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Rivers: Hope For Reversal Dims As  Sole Administrator Suspends All Political Appointees

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas

By Adesina Soyooye

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, rtd, on Wednesday March 26, 2025, made a clean sweep of Political appointees in the State.

He suspended all Members of the  State Executive Council, Members of Commissions whose appointments are statutory, and Board Members. Gone too are all Special Advisers and Assistants, Heads of Parastatals and Agencies.

Ibas had, 24 hours earlier, appointed a new Secretary to the State Government, accepted the resignation of the Head of Service and appointed a new one. He has  sworn-in the new SSG, and urged him to hit the ground running.

Announcing the suspensions on Wednesday in a statement, the Administrator’s Chief of Staff said he took the action based on the powers granted to him by President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu had, on March 18, 2025, declared a State of Emergency in the crisis-ridden State, appointed a Sole Administrator and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Dr Ngozi Ordu, and Members of the House of Assembly for an initial six-month period.

According to the statement which suspended all the political appointees in the State, it took effect from same Wednesday, March 18.

“This suspension takes effect from Wednesday, March 26, 2025. The affected officers are to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries in their MDAs.

“Where there may be no Permanent Secretary, they are to hand over to the most senior director/head of administration”, said the statement.

With the goings-on, the pressure on the President from many individuals, groups, civil society organizations, Governors of South-South States and more, for a reverse announcement may well be in vain.

Gov Diri, INC Insist On Reversal Of State Of Emergency In Rivers State

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa state

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently put machineries in motion to explore peaceful resolution of the Rivers state logjam.

This is even as the leadership of Ijaw National Congress INC ,insisted that the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State represents a monumental assault on democracy and rule of law.

At  an emergency stakeholders parley of the INC held at the Sani Abacha Hall of the Ijaw House in Yenagoa,the Bayelsa State Capital on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, Governor Diri maintained that  only dialogue can meaningful resolve the festering political impasse in Rivers State.

He appealed to President Tinubu to constitute a Committee of eminent Nigerians to interface with all the relevant actors in the crisis with a view to finding an enduring solution.

According to him, the task of the Committee should, also, include  working towards  restoring democratically elected and legally constituted Government in the State.

He noted that the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality, contrary to what anybody and groups are  peddling, are not in any way against the President or the Federal Government of Nigeria.

According to him, what is needed in Rivers State is not a State of  Emergency, but a concerted peace effort.

“Again, I reinstate that this is the time for dialogue because it is a lose-lose situation for people of Rivers.

“I urge Mr President and the National Assembly to waste no time in inaugurating a Committee of Eminent personalities that will immediately intervene and bring back peace, and constituted Government of Rivers State back to office.

“The South-south Governors Forum of which I am the Chairman had urged the President to reconsider his stance and allow for dialogue among the parties.

“However, let me be unequivocal. The Ijaw Nation is not in conflict with the Federal Government, nor do we have any dispute with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The Ijaw Nation remain committed to the unity and progress of Nigeria, and as one of the major and largest ethnic groups outside the three other majority ethnic nationalities, had made immense sacrifices for the country’s unity and prosperity.

“Today, we must again draw from the fountain of wisdom. It is imperative that we resist being manipulated and refuse to be drawn into a conflict orchestrated by desperate people propagating their agenda.

“We must approach every situation with discernment, ensuring our actions align with long-term goals, rather than short-term interests.

“Our contributions, politically, economically, and environmentally are  undeniable.

“We should continue to advocate for justice, fairness, and inclusiveness within a united Nigeria.

“I urge all Ijaws, especially our youths, to exercise restraint, maintain peace and steer clear of actions that escalate tensions.

“Our future is best secured through engagement, dialogue and strategic partnerships”, Diri stated.

However, he cautioned against the temptation of anyone and groups mistaking their subscription to peace as cowardice.

“Let no one mistake our pacifist approach for cowardice. We are a people of indomitable spirit. forged by history, rich in courage and stamina”, he warned.

Earlier, the President of INC, Prof Benjamin Okaba, highlighted the systematic marginalization of the Ijaws in the political equation in Rivers State for the past 24 years.

According to him, the denial of Ijaws the Governorship position for this long is a fundamental challenge to the Nigerian system.

He reiterated his call on the President to reconsider the State of Emergency imposed on Rivers, and allow democratically officials discharge the mandates given to them by the good people of Rivers state.

Recall Petition: INEC Notifies Senator Akpoti-Udughan, Set To Commence Verification Of Signatories

By
Ayodele Oni
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INEC Receives Recall of Natasha Akpoti

By Ayodele Oni

Petitioners from Kogi State that signed the recall of senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan have perfected the document submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

INEC confirmed progress in the recall process of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, stating that the necessary contact details of the petitioners have now been provided.

The electoral umpire had earlier rejected the petition for not complying with the guidelines for recall.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, INEC disclosed that the petitioners submitted their contact address, telephone numbers, and email addresses in a letter addressed to the Commission’s Chairman.

“Following this, as stipulated in Clause 2(a) of INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024, a formal notification has been sent to the Senator in question.

“The letter has been delivered to her official address, copied to the Senate’s presiding officer, and published on the Commission’s website.

“The next phase of the process involves scrutinizing the list of signatories attached to the petition to verify that it meets the constitutional requirement of more than half (over 50%) of registered voters in the constituency.

“INEC assured that this verification would be conducted in the coming days, with the outcome made public.”

Reaffirming its commitment to fairness, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, assured Nigerians that the recall process would be open and transparent.

Interior Minister, Tunji Ojo Reveals Presence Of 26,000 Children In Custodial Centres

By
Ayodele Oni
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Olubunmi Tunji Ojo

By Ayodele Oni

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has canvassed for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s criminal justice system to protect vulnerable groups.

This is just as the Minister expressed concerns over the incarceration of over 26,000 children in the nation’s custodial centres, describing the situation as alarming.

The figure, according to him, accounts for 30 per cent of the total inmate population in correctional facilities across the country.

Tunji-Ojo, spoke at a high-level inter-agency stakeholder meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.

The Director of Press at the Ministry of Interior, Ozoya Imohimi, quoted the minister as saying, “Approximately 26,000 children are held in correctional facilities annually, representing over 30 per cent of the total inmate population.

“This statistic raises serious concerns regarding child protection laws. The presence of children in custodial centres violates existing laws mandating their placement in borstal institutions for proper reformation in line with their age.”

He assured that breaches of these laws would be investigated, warning that institutions failing to comply would face consequences.

He also reiterated the federal government’s commitment to reforming the correctional system, particularly focusing on the growing number of children in custody.

The minister disclosed plans to establish a Nigerian Paramilitary Academy to train correctional officers on empathy and rehabilitation principles.

Emphasising the need for non-custodial measures for non-violent offenders, he stressed the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration and urged state governments to actively participate in efforts to address juvenile detention.

Lassa Fever Spreads To Ogun, Kills NYSC Member

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lassa Fever

By Ayodele Oni

Ogun State Government has confirmed the spread of Lassa fever to the State with the first casualty being a 25-year-old member of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC). She reportedly died of the fever at a secondary health facility in ljebu North Local Government Area of the State.

The female corp member, who reportedly fell sick while in Ondo State, was brought to the health facility last Tuesday and later died same day.

This was confirmed  in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, on Wednesday.

The statement reads: “Ogun State has confirmed a case of Lassa Fever and, as such, declared Lassa fever outbreak. 25-year-old female National Youth Corp member who fell sick while in Ondo State and was brought to one of our secondary health facility in ljebu North LGA on 18th March 2025 and later died same day.

“Lassa fever is a viral Haemorrhagic disease that presents with high grade fever, headache, general body weakness, sore throat, muscle pain, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, chest pain and unexplained bleeding from the ears, eyes, nose, mouth and other body openings.

“We implore members of the community to promptly report to the hospital if they notice any of these symptoms. Any case of febrile illness that has not responded to 48 hours use of anti-malaria or antibiotics should raise an index of suspicion for Lassa fever!

“We implore all Health facilities in Ogun State, public and private, to step up Infection Prevention and Control measures and to encourage compliance by all health facility staff.

“Healthcare worker that suspects Lassa fever in a patient, are advised to call their local government disease surveillance and notification officer (LGA DSNO) whose numbers are placed in our health facilities or call State Disease surveillance and Notification Officer.

The commissioner, however reiterated the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration’s dedication to protecting the health of the citizens through continuous surveillance and prompt response to infectious diseases.

She added that the ministry in collaboration with the Rapid Response Team at ljebu North East is keeping the situation under control with enhanced surveillance and community engagement and mobilization for effective response.

Nigeria Customs Suspends Import Duty, VAT On Pharmaceutical Raw Materials

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Wale Edun - Finance Minister
Wale Edun

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The authorities of the Nigeria Customs Service NCS, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, announced the exemption of critical raw materials for the production of pharmaceutical products from import duty and Value Added Tax VAT.

The exemption regime, according to the Service, will last for the next two years.

A statement issued by  the National spokesperson for the NCS, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada ACC, noted that the exemption covers Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients APIs, excipients, and other vital raw materials required for the manufacturing of essential medicines, long-lasting Insecticides Nets, Rapid Diagnostic Kits, reagents,as well as packaging materials.

The NCS Management explained that the policy is in sinc with the presidential directives aimed at enhancing local production of healthcare products, and other essential medical materials.

“Drawing from the presidential directives aimed at enhancing local manufacturing of healthcare products, reducing the costs of medical equipment and consumables, as well as stimulating local investments, the Nigeria Custom Service NCS is pleased to announce that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun, has approved the comprehensive guidelines to actualize these objectives.

“Consequently, critical DA materials essential for the production of pharmaceutical products will be exempted from import duty and Value Added Tax VAT ,for a period of two years.

“This exemption covers Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients APIs,excipients, and other vital raw materials required for  manufacturing essential medicines, long-lasting Insecticidal Nets, Rapid Diagnostic Kits, reagents and packaging materials.

To ensure that these fiscal incentives are fully utilized, eligibility is limited to manufacturers of pharmaceutical products recognized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, provided they possess a valid tax identification number TIN.

“This measure ensures that the benefits directly support legitimate manufacturers committed to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.

“In commitment to transparency ,and effective monitoring ,the NCS will compile quarterly reports detailing all importations under this policy ,including data on importers ,quantities ,and values of the imported items ,ensuring the policy’s implementation aligns with its intended objectives.”, the statement reads in part.

The NCS, while expressing its commitment towards supporting and implementing Government policies, also, reaffirmed its readiness to fulfilling its core mandate of trade facilitation and revenue generation.

It, therefore, called for the support and cooperation of all stakeholders towards ensuring a successful implementation of the tax and duty exemption policy.

2027: It’s Atiku’s Time – By Senator Ibrahim Abbo

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Senator Ibrahim Abbo and Atiku Abubakar

On Tuesday March 25 ,I welcomed His Excellency Alhaji Atiku Abubakar GCON the Waziri Adamawa Former Vice President Federal Republic of Nigeria to Yola, Adamawa state, Nigeria.

Thereafter I hosted him to a townhall meeting with 157 selected personalities drawn from each of the 21 LGAs of Adamawa state.

It is one of many of such engagements to come ahead of the busy few months as politicians regroup to forge alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.

It should he noted that primary elections for all political office holders will take place next year 2026 thereby leaving aspirants and other players and actors with less than one (1) year two months to form alliances, choose a political parties and prepare for Primaries.

A busy few months ahead indeed

Fortune favours the brave.

Killing Of Port Harcourt Twin Sisters For Rituals: Police Arrest Four

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Commisioner of Police Rivers State - Olugbenga Adepoju

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Rivers State Police Command  on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 ,affirmed their commitment towards ensuring that justice is served in the suspected ritual murder of twin sisters in Ogbodo Pipeline area, in Rukpokpu ,Obio-Akpor Local Council of Rivers State .

The Source reports that the twin teenagers  Chizara Onuche and Chidinma Onuche , were  lured into an uncompleted building by  one Aniekan Uko, while they returning from a Sunday Church Service.

The Police said the twins, aged seven years were killed by the prime suspect,  Uko, in theuncompleted building.

He was said to have drugged them, ra3ed and,subsequently  snuffed lives out of them ,in what is strongly believed to be for ritual purposes.

There is equally a high probability that the suspect may have hypnotized his victims into following him to the uncompleted structure.

“The children were coming back from Church, so along the line, the suspect ,I wouldn’t know whether he hypnotized or lured them, took the children to an uncompleted building .

He then drugged the drink he gave them. The children slept, he ra3ed and murdered them”, one  of the investigators volunteered .

A statement from the Rivers State Police Command Spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, on  Wednesday informed that  besides the arrest of 27 years old Uko, three others, including a native doctor, are  being held in connection with the killing of the siblings.

According to Iringe-Koko, Operatives drawn from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on credible intelligence, swiftly moved and arrested Uko, the prime suspect on March 23, 2025 , .

“His apprehension, subsequently led to the tracking down of the other suspects. including a teenager, for their parts in the killing of the children.”

The  Police Command noted that Uko, the main suspect has owned up to  the crime.

Uko was said to have admitted killing the siblings as part of efforts to meet with the conditions demanded for a ritual practice.

The Prime suspect, according to the police statement, informed that he decided to embark on the ill-fated ritual expedition after being convinced of its efficacy and authenticity by the native doctor.

According to him, he had witnessed first hand, instances the native doctor proved his mettle in cases involving other “clients” who provided fresh human parts and blood for the exercise.

“During the arrest, officers recovered important evidence, including a bottle containing the victims blood.

“Investigators also found a kitchen knife used for the murder, an empty can of black bullet which was used to drug the victims, and a spoon used to collect their blood.

” The victims body have been taken to the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

“The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, assures the public that the suspects will face justice.

“Investigations are ongoing to uncover further details and possible accomplices”, Iringe-Koko stated.

Atiku’s 2027 Ambition Will Be Shot Down By Wike – FCT Minister’s Aide

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Atiku Abubakar and Nyesom Wike

By Adesina Soyooye

Any ambition being harboured by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, against 2027 Presidential Election will never materialise; it will not see the light of the day; it will fail. That is the message conveyed to Atiku, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, by the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, Nyesom Wike.

Wike spoke through his Media Aide, Lere Olayinka, in response to Atiku’s comment of having no regret in not picking Wike, in 2023, as his running mate.

In an interview made public on Wednesday, Atiku revealed why he did not pick Wike in 2023. He explained that after he was accused of not making consultations when he picked Peter Obi in 2019 as his running mate, he decided to throw the choice open to the Party. He also disclosed that contrary to the belief that Wike came first in the choice of candidates recommended by the Committee set up by the Party to pick his running mate, the then Governor of Rivers State came second. He said the Committee headed by the then Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, incidentally, a Wike ally, rated the then Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, above Wike. Okowa was placed first, Wike second, and then Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, third.

Atiku said he only picked the person who came first – Okowa – but emphasised that he had no regret not picking Wike.

However, not a few people felt, and still feel, that not picking Wike was the beginning of the crisis which engulfed the PDP, and from which it has not still recovered. They also believe that it cost the PDP and Atiku the Presidency, a belief which Wike’s Aide confirmed in his response to Atiku.

Reacting to Atiku’s comment of having no regret in not picking Wike as his running mate, Olayinka said that his Principal also had no regret in ensuring that Atiku failed in his Presidential bid. He added that the decision was what cost Atiku the Presidency in 2023, and promised that if Atiku dares in 2027, he will be blocked again by Wike.

Olayinka: “Two years after making the @OfficialPDPZNig lose a presidential election it could have won, @atiku is giving reasons he did not pick @GovWike as his running mate and that he has no regrets.

“Someone should tell our serial presidential election contester that Wike also has no regret for ensuring that he failed in the election and will make sure that he fails again and again.”

However, many are, also, of the opinion that the main reason Atiku failed was the emergence of Peter Obi and his very strong showing in the election as the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party.

LASG Installs 3000 Cameras For e-Police,  Speed Limit Enforcement

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Traffic Light and Speed Monitor

By Akinwale Kasali

In a bid to enhance Traffic Law enforcement, the Lagos State Government has installed 3000 e-Police and Speed Limit Cameras across the State.

These Cameras are installed in strategic places in the State. They are aimed at curbing reckless driving, reduce accidents, crime, and ensure compliance with traffic regulations.

The Director of the State’s Vehicle Inspection Service, VIS, Akin-George Fashola, disclosed this during the Lagos Transport Trends and Perspectives, a program sponsored by the State’s Ministry of Transportation on Traffic Radio 96.1 FM.

According to Fashola, the cameras have been installed at strategic locations, including Alapere-Ogudu Road with limits set at 80 km/h inbound Alausa and 60 km/h inbound Iyana Oworo and Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, where the speed limit is 60 km/h.

He added that the e-Police cameras designed to monitor red-light running and other traffic violations,  have been installed at Allen Junction and Nurudeen Olowopopo Road in Ikeja.

Speaking during the program,  Fashola noted that these cameras will serve as a deterrent to drivers who disregard speed limits, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and fatalities.

Emphasizing more on the penalties, he stated that speed limit violators will face a N50,000 fine, but they can contest it by providing proof if they believe they didn’t violate the regulations.

According to the Director, the road enforcement agency apprehends an average of 50 commercial buses daily for violating the state’s traffic rules and regulations.

This was in response to a caller’s inquiry about whether commercial vehicles are exempted from enforcement initiatives.

Highlighting recent developments within the VIS, Fashola revealed that the government has introduced an online roadworthiness recertification system for pre-existing vehicle owners, saying the new initiative allows vehicle owners to renew their roadworthiness certificates online without visiting a VIS office.

Additionally, the Director mentioned that the VIS now offers an auto verification service for individuals looking to purchase used vehicles.

This Service, according to Fashola, provides a detailed history of the vehicle, enabling buyers to make informed decisions.

While emphasizing the need to adhere to traffic rules of the state, he urged motorists to take note of warning signs installed at these locations to ensure compliance and encouraged residents to visit the VIS website or any of the 45 VIS centers across the state for reliable information and assistance.

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