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Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan: INEC Receives Recall Petition From Constituents

By
Akinwale Kasali
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INEC Receives Recall of Natasha Akpoti

By Akinwale Kasali

Kogi Central Senatorial District Constituents have submitted a petition for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The petition was submitted on Monday, March 24, 2025.

It was signed by over 250,000 out of the 480,000 constituents.

This is more than the 50 Percent required to proceed with the recall process.

The submission of the petition comes barely three days after a Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, the Kogi State Capital, set aside an earlier ruling that restrained INEC from receiving the recall process.

The Federal High Court in a  judgement delivered in Lokoja on Friday affirmed that the recall process is constitutionally valid and aligns with the civic rights of the constituents.

The Court urged the Constituents to continue exercising their rights in an orderly and peaceful manner.

The development was after the Court had, on Thursday, granted an interim injunction restraining INEC, its staff, agents, privies or assigns from receiving, accepting or acting on any petition containing signatures of members of Kogi Central Senatorial District.

The Court, also, stopped INEC from conducting any referendum upon such petition for the purpose of initiating a recall process of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria pending the determination of the Motion on Notice to the same effect.

The Court also granted the application following an ex-parte application for interim supported by an Affidavit of Extreme urgency together with other court processes sworn to by Anebe Jacob Ogirima for himself and four others who are registered voters and constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District of Kogi State.

Smart Nwachimere, Counsel to the applicant, argued that the recall petitions contained fictitious signatures from purported Constituents.

The injunction restrained INEC, its staff, and agents from receiving or accepting recall petitions with fake signatures and conducting any referendum based on such petitions.

The case was adjourned to May 6, 2025, for further mentioning.

Update, Kogi Jail Break: NCoS Confirms Death Of Staff, Rearrests Two Escapees

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigeria Correctional Center - Prison

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS)  has confirmed that one of its personnel lost his life in the early morning jail break. It ,also confirmed that two of the escaped jail breakers have been recaptured.

Reacting to the escape of 12 inmates from the Koton Karfe Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kogi in the early hours of Monday, NCoS explained that investigation is on to unravel circumstances behind the action.

The Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), NCoS, Mr Abubakar Umar, made this known in an interview with the News Agency in Abuja.

Umar said that two of the escaped inmates have been recaptured, while efforts are being made to recapture the remaining 10 inmates.

Umar assured that a comprehensive investigation has been launched to unravel the circumstances surrounding the jail break.

“We are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident especially to determine how the inmates managed to break out without causing structural damage.

“Unfortunately, one of our officers lost his life during the incident.

“We are working closely with the Police and other security agencies to ensure that the escaped inmates are rearrested and brought back to custody.”

Jail Break In Kogi: 12 Prisoners Escape In Suspected Internal Sabotage

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigeria Correctional Center - Prison

By Ayodele Oni

A security breach has led to the escape of 12 inmates from one of the Correctional Centres in  in Kogi State early Monday morning

Kogi State Government has confirmed the jail break, in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo.

He commended the swift response of security agencies to the jailbreak at the Correctional Centre in Kotonkarfe. One of the escapees has, allegedly, been arrested.

Fanwo described the incident as “unfortunate” and assured citizens that the State government is taking decisive steps to prevent a recurrence.

He stated that the Kogi State government would work with security agencies to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The theory that the inmates escaped through the tower without causing any structural damage raises serious concerns.

“This calls for a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the escape, arrest the fleeing inmates, and identify possible saboteurs within the system.”

Fanwo added that Governor Ahmed  Ododo has directed the State Security Adviser to collaborate with the Federal Correctional Centre and other security agencies to ensure such security breaches do not happen again.

The State Government has, also, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting federal security agencies through logistics and other necessary resources to enhance their operational effectiveness.

While investigations continue, the government has assured residents that the situation is under control.

“There is no cause for panic. We encourage citizens to go about their daily activities as normal, knowing that the security of lives and property remains our top priority.”

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

By
James Orji
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Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Rt Hon Ude Okoye

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By
James Orji
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Aminu Tambuwal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By
James Orji
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Goodluck Jonathan and Bola Tinubu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jonathan and Soyinka appear to share similar opinion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Imo Police Command  Busts Kidnapping Syndicate, Nabs Three

By
The Source
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Police Officer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nigerian Police

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SERAP Sues Tinubu Over State Of Emergency Rule In Rivers

By
Akinwale Kasali
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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