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Meranda Says It’s Show Of Shame As Obasa Again Storms Assembly… Lawmakers, Legislative Officers Vacate Offices

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Mojisola Meranda - Speaker Lagos State

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State House of Assembly Complex have been taken-over by impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa alongside thugs and hoodlums. They were protected by a large number of Police, Civil Defense Officials and Department of State Security, DSS, Operatives.

Obasa, alongside alleged thugs and hoodlums forcefully took over the Assembly Complex, Friday afternoon, before the Lawmakers returned from the Court where they had gone to for Obasa’s case against them and Speaker Mojisola Meranda.

On seeing this development, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, expressed her disappointment on the issue.

She described the as a “total show of shame” that must be condemned.

“This is actually just the beginning, and as you saw in Court, both parties had their representatives. We should allow the legal process to run its course,” she said while speaking to journalists.

Despite the political tension, Meranda reassured that the House remains intact and united, vowing to uphold due process and legislative order.

She acknowledged that Obasa remains a member of the House and has the right to attend plenary sessions.

However, she expressed concerns over the manner of his entry.

“The invasion and breaking into my office—that is really a serious issue,” she emphasized.

She however raised concerns over the drastic reduction in her security detail, stating that she normally has twelve policemen, four DSS officers, and two anti-riot officers in her convoy, but, at the moment, she only has Four Policemen with her.

Speaking further, Meranda described the Plenary presided over by Obasa I which he adjourned sitting with just three lawmakers, as political theatrics.

“That was just a show of shame. In our job, we have a required number to form a quorum. If you are sitting with just three or four members, you are only putting on a theatrical display,” she said.

As at the time of  filing this report, no one had been allowed into the Assembly Complex, as it was gathered that Obasa is currently at the Complex with some of his loyalist.

Wike Vs Fubara: Is The End Near For The Governor

By
The Source
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Nyesom Wike and Simi Fubara

By Collins Opurozor

The political crisis in Rivers State, culminating in Governor Sim Fubara’s resounding defeat at the Supreme Court, is a stark reminder of the unchecked absolutism that thrives in Nigeria’s political landscape. The court’s verdict, which sacked Fubara’s loyalists from local government positions and restored a hostile House of Assembly controlled by former Governor Nyesom Wike, has not only deepened the state’s crisis but also laid bare the brutal, zero-sum nature of politics in societies where institutions are weak and power is wielded arbitrarily. The Supreme Court has spoken, and the implications are clear: Fubara is cornered, and an impeachment move by the emboldened Assembly appears imminent. This saga is not just about two men fighting for supremacy; it is a reflection of the broader structural failings that make Nigerian politics a theater of perpetual conflict, where political actors, once ascendant, seek total dominance.

At the heart of this crisis is the classic struggle between a former political godfather and his rebellious protégé. Wike, unwilling to relinquish control, sought to maintain his grip on Rivers State’s political structure. Fubara, in defiance, charted his own course, attempting to consolidate his power by removing all vestiges of his predecessor’s influence. What followed was an unrestrained political war in which both men demonstrated an insatiable thirst for control, turning the state into a battlefield. In societies with strong democratic traditions, transitions of power are moderated by robust institutions that prevent such political excesses. But in a system where power operates with little to no checks, the contest for supremacy becomes a war of attrition—one in which governance takes a backseat to the endless pursuit of dominance.

Governor Fubara’s attempt to dismantle Wike’s influence was no less authoritarian than Wike’s attempt to maintain it. In his bid to consolidate power, Fubara installed his own loyalists as local government chairmen through a proxy party, sidelining due process and disregarding political plurality. He unilaterally reduced the House of Assembly to a rubber stamp legislature of just three loyalists while not awaiting the courts to decide on the legitimacy of the larger Assembly that opposed him. Rather than building consensus, he weaponized ethnic sentiment, mobilizing Ijaw nationalism to create a political base that would insulate him from broader public scrutiny. These tactics were not rooted in democratic principles but in a desperate bid to secure unchallenged control—mirroring the very methods he accused Wike of using against him.

Collins Opurozor
Collins Opurozor

This culture of absolutism thrives because the institutions that should moderate power struggles are weak, compromised, or outrightly non-functional. The Judiciary, though it has now asserted itself with a decisive ruling, is often a tool in the hands of political actors, delivering judgments that align with the prevailing power dynamics rather than serving as an independent arbiter. The legislature, which should be a counterweight to the executive, is easily co-opted at will, as seen in Fubara’s unilateral reduction of the House to three loyalists. The security agencies, rather than upholding the rule of law, often serve as enforcers for those in power. In such an environment, governance is reduced to personal rule, with state power being deployed for vendettas rather than service delivery.

A glaring example of this was Fubara’s use of state power to economically strangulate Wike’s loyalists. A former local government chairman, for instance, saw his hotel sealed and was slapped with over N100 million in taxes, rates, and operational costs—an unmistakable case of political retribution. This mirrors the political persecution Fubara himself suffered when Wike’s loyalists tried to render him powerless. In both cases, the message was clear: power is not a means to govern but a weapon to subdue opponents. Such arbitrary use of power does not only undermine democratic governance but also fosters instability, as political actors anticipate and prepare for the day when they, too, will become victims of the same ruthless tactics.

The Supreme Court’s decision to halt federal allocations to Rivers State further underscores the fragility of governance in the absence of strong institutions. While the judgment may be rationalized on the facts before the court, its political ramifications are enormous. It leaves Rivers State in a precarious financial position, punishing not just Fubara but the entire populace, who will bear the brunt of an administrative paralysis. This is yet another demonstration of how political conflicts in Nigeria often escalate to the point where governance becomes hostage to power struggles, with little regard for the ordinary citizens caught in the crossfire.

The broader implication of this crisis is that the exercise of power in Nigeria remains fundamentally despotic, despite the nickname of democracy in view of periodic elections. Elections are held, but political transitions are rarely smooth; power struggles are settled not through negotiations or institutional checks but through sheer political force: those in power seek absolute control, while those ousted fight to finish to regain it by any means necessary. The absence of moderation ensures that every transition of power is fraught with tension, instability, and a cycle of retributive governance.

Ultimately, the Fubara-Wike conflict is not unique; it is merely the latest manifestation of a deeply entrenched political culture where power is an all-or-nothing game. Until Nigeria builds institutions that can withstand the ambitions of individual politicians, these crises will continue to define governance.

The lesson from Rivers State is clear: in societies where power is unchecked, political actors will always prioritize personal survival over democratic principles, and the people will always be the collateral damage. In the coming days or weeks, the nagging perplexity, namely: “Is it over for Fubara?” would have been resolved.

The worst form of democracy is still better than the best form of military rule.

Opurozor, a prolific commentator on current issues writes from Owerri

Rivers Crisis: Fubara Gets Bloody Nose As Supreme Court Affirms Wike- Backed Amaewhule Assembly

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Siminalayi Fubara - Governor of Rivers State

The Supreme Court, on Friday, affirmed the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule as the authentic and legally constituted lawmaking body in the state.

The judgment has fully settled the factional crisis, and the month long supremacy battle rocking the state assembly since last year, between the factions backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT,  Nyesom Wike and the governor, Siminalaye Fubara.

Wike-, a former governor of the oil rich state had set up a battle with Fubara, a former political ally who rode on his wings to become the governor, over the control of the soul of the state.

The case which started at the lower court and finally terminated at the nation’s apex court today, has left not a few wondering what is the next line of action for Governor Fubara.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, a panel of five  justices led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji gave the order in the unanimous judgement read by Justice Emmanuel Agim.

The court also restrained the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and the Accountant-General of the Federation, AGF, from further releasing budgetary allocations to Rivers State until a valid Appropriation Act is passed by a lawfully constituted House of Assembly.

In a unanimous judgement, on Friday, the panel ordered that Mr Amaewhule and other 26 members of the assembly, who were alleged to have defected, should be allowed to resume legislative duties unhindered.
The Supreme Court further ordered that all members of the House of Assembly are to resume normal legislative businesses without any hindrance to any members.

Justice Agim condemned the conduct of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who he said resorted to acting unlawfully by pulling down the House of Assembly owing to his fear that there were moves to remove him from office.

The nation’s apex court set aside the earlier judgment of the Court of Appeal, in which the appellate court held that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction on cases relating to funds belonging to Rivers State.

The panel also awarded a cost of N5 million against Governor Fubara and the Government of Rivers State, to be paid to the Rivers State House of Assembly and Amaewhule.

The question now is whether the Supreme court judgement will finally restore peace to the restive state, and whether the contending groups will now try to explore political settlement to the issue, since the judgment cannot be challenged in any court.

Akpoti-Uduaghan: South-South Women Warn Senate Ethics Committee, Call The Senator Hero

By
The Source
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Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

By Gideon Njoku

A word of advice has gone out to the Senate and its  Ethics Committee and Code of Conduct to hold it there.

The Committee was mandated by the Senate to summon Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for a possible disciplinary action over her clash on the floor of the Senate with Senate President Godswill Uduaghan.

But on Friday, a group which identified itself as

South-South Women advised the leadership of the Senate and the Committee on Ethics not to plunge the country into pain and tragedy.

The Group also hailed Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for her courage, boldness and contribution to nation-building.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had shocked the Nation when during an interview with Arise Television on its The Morning Show segment, revealed that the genesis of her problems with Akpabio began when she refused his se£ual advances. The group, said:

‘’Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is an hero and a source of permanent and daily inspiration in Nigeria and on the continent’’

In a statement  issued from Asaba, Delta State, the Group urged the Senate Ethics Committee to stop its invitation to the Senator.

Akpoti-Uduaghan has,  however, accepted to appear, but on one condition  – that the proceedings be broadcast live on television for Nigerians to watch.

Entitled ‘’Alienation of Women politicians into Nigeria, fatal misunderstanding, bullying, the rule of conduct in the Senate, abuse of power and precarious authority, the women condemned the threat of illegal actions, discrimination, victimization and other forms of segregation based purely on gender”,  and signed by Chief Rita Okonji, the Group said:

‘’One of the most popular and leading labels often put on responsible and successful women by the detractors is that they are rude. That label certainly does not apply in the case of the recent incident. Even if male politicians and their female lackeys in Nigeria were to shout from the rooftops in an attempt to make the label stick, the facts of the incident will not allow it.

‘’Don’t resist the voice of honour and reason. Don’t insult the intelligence of the Nigerian woman. Don’t make your colleagues objects of ridicule in the eyes of the world for selfish interests. Don’t be too bitter against one another, no matter the differences

‘’Our dignity and survival are seriously being jeopardized through conscious and deliberate actions by the male politicians in the country. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent action is very healthy and provides the beginning for a genuine change in male’s attitude to women in the country. We hope that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s action will accelerate the efforts to achieve strong voice and respect for women’’

‘’Another matter relating to the state of our nation today which we have to be vigilant about is the moves to shut women out of the system. The dangerous aspect of this is the country’s drift into becoming a government of only men.

‘’How can we be led to believe that individuals full of self-hatred and contempt for women in Nigeria can suddenly become defenders of our interests?  The male politicians in the country lack any substantive reasons to give for the recent incident. They simply beat about the bush with meaningless phrases’’

‘’Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is a good woman, and an upright and virtuous patriot. We bear malice or ill will to none and our reaction is solely in support of gender understanding and human love’’

Air Peace Suffers Bird Strikes On Three Aircraft Within 24 Hours, Flights Disrupted

By
The Source
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Air Peace

Nigeria’s and West Africa’s flagship Carrier,  Air Peace Ltd, has suffered multiple bird strikes on its Aircraft.

In a space of 24 hours, the Airline suffered bird strikes on three of its Aircraft. This unprecedented incident has, therefore, disrupted its flight schedule as the three affected Aircraft have been grounded for checks.

In a statement which explained the reason for the unexpected flight disruptions, Dr Henry Ndiulo, Head of Corporate Communications, Air Peace Limited, emphasized that the safety of its passengers comes first before any other thing.

The text of the statement reads in part:

Flight Disruptions Due To Multiple Bird Strikes -Your Safety Comes First

“Air Peace regrets to inform the flying public of an  unexpected disruption to our flight operations caused by multiple bird strike incidents affecting three of our aircraft within the last 24 hours.

“The first incident happened yesterday, necessitating an air return. Additionally, earlier today, two of our aircraft also suffered bird strike incidents, resulting in the grounding of the affected aircraft for safety checks and necessary maintenance.

“As a safety-conscious airline, Air Peace prioritizes the well-being of our passengers and crew above all else. In line with our strict safety protocols, we have immediately commenced the requisite inspections and maintenance procedures to ensure that the aircraft meet the highest safety standards before returning to service.

“We sincerely apologize to our esteemed customers for the inconvenience these disruptions may cause to their travel plans. While we work to resolve the situation as swiftly as possible, we kindly seek your patience and understanding. Our team is actively reaching out to affected passengers to provide necessary assistance, including rescheduling and alternative travel arrangements where possible.

“Please rest assured that every decision we make is with your safety in mind. We appreciate your trust in Air Peace and thank you for standing with us.

“Air Peace remains committed to providing safe, seamless, and efficient flight services. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we navigate this unexpected situation.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan: Akpabio Punishing Me For Rejecting His Se£ual Advances

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Natasha Akpoti and Godswill Akpabio
Natasha Akpoti and Senator Godswill Akpabio

By Akinwale Kasali

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, PDP, Kogi Central, has dropped a bombshell. She has raised a storm in the Senate.

The Senator had,  a few days ago, clashed with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio over a seating arrangement. She had been relocated to another seat. But she maintained her former seat. When asked to let go, she refused. And when she stood up and wanted to explain herself,  Senate President, Godswill Akpabio refused. He asked her to go to her newly allocated seat before she could speak. When she insisted on being heard out, Akpabio ordered that she be “kicked out” of the Senate Chambers.

That clash has since escalated with Akpoti-Uduaghan suing the SP, his Legislative Aide, Patrick Mfon and the Federal Government to the tune of N100bn for defamation and N300m for legal costs.

However, on Friday morning, February 28, the situation became a full blown scandal when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan appeared on Arise Television’s popular programme, “The Morning Show”.

She revealed that her problem with Akpabio did not begin recently. It’s been on for months. And boiled down now to her being openly victimised, humiliated and maligned by Akpabio.

She explained that the root cause is because she refused to give in to Akpabio’s se&ual advances.

She compared her situation to that of a University student who gets marked down by her Lecturer because she refused to give in to the Lecturer’s dirty requests and advances.

indicating the Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio of witch hunting, Victimizing, Punishing and frustrating her because she refused his sexual advances.

She stated that Akpabio persistently contacted her on WhatsApp and that she has evidence to support her claims.

She further stated that her husband is a witness and challenged the Department of State Services, DSS, to retrieve their conversations for verification.

Her words:

“The Senate President made a mistake by not allowing me to speak on that Order 10.

“The Senate President has the right to allocate seats, and senators should adhere, but for a senator to invoke Order 10, it means their privileges have been trampled upon, and that can be raised anywhere at any time.

“So, once a senator shouts Order 10, even if they are being dragged on the floor, they are supposed to be heard.

“Once I raised Order 10, the Senate President ought to have allowed me to speak. He could have used his discretion to move that complaint to the Ethics and Privileges Committee or overrule it, but he failed to do that. Instead, he ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove me from the chambers and prepare for my suspension.

“I did mention that in the Senate, I have been dehumanised, maligned, and all that, and I believe that this situation was just the straw that broke the camel’s back.

“Many people do not know what I’m about to say, and I’m going to speak my truth while the Senate President is allowed to counter it.

“It all started on December 8, 2023, a day before my birthday and his. We were all in Akwa Ibom, and he held my hand, saying he wanted to show me around his house. My husband was walking behind us.

“I noticed that he hastened his pace while still holding my hand, and then he got to a particular sitting room and said, ‘Do you like my house?’ I said, ‘Of course, sir, every room is beautiful.’ He then said, ‘Now that you are a senator, I’m going to create time for us to come and spend quality moments here—you will enjoy it.’

“When I turned to look at my husband to see if he had heard that or not, the Senate President also turned and said, ‘Let me show you my Chapel as well.’

“That evening, we left his house at about 11 pm and my husband asked what the Senate President told me. I wondered whether I should tell him what the Senate President said about bringing me there to ‘have a good time’ or if I should just let it go because I knew how much my husband adored him.

“In February, I wanted to move a motion for the investigation of anti-corruption practices at Ajaokuta Steel Company. I listed that motion five times, but it was only on the sixth attempt that it was approved. Many senators can testify to that. Each time the motion was listed, he would say, ‘Senator Natasha, we can’t take this motion because the good of the Senate does not accommodate it.’

“He kept doing that, so I went to his office and said, ‘You know how important the Ajaokuta Steel Company is to me and my people. I’ve noticed that you have repeatedly stepped down this motion.’ He replied, ‘Natasha, I’m the Chief Presiding Officer of the Senate. You can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me and make me happy.’

“At that point, I said I would pretend I didn’t hear that. He then said, ‘The ball is in your court.’ When I got home, I told my husband to speak to the Senate President to allow my motion to go through.

“You know when a student keeps failing because they refuse to sleep with a lecturer? That is exactly what I have been facing, in simple terms.

“Regarding the nightclub incident, I believe that was not a slip of the tongue. He had told me that there are a number of ways we can have fun if we travel.”

The Senate, just before Akpoti-Uduaghan sued, had referred  hervto the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for a possible disciplinary action.

The committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun (LP, Edo South), has been given two weeks to submit its findings.

The decision was reached after a voice vote by the lawmakers who emphasized the need to maintain parliamentary decorum.

The spokesperson for the Senate, Senator Yemi Adaramodu had raised the issue on the floor of the Senate, which was seconded by the Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, who said the Senate Committee on Ethics should wade into the matter.

As at the time of filing in this report, neither the Senate leadership nor Akpabio has responded to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against the Senate President.

Breaking: Supreme Court Stops Federal Allocation To Rivers State, Orders Amaewhule Faction To Resume Sittings

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Martin Amaewhule - Rivers State New Speaker

The Supreme Court, on Friday, directed the federal government to stop monetary allocation to Rivers state from the federation Account until a proper House of Assembly is constituted.

Forthwith, the court ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to withhold federal allocation to the state until the judgment is fully complied with.

The nation’s apex court, also in its ruling ordered the martin Amaewhule faction of the state Assembly to resume sittings immediately with all elected members of the house.

More to come…..

BREAKING: Pro-Meranda Lawmakers Storm Court For Obasa’s Removal Case As Speaker

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Pro-Meranda Lawmakers Storm Court

By Akinwale Kasali

Lawmakers, also, condemned the invasion of the Assembly complex by impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa

A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja is filled to capacity, as 36 Lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly in support of their elected Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, stormed the Court, to solidarize with her.

The Lawmakers who are in support of Mudashiru Obasa’s impeachment as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, have continued to lamemt his high handedness, gross misconduct and abuse of office when he was Speaker.

Obasa had sued Meranda  alongside the Lawmakers for impeaching him. He went to Court to ask for his  immediate reinstatement as Speaker.

In the application dated February 12, 2025, and filed by his lawyer, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), the plaintiff claimed that he was removed from his position on January 13, 2025, by 36 lawmakers while he was out of the country.

Lawyers to Speaker  Meranda and the House include lead counsel, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN).

Others counsels for the lawmakers are: Mr. Olu Daramola (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana (SAN); Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN); Mrs. Abimbola Akeredolu (SAN); Dr. Dada Awosika (SAN); Prof. Dayo Amokaye (SAN); Mr. Mofe Oyetibo (SAN); Mr. Olumide Oyewole and Mr. Wunmi Okeremi.

Meanwhile, the House has condemned what it described as an invasion, on Thursday, by Obasa.

“The Lagos State House of Assembly wishes to bring to the attention of Lagosians, Nigerians, and the global community an incident that occurred on Thursday, involving an unsanctioned attempt to convene a plenary session by the former Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, alongside three members.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the rules governing plenary sessions of the House are clear. A valid sitting requires a formal notice to all members, the presence of a quorum, an approved agenda, and the mace—an essential symbol of legislative authority.

“None of these procedural requirements was met during the purported session, with only 5 out of 40 members present, rendering it unconstitutional and without legislative effect,” the House said in a statement on Friday by its spokesman, Hon. Steve Ogundipe.

The statement added that the House remains steadfast in upholding the integrity of the Legislature and is committed to maintaining the highest parliamentary standards.

“As an institution dedicated to the progress and development of Lagos State, we shall continue to act within the confines of the law to protect and preserve democratic governance.

“Furthermore, we reaffirm our unwavering support for the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, who continues to demonstrate dedication to the service of Lagosians. Any speculation suggesting her resignation is entirely unfounded. She remains firmly in office and enjoys the confidence and support of 36 colleagues,” the statement said.

The House said it aligns with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in working towards a constructive resolution of misunderstandings adding that the House will continue to work in the interest of Lagosians

Speaker Meranda Is Gone, She Resigned – Obasa

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Mudashiru Obasa and Mojisola Meranda

By Adesina Soyooye

While a number of Nigerians, including former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Joe Igbokwe, have expressed outrage at the brazen audacity displayed by the impeached Speaker,  Lagos House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, on Thursday when he stormed the Assembly complex and declared himself “still the Speaker”, Obasa has let it be known that Speaker Mojisola Meranda, willingly resigned last weekend.

Obasa spoke on Thursday in interview with Reporters while defending his action.

He was on January 16, 2025, impeached by his colleagues, overwhelmingly for high-handedness, arrogance and alleged corruption.

On return from his trip overseas, he rejected the impeachment and proceeded to Court. But while the Court case was still active and solutions being scrambled together by Party Leaders, Obasa, in an obvious connivance with Security Agencies, forced himself into the Assembly Chambers and held plenary with four Lawmakers, only. The other 36 members rejected him and stood by Meranda who they elected as his successor.

Explaining the situation, Obasa disclosed Meranda’s alleged voluntary resignation.

He said Speaker Meranda resigned during a peace meeting held at Lagos House Marina.

His words: “There was a meeting that took place in Marina where we had in attendance all the party leaders and all the members of Lagos Assembly and openly, Meranda herself made a statement that she has stepped down and she has resigned.

“So, when you resign from an office, you know, the paraphernalia of office will be taken away, now.

“I’ve never been removed. Impeachment or removal is democratic and constitutional but in doing that, you must follow the due process. I am not against that. If I do that, then I am not democratic.”

Meranda has not said a word since Obasa’s action.

Earlier on Thursday, while Obasa’s security details were restored, her’s were withdrawn. They were later restored later same Thursday after a lot of eyebrows were raised. Lagos State Commissioner of Police said they were withdrawn for an audit. There was no ulterior motive, CP Moshood Jimoh explained.

2027: Buhari Moves To Kaduna, North’s Political Capital As Gang Up Against Tinubu’s Presidency Thickens

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Buhari Back To Kaduna

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has relocated from his Daura, Katsina home to Kaduna, a neighbouring state that have been described my many political buffs as the political capital of Nigeria’s North.

Buhari, who departed Katsina on Thursday according to one of his formeraide  Bashir Ahmad, was accompanied on the journey by some political leaders from the northern part of the country, including Vice President Kassim Shettima, Governors Babagana Zulum, Uba Sani of Borno and Kaduna states amongts others, thereby raising posers among political analysts on whether the relocation is significant for the 2027 race, which appeared to  have started in earnest, considering the recent re-alignments of political forces in the country.

Announcing Buhari’s relocation on Thursday, Ahmad said the former Nigerian leader received a warmth welcome on his arrival in Kaduna by the people of the state.

“Today, former President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to his Kaduna residence after spending two years in Daura, Katsina State, since leaving office in May 2023. After completing his tenure, he opted for a quiet life in his hometown and largely stayed out of active political discussions, focusing on private engagements.”

Ahmad added, “President Buhari was accompanied by Vice President @KashimSM Shettima and high-profile dignitaries, including the Governor of Borno, @ProfZulum, and his counterpart, the Governor of Kaduna, @UbaSaniUS, current and former Deputy Governors of Katsina State, a former Inspector General of Police, former ministers, and several of his personal aides.”

The development is coming amidst the ongoing re-alignment of political forces in the country, particularly from the northern part of the country, against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s return to office in 2027.

Some key northern political leaders are believed to be united against Tinubu’s, and have been speaking openly against his government in a manner that suggest that he no longer have their support unlike during the 2023 Presidential election when he received massive support from the region.

The immediate past Governor of Kaduna state has openly declared that Tinubu will not be re-elected.

Even though Buhari has not openly criticised the incumbent, sources insist that he may not be entirely happy that Tinubu is the commander-in- chief. The former leader, the magazine recalls did not support Tinubu’s ascension to power. His candidate for the Presidency was former Senate President Ahmad Lawan.

After leaving office on May 29, 2023 Buhari had moved into a quiet life in Kaduna where he has been living for close to two year, in spite of his decision to stay out of politics after he left power, his home has become a Mecca of sort as political leaders across the country- from the ruling All progressives Congress, APC Peoples Democratic Party, PDP- have continued to pay him homage.

Analyst insist that the development may not be unconnected with the respect the former president still commands across the country, including suggestions in the political arena in the country that his opinion is being sought by those aspiring to political offices, particularly in the next political dispensation in 2027.

Prominent individuals who have visited the former president lately included Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu,  former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President Ahmad Lawal Senator Ibikunle Amosun, former Governor Nasir El Rufai, amongst others.

“From the look of things, the 2027 elections is gradually gathering momentum, from the looks of things and with the manner some politicians have been carrying themselves. Therefore, it’s safe to say the former president is also preparing for the next election. don’t’ forget that he’s still well respected among the political leaders in the country who would like to hear what he will say concerning the next election, particularly the presidential election,” an analyst said on Friday.

According to the source who said his name should not be mentioned because “all of these still remains in the realm of speculations,” Buhari, reading from what has been happening recently concerning the Presidency “ will have a say” on who becomes the next Commander-in-chief.”

He may be right. This is because some of those who had visited him recently are either members of the ruling APC, who appear not happy with the governing style of President Tinubu, and PDP leaders trying to solicit the support of the former leader to snatch power in the next presidential election.

In June 2024, former Vice President Abubakar, who is among the 2027 presidential hopefuls visited Buhari in Daura, a move that ruffled feathers in the ruling party, even though the host and his visitor did not say whether the meeting was because of the next election.

Also in December 2024, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi led some traditional rulers to the home of the former president, the details of their discussion, however, still remains sketchy more than three months after.

In January 2023, few months to the end of his eight years maximum term President Buhari said he planned to “retire in peace” from the nation’s politics.

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