governor Monday Okpebholo acknowledges the right of other Governors in the South-South geopolitical zone to take a position, he, however dissociates himself from any statement that opposes the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, understands the issues at stake.

“Governor Okpebholo supports actions so far taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that will bring lasting solutions and peace to Rivers State and the South-South geopolitical zone.”

Faces Of Leaders Of New Political Coalition For 2027

By
Ayodele Oni
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Atiku Abubakar and Babachir Lawal and Peter Obi

By Ayodele Oni

Some of the arrowheads that are members of the Coalition which sent signal to President Bola Tinubu ahead 2027 general elections apart from former vice president, Atiku Abubakar are Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who was represented by Yunusa Tanko,  and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal

Others are former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh, and Convenor of the Alternative, Segun Showunmi, among others.

Among those whose apologies were announced were former governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Adamu, among others.

The Coalition has vowed to wrestle power from Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, accusing him of tendering towards an autocratic leader.

The Abuja press conference was called to condemn the emergency rule in Rivers State which was described as undemocratic and against the constitution.

The former vice president declared at the event that “We, a cross-section of leaders and political stakeholders from across the country, have come together to address the dangerous and unconstitutional actions taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on March 18, 2025—to wit, the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State and the illegal suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the State House of Assembly.

“This action is not only unlawful but a clear attempt to subvert democracy and impose federal control over a duly elected state government.

“We strongly condemn this development and call on all Nigerians of good conscience to resist this brazen assault on constitutional governance.”

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