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  • Tinubu congratulates Jonathan on Sunhak Peace Prize win

    Tinubu congratulates Jonathan on Sunhak Peace Prize win

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has received congratulations from President Bola Tinubu on his 2025 Sunhak Peace Founders’ Award victory.

    In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on Tuesday, Tinubu praised Jonathan for his unwavering support of democracy and peace, calling it a patriotic endeavour that has brought him international acclaim.

    “The President states that Dr Jonathan’s winning the Sunhak Peace Award affirms his bold efforts in peacebuilding and promoting democracy in Africa and beyond.

    “The President recalls the former President’s historic acceptance of the results of the 2015 presidential election and his peaceful handover of power to an opposition party, which bolstered the nation’s democratic profile,” the statement read.

    Tinubu thanked the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee for recognising individuals working to improve the world.

    Launched in 2015, the Sunhak Peace Prize is awarded every two years to individuals and organizations making significant contributions to global peace and development.

    The prize recognises efforts in three key areas: sustainable human development, conflict resolution, and environmental conservation.

    Jonathan has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Founders’ Sunhak Peace Award, which will be presented by the Sunhak Peace Prize Foundation in Seoul, South Korea.

  • Tinubu should reinstate Fubara as Governor, administrator unconstitutional – NBA

    Tinubu should reinstate Fubara as Governor, administrator unconstitutional – NBA

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has reaffirmed its stance that the removal of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara by President Bola Tinubu is unconstitutional and has urged the President to reverse the decision.

    On Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly amid the ongoing political crisis in the oil-rich state. The President appointed retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of the state.

    In a follow-up to its earlier statement condemning the President’s actions, the NBA, represented by its President, Afam Osigwe, during an appearance on Sunday Politics, maintained that Governor Fubara must be reinstated. The association emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution does not recognize the position of a sole administrator.

    “That is our belief, that is what we expect the president to do, to restore him (Fubara) back to power having unconstitutionally removed him,” Osigwe said on the programme when asked if the president should recall the governor.

    “And that is why we do not recognise a sole administrator is the rightful person to occupy the government house in Rivers State having been appointed unconstitutionally.

    “Even when I saw him taking oath of office, I was wondering which oath he was taking because he was taking an oath not known to the constitution, the constitution does not recognise an administrator.”

    ‘Political Solution needed’

    Osigwe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria said that the problem in Rivers State is being cured with a wrong solution, likening it to one using a sledgehammer on his head because of headache.

    According to him, the measure being taken to address the Rivers problem “are overreaching, extensive, undemocratic and above all, unconstitutional.”

    He maintained that the problem in Rivers State is political and only a political solution will bring it to an end.

    ‘No constitutional gap’

    There have been claims in some quarters that there was a gap in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution which President Tinubu used in taking the action in Rivers State, but the NBA president has refuted that, insisting that the Constitution is explicit enough.

    “I do not believe that it (Section 305) is not explicit, I simply believe that we deliberately refuse to apply it the way it is,” Osigwe said.

    The National Assembly has approved the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State, but Osigwe does that believe that the lawmakers approval legitimized the President’s action.

    He said that the National Assembly’s approval is like placing something on nothing.

  • Suspension of elected officials in Rivers paints Nigeria in negative light — Jonathan

    Suspension of elected officials in Rivers paints Nigeria in negative light — Jonathan

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of elected officials in Rivers State, warning that the action could tarnish Nigeria’s reputation.  

    Speaking as the Chairman at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan expressed his disappointment over the removal of the elected officials.

    “These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light,” he said.

    His stance comes days after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich South-South region, and then suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months.

    He said the decision was taken to restore stability in the state that has been witnessing political turmoil as a result of the disagreement between the state governor and the state lawmakers.

    “By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months,” the President declared.

    The president appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state’s administrator to oversee governance.

    “In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate,” he said.

    However, Jonathan while sharing his thoughts about the political turmoil in Rivers, said although it is not the norm for former presidents to comment on issues in the polity so as not to heat up the polity, he insisted that the image of the country and how much investments a country attracts is heavily dependent on the actions of the executive, legislature and judiciary of the country.

    According to him, his comment was necessitated by persistent calls from many Nigerians to speak on the events in Rivers State as a prominent son of the Niger Delta.

    He decried the situation where an individual can dictate to the judiciary what to do, saying that it makes it difficult for anyone to have faith in the judiciary.

    Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, Tinubu said the emergency measure was necessary to restore peace.

    He added that the proclamation had been published in the Federal Gazette and forwarded to the National Assembly.

    Tinubu added, “This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution.

    “It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.”

    READ FULL TEXT BELOW:

    TEXT OF THE BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES, DECLARING STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE ON TUESDAY 18 MARCH 2025

     

    Fellow Nigerians, I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State. Like many of you, I have watched with concern the development with the hope that the parties involved would allow good sense to prevail at the soonest, but all that hope burned out without any solution to the crisis.

    With the crisis persisting, there is no way democratic governance, which we have all fought and worked for over the years, can thrive in a way that will redound to the benefit of the good people of the state. The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started, with the good people of the state not being able to have access to the dividends of democracy.

    Also, it is public knowledge that the Governor of Rivers State for unjustifiable reasons, demolished the House of Assembly of the state as far back as 13th December 2023 and has, up until now, fourteen (14) months after, not rebuilt same. I have made personal interventions between the contending parties for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, but my efforts have been largely ignored by the parties to the crisis. I am also aware that many well-meaning Nigerians, Leaders of thought and Patriotic groups have also intervened at various times with the best of intentions to resolve the matter, but all their efforts were also to no avail. Still, I thank them.

    On February 28, 2025, the supreme court, in a judgment in respect of about eight consolidated appeals concerning the political crisis in Rivers State, based on several grave unconstitutional acts and disregard of rule of law that have been committed by the Governor of Rivers State as shown by the evidence before it pronounced in very clear terms:

    “A government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state under the 1999 Constitution as amended. In this case the head of the executive arm of the government has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him to govern without the legislature as a despot. As it is there is no government in Rivers State.”

    The above pronouncement came after a catalogue of judicial findings of constitutional breaches against the Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    Going Forward in their judgment, and having found and held that 27 members of the House who had allegedly defected

    “Are still valid members of Rivers State House of Assembly and cannot be prevented from participating in the proceedings of that House by the 8th Respondent (that is, the Governor) in cohorts with four members”

    The Supreme Court then made some orders to restore the state to immediate constitutional democracy. These orders include the immediate passing of an Appropriation Bill by the Rivers State House of Assembly which up till now has not been facilitated.

    Some militants had threatened fire and brimstone against their perceived enemy of the governor who has up till now NOT disowned them.

    Apart from that both the House and the governor have not been able to work together.

    Both of them do not realise that they are in office to work together for the peace and good governance of the state.

    The latest security reports made available to me show that between yesterday and today there have been disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by some militant without the governor taking any action to curtail them. I have, of course given stern order to the security agencies to ensure safety of lives of the good people of Rivers State and the oil pipelines.

    With all these and many more, no good and responsible President will standby and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the Constitution to address the situation in the state, which no doubt requires extraordinary measures to restore good governance, peace, order and security.

    In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State having failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th March, 2025 and I so do.

    By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.

    In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.

    The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.

    This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution. It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

    Long live a united, peaceful, secure and democratic Rivers State in particular and the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a whole.

  • Voice vote insufficient to decide emergency rule in Rivers – Ireti Kingibe

    Voice vote insufficient to decide emergency rule in Rivers – Ireti Kingibe

    Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has criticized the Senate’s use of a voice vote to approve President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

    On Tuesday, the President declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State Assembly for an initial period of six months.

    Through separate voice votes on Thursday, the 109-member Senate and the 360-member House of Representatives, both dominated by members of the president’s party, endorsed the emergency rule imposed on the Niger Delta state.

    However, in a statement issued on Friday, Kingibe argued that the consensus required for such a significant decision cannot be accurately determined through a voice vote.

    Her statement reads, “As the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) elected on the platform of Labour Party, I, Ireti Kingibe, maintain a clear, firm and unequivocal stance on the recent declaration of emergency rule and the associated voting procedures conducted in the National Assembly.

    “I strongly oppose the use of voice voting for such critical, vital and constitutional issues. The Nigerian Constitution explicitly mandates that a state of emergency proclaimed by the President must be ratified by a “two-thirds majority of all the members of each House of the National Assembly.”

    “A two-thirds (2/3) majority is required for significant decisions like approving an emergency proclamation in the National Assembly, and this level of consensus CANNOT be accurately determined by a voice vote.

    “According to Section 305(2) & (6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), an emergency proclamation must receive the approval of at least two-thirds of all members of each House — the Senate and the House of Representatives. A voice vote, where members express agreement by saying “Aye” or “Nay,” CANNOT precisely measure the required two-thirds majority.

    “When a supermajority like two-thirds is needed, a recorded vote — whether through division voting, roll call, or electronic voting is necessary to ensure compliance with constitutional requirements. The Senate Standing Orders and House Rules generally mandate a roll call or electronic voting system to accurately determine numerical compliance for decisions of this magnitude.

    “A voice vote is insufficient for determining a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly for an emergency proclamation. A formal recorded vote is crucial to confirm the exact number of lawmakers in support.

    “As custodians of the Laws of the Land and specifically the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the National Assembly must jealously guard this role. They must ensure that the rule of Law prevails and remember their “raison d’etre” which is to oversight/guide the President’s decisions by confirming or rejecting when his choices are not allowed by law.

    “National Assembly members are the direct representatives of the people, the voice of the people. Without a roll call or electronic voting, the people haven’t spoken and therfore cannot, should not and will not take responsibility for the President’s decision, as constitutional required in matters of this magnitude.”

  • Tinubu celebrates public health icon Arowolo at 80

    Tinubu celebrates public health icon Arowolo at 80

    President Bola Tinubu celebrated Mr. Ifejola Arowolo, a public health hero and administrator, on his 80th birthday on Friday.

    In a statement, his spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said, “The president joins family, friends, and well-wishers in celebrating the life of a respected chemist whose career has spanned the public and private health sectors in Nigeria and the United States.”

    As the first Chairman of Ondo State’s National Drug Abuse Committee and the state’s former Director of Pharmaceutical Services, the president praised Arowolo’s contributions.

    Tinubu praised Arowolo for his unwavering battle against fake medications, teaching his children—including Mrs. Olu Verheijen, the President’s Special Adviser on Energy—the importance of hard work, integrity, and accountability in public service.

    Arowolo was recognised for pioneering efforts to integrate indigenous Nigerian medicine with Western practices, making healthcare more accessible and affordable for the average Nigerian.

    Tinubu described Arowolo as an advocate for education as a fundamental tool for poverty alleviation.

    He said the pharmacist’s unwavering commitment to civic duty and adherence to principled governance, rooted in his faith-based academic background, had earned him widespread admiration as a forthright and disciplined leader.

    The President wished the octogenarian continued health, happiness, and fulfilment as he marked the significant milestone.

  • Tinubu directs investigation into tanker explosion in Abuja

    Tinubu directs investigation into tanker explosion in Abuja

    President Bola Tinubu has called for a comprehensive investigation into the tanker explosion that caused multiple accidents and claimed lives in Karu, Abuja, on Wednesday night.

    The President extended his condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones in the tragic incident and instructed that the injured receive priority treatment at medical facilities across the capital city.

    In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu directed security agencies, particularly those responsible for road safety, to enhance vigilance around the capital city’s entry and exit points.

    The President also offered prayers for the souls of the deceased and asked for God’s grace to comfort the grieving families.

    According to Channels Television, the incident occurred when a petrol-laden tanker exploded on Karu Bridge along the Abuja-Nyanya-Keffi Road in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), triggering a massive fire.

    The blaze destroyed at least 30 vehicles and prompted a large-scale emergency response. Some motorists were also feared to have died in the fire.

    The explosion happened when the tanker, carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), lost control and crashed on the bridge, igniting a fire that quickly spread to nearby vehicles.

    Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as motorists and passengers scrambled to escape the area to avoid the rapidly advancing flames.

  • Senate approves emergency rule in Rivers, calls for mediation

    Senate approves emergency rule in Rivers, calls for mediation

    Similar to the House of Representatives, the Senate has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, utilizing its constitutional powers as outlined in the amended 1999 Constitution.

    This endorsement empowers President Tinubu to implement emergency measures and requires a situation review at any time, but no later than six months.

    In line with the Constitution, the National Assembly has also created a joint committee from both chambers to oversee the governance of Rivers State during the emergency.

    Furthermore, the Senate has decided to form a mediation committee made up of distinguished Nigerians to assist in addressing the state’s political crisis.

    More updates to come…

  • Atiku, el-Rufai, Tanko form coalition to challenge Tinubu in 2027

    Atiku, el-Rufai, Tanko form coalition to challenge Tinubu in 2027

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, along with other prominent political figures, has unveiled a new opposition coalition with the goal of defeating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.  

    During a press conference at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Thursday, Atiku was joined by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Labour Party spokesperson Yunusa Tanko, and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Emeka Ihedioha. Addressing journalists, Atiku confirmed the coalition’s intent, stating, “Yes,” when asked if the gathering signified plans to unseat Tinubu.

    The opposition leaders also criticized President Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which resulted in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu. Atiku condemned the move as unconstitutional and an abuse of presidential authority, urging Nigerians to stand against it.

    “We have come together to address the dangerous and unconstitutional actions taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on March 18, 2025—to wit, the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the illegal suspension of the democratically elected governor, deputy governor, and state House of Assembly,” Atiku stated.

    “This action is not only unlawful but also a clear subversion of democracy and an imposition of autocratic federal control over a duly elected state government,” he continued.

    Atiku accused Tinubu of failing to follow due process, arguing that the Nigerian Constitution does not empower the president to remove a sitting governor. He cited Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which allows a state of emergency only in extreme situations threatening national security, sovereignty, or public safety.

    “Section 305 of the Constitution allows the President to declare a state of emergency only in extreme cases where public safety, national security, or Nigeria’s sovereignty is at serious risk. However, it does not grant him the power to suspend elected officials or to demolish democratic structures as he has brazenly done,” he said.

    He further pointed out that even if Tinubu’s emergency declaration were valid, it would require a two-thirds majority approval from the National Assembly, which had not been obtained.

    Atiku accused the federal government of using the crisis in Rivers State as a pretext for political control. “Rather than allowing the law to take its course, the federal government has engineered a crisis to justify this obviously premeditated and brazenly cynical unconstitutional action,” he said.

    The coalition called on the National Assembly to reject Tinubu’s declaration and urged the judiciary to strike it down to prevent a precedent that could be used to arbitrarily remove elected governors in the future.

    Atiku also referenced past administrations that declared emergency rule in conflict-ridden areas without removing governors, arguing that Tinubu’s decision represents “a new low for our country.”

    Among the opposition leaders present at the press conference were Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi (represented by Yunusa Tanko), former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties Peter Ahmeh.

    Other prominent politicians, including former governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, were absent but sent their apologies.

    The newly formed coalition signaled the start of what could become a major political movement ahead of the 2027 elections, with leaders pledging to unite opposition forces against Tinubu’s administration.

  • Senate in emergency session over emergency rule in Rivers

    Senate in emergency session over emergency rule in Rivers

    The Senate has commenced an executive session over a correspondence received from President Bola Tinubu at the start of the plenary, formally seeking constitutional approval for a state of emergency proclamation in Rivers State.

    During the session, the Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, raised under Order 1(b) to reorder the items on the order paper to entertain the request.

    At this juncture, Senator Seriake Dickson raised a point of order, prompting an intervention from the Senate President who remarked that he had seen Senator Dickson on television expressing reservations about aligning with the Senate’s decision.

    After a brief back and forth, Senator Dickson was eventually given the floor, where he clarified that he intended to highlight specific provisions of the Senate rules.

    Citing Order 133, Senator Dickson pointed out that matters concerning a state of emergency require Senate President Godswill Akpabio to brief lawmakers on the circumstances surrounding the proclamation in a closed session.

    The Senate subsequently dissolved into a closed-door session.

  • JUST IN: Reps approve Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers, suspension of Fubara

    JUST IN: Reps approve Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers, suspension of Fubara

    The House of Representatives has approved the proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, as well as the six-month suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and all elected assembly members, as declared by President Bola Tinubu.

    During Thursday’s plenary, the president’s proclamation was approved by voice vote.

    Members were invited to contribute as the general concepts of the President’s report were being considered by the plenary, which was chaired by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

    The House accepted the prayer after Benue legislator and House Deputy Spokesman Philip Agbese suggested the formation of a national mediation committee to mediate a settlement between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly.

    On his part, the Minority Whip of the House recommended that the six-month suspension on the Rivers Governor and the State Legislature should not be cast in stone.

    “If peace is reached between the two parties, the emergency rule should be lifted before six months,” he said, a prayer the House also granted.

    The speaker had earlier read a letter from the President notifying the House of the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.

    Before the letter was read, the House dissolved into an executive session which lasted for about 10 minutes.

    An attempt by the Abia lawmaker, Obi Agwuncha, to stop the debate on the general principles of the letter citing Section 305 (6b) of the Constitution, which requires that the House must have two-thirds of its members in plenary, was overruled by the Speaker.

    More to come…