Author: Editor

Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The Nigerian Senate, Thursday gave its approval to the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu. This is coming barely 48 hours after the President declared emergency rule on the oil-rich state. The President had also suspended Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly. Senate took the resolution to approve the emergency rule in a closed-door session where the legislators deliberated on the matter. The decision to retire to a closed-door session was announced after Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read a letter from Tinubu at plenary. Senate…

By Promise Adiele In practical terms, one can confidently argue that democratic governance in Nigeria as we know it is disappearing, vanishing across all levels of political corridors. The politicians are engaged in inordinate, self-serving machinations towards retaining power in 2027. Unfortunately, many Nigerians, lacerated by hunger, poverty, and deprivation have become cheerleaders for the politicians, justifying why an incompetent cast should remain on stage in the next election. We have deliberately embraced myopia which accounts for our collective statis, turning a blind eye to all the infirm realities of our economic and social conditions. Not because of our documented,…

Agency Report The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the declaration of State of emergency in Rivers State, stating that the president has no power to suspend a democratically elected governor. The party stated this in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on Tuesday in Abuja. President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday, in a national broadcast, declared a state of emergency in Rivers, suspending both the legislative and executive arms of the state for six months, as part of efforts to restore peace in the state. Mr Ologunagba described the president’s action as “utter violation” of the…

By Cheta Nwanze Nigeria stands at a critical juncture in 2025, grappling with the dual challenges of implementing bold economic reforms and navigating a volatile political landscape. Recent events in Rivers State, where President Tinubu declared a state of emergency and suspended Governor Fubara for six months, have raised alarming concerns about the rule of law and its implications for economic stability. These developments, coupled with ongoing structural challenges in the energy sector and the broader economy, underscore the delicate balance Nigeria must strike to achieve sustainable growth. However, the government’s heavy-handed actions in Rivers State threaten to derail this…

Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The newly-appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has promised to maintain law and order in the oil-rich state, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Ibas who was fielding questions from State House Correspondents after his swearing in by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, said peace and order remained paramount to him. He said: “First of all, I think we know the circumstances that led to where we are here, and Mr President made it very clear in his broadcast that the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in…

Lawrence Nwimo, Awka Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s removal of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, describing it as unconstitutional and reckless.  A statement he issued via his X (formerly Twitter) handle warned that such actions threaten Nigeria’s democracy, undermines the rule of law, and sets a dangerous precedent for governance. According to Obi, the decision has plunged the country back into lawlessness, undoing the democratic progress made over the past 26 years. He accused the President of displaying a “dangerous willingness to trample on democracy” by bypassing constitutional processes and arbitrarily declaring a state…

…Tells NASS, govs to reject action Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, has described as “rape of democracy,” the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers House of Assembly by President Bola Tinubu. Amaechi, in a statement Wednesday, knocked Tinubu for his action, and urged members of the National Assembly, Nigerian Governors, and the general public to stoutly resist what he called “audacious violation of democracy.” Describing  the move as ” power grab” Amaechi urged Nigerians to unite against it. Amaechi also described the move…

Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki  The lawyer to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has petitioned Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, over the continued detention of 36 members of IPOB at the Abakaliki Correctional Centre since four years without trial. The Lawyer also petitioned the state Chief Judge, Justice Elvis Ngene, and the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Ben Odo, over the matter. The 36 detainees were discharged by high courts in the state four times, but they have remained in detention since 2021 despite being discharged by the courts. Their counsel, Ifeanyi…

Ben Ezechime, Enugu  The Enugu State Government has flagged off the construction of 141 urban roads across the 13 zones of the state capital. Some of the roads includes Abakpa, Achara Layout, Asata, Awkunanaw, Coal Camp, Independence Layout, New Haven, Old GRA, Thinkers Corner, Trans-Ekulu, and Uwani. Governor Peter Mbah performed the flag-off at Ologo under Coal Camp Zone in Enugu North Local Government Area and Monaque Avenue in Awkunanaw Zone, in Enugu South LGA. The governor explained that the roads were part of his administration’s vision to eradicate poverty, grow Enugu State’s economy to $30bn and make the state…

Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Governor Alex Otti, has sought partnership with the Federal Government in his quest to make Abia State a major tourist destination in Nigeria. According to Governor, Otti partnership between  the State and the Federal Government would assist in harnessing the tourists potentials of the state. The Governor spoke while receiving in audience a delegation of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments led by its Director-General, Hon. Olugbile Holloway. He said: “When you talk about the National War Museum, Ojukwu Bunker, the Long Juju of Arochukwu, the cave in Umunneochi, the Azumini Blue River, and a whole…