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Rivers Lawmakers Likely To Ignore Gov. Fubara’s Invitation

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Speaker Martin Amaewhule

By Adesina Soyooye

The glimmer of hope that, perhaps, there could be an end to the political crisis which has been the portion of Rivers State has been shattered. This is because unless there is a last  minute change of heart, the meeting which Governor Siminalayi Fubara scheduled between him and the Members of the House of Assembly, is not likely to be honoured by them.

This snub which is likely  to deepen the crisis in the State was disclosed by a Member of the House of Assembly, Lolo Isaiah Opunede. According to him, for the House Members, the meeting with the Governor is a no-no. The Governor should “dey his dey” while they equally do the same.

Fubara and his predecessor and estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike, Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, have been in a very bitter political disagreement. The disagreement extended to the House of Assembly where 27 of the members are “Wike’s boys”. Since the crisis started in 2023,a couple of months after Fubara was sworn-in as Governor, the State has been grounded to a halt, almost. It has been one legal tussle after the order, claims and counter-claims.

But on Friday, February 28, 2025, in a decisive judgement which shocked not a few people, the Supreme Court gave the Governor a bloody nose. In a unanimous judgement, a panel of their Lordships decided all issues in favour of the pro-Wike members who most people thought had lost their seats when they publicly defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, an action which they shockingly turned round to deny they took.

Since after the Supreme Court declared them “still PDP members”, and authentic Members of the House with Martin Amaewhule as the authentic  Speaker, the members have been throwing their powers around with a couple of 48-hour ultimatums given to the Governor. So far, Fubara has ignored the ultimatums one of which was to re-present the 2025 Budget as ordered by the Supreme Court. Before now, he had signed it into law after it was approved for him by four members of the Assembly loyal to him.

His reason was that aside from the fact, at the time, that his Government had not seen a copy of the Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgement, he had received no letter from the Speaker on the re-presentation of the budget.

However, hope of a little understanding was raised on Sunday when the Governor invited Speaker Amaewhule and his colleagues to a meeting with him on Monday, March 10, in his office at Government House. Among other things billed for discussion, according to the letter addressed to the Speaker are: Getting an appropriate venue for the Assembly Members to carry out their business (Fubara had pulled down the Assembly Complex in the heat of the crisis, allegedly, for comprehensive repairs); to discuss how to pay them their many months of outstanding salaries and allowances which had been withheld in the heat of the crisis; and to agree on when to re-present the 2025 Budget.

But Honourable Opunede, representing Akuku-Toru Constituency 2, has said there will be no such meeting. He dismissed the invitation from the Governor for a crucial meeting as a no event.

Opunede, in an online video told Governor Fubara to “dey his dey” (stay on your own) while the Assembly members do the same.

He insisted that given the mode of the transmission of the invitation, it will not be possible for them to honour it.

Opunede: “How can you write a letter for the House of Assembly and put it on Social Media and expect us to come. The Governor should write us the proper way.”

There are rumours that the Members are bent on humiliating the Governor, and, as an icing on the cake, impeach him. But there are also strong speculations that a number of the Assembly Members of Ijaw extraction are no longer anxious to impeach the Governor. They are urging for a meeting ground foe the progress of the State.

Military Destroys 31 Illegal Refineries In Niger Delta, 29 Suspects Arrested

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Soldiers on Duty - Nigerian Army

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army on Sunday March 9, 2025, announced the destruction of no fewer than 31 illegal petroleum  refining facilities in different parts of the Niger Delta Region.

About 29 suspects were also arrested with over 26 operational boats dismantled.

A statement from Division’s spokesperson, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, also informed that over 212,000 litres of stolen petroleum products were recovered during the series of  operations conducted to halt crude oil theft in the oil rich region.

According to the Army’s statement, operations   conducted at the Ogbonga Forest in Bonny Island Local Council of Rivers State resulted in the dismantling of 10 illegal refining Sites, recovery of 15 cooking pots, one heavy duty power generating set, and two massive reservoirs laden with over 70,000 litres of stolen petroleum products .

Other items recovered include three tanks containing about 10,000 litres of stolen crude, as well as one 200 meters long hose used to facilitate the criminal enterprise.

According to Col Jonah, all the recovered items were carefully and tactically concealed in a thick Forest not accessible  to aerial surveillance by the Military.

Similarly, within the Oloma area of the same Bonny Island Council, troops arrested three suspected oil thieves ,together with over 10,000 litres of stolen crude and a wooden boat.

At Karakarma, about four illegal refining sites, four boats, together with over 9,600 litres of stolen crude were also intercepted,the Army stated.

This is even as four tanks laden with over 9,500 litres of stolen petroleum products disguised as bakery were seized in Elelenwo in Obio Akpor Local Council of Rivers State.

The Army Spokesman revealed that similar operations conducted in Kumbufari Creeks in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State culminated in the seizure of three wooden boats, over 9,000 litres of stolen crude and the destruction of several illegal refining sites.

“At Ebocha in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government, one active illegal refining site, a large metal oven drum ,hoses and a reservoir with, 6,000 litres of stolen products were handled in accordance with subsisting operational mandate.

Several other seizures were effected at Omoku ,also, in ONELGA Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West LGA, Karakarma Community in Bille, Degema LGA, as well as along Cool Beach general area”, the Army Stated.

In Delta State, five wooden boats, 4000 liters of stolen crude, were recovered in Opumami in Warri South Local Council, while a truck laden with over 35,000 litres of stolen petroleum products were also intercepted.

Other seizures recorded in Obodo Omadino Community in Warri South council include over 3000 litres of stolen crude,several holding facilities ,and the destruction of three active illegal refining sites.

“In Bayelsa State, troops came under fire from suspected oil thieves, but superior fire forced the criminals to flee in disarray .

In follow up operations conducted, over 12,000, and 9000 stolen crude and illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil AGO were recovered respectively.

Other items recovered include seven wheelbarrows and one motorcycle. Also, around Biseni in Yenagoa LGA, four illegal refining sites were deactivated, with 18 metal oven tanks, drums, metal pipes, hoses and dugout pits with over 5,800, and 200 litres of stolen crude and AGO confiscated respectively.

Along Biseni-Samabiri road, also, in Yenagoa LGA, one Toyota Sequoia Jeep loaded with over 1,750 litres of illegally refined AGO stored in sacks were recovered.

Similarly, over, 4000 litres of illegally refined AGO in two separate residential buildings were recovered ,.. The occupants fled and abandoned the vehicle and buildings on sighting troops.

The General Officer Commanding GOC of the the Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, while commending troops for their operational efficiency,and discipline, also urged them to sustain the ongoing pressure until all forms of oil theft and illegal refining operations are completely rooted out in the region.

He, also, appealed to the illegal petroleum products operators, to shun the evil trade, and be prepared to face the wrath of the law.

Japa: Many Nigerians Abroad Facing Depression, Think Before You ‘Jump’- Abike Dabiri Warns

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Abike Dabiri-Erewa
Abike Dabiri-Erewa
The Chairman of Nigerians In Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri- Erewa has cautioned Nigerians seeking greener pastures from the country.
Dabiri- Erewa urged them to think before they ‘jump’ to the other side because things may not turn out as they have planned.
She said some Nigerians who relocated abroad in the face of the economic hardship are now regretting their actions, noting that in their desperate quest to leave Nigerians, some moved to countries that are worst than Nigeria.
She was reacting to a recent tweet, on social media, by a Nigerian immigration lawyer in the United Kingdom, UK, Dele Olawale who advised Nigerians planning to relocate from the country to have a re-thing before leaving Nigeria, saying living in the UK is fast becoming difficult for Nigerian immigrants.
The lawyer appealed to those planning to Japa, meaning relocating abroad, to “think very well” before making the decision.
According to him “things are becoming increasingly difficult” in the UK urging Nigerians planning to sell their belongings, for the purpose of relocating to apply caution.
“The UK immigration atmosphere is becoming toxic. Things are becoming increasingly difficult. If you are doing well in your home country, think very well before you leave or sell everything to come over here,” Olawale wrote.
Adding that, “Many depressed people. Many broken lives. Many broken homes. Many stranded families. Irreversible regret. Could you not do it because others are doing it? Think thrice before making the jump! Most importantly, get legal advice before you throw your job and prized possessions away for nothing.”
Reinforcing Olawale’s tweet, Dabiri- Erewa said many Nigerians who relocated are no longer finding things easy, saying some of them have been calling her to express their regrets.
In the face of the economic challenges in the country, particularly in the last 10 years not a few Nigerians, including professional doctors, nurses, bankers, teachers have relocated to the UK, US and some Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE and others.
In the desperate  bid to leave the country, many have sold their belongings, including houses, cars and other, hoping that things will get better when get abroad.
Unfortunately, Dabiri- Erewa said, they were disappointed when they finally landed abroad, as things were not rosy for them as had been planned, saying many of them.are now willing to come back home but have no means to do so, while others are too ashamed to come back home.
She called on prominent Nigerians, the media, bloggers to join in the campaign to stop Nigerians who are desperate to japa.
She wrote, “Please, we appeal to bloggers and influencers. Help us appeal to Nigerians that where you are running to is worse than where you are running from (Nigeria).”

How Gunmen Killed Miyetti Allah Chairman In Front Of His Home

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Miyeth Allah Leader Idris Abubakar Sakaina

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kwara State Police Command on Sunday March 9,2025 said that efforts are underway to track down killers of the leader of the Kwara State Chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria MACBAN, Idris Abubakar Sakaina.

Sakaina was  shot dead on Saturday night March 8 by the gate of his residence in Oke Ose ,Oke-Oyi area of Ilorin the State Capital.

“He was returning home at about 10 pm when  some gunmen attacked him as he was entering his compound. They opened fire on him in front of his residence. That is all we can say for now”, spokesperson for Kwara MACBAN volunteered .

The State Police Command, in a statement by its spokesperson, Ejire Adetoun, SP, while confirming the incident said that investigation has commenced to unravel the  circumstances surrounding the unfortunate development.

The Command assured of its commitment towards hunting down the perpetrators of the  heinous crime as well as bringing them to justice.

“The Kwara State Police Command confirms the murder of Alhaji Idris Abubakar, the Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Kwara State, who was shot dead on 8th March ,2025 at the entrance of his residence in Oke Ose, Oke-Oyi.

Police detectives responded swiftly ,and recovered five expended 7.62mm shells.

The State Criminal  Investigation Department, CID, has commenced a full investigation”, the Police statement partly reads.

According to the statement, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, has affirmed the determination of the Service to arrest and bring to justice the perpetrators of the dastardly act .

MACBAN has called on all relevant authorities to ensure the apprehension of those responsible for the gruesome killing.

In a  statement from its  Secretary, AbdulAzeez Muhammed, the Kwara state chapter of MACBAN, also, expressed deep shock over the ugly incident.

The Association appealed to the State Government to come to the assistance of the deceased’s family, particularly in the education of his children.

June 12: The Abachas Tackle IBB, Insist Late Head Of State Knew Nothing About Annulment

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ibrahim Babangida and Sanni Abacha and MKO Abiola

By Ayodele Oni

As controversy over the unceremonious and inexplicable annulment of results of June, 12, 1993 Presidential election, won by late MKO Abiola rages, the family of late Gen. Sani Abacha has exonerated the deceased. The blame, the family insists is solely on the former Military President, General. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, (IBB).

The family in a statement on Sunday signed by Mohammed Abacha in  reaction to claims made by IBB in his book, ‘A Journey in Service:, where he alleged that Abacha was responsible for the annulment of the election, stated that late Abacha knew nothing about the annulment.

Babangida, at the book presentation, admitted that the late Abiola actually won the election, a revelation which has attracted reactions from Nigerians.

The Abacha family stressed that for years, various actors have attempted to rewrite the history of that critical period in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, however, the facts remain unchanged.

Mohammed Abacha urged Nigerians to be wary of revisionist narratives that seek to manipulate public perception for personal or political reasons.

He added that the memory of their late father and leader must not be tarnished by baseless accusations meant to absolve those who were truly responsible.

The younger Abacha maintained that despite the unfortunate attempt to shift blame, his father remained a true and loyal friend to IBB up to the time of his death.

Mohammed Abacha stressed that his father was a man of unwavering commitment to his comrades, adding that at a time Babangida’s life was under threat, it was the late general who came to his rescue, ensuring his safety.

“It is important to state unequivocally that General Sani Abacha was neither the Head of State nor the Commander-in-Chief at the time the June 12 election was annulled.

“The decision to annul the election was made under the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida, who, as the then Head of State, held absolute executive powers and was solely responsible for the actions of his government.”

Women’s Contribution To Maritime Sector Invaluable- NIMASA DG

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Dayo Mobereola - NIMASA DG

The. Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola has commended women for their contributions to the development of the Nigerian maritime industry.

In his message to commemorate the 2025 International Women’s Day , on his official X handle @MobereolaD, the NIMASA DG stated

“ I proudly join the world in celebrating International Women’s Day 2025, recognizing the invaluable contributions of women in the maritime industry and beyond.

“Your dedication and resilience continue to shape the future of the sector, driving growth, innovation, and inclusivity.

“Together, we must accelerate action toward a more sustainable, diverse, and equitable future.

OPINION: The Supreme Court’s Ruling And Gov Fubara’s Political Future

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Governor Siminalayi Fubara

By Toba Alabi

The political landscape of Rivers State has been shaken by recent Supreme Court rulings that have significantly altered the balance of power in the state. These rulings, which address key issues such as the nullification of local government elections, legislative control, and financial management, have placed Governor Siminalayi Fubara in a precarious position. At the heart of this legal and political turmoil is the ongoing power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, whose influence continues to shape the state’s governance.
The court decisions have not only weakened Fubara’s grip on power but have also deepened the divisions within Rivers State’s political structure. With a hostile legislature, restricted financial autonomy, and an embattled local government administration, Fubara’s ability to govern effectively is now under serious threat. This article examines the Supreme Court’s rulings, their far-reaching implications, and what they mean for Fubara’s political survival in the high-stakes arena of Rivers politics.

The Supreme Court Rulings: Key Decisions and Implications
1. Nullification of Local Government Elections
One of the most significant rulings by the Supreme Court was the nullification of the local government elections held on October 5, 2024. The elections had been conducted under controversial circumstances, with the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) accused of failing to follow due process.
The court ruled that the elections violated the Electoral Act, rendering them null and void. This means that all elected chairmen and councillors lost their positions, effectively dissolving the local government administration. The ruling has created a governance vacuum at the grassroots level, forcing the state government to explore new options for local administration.
2. Recognition of Amaewhule’s Assembly Leadership
In a separate but equally critical ruling, the Supreme Court upheld the leadership of Martin Amaewhule as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Amaewhule is a known political ally of former Governor Nyesom Wike, and his control of the legislature significantly weakens Fubara’s influence.
This decision effectively legitimizes a legislature that has often opposed Fubara’s policies. With a hostile Assembly, the governor will face serious legislative roadblocks in implementing his programs, passing budgets, or appointing key officials.
3. Financial Restrictions on the Rivers State Government
Adding to the governor’s woes, the Supreme Court imposed financial restrictions on Rivers State, preventing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other financial institutions from releasing funds to the state government. This ruling was aimed at enforcing previous court decisions that the administration had allegedly ignored.
The financial restrictions mean that Fubara’s government will struggle to pay workers’ salaries, fund projects, and meet other financial obligations. Without access to funds, his ability to govern effectively will be severely constrained.

The Power Struggle: Fubara vs. Wike
At the heart of these legal battles is the deepening conflict between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Fubara, who was once Wike’s loyal protégé, has increasingly distanced himself from his political godfather. The battle for control over Rivers State’s political machinery has intensified, leading to these judicial interventions.
Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, still wields enormous influence in Rivers politics. The Supreme Court rulings are widely interpreted as victories for the Wike-led faction, effectively weakening Fubara’s grip on power.
Fubara’s supporters argue that these legal battles are an orchestrated attempt to frustrate his administration and force him into submission. However, the Supreme Court’s rulings remain legally binding, and the governor must now find a way to navigate the political minefield.
Governor Fubara’s Response and Political Future
Following the Supreme Court’s decisions, Governor Fubara addressed the people of Rivers State, urging calm and reassuring them that his administration would comply with the rulings while seeking legal and political solutions. However, the reality is that his political future now hangs in the balance.
1. Legal and Political Options
Fubara has limited legal options to challenge these rulings. The Supreme Court’s decisions are final, leaving him with only political strategies to survive. His best bet would be to seek reconciliation with political adversaries, particularly those in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
2. Strengthening Public Support
Another critical strategy for Fubara is to mobilize grassroots support. If he can maintain the backing of the people of Rivers State, he could use public sentiment as leverage in political negotiations. However, with financial restrictions in place, delivering meaningful projects to the people will be difficult.
3. Navigating the Tinubu Factor
President Bola Tinubu’s administration has remained relatively neutral in the Rivers crisis. However, Fubara’s survival may depend on his ability to align himself with Tinubu’s broader political strategy. If he can secure federal support, he might find ways to counterbalance Wike’s influence.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s rulings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara have drastically reshaped the political landscape in Rivers State. With his administration facing legal, financial, and legislative obstacles, Fubara’s ability to govern effectively is under serious threat.
The ongoing power struggle with Nyesom Wike adds another layer of complexity, making reconciliation or strategic alliances essential for his survival. In the coming months, Rivers State will remain a battleground for political supremacy, with Fubara’s future hanging on his ability to outmaneuver his opponents.
His next steps will determine whether he can consolidate power and retain his position—or if he will become another casualty of Rivers State’s volatile political history.

Alabi is Professor of Political Science, Defense and Security Studies

Uzodimma Canvasses Policy Change To Support Public/Private Schools’ Synergy, Donates N250m As Hezekiah University Honours Wife

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma at Hezekiah University

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has proposed policy changes, legislation, convention and intentional administrative efforts to create synergy between public and private schools for the overall achievement of quality education in Nigeria.

Senator Uzodimma made the proposition weekend at the maiden Convocation Ceremony of the first private University in the State, Hezekiah University Ishiala Umudi, in Nkwerre Local Government, which honoured the First Lady of the State, Barr. Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma, with the award of Doctor of Public Administration (Honoris Causa).

The Governor who had earlier commissioned the students’ hostel and class room complex recently built by the University, commended the Proprietor and Founder of Living Faith Church Incorporated, Most Rev. Prof. Daddy Hezekiah, for his vision of establishing a private University.

He used the occasion to commend  President Bola Tinubu for improving the entire education system in Nigeria by introducing the Students’ Loan  Programme, funding primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, and encouraging academic and non academic staff through improved wages.

The Governor congratulated the graduands and students of the University for their determination and commitment to acquiring knowledge despite the unsavoury environment, expressing appreciation to the Board and management of the University for deeming it fit to honour his wife.

He assured them of the continued partnership of Imo State government to enable the institution achieve her goals, and pledged a donation of an initial support of N250mllion to the University.

In her speech, the First Lady expressed gratitude for the honour done her by the University.

She described the Doctorate Award as “not just a recognition of personal achievements, but a reaffirmation of the power of education, public service and role of women in shaping a more just and equitable society, especially as the event coincides with the International Women’s Day Celebration.”

The First Lady dedicated the award to “every woman and young girl who have pushed beyond the limitations of convention to achieve dreams and ambition.”

She challenged women and young girls to imbibe education as their most powerful tool for creating meaningful change in the society.

Mrs. Uzodimma maintained that educating the girl-child is key to building a better future, noting that through the GoodHope Women’s Initiative, the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses’ Forum (NGSF) are working to remove barriers that prevent girls from going to school through scholarships, mentoring programmes, and community efforts to ensure that education is available to all.

She acknowledged the unwavering support and encouragement of her husband, Governor Uzodimma, for the success of her vision.

Earlier, the Proprietor and Chancellor of Hezekiah University, Prof Hezekiah, disclosed that the institution was first commissioned in 2015 by the National Universities Commission (NUC), and has produced graduands in three faculties of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Management Sciences, with uninterrupted academic programmes.

He noted that the institution places emphasis on both moral and academic excellence of the students.

To achieve such, the Proprietor said: “The University is addressing the get-rich-quick cankerworm looming large among the youth of our country by putting a lot of emphasis on entrepreneurial training and skills development.”

He further disclosed that the School is the least paying private University in the country by students, as it offers N100,000 subsidy to every student and also allows payment of tuition fees in instalments to ease the financial burden on parents.

The University Chancellor thanked Governor Uzodimma for giving favourable attention to the road leading to the University and called for extension of Federal Government grants and interventions to private Universities to enable them compete favourably with public Universities.

“The policy that prevents TETFUND, PTDF and similar funding bodies from helping private Universities is wrong,” he asserted.

He also offered prayers for the graduands as they move into the world.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Anthony N. Okere, expressed joy over the day’s event, congratulating the graduands,  the senate and the congregation for collectively sustaining the hopes and aspiration of the Chancellor.

Prof. Okeke further applauded the efforts of the staff and students who have always believed in Hezekiah University.

Keynote messages were presented by sister Universities of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Umuagwo, K O Mbadiwe University Ogboko, Gregory University Uturu and Abia State University.

SERAP Threatens Court Action Over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Natasha Akpoti
Natasha Akpoti

By Akinwale Kasali

Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President is facing a barrage of criticisms over the suspension of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. She was suspended for six months for  alleging sexual harassment against the Senate President.

Though the Senate has clarified that she was suspended for misconduct, and not for her allegations against Akpabio, not a few people disbelieve that line.

Given the development, a group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP,  has urged the Senate President to, with immediate effect, rescind the “patently unlawful suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan”.

SERAP said “the purported suspension is based solely on the peaceful exercise of her constitutionally and internationally recognized right to freedom of expression.”

SERAP to Akpabio:  “The Senate should immediately reinstate Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, and revise parliamentary procedures that unduly restrict Senators’ human rights.”

In the open letter dated 8 March 2025 and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “No one should ever be punished for ‘speaking without permission’. Being a Senator does not deprive Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental human rights.

“The Senate should be setting an example by upholding the rule of law and promoting and protecting fundamental human rights, not stamping them out.

“Punishing Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for peacefully expressing herself is unlawful, unnecessary and disproportionate. Her suspension would also have a disproportionate chilling effect on the ability of other members of the Senate to freely express themselves and exercise their human rights.”

SERAP also said, “Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension is based solely on the peaceful exercise of her right to freedom of expression in the Senate. All the other grounds cited by the Senate for her suspension seem to be a pretext to further restrict her fundamental human rights.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 48 hours of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel you and the Senate to comply with our requests in the public interest.

“Any application of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 by the Senate must conform with constitutional and international human rights norms and standards relating to freedom of expression and should not jeopardise the right itself.

“Suspending Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan for peacefully exercising her right to freedom of expression has made her opinion in the Senate ineffective.

“No member of the Senate should suffer any consequences for peacefully exercising their freedom of expression.  A higher degree of tolerance is expected when it is a political speech and an even higher threshold is required when it is directed towards government officials including members of the Senate.

“The unlawful restriction of Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to freedom of expression has indirectly violated Nigerians’ right to receive information and ideas and seriously undermined the right of her constituency to political participation.

“Given the impracticality of direct participation of all citizens, article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights provides that a citizen shall exercise political power either directly or through freely chosen representatives.

“The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate has restricted and seriously undermined the ability of the residents of her Kogi Central Senatorial District to effectively participate in their own government. The suspension therefore constitutes a violation of article 13 provisions.

“The Senate has the obligations to uphold the rule of law and the provisions of section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and Nigeria’s obligations under article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

“Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] provides that, ‘(1) Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.

“Under Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights: ‘1. Every individual shall have the right to receive information. 2. Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law.

“Article 9 (1) and (2) are substantively similar because the right ‘to receive information’ is derived from the ‘right to express and disseminate’ one’s opinions.

“The Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa, in Principle II (2) provides that ‘any restrictions on freedom of expression shall be provided for by law, serve a legitimate interest and be necessary and in a democratic society.

“Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights provides that, ‘Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law.

“The right to express one’s opinion is of paramount importance, not only because it oils the engine of a representative democracy but also because it creates a free and open environment.

“The right to freedom of expression is a fundamental individual human right which is also a cornerstone of democracy and a means of ensuring the respect for all human rights and freedoms.

“The Human Rights Council, the body charged with monitoring implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights has stressed that any limitations or restrictions to freedom of expression should be applied strictly so that they do ‘not put in jeopardy the right itself.

“Article 19(1) of the Covenant establishes the right to freedom of opinion without interference. Article 19(2) establishes the Senate’s obligations to respect and ensure ‘the right to freedom of expression,’ which includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, either orally or in writing.

“The Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) should not and cannot set aside Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to express herself and disseminate her opinions which is clearly guaranteed in section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], and under the human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party.

“According to our information, Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was recently suspended for allegedly speaking without permission. She was also accused of persistent acts of misconduct, blatant disregard for the provisions of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 and gross indiscipline.

“Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan was found guilty of violating Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate Rules including repeated violations of legislative decorum, such as allegedly speaking without being recognised by the presiding officer in clear violation of parliamentary practices and procedures and refusing to sit in her assigned seat during plenary on 25th February 2025, and an act of open defiance.”

It would be recalled that last week, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, after she reportedly ‘spoke without permission’ and ‘refused her new seat in the upper legislative chamber.’

Her salary and allowances will not be paid for the duration of the suspension and she was banned from presenting herself as a Senator.

Ondo Police Command Helpless, As Abductions Thrice, CP Says No Equipment To Track Criminals

By
Ayodele Oni
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Wilfred Afolabi - Ondo CP

By Ayodele Oni

A week hardly passes now that kidnappers will not unleash terror on the people of Ondo State. The latest is the abduction of a farm estate owner, Olanrewaju Oyeleye, 50, and his farm manager.

They were reportedly abducted on Friday morning at the farmland in Oba-Ile, along Akure Airport Road, Ondo State.

Apart from Akure and Owo axis of the State, Akoko area has also become hotspot for the kidnappers who operate day and night, unhindered despite presence of policemen and Amotekun guards.

The State Police Command seems helpless as according to the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, the Command lacks necessary equipment to confront criminals upfront.

According to sources close to the victims, the kidnappers contacted Oyeleye’s family on Saturday, demanding a ransom of N100 million for their release.

Oyeleye, who had lived abroad for several years, returned to Akure four years ago to invest in mechanized farming.

Confirming the incident, the Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun, Adetunji Adeleye, stated that security operatives have been working tirelessly to track the abductors and rescue the victims.

“The kidnapping happened early Thursday morning, and we have been actively pursuing leads to ensure their safe return.”

The Police Commissioner  listed some of the challenges of the Command in carrying out its duties in terms of patrol vehicles and other logistics needed for smooth operations.

According to him,  if the Command is equipped with hi-tech devices including drone, trackers and other devices for lawful interception, fighting crimes in the State would be done seamlessly.

Afolabi revealed that the Command needs assistance from Government and other stakeholders in the State in terms of provision of patrol vans and repair of grounded patrol vehicles for timely and effective response to distress calls.

“We can’t use orthodox method to address present security challenges. Most of our vehicles are grounded. The refurbishing are ongoing through the financial assistance from the people.

“We need Military drone that can go 50km, live tracking devices to get the location where criminals are hiding, Lawful Intersection (LI), fueling of vehicles among others.

“Now, kidnapping has gone highly sophisticated and you can confirm it from anybody. We can’t use the same old method, or maybe the approach of the 70s or the 80s or even the 90s to address this present security challenges.

“In a lot of States where they are having successes and breakthroughs, they have hi-tech machines, drones, Lawful Intersection machine (LI), life tracking, but here, we don’t have them.

“So, most times, what we rely on, whenever there is any incident of kidnapping, you deploy your men into the bush, to comb the bush. That is archaic and you hardly can achieve much success.”

Besides, the CP noted that consistent migration into Ondo State among other factors contribute to the prevailing situation of criminality in the State.

“There are lot of people migrating, relocating to the Southern part of the country and they are coming in hundreds and thousands, and there is no directive coming from anywhere that this movement should be checked.

“So, there is no doubt about it that the rate at which people are migrating, relocating into Ondo state is further worsening the prevailing security challenges we have.

Afolabi however disclosed that in the last two months of his assumption as the 45th Commissioner of Police in the state, the Command has been able to flush out a lot of criminal elements, particularly in Owo and Akoko.

“So, what I had to do was to get a private tracker. And when the guy came, he was deployed along with almost six tactical teams.

“In the process, at least we had close to 10 confirmed suspected kidnappers that were arrested and they are in our custody presently.”

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