Three years after, Charles Chukwuma Soludo has proved that the people of Anambra State who elected him as governor have made a wise choice.
That is not to suggest that the Novermber governorship poll would be a walk over for the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA),which is fielding him for a second term.
Soludo returned home with a wealth of experience as former presidential economic adviser and Central Bank Governor, with the goal of improving governance and delivering the dividends of democracy.
Opinion is divided on his achievements. While Soludo showered praises on himself, saying that he has lived to expectation, the opposition and other critics are of the opinion that he has only indulged in showmanship.
To objective analysts, the governor has tried. But, much needs to be accomplished by his administration.
At the St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Awka, the state capital, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Dr. Mathew Kukah praised Soludo’s leadership and the progress recorded by his government, urging him to avoid comparisons or competition with others. He also enjoined the people to support Soludo in his aspirations for a prosperous and livable state.
Rev. Kukah said “governance is not about competition, but about consolidation,” noting Soludo’s predecessors had made significant contributions to the growth of the state in their unique way.”
Kukah said serving as a governor, senator, or bishop is a sacred contract with both God and the electorate, adding that it is a form of stewardship, where one is entrusted with duties that demand accountability to the people and adherence to personal principles.
He praised Soludo for his accomplishments over the past three years and for his expression of gratitude to God.
The priest said: “I’m from Kaduna State, but I must admit I’m jealous of the progress in Anambra. You have consistently had governors who leave their unique mark in terms of good governance.
“Anambra is a state with great men and women like Cardinal Francis Arinze, the late Chinua Achebe, Chimamanda Adichie, the late Dr Alex Ekwueme and many others. And I’m happy that Governor Soludo is consolidating on the gains.
“I have seen some of the projects by Governor Soludo and I commend him. These are projects that will improve the quality of life of the people. I pray that your agenda for securing the people, for education, health, women and youth empowerment will be achieved by God’s Grace for the betterment of the people.”
Soludo is conscious of the contributions of his predecessors. He reaffirmed his commitment to building upon their achievements instead of competing with them.
He said: “My Lord Bishop, we are not in competition with anyone. What we are doing is to improve on what the past governors have done, not to compete with them.”
He noted that despite the crisis that rocked the tenure of Mbadinuju, his government laid the foundation of Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu University. The former governor also started the Ekwueme Square in Akwa.
Soludo praised Ngige for fighting the ibfrastructure battle. He said successive administrations had struggled to meet the standard of roads constructed by Ngige, adding that his legacies in that area have remained a reference point.
Soludo highlighted his efforts to improve infrastructure, education, and other sectors that contribute to development and progress. He said his government was working to create a competitive environment with global standards such as the Dubai-Taiwan revolution. Soludo said his initiatives, including the employment of over 8,000 teachers, were meant to align with the global educational advancement.
He added: “We are contesting against the revolution going around the world. When we employed over 3,000 teachers, it was not to compete against our past, but to compete with the revolution going on globally. Anambra has all it takes to achieve the Taiwan-Dubai dream.”
The governor alluded to his achievements in infrastructure, including improved road networks, which now make previously inaccessible areas. He made references to Amansea and Ufuma, which are now accessible within 30 minutes.
He also drew attention to his efforts at reducing government expenditure, saying that Anambra has only spent 65 percent of what previous administrations spent during their first three years in office.
Soludo said: “We are leading in the area of education, health, and other critical sectorr.”
Tendering vital statistics, he highlighted other achievements, including the provision of free ante-natal and delivery services to over 102,000 women, with a significant number coming from neighboring states, the battle against insecurity, focusing on addressing its root causes, and ridding the state of criminals and fraudulent individuals. On his health programme, he said the state now boasts of good hospitals, adding that people get pregnant in other states only to relocate to Anambra for safe delivery.
Soludo said the state has the vision to become a prosperous, crime-free state where decent people thrive.
He added: “We are taking the latest fight against insecurity by tackling it from the root. Anambra is known for its enterprise spirit, and that is where we are headed. If you know any criminal anywhere, just whisper to us, and we will come and wipe them out.”
Soludo said that his administration achieved significant progress in infrastructure and human capital development in three years without borrowing. He said: “I express my gratitude to the Almighty God because it is a journey ordained by God. Three years ago, we applied for this job and you employed us based on trust. Looking back on the promises we made, it is fair to say so far, so good. “We have commissioned over 750 kilometers of roads, with more than 400km already completed. Additionally, we have recruited over 8,000 teachers and rehabilitated public schools to enhance the education sector. “We achieved remarkable progress in youth empowerment, agriculture, security, and the health sector. Today, Anambra is leading in health in Nigeria. We have done all these without borrowing one kobo in three years.”
The governor maintained that his goal is to transform the state into the Dubai, Taiwan, and Silicon Valley of Africa, leveraging its abundant resources and exceptional human capital.
He said: “We still have one more year left in this tenure, and I want to assure you that we will continue working diligently every single day to fulfill the promises we made to you. So far, we are on track to laying the foundations for realising the Anambra of our dreams.”
Traditional rulers, politicians amd other stakeholders, whoo applauded the governor, urged him to sustain the tempo of achievement. The traditional ruler of Nawfia community in Njikoka Local Government Area, Igwe Dr Ogochukwu Daniel Obelle, said Soludo has not let the state down.
He said his achievements have touched critical sectors of the state economy within three years.
Igwe Obelle maintained that various approaches to governance deployed by the governor showed that he is well-prepared to actualize his vision of making Anambra State a livable and prosperous homeland.
The monarch said Soludo has, through his numerous developmental strides, restored people’s confidence and hope in governance, urging the residents to support and pray for the administration. He lauded the reforms in education, youth empowerment programs (“one youth, two skills initiative”), and health sectors, including employment of five thousand teachers and the ongoing move to employ another three thousand for public schools, distribution of 20,000 computer laptops to headteachers/principals of public/mission schools, employment of over four hundred medical personnel for the hospitals, and upgrade of Primary Health Care Centres in the three hundred and twenty-six electoral wards.
Igwe Obelle said these are clear indications that Soludo is committed to giving the people of of the state quality governance.
The traditional ruler noted that the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of various roads in by the government would enhance human and vehicular movements.
He also said it would boost businesses.
Igwe Obelle added: “To be honest with you, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has done beyond expectations. The ‘one youth, two skills initiative’ has really curtailed criminal activities in the State under his watch. I want Ndi-Anambra irrespective of political affiliation to give him full support to deliver his campaign promises.
“I urge the governor to remain focused and not to be distracted by his political opponents. He should employ more youths into the State security outfit (Anambra Vigilante Group) to help curb the growing number of idle youths who are falling for hard drugs and other abusive substances.”
Igwe Obelle also commended the governor for prudent management of state resources.
He urged affluent individuals and well meaning groups to key into the private-public community partnership initiative of the government to increase the tempo of development across the 179 communities in the state. A commentator, Ebuka Nwankwo, said Soludo has converted the state into a construction site. He praised him for the ongoing road revolution.
He said: “The administration has awarded contracts for the construction of over 400km of new roads and has steadily maintained a pace of fully completing an average of 28km of these awarded roads every month within the dry season period.
“The 400km of high-quality roads being constructed with stone base and cement stabilization – a technology that is rare in the history of road construction in Anambra because of its cost implication – is exclusive of the 392km of roadways that have been made motorable as a result of the governor’s routine road maintenance works, erosion control works and the flyover project in one of the state’s major cities – Ekwulobia. Interestingly, many more road projects will also be awarded in the coming months.
“With the rate Governor Soludo is building new roads and maintaining existing ones, he will be setting an unprecedented record in the Southeast in the coming years.”
On security, Soludo has also made a mark. Before his inauguration, unknown gunmen were on the prowl and eight local governments were under siege.
The state government has liberated these local governments and has made Anambra a relatively safer state.
Nwankwo said: “As a result of the robust security architecture in the state, perpetrators of any crime are apprehended within days unlike before where criminals, in some cases, were never caught.”
The urban regeneration and renewal have also been applauded. Anambra lacks a masterplan. Sokudo embarked on the designs for masterplan for Anambra Intercity Railway Network and three brand new cities – Awka 2.0, Onitsha 2.0 and Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City. The goal is to create one expanded city state.
The governor’s social and human capital development programmes are also expected to yield more fruits. No fewer than 1,068 women enjoy the free delivery programme on a monthly basis. Also, over 5,000 pregnant women benefit from the free antenatal services and free medications monthly. on a monthly basis.
Soludo is building general hospitals, primary healthcare centers and recruiting healthcare personnel in the state. Due to his education programmes, the number of student enrolment has inceased. The empowerment programmes, including skill acquisition training, that target tbe youths have enhanced inclusion. Last year, no fewer than 5,000 youths were empowered with seed capitals, or grants, totally N2 billion after they were trained in the state’s One-Youth-Two-Skills Programme. Also, 10,000 youths are being empowered with grants to start their own businesses.
Nwankwo said: “There is also the ongoing agricultural revolution which aims at taking millions of people out of poverty through the state’s palm kernel and coconut revolution.
To observers, Soludo has maintained fiscal prudence. Payment of pensions, salaries, and inherited debts have been achieved without borrowing a penny from any bank.
[TheNation]
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has approved the revocation of 4,794 land titles in the FCT, over non-payment of ground rent, estimated at N6.9bn for more than 40 years.
This was contained in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, on Monday, following a press briefing by the Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwanwkoeze, on Monday.
According to the statement, a total of 8,375 property owners in the Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama and Guzape, had not paid ground rent in the last 43 years.
He further stated that the property owners owed a total of N6,967,980,119, while 4,794 land titles are in default of ground rent payment for 10 years and above.
Olayinka noted that the revocation followed multiple publications and announcements on broadcast media by the FCT Administration since 2023, adding that payment of ground rents was provided by extant laws.
“It should be noted that the FCTA made numerous publications in national newspapers and announcements on broadcast media since 2023, calling on defaulters to pay up all outstanding bills and ground rents. All these yielded little response, as several allottees failed to pay.
“It is important to state that payment of ground rent on landed properties in the FCT is founded on extant legislation. It is clearly stipulated in the terms and conditions of the grant of Right of Occupancy, and it is due for payment on the first day of January, each year, without demand.
“Consequently, a list of land titles in default of payment of ground rent has been compiled in the ten oldest districts of Phase 1 of the Federal Capital City (FCC). They are; Central Area District (Cadastral Zone A00), Garki I (Cadastral Zone A01), Wuse I (Cadastral Zone A02), Garki II (Cadastral Zone A03), Asokoro (Cadastral Zone A04), Maitama (Cadastral Zone A05), Maitama (Cadastral Zone A06), Wuse II (Cadastral Zone A07), Wuse II (Cadastral Zone A08) and Guzape (Cadastral Zone A09).
“As of the end of 2024 and up till today, a total of N6,967,980,119 is owed as ground rent by 8,375 property owners. In other words, a total of 8,375 property owners have not paid ground rent up to last year, 2024.
“A total of 4,794 land titles are in default of ground rent payment for 10 years and above. Meaning that in the listed districts, 4,794 property owners have not paid ground rent in the last 10 years. This is in contravention of the terms and conditions of grant of the Rights of Occupancy, in line with the provisions of Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act,” part of the statement read.
Olayinka also stated that the land titles of defaulters for 10 years of payment and above have been immediately revoked, while those under 10 years had a grace of 21 days within which to make payments, after which the titles will also be revoked.
“Consequently, the titles of the properties in default of payment of Ground Rent for 10 years and above have been revoked forthwith. A grace of 21 Days is also given to title holders that are in default of payment of ground rent for between one and ten years, after which the affected titles will be revoked.”
Meanwhile, the FCT Minister has directed the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Development Authority, Richard Dauda, to immediately effect full payment of compensation for residents of Gishiri Community or be sacked.
Wike gave the directive during a meeting with members of the community, at his official residence in Abuja on Monday.
The meeting followed a demolition exercise, supervised by the minister, to clear structures obstructing the construction of Arteria Road N16 linking the community with the Katampe District.
Members of the community, however, alleged that the FCDA, through the Department of Resettlement and Compensation, only paid N72,000 as compensation, rather than the sum approved by the minister.
They further stated that the department refused to pay non-indigenes any compensation, despite having their houses demolished.
Enraged, the minister ordered the full payment of the N1.3bn approved as compensation payments to the residents, noting that he had increased the amount from the previous N655m, because of the economic hardship.
He further asked the secretary to ensure non-indigenes also received payments, adding that the government did not pay compensation based on ethnicity.
“Go and pay people their money, and the exact amount. If you are doing anything, and I find out, you will regret it. Pay people their normal money.
“And I also hear, and I’ve told you, don’t do that, don’t tell anybody in this world that they are non-indigenes. I’ve warned you. If I have a property, and a road is passing there, why would you not pay me my money? Why would you say that I’m a non-indigene? Where does it work?
“I built a house, or I built a store, for example, and then a road is passing there. You are telling me you won’t compensate me that I’m a non-indigene? What kind of mentality is that? You people should stop this. I will not do that, I won’t. The government does not pay compensation based on where you come from. Compensation is based on who has a property there,” the minister said.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the suspended coordinator of the Edo State Public Safety Response Team (PSRT), Kelly Okungbowa (a.k.a Ebo Stone).
The official was arrested on Monday by EFCC operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate, as confirmed in a statement by the anti-graft agency.
Naija News reports that Okungbowa was arrested after a viral video of him emerged where he was seen spraying and mutilating the Naira at a bar on March 9, 2025.
The EFCC confirmed that he would be arraigned in court as soon as investigations are completed.
“Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday March 17, 2025 arrested Kelly Okungbowa (a.k.a Ebo Stone) for alleged naira abuse.
“Okungbowa, who until recently was the coordinator of the Edo State Public Safety Response Team , PSRT, now suspended by the State Government, was arrested owing to a viral video where he was seen spraying and mutilating the Naira at a bar on March 9, 2025.
“He will be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed,” the statement reads.
It would be recalled that the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, had last week, announced the indefinite suspension of the Public Safety Response Team (PSRT), which Kelly Okungbowa heads.
Naija News reports that this decision follows several complaints regarding the team’s conduct.
Earlier, PSRT officers allegedly attempted to take control of a moving vehicle in the Ring Road area of Benin City.
This action resulted in the driver losing control, veering off the road, and crashing into a PoS kiosk, tragically leading to the death of a young girl.
In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, it has been confirmed that the task force is now suspended indefinitely.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has distanced himself from the protest held against the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpembese, for relocating the Benue Local Government Election Petitions Tribunal from Benue to Abuja.
Hundreds of demonstrators from Benue State took to the streets of Abuja on Monday, for a peaceful protest from the National Assembly to the Supreme Court to express their outrage over the Benue CJ’s decision.
Justice Ikpembese had on March 5 ordered the relocation of the Benue Local Government Election Petitions Tribunal from Benue to Abuja, citing safety concerns.
The tribunal is currently handling disputes arising from the Benue State Local Government elections conducted on October 5, 2024.
The Benue State Government, through the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Mr. Fidelis Mnyim, had questioned the CJ’s unilateral decision, noting that neither the governor nor his office had been formally notified.
But in an interview with The PUNCH on Monday, Governor Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, distanced his principal from the protest against the CJ.
Tersoo said, “How can the government sponsor a protest when people listen to the news and read papers and they are enlightened and might have seen how court cases turned political?
“The government stands to gain nothing in sponsoring a protest; rather it is focused on channeling resources to infrastructural development in the state.
“It’s unfortunate that the state Chief Judge has to go public, that he selected tough people to sit on election petition tribunal.”
Also speaking with The PUNCH, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Makurdi branch, Terna Yaji, lamented how the tribunal case had been politicised.
Yaji decried the conflicting orders by the Federal High Court sitting in Makurdi and the High Court in Abuja stating that such orders had created uncertainty.
“The Federal High Court in Makurdi and High Court in Abuja judicial division are giving conflicting orders, and in this cas,e there is uncertainty. But the latest order should take pre-eminence.
“It is unfortunate that the court case has become a political case and this is what we have been saying that we should not allow politicians to interfere in court cases.”
The political tension comes in the wake of an earlier attempt by the Benue State Government to remove the CJ over allegations of misconduct and corruption.
The Benue State House of Assembly, acting on a petition from Governor Alia, had recommended Justice Ikpembese’s removal, a move that was resisted by the National Judicial Council and the NBA.
On Monday, scores of placard-bearing protesters, condemned the CJ’s action, relocating the tribunal from Benue to the NBA secretariat in Abuja.
Addressing journalists during the protest, the convener of the group, Igwe Ude-Umanta, faulted the Benue CJ for unilaterally granting a waiver to petitioners of the Local Government Election Tribunal, violating the constitutional requirement for a security deposit.
Ude-Umanta also blamed Justice M.M. Adamu of the FCT High Court 34 for issuing an order compelling the tribunal to sit in Abuja, despite a previous court order restraining the tribunal from sitting outside Benue State.
The protesters called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to intervene urgently in the crisis and expunge corrupt judges from the Nigerian judiciary.
They also urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to address the crisis and ensure that justice is served.
“Today, we are here as concerned Nigerians who believe in the rule of law. Our democracy is in clear danger, and the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, must save it.
“We are here today to submit a petition against Justice Maurice Ikpembese and Justice M. M. Adamu, who, by their actions, have converted the title of Justice to injustice. It behooves the Chief Justice of Nigeria to expunge corrupt judges from the judiciary to restore its integrity.
“We also call on President Bola Tinubu not to fold his arm and watch the judiciary go down. The Benue situation is the worst at the moment because the petitioners did not even participate in any of the process of the election.”
Recall that the Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpembese, had earlier ordered the relocation of the tribunal from Makurdi to Nigeria Bar Association House, Abuja due to insecurity.
But the sitting of the panel, which should have started in Abuja on March 10, was put on hold due to a restraining order by a Federal High Court sitting in Makurdi.
The court directed that the election petition tribunal should hold in Benue State, against Justice Ikpembese’s ruling.
However, the ruling All Progressives Congress approached the FCT High Court in Abuja with a prayer that the panel be relocated to Abuja as earlier ordered by the Benue Chief Judge.
Granting the prayer on Friday, Justice Adamu directed the tribunal to continue to conduct its sitting at the NBA House in Abuja.
The court also restrained the tribunal from sitting in Benue State.
[Punch]
Tension and apprehension gripped Rivers State on Monday following the initiation of impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof Ngozi Odu by the state House of Assembly.
The Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly loyal to the former governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, served Fubara and Prof Odu with a notice of alleged gross misconduct, signalling an imminent impeachment process.
The notice listing the alleged misconduct sent to the Speaker was a sequel to a letter dated March 14, 2025, signed by 26 members of the Assembly.
The Speaker, Amaewhule, sent the notice in two separate letters he signed on Monday, March 17, 2025 and addressed to the governor and his deputy.
The development has escalated the political tension in the state, as some Ijaw groups had threatened a crisis in the region if Fubara is impeached.
Recently, the Ijaw National Congress, the Ijaw Youth Council and other groups expressed strong opposition to the potential impeachment of Fubara, who is of Ijaw descent.
They warned that such actions could lead to unrest, emphasising their commitment to defending the governor’s mandate and cautioning that his removal might destabilise the region and affect oil production.
Sensing the potential danger, President Bola Tinubu, last week, invited leaders of Pan-Niger Delta Forum, led by its Board of Trustees co-chairmen, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Victor Attah and the Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom, King Alfred Diete-Spiff.
Also in the delegation was the National Chairman of PANDEF, Amb Godknows Igali.
Addressing the delegation, Tinubu said, “Yes, Niger Delta is the goose that lays the golden egg. We must care for the goose; otherwise, we lose the golden egg.
“I got your signal and your concern, particularly on Rivers State. I have been on the issue for quite some time. I foresaw the crisis festering for too long before I intervened.
“We reached an agreement, written agreement, and both parties signed.”
He asked the PANDEF leaders to intervene and counsel Fubara to pursue the path of peace and stability.
“Please go back home and help implement the court rulings within the shortest possible time. I am putting the ball in your court.
“Help – privately and openly- intervene and counsel the governor. Pursue the path of peace and stability,” the President said.
Following the meeting, the PANDEF leaders and reconciliation committee met with Fubara but efforts to meet with Wike failed.
Efforts by Fubara to present the budget last week, in compliance with the Supreme Court judgment that gave legitimacy to the Amaewhule Assembly, were rebuffed by the lawmakers.
Last week, during a media chat aired on several television stations, Wike dismissed the threat against oil installations and urged lawmakers loyal to him to impeach Fubara if necessary.
In the notice sent to the governor on Monday, the 26 lawmakers said it was “in compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and other extant laws.”
The letter listed 19 constitutional breaches and infractions by the governor.
“We, the undersigned members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, hereby forward to you (Speaker) a notice of gross misconduct by the Governor of Rivers State in the performance of the functions of his office.
“Reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds contrary to Sections 120, 121 (1)(2) and 122 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
“Hindering or obstructing the Rivers State House of Assembly, which is another arm of government protected by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) from performing her constitutional duties.”
Among other allegations of misconduct levelled against Fubara were, “Appointment of persons to occupy offices/positions in the Rivers State Government without allowing for the requirement of screening and confirmation as prescribed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and other extant laws, but making the request for screening to persons other than the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly.
“Seizure of salaries, allowances as well as funds standing to the credit of the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly, contrary to Section 121(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other extant laws.
“Seizure of the salary of the Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly – Mr Emeka Amadi.”
Consequently, the House said Fubara had demonstrated his inability to govern the state in line with the Nigerian Constitution and his oath of office.
It said, “Mr Speaker, we conclude by stating that the governor has shown that he is not prepared to govern Rivers State in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and his oath of office.”
A similar notice was served on the deputy governor, accusing her of complicity in the alleged misconduct.
“That Her Excellency, Prof Ngozi Nma Odu, Deputy Governor of Rivers State, supported and connived with Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor, Rivers State and refused to present the Rivers State Appropriation Bill, 2024 to the Rivers State House of Assembly, contrary to Section 121(1)(2) of the Constitution and disobeyed the order of the Federal High Court which declared that “thus as it stands in law, no Appropriation Bill of Rivers State has been presented neither has any of such Bill being passed into law as the purported presentation, passage and signing into law of the Appropriation Bill 2024 of Rivers State is void ab initio” and ordered him to present the Appropriation Bill 2024 to the House.
“That Her Excellency, Prof Ngozi Nma Odu DSSRS, Deputy Governor of Rivers State, supported or backed His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State in the State Executive Council meetings as they authorised or approved withdrawals from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State in the 2024 financial year of Rivers State without an appropriation law duly passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly, contrary to Section 120 of the Constitution.”
Amaewhule, in his letter addressed to the governor and deputy governor, acknowledged receipt of the letter from his colleagues, a copy of which was attached to his letter to the duo.
He, therefore, urged the governor and the deputy governor to respond to the said allegations accordingly.
The Speaker’s letter read, “I received a copy of the notice, dated 14th day of March 2025 of allegations of gross misconduct brought against you by twenty-six (26) members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which is not less than one-third (1/3) of the membership of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“Pursuant to Section 188(1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I, Rt Hon Martin Chike Amaewhule, DSSRS, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, hereby forward to your Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, a copy of the said Notice of Allegation of Gross Misconduct received by me on the 14h day of March 2025, copy attached.
“You are requested to reply to the allegations made against you in the allegations of gross misconduct accordingly.
“In doing this, your attention is drawn to the provisions of Section 188(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which provides thus: ‘Within 14 days of the presentation of the notice to the Speaker of the House of Assembly (whether or not any statement made by holder of the office in reply to the allegation contained in the notice) the House of Assembly shall resolve by motion, without any debate whether or not the allegation shall be investigated.’
“Please be guided accordingly and do accept my esteemed regards.”
On the allegations against the deputy governor sent to the Speaker, the 26 lawmakers accused Prof Odu of unpreparedness to deputise for her principal in line with the constitution and her oath of office.
The letter read, “Mr Speaker, we conclude by stating that the Deputy Governor has shown that she is not prepared to deputise the governor in governing Rivers State in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and her oath of office.”
‘Lawmakers frustrating Fubara’
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, said the action of the lawmakers was already taking its toll on the people.
“It is clear that with the current actions of the Assembly, civil servants, retirees and people of the state will face unimaginable economic hardships, as the government will be unable to pay salaries, pensions and other emoluments as well as perform other obligations at the end of the month.
“Both the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant-General of the Federation have been ordered to seize revenue allocations to the state until its judgment is fully implemented,” he said.
The commissioner berated the lawmakers, saying their actions were tantamount to collateral damage, as non-release of warehoused revenues due the state from the Federation Account would ultimately ground the operation of all sectors of the government.
While reiterating that the governor was willing, as he had promised to implement the Supreme Court judgment, he said the actions of the lawmakers were frustrating the governor.
“It is now common knowledge that members of the Rt Hon Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly have, by their actions, refused to allow the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to fully implement the judgment of the Supreme Court on the long drawn political and legal battle that has lingered since after the ill-fated attempt to impeach him on October 30, 2023.
“Instead of engaging in a futile attempt to launder their image, members of the RSHA are wrongly portraying Governor Fubara—who is fully prepared, willing, and ready to re-present the 2025 budget and implement all aspects of the bizarre and highly controversial judgment of the apex court for the sake of peace—as unwilling to comply with the ruling.”
He continued, “Should this opportunity to pull the state from the precipice fail, the people and residents of the state, without exception, are bound to suffer avoidable calamities of economic, social and political upheavals that might sink us deeper into unimaginable crises. A stitch in time, they say, saves nine.”
APC factions divided
The two factions of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State were divided over the impeachment notice against Fubara.
While the Tony Okocha-led faction insisted on the rule of law, the Emeka Beke-led faction loyal to the former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, berated the lawmakers for their actions.
The Okocha-led Publicity Secretary, Chibike Ikenga, speaking to our correspondent on the telephone, said, “For us as APC, our position is that the rule of law and due processes must be followed in the administration of the state.
“Whatever the governor wants to do, whatever the House of Assembly wants to do must be in line with their oath of office and oath of allegiance.
“Most importantly, they must obey the spirit and letters of the constitution and anything short of going through the provisions of the constitution, and we will not be part of it.”
The Chief of Staff to Beke, Chizi Enyi, wondered where the Assembly, which adjourned indefinitely a few days ago, sat to issue a notice to the governor and his deputy.
He alleged that the lawmakers decided not to sit but to be writing letters and issuing notices, saying they had failed the people and deserved to be recalled.
He stated, “The notice the House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule sent to the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, is what Rivers people consider blackmail.
“For such a long time, we’ve not heard of the Assembly sitting since after Friday. They said they adjourned sine die and they never sat anywhere in Rivers State today.
“The next thing we saw on social media is that they had resolved on Friday and also wrote to Martin that they want to investigate the gross misconduct of the governor hence Martin Amaewhule too, having received their letter on the same Friday, wrote to the governor.
“Writing to the governor, they have concluded that the governor will not see it. Hence they have also decided to publish the letter in four or three different national dailies.”
Enyi called on the governor to rise to the occasion, saying the people were with him.
“If I am the governor of Rivers State, as much as they have refused to sit where the governor provided, they cannot sit where they decide and make laws for this state.
“We are all Rivers people, and the government must provide a suitable place for the Rivers State House of Assembly members to sit.
“As much as the hallowed chambers of the Assembly are currently under construction, they cannot just sit inside their bedroom.
“Just like today, they didn’t sit anywhere. They were nowhere near where they said they were sitting at the Assembly quarters. The next thing we saw was letters flying on social media,” he said.
Court reserves ruling
A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt adjourned for ruling in a suit filed by the Labour Party in Rivers State against the alleged defection of Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers.
Justice Emmanuel Obile gave the adjournment to April 16, 2025, after counsel representing the parties adopted their final written addresses in a fresh application by counsel for Martin Amaewhule and 26 of his colleagues, Ken Njemanze (SAN).
Njemanze had asked the court to change their earlier prayer of striking out a defection suit against the Speaker and the 26 others to dismiss the suit, following the judgment of the Supreme Court, which touched on the legitimacy of the lawmakers.
He insisted that failure of the court to dismiss the suit would amount to rewriting the judgment of the apex court.
The oral request of Njemanze (SAN) was not opposed by counsel for the LP, Clifford Chukwu.
Chukwu, however, argued that the issue of defection was a collateral issue in a matter decided by the Supreme Court and asked the court to strike out the application of the defendants.
He argued that the deponent to the affidavit of the defendants is a lawyer whose name also appears on the suit, against the practice and asked the court to hear the matter on its merit.
Justice Obile, after hearing from the parties, adjourned to April 16, 2025, for ruling on the motion.
Police diffuse tension
The Rivers State Police Command on Monday dismissed online reports of riots in parts of the state and an attack on Wike’s residence as false.
Social media was awash with reports that some aggrieved persons had set fire to the residence of the former governor along Ada George Road in Port Harcourt on Sunday following the political crisis in the state.
The spokesperson of the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday, described the report as a false alarm by mischief makers.
Iringe-Koko said there was neither any violence nor an act of arson on the residents of the FCT minister, pointing out that the baseless report aimed to ignite unrest and fear among law-abiding citizens and residents of the state.
The statement warned those behind such false reports to resist forthwith, adding that the weight of the law would catch up with them if they did not heed the advice.
“The attention of the Rivers State Police Command has been drawn to a misleading and malicious report circulating on various online media platforms, falsely claiming that riots have erupted in Rivers State, leading to the burning of the residence of the former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, along with other acts of violence.
“The command categorically states that this report is entirely false, baseless, and a deliberate attempt by mischief makers to incite unrest and spread fear among law-abiding residents.
“There is no record of any such incident, and normalcy prevails across the state.
“The general public is urged to disregard these unfounded claims, which are clearly intended to cause panic and destabilise the relative peace and security enjoyed by the good people of Rivers State,” the statement read.
Tantita vows protection
Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has, however, promised to continue its surveillance and security for oil pipelines in the Niger Delta.
The Head of Media of the outfit, Dr Paul Bebenimibo, told The PUNCH that the Federal Government-contracted private pipeline surveillance outfit would continue to keep to its mandate, whatever the situation.
He said any pipeline vandal would be treated as a criminal.
He said, “We are in a contractual agreement with the Federal Government to protect oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta region.
“And this is what we are doing, and we will continue to do it despite threats from anywhere.
“The public should take note that we are not going to allow anybody to trespass on what we are asked to protect. If anybody does that, we would surely treat that case as a criminal case.
“We are on the ground, and we can assure the government that nobody can come in and disrupt our operations.”
FOUR suspected kidnappers have been shot dead in a gun battle with operatives of the Delta State Police Command.
Police Public Relations Officer of the state command, Mr Bright Edafe, confirmed this in a statement, yesterday, saying one AK-47 rifle with one magazine was recovered.
He said operatives of the CP Special Assignment team had earlier arrested one suspect when he was seeking to buy AK-47 rifle ammunition on March 9, 2025, about 11.30p.m.
The statement disclosed that “the suspect during interrogation revealed the the location where the rifle was hidden. The operatives stormed the bush along the railway line in Agbarho where the gang members upon sighting the Police engaged the team in a fierce gun duel, during which four suspected kidnappers sustained gunshot injuries. One AK-47 rifle with one magazine was recovered.
“The injured suspects were taken to the General Hospital, Ughelli for treatment but were later confirmed dead by the doctor.
“Corpses have been deposited at the hospital morgue while the effort to trail and arrest the fleeing hoodlums is ongoing.”
Meanwhile, Edafe in the statement also disclosed that operatives of the command have arrested one suspected kidnapper at a bush in Ibasa community, Oshimili North Local Government Area of the state.
He said: “On 12/3/2025, about 11p.m., an indigene of Ibusa (name withheld) reported at Ibusa Police station that his friend’s wife was kidnapped on 7/3/2025 and a ransom was paid and that he was the person who delivered the ransom and other food items to the kidnappers.
“Acting on useful information provided by the said man the DPO Ibusa Police Station swiftly mobilised the patrol team of Ibusa division alongside vigilantes and stormed the bush where the suspect Abdulahi Isah was arrested. The suspect is in custody and the investigation is ongoing.”
[Vanguard]
The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has accused former Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, of demolishing his cement plant twice during his tenure.
Dangote made the claim on Monday during a meeting with Governor Dapo Abiodun.
But in a swift reaction, Amosun, in a statement by his media office, described Dangote’s allegation, challenging him to “avail the public of the requisite approvals for the construction of the structures he alleged were demolished.
“While we will not give vent to this obvious mischief as it is deliberate, we will advise Alhaji Dangote to furnish the public with details of the land acquisition with relevant planning approvals, and let us engage in a constructive conversation therefrom,” Amosun’s media office said.
Dangote, in a video from the meeting with Abiodun, alleged that the Amosun administration twice pulled down his cement factory while it was under construction.
He said, “I deem it fit to have it on record that the factory we are visiting now in Itori, it’s because of His Excellency that we came back. That factory was demolished twice.
“We started building, then Amosun demolished it. The second time, we started again, he demolished not only the factory but also the fence; so we left.
“But right now, we’re coming back because of His Excellency, my brother, Prince Dapo Abiodun, we’re now back. When we go there, you’ll be very surprised.”
But responding to the allegation, in a statement signed by Lanre Akinwale, Amosun described Dangote’s allegation as deliberate mischief.
The statement read, “We have just seen footage in which the Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, alleged that his cement factory in Itori, Ogun State, was demolished twice while Senator Ibikunle Amosun served as governor.
“We assume that an average person understands how government functions through ministries, departments, and agencies, with each exercising mandates on specific responsibilities, including approvals for physical development.
“It is on this basis that we want to appeal to Alhaji Dangote to avail the public of the requisite approvals for the construction of the structures he alleged were demolished.
“This will, at least, help the public to put the issue in proper context and for us to know what exactly his grouse is.”
While hinting at alleged legal breaches, Amosun’s media office said, “For us, as a government, we believed that there could not be two governments in a state, and Dangote, therefore, could not operate above the law or under a different set of laws.”
The statement said it was ironical that during the commissioning of his Ibese Cement factory, “Dangote praised the Amosun administration to high heavens for its promotion of investments in Ogun State and for facilitating the commencement of the cement factory after eight years of frustration as he then alleged by other administrations.”
Refuting the allegation of frustrating businesses, the media team boasted that Amosun’s administration “attracted over 500 companies to the state and was acknowledged by the World Bank as one of the top three states ensuring Ease-of-Doing-Business in Nigeria.”
“It is also on record that during Senator Amosun’s administration, Ogun State became the ‘Industrial Capital’ of Nigeria. Our state at the time accounted for about 75 per cent of the Foreign Direct Investments, in relation to industry in the country. This is a fact subject to verification.
“This recognition was further given a fillip to by former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan when he visited Ogun State to inaugurate multinational projects on five different occasions.
“Thus, while we will not give vent to this obvious mischief as it is deliberate, we will advise Alhaji Dangote to furnish the public with details of the land acquisition with relevant planning approvals, and let us engage in a constructive conversation therefrom.
“However, while we will wait to hear from him, we would like to state that not all Nigerians can be compromised, bullied or blackmailed. The notion that everyone has a price is an expression applicable only to people with weak foundations and questionable upbringing. This is why some of us will continue to uphold high standards in all our undertakings, irrespective of whose ox is gored.”
Electoral Act will be amended for statutory delegates to participate in parties’ primaries, says Akpabio
Admin
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has hinted that the Electoral Act 2022 will be amended to include statutory delegates in political parties’ primaries slated for next year ahead of the 2027 elections.
Akpabio spoke in Abuja on Monday during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
The senate president said the omission of statutory delegates from primaries of political parties in the Electoral Act was a mistake that must be corrected before the next general election.
“There were defects in the last Electoral Act that was amended,” Akpabio said.
“So, we want to cure some of the defects that we found in our electoral system. I can tell you one.
“Without any particular intention of the parliament, in the 2023 elections and the 2022 primaries, we inadvertently, created what I may call super-delegates.
“Because all the statutory delegates, starting from the president, the vice-president, the governors, deputy governors, the senate president, deputy senate president, speaker, deputy speaker, members of parliament, national, sub-national, chairman of councils, and all, were omitted as delegates.
“These are areas that we think we can look at in order to make our democracy more participatory. Because democracy is all about numbers.”
Akpabio noted that with the current Electoral Act, a delegate is not welcome to the primaries, “unless you contested to be an ad hoc delegate to select flag bearers of the legislative houses, governorship, and then, of course, flag bearer of the presidential conventions in all the political parties across the country”.
He said the senate will also look at the powers given to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), “as the last arbiter as to who decides who is a candidate and not the political parties”.
The senate president said political parties should have the power to select candidates that will best serve their manifestos, “and have the integrity to represent their people and have a track record of performance to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people”.
Speaking earlier, Afam Osigwe, the NBA president, told Akpabio that the national assembly should ensure judicial reforms in the ongoing constitutional amendment.
[TheCable]
All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Joe Igbokwe, has claimed that President Bola Tinubu started planning for his re-election even before he assumed the presidency in 2023.
There have been threats from the opposition parties to remove President Tinubu in 2027 due to his unfavourable economic policies causing hardship in the country.
In a post via his official Facebook page on Monday, Igbokwe insisted that Tinubu will defeat opposition figures nursing presidential ambition in 2027.
According to him, Tinubu has mounted his men everywhere to ensure his re-election, adding that those hoping to challenge him in 2027 are not as smart as him.
The post reads, “The truth is that those who want to challenge PBAT in 2027 are not as smart as he is.
“Before he even stepped into Aso Villa he had started planning for 2027. His challengers may not know that the Apamaku had already planted his men everywhere.”
Meanwhile, Seyi Tinubu has applauded his father for his leadership skills, describing him as the greatest president in Nigeria’s history.
Addressing some youths in a viral video, Seyi applauded his father’s efforts towards ensuring that the Nigerian economy thrives.
He said that Tinubu has created a platform for the Nigerian youths to succeed, adding that the economy is benefitting all Nigerians.
Dangote to build 6 Mta cement plant in Itori, the largest Seaport at Olokola, also in Ogun state
Admin
... lauds Gov Abiodun's Vision, Policies on attracting investment to Ogun State
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President Bola Tinubu has appointed the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Monday titled ‘President Tinubu Appoints Bishop Kukah as Pro-chancellor of Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia.’
The appointment comes barely 33 days after Tinubu ordered that the Federal Government take over Nok University, Kachia, Kaduna State, and transform it into a federal university.
Following the directive, the private institution was renamed the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, from its old name, Nok University.
According to Onanuga, the President also appointed principal officers for the university, including Prof. Qurix Barnabas as Vice Chancellor, Sanusi Adamu as Registrar, Ibrahim Dalhat as bursar, and Prof. Daniel Abubakar as university Librarian.
“President Tinubu also approved the appointment of Mr Thomas Etuh, representing the North Central, Chief Fabian Nwaora (South East), Prof Femi Taiwo (South West) and Zarah Bukar (North East) as members of the university’s Governing Council,” the statement read.
The statement added, “All the appointees were carefully selected based on their distinguished careers, leadership experience, and dedication to advancing education in Nigeria.”
Tinubu implored the new appointees to “use their collective expertise to position the university as a hub for academic excellence and research, aligning with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He also urged them to provide visionary leadership and lay a solid foundation for the university’s growth as it prepares to admit its first cohort of students in September 2025.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has raised concerns over tertiary institutions admitting students using fraudulent Advanced Level (A’level) results without proper verification.
In its weekly bulletin released on Monday in Abuja, JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, disclosed that the board recently discovered 13 additional fake A’level certificates submitted for admission consideration.
Naija News understands that some of these had already been processed by institutions before the fraud was detected.
JAMB stressed that the affected candidates have been handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution and warned institutions to verify credentials diligently to maintain the integrity of the admission process.
According to the bulletin: “The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has observed that some institutions are failing to verify the results used for admitting candidates, particularly those seeking direct entry.
“One of the fundamental purposes of the screening process is to ensure that only legitimate documents are used to consider and accept candidates for admission and registration. It is crucial for institutions to understand that this responsibility lies primarily with them.”
The board explained that it launched the Nigeria Integrated Post-Secondary Education Data System (NIPEDS) two years ago in response to an alarming report from Bayero University, Kano.
The university had verified 148 A’level results and found only six to be genuine, exposing widespread certificate forgery.
NIPEDS was introduced to assist in the verification of A’level qualifications, including certificates from foreign institutions, particularly for Direct Entry admissions.
The bulletin further revealed: “Through NIPEDS, JAMB has received confirmations from foreign institutions alerting them to forged certificates presented by candidates.
“Recently, thirteen additional A’level certificates were identified as fake after being submitted for admission consideration, with some institutions having already proposed the candidates based on these fraudulent documents. The candidates involved have been referred to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
“Consequently, institutions that propose candidates for admission using fake certificates will be viewed as accomplices in this fraudulent activity.”
JAMB clarified that while NIPEDS is a crucial tool, institutions must still conduct independent verification of credentials.
“The most egregious example of forgery involves candidates who submitted forged Interim Joint Matriculation Board Examination (IJMBE) results from ABU Zaria in an attempt to gain admission to ABU itself.”
JAMB urged all institutions to “thoroughly verify all A’level qualifications presented for admission, regardless of whether they were issued by their own institution or by others.”
Anambra State Governor, Charles Chukwuma Soludo has asserted that nobody can stop his re-election in the November 8, 2025 governorship poll.
Soludo, while speaking in a media chat to celebrate his third anniversary, said there is a consensus among Ndi Anambra (the people of the state) that his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has delivered dividends of democracy and should be given another chance in the next election.
The former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), who threw a challenge to the opposition parties, stated that he has not heard of any opponent against his re-election.
According to Soludo, the South-East people can vote for any party during national elections but are loyal to APGA regarding governorship and local government chairmen seats.
He said, “If there is an election, I mean there will be an election, and if I am candidate, I will be on the ballot, and then I ask: who else is running? Which party is fielding a candidate?
“So far, unless the person will come down from somewhere but so far, I have not heard of any.”
Meanwhile, Soludo has proclaimed that Anambra is primarily a Christian State.
Speaking during a Healing and Deliverance crusade hosted by the Dunamis International Gospel Center on Wednesday night, the Governor stated that all traditional healers in the state are currently evading capture.
Soludo stressed that his administration is committed to taking action against those spreading malevolence within the region.
The former governor and chairman of the board of directors of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) further explained that these traditional healers are fleeing because light and darkness cannot coexist.
Even with friends in high places, crypto’s instability is showing as investors respond to President Donald Trump’s trade war and reports of deal talks between Binance U.S. and the Trump family. Amidst the market chaos tariffs have wrought, here are some cryptocurrencies to watch this week.
BNB
Binance’s crytocurrency BNB popped after two reports that the Trump family was in talks to snap up a stake in the Binance U.S. exchange (which pleaded guilty to enabling money laundering in 2023). The reported talks apparently touched on the idea of the two parties co-developing a stablecoin. Binance founder and former CEO Changpeng Zhao denied the reports, but said he wouldn’t “mind a pardon.” Still, BNB was sitting around $615 as of Sunday evening, up 8% from its price five days prior.
TRUMP
Meme coins are so out this season (well... mostly), and the Trump family’s token is no exception. The token was trading around $11.32 as of Sunday evening, down about 47.9% from a month ago. On Inauguration Day, TRUMP’s market cap was around $14.5 billion; it now sits at roughly $2.2 billion.
XRP
Talk of an end to the legal battle between the SEC and Ripple is drawing attention to the payment company’s token, XRP.
Bitcoin
After a dip below $80,000 last week, Bitcoin staged a minor recovery over the weekend. The leading cryptocurrency was still down 10.9% from Jan. 1 as of Sunday evening, and that means the folks who flocked to it after witnessing the post-election boom are still seeing red. The early days of Trump’s second term have spelled chaos for Bitcoin, the price of which loosely correlates with the stock market. Given the tariffs to come and uncertainty surrounding AI stocks, more stock market carnage could drag Bitcoin down with it.
Cronos
A vote on reissuing burned tokens thrust Crypto.com-backed Cronos further into the spotlight. The cryptocurrency popped 3% in 24 hours to around $0.085 as of Sunday night.
[Quartz]