Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for releasing Rivers State’s withheld allocation to the appointed Sole Administrator, despite a Supreme Court ruling barring such action. The Supreme Court, in a ruling on February 28, had prohibited the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), and other agencies from disbursing allocations to Rivers State until it complied with court orders. However, last Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly for…
Author: Ifeanyi N.
A prominent chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Asiwaju Moshood Shittu, has warned the party’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, against hastily entering into any political alliance or merger ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking to journalists in Abuja over the weekend, Shittu, a former Director-General (North) of the Kwankwaso Presidential Campaign Council, cautioned that any rushed merger without a clear agenda or a credible presidential candidate could result in a “marriage of inconvenience.” He likened the situation to the 2014 merger that led to the removal of former President Goodluck Jonathan, arguing that it ultimately…
Former All Progressives Congress (APC) North-West Vice Chairman, Salihu Lukman, has disclosed that discussions on forming a unified opposition party to challenge the ruling APC in the 2027 general elections are at an advanced stage. Lukman made the revelation on Monday while reacting to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent statement that opposition leaders were working towards a coalition to take on the APC in the next election. He noted that Abubakar’s remarks had sparked intense national debate, adding that while no final decisions had been made, consultations were progressing steadily. According to him, the primary focus of the talks…
Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as excessive. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Soyinka expressed concerns over the decision, which he believes was an overreach in handling the political crisis in the state. It could be recalled that Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on Tuesday night, citing political instability and governance challenges. The declaration led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State Assembly for an initial period of six months.…
The Jigawa State Government has reiterated its commitment to enforcing the ban on night grazing by herders in a bid to reduce road accidents, which have been largely attributed to stray camels. Governor Umar Namadi made this known while receiving officials of the Camel Rearers Association of West Africa on a courtesy visit to the Government House in Dutse. Expressing concern over the rising number of fatalities and injuries caused by camels crossing major roads, the governor emphasized that the state government prioritizes the safety and well-being of its residents. He also acknowledged the illegal activities of some herders, particularly…
The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, has condemned the remarks made by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), regarding President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Kwankwaso had described the declaration as unconstitutional, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent for impunity. However, in a statement issued in Kano, Ata defended the president’s decision, insisting that it was made in the interest of national stability and security. He maintained that the move was necessary to restore law and order following…
The recent political maneuverings in Rivers State have exposed the deeper strategy behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s (PBAT) actions, revealing a calculated move that has left Nyesom Wike politically weakened. The Turning Point On the night PBAT declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, a delegation led by the Senate President visited Wike at his residence. While the purpose of the visit remains unclear, images from the meeting surfaced on social media. One particular picture stood out—while others appeared in high spirits, Wike looked dejected. This contrast was telling: despite the removal of his perceived enemy, Siminalayi Fubara, Wike…
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has weighed in on the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, cautioning against the abuse of power and urging key players to act in the nation’s best interest. Addressing the issue of the governor’s suspension, Jonathan noted that as a former leader from the Niger Delta, many had called on him to intervene. However, he emphasized that former presidents rarely comment on the actions of sitting presidents due to the potential tension it could create. “The situation in Rivers State reminds me of an Indian proverb: If somebody is truly asleep, you can wake them up…
Suspected kidnappers have abducted a Nigerian Navy officer attached to the Defence Headquarters, Lt. Cynthia Akor, along with two others in Abuja. According to reports by Vanguard, the victims were kidnapped from their residence in the Mpape area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Friday night. Kidnappers Demand N100 Million Ransom Sources revealed that the kidnappers have contacted the families of the abducted individuals, demanding a ransom of N100 million for their release. “Among the three people kidnapped on Friday night in Mpape is a Defence Headquarters official, Akor. The kidnappers have already reached out to their families and…
Former federal lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has stated that recalling an incumbent senator is a costly and financially demanding process, often requiring significant state backing. Sani made this revelation in a Facebook post on Saturday amid speculation of an alleged plot to recall Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The development follows her recent allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio. Recall Process Requires Massive Funding According to Sani, initiating a recall against a senator is an expensive endeavor that can only succeed with substantial financial support, typically from the state. “Recalling a senator is a very expensive…