Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command on Monday morning fired teargas at protesters in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

The protesters had converged at the Isaac Boro Park when the officers stormed the area.

The protest was organized by the Take It Back Movement over the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.

Members of the organization were greeted by heavy police presence when they gathered at the protest venue as early as 9:00 am.

“Nobody can tell us where not to gather, we are Rivers people,” Channels TV reported young demonstrators shouting at policemen.

The Nigeria Police Force had advised the organizers to shelve their plans.

More to follow…

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on Monday deployed tear gas canisters to dismantle a protest in the Maitama district area of Abuja.

The demonstrators, who had assembled to air their frustrations on the state of the economy and the emergency rule in Rivers state, were thrown into panic as tear gas fumes filled the air, forcing many to scamper in different directions.

The demonstration is part of a larger nationwide action led by the Take It Back Movement (TIB).

Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in 2023, led the protest.

“We have informed the political authorities that we will not accept any laws that infringe on our fundamental human rights. We will continue to speak out,” Sowore said.

“The police are aware that we are marching today. They claim to have their own event as well, but we’ve made it clear that theirs cannot interfere with ours.

“We have also informed them that we are heading to the national assembly. If they wish, they can mobilise and march alongside us.

“In fact, we’ve told Nigerian police officers that the time has come for the people and the police to unite. Together, we can fight to improve both their living and working conditions.

“Nigerian police are among the most mistreated globally, yet they continue to harm those advocating for their welfare. We will not tolerate this any longer.

“While we protest here, Tinubu is busy enjoying himself in France. We will not sit idly while the president continues to suppress our rights.

“We’ve also made it clear that the current inspector general of police, who is leading the programme at Eagle Square today, holds the position unlawfully.

“He has overstayed his tenure after 16 years in power. This is one of the main reasons we are marching today. No one can suppress a powerful idea.

“As we march here today, similar protests are happening in Lagos and Port Harcourt.

“These are just the early signs. Very soon, all Nigerians will rise up, and no force will be able to hold them back.”

Juwon Sanyaolu, national coordinator of TIB, said the core demands of the protesters include the repeal of the cybercrime act and the end of emergency rule in Rivers state, which the group described as a “form of military dictatorship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration”.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) had urged the organisers to shelve the protest and encouraged them to dialogue with relevant government institutions.

The demonstration also coincides with the National Police Day celebration on April 7.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, said it has disbursed N397,030,900 as transport allowances to 1,909 officials participating in the conduct of the 2025 Mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, scheduled for April 10, 2025.

The Director of Finance, Mufutau Bello, disclosed this at a meeting convened to evaluate the Board’s readiness for both the mock examination and the main UTME.

According to Bello, the amount released so far for transport allowances represents only the first tranche of payments, covering one-third of the total officials involved in the exercise.

Stressing the critical national importance of the two examinations, he said, “The mock exercise is the first phase of our core mandate, and we must, as always, distinguish ourselves. The nation relies on the success of this exercise; any shortcomings could tarnish the integrity of our education system.

“Much is at stake, including the dignity of our processes, the tertiary education system, and substantial financial resources—over N397,030,900 has been paid as transport allowances to the 1,909 officials travelling for the mock exercise scheduled for the 10th April, 2025.

“This amount represents only the initial phase, accounting for one-third of the total number of officials involved.”

Staff members of the Board pledged their full commitment to ensure the successful and hitch-free conduct of both exercises across the country.

While acknowledging public concerns over local travel allowances, they clarified that such discussions often come from a limited understanding of the logistical scope involved in the nationwide examination process.

Socialite and entrepreneur, Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly called Obi Cubana, has said Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State would be re-elected for his second tenure.

Naija News reports that the Chairman of Cubana Group said Governor Soludo was touching every part of the state and giving it a new look.

Speaking on Sunday, in Awka, Obi Cubana stated that Governor Soludo has the hunger to position the state as the pride of Nigeria, West Africa and Africa.

He added that the Governor faces no opposition as it concerns his re-election bid.

His words: “I think for the first time in Anambra State there may not be contest, this is a walkover because the Governor is doing what he promised us in new Anambra State.

“When we were with him earlier he said that he’s not talking about what has been done but what has not been done, that means he’s hungry to do more from the Amabra State. He’s hungry to position this state to be in pride of Nigeria as a matter of fact West Africa and Africa.

“So we start the journey of a thousand masters from step. He is touching everything. The one that actually touched me is creating a fun city, thinking about the kids, thinking about the family. Right now you can take a trip to Anambra State with your entire family because there is place for the kids to play. I saw waterfalls, I saw rides, I saw those things unprecedented, unimaginable. This is Anambra for you. The new Anambra is possible under Chukwuma Soludo.”

The Spokesperson of the Senate, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, has dismissed claims that the National Assembly is a rubber stamp to the executive.

He argued that it is not the job of lawmakers to constantly oppose the executive, adding that the country’s legislators are partners in progress with the executive.

Adaramodu insisted that the National assembly will not oppose the executive needlessly simply because it does not want to be seen as rubber stamp.

The lawmaker, representing Ekiti South Senatorial District at the National Assembly stated this when he was responding to questions from newsmen at the weekend in his home town, Ilawe-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

He said, “What is the meaning of rubber stamp? Does it mean that if the executive brings appropriation bill which is budget because we don’t want to be called rubber stamp we should oppose it and throw it away? Does it mean that if the federal government wants to tar road, because we don’t want to be called rubber stamp we should throw it away? Does it mean that if the federal government is increasing allocation to the judiciary because we don’t want to be called rubber stamp we should throw it away? Does it mean that if the federal government is giving minimum wage because we don’t want to be called rubber stamp we then throw it away?. So, what is the meaning of rubber stamping?

“Now, one thing is this, we are not in the Senate with gloves in our hands to go and be knocking, and be beating and be fighting the executive or other arms of government. That is not our calling. Our calling is that we are partners in progress and while we are partners in progress we make laws, to execute is in the hands of the executive, to interprete is in the hands of the judiciary. We will not be making laws at the same time be interpreting it and be executing it. So, once we make our laws, what are the laws that we have made that have shown the Senate or the House of Representatives as an entity that is not focused? I have never seen any. We have established schools, higher institutions for that matter, we have done appropriation, we have done tax bills even the tax bills thing many people who were criticising initially are those people saying the same thing anymore? Because people did not even see the tax bills before they started criticising and we know that even biblically when we say tax everybody will just raise high brows.”

The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn an earlier invitation extended to the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II,  in connection with the violent incident that marred Sallah celebrations in Kano State on March 30, 2025.

Sanusi was initially summoned to Abuja to provide his account of the events that led to the breakdown of law and order following the controversial horse-riding procession he led after Eid Prayers—an act the police say contravened prior security arrangements.

In a letter addressed to Emir, and signed by the Commissioner of Police, Olajide Ibitoye, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, he was asked to appear at the Force Intelligence Department in Abuja on Tuesday, April 8, to answer some questions regarding the incident that occurred during the Sallah celebration within his domain.

However, in a statement released in Abuja on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced the withdrawal of the summons on Sanusi.

Adejobi said the decision to withdraw the invitation followed consultations with respected stakeholders and in line with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s commitment to ensuring policing activities are not politicised or misinterpreted.

Instead, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department have been dispatched to Kano to obtain Sanusi’s statement discreetly.

Adejobi said, “The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its earlier invitation extended to Alhaji Aminu Sanusi in connection with the unfortunate incident that occurred in Kano State during the Sallah celebration on March 30, 2025.

“The invitation was initially issued to enable Alhaji Sanusi to provide his account of the events that led to the breakdown of law and order in the state.

“However, following advice from respected stakeholders and in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s commitment to ensuring that policing actions are not politicised or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn.

“Instead, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department  have been mandated on the instructions of the IGP to proceed to Kano to obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s statement.”

Adejobi said the IG had earlier deployed the Coordinating DIG for the North-West, DIG Abubakar Sadiq, to engage the two rival Kano Emirs—Alhaji Ado Bayero and Alhaji Lamido Sanusi—as well as the Kano State Government, in a bid to prevent parallel Durbar festivals and potential clashes.

He said, “Prior to the Sallah Day celebration, credible intelligence at the disposal of the police indicated that the two disputed Emirs in Kano State, Alhaji Ado Bayero and Alhaji Lamido Sanusi, were planning to hold separate Durbar festivals.

“The Durbar festival is a long-held tradition, which involves a recognised Emir riding on horses around the city in the company of his people.

“To forestall possible violence, the Inspector-General of Police,  Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, deployed the Coordinating DIG for the North-West who also serves as the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, DIG Abubakar Sadiq,  to engage in dialogue with the two disputed Emirs in Kano and the Kano State Government. It was mutually agreed that no Durbar festival would be held to preserve peace and public safety and none of the disputed emirs would ride on horse on Sallah Day.”

Adejobi said despite this agreement,  Sanusi, who had arrived at Eid grounds by car, mounted a horse after prayers and proceeded in a procession accompanied by local vigilantes.

He said, “This triggered a confrontation by youths in the community, leading to the tragic death of one Usman Sagiru, and leaving several others injured, a situation which the Force had earlier warned against and intended to avert by the emissaries sent earlier to both Alhaji Sanusi and Alhaji Ado Bayero.”

Adejobi said the police condemned the breach of agreement and vowed to continue their investigation with professionalism and impartiality.

He added that arrests had already been made in connection with the incident.

The convoy of the Secretary to the Plateau State Government, Mr. Samuel Jatau, narrowly escaped an ambush by suspected terrorists on Sunday in Bokkos Local Government Area of the state.

The terrorists, believed to be planning fresh attacks on local communities, laid an ambush near Hurti community in the Monguna district.

The SSG was on a visit to Bokkos, which had been severely impacted by gunmen attacks the previous Wednesday.

As the convoy approached, the terrorists fired shots at the vehicle, prompting the security detail to return fire.

The attackers, overwhelmed by superior firepower, retreated into the nearby bush and surrounding mountains.

Our correspondent, who witnessed the incident, saw armed terrorists fleeing into the mountains after the skirmish.

Following the ambush, the SSG condemned the attack, describing it as an act of impunity and calling on the Federal Government to address the security concerns in the affected communities.

“I lack words to express my sorrow and anger. We just tested what these communities are feeling. We were almost ambushed. I was looking at my phone in the car when I suddenly heard gunshots. When I looked up, I saw two young men running into the bush, armed with guns,” the SSG said.

Describing the devastation in the area, Jatau continued, “We saw the destruction firsthand. Over 40 people were killed, homes were destroyed, and entire livelihoods were wiped out. The terrorists looted essential goods like 26 bags of potatoes worth N80,000 each from one home. These are peasant farmers; how do they recover from this? We must do better than this as a country.”

The SSG also highlighted the need for increased security in the region, which he said was a major concern for the state government.

“The Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, has directed that we bring relief materials to the affected communities and look at long-term solutions. We also need more security forces to ensure the safety of our people. While we appreciate the efforts of our security agencies, there is still much more to be done.”

In his remarks, the Village Head of Hurti, Maren Arondong, and the District Head of Monguna, Alo Raymond, expressed gratitude to the state government for the relief materials but voiced concerns over the persistent attacks that had left many residents displaced.

They called on the Federal Government to step in and prevent further attacks on their communities.

Meanwhile, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, assured that the Federal Government was actively addressing the recent security breaches in Bokkos LGA.

Ribadu made the remarks on Sunday during an operational visit to Plateau State at the headquarters of Operation Safe Haven in Jos.

Ribadu explained that he was in Plateau following a directive from President Bola Tinubu to restore peace to the affected communities.

He commended the timely response of the security agencies in curbing the situation.

“We will ensure that all those arrested in connection with the recent attacks are brought to justice. The Federal Government is committed to improving security in the region, and we will not tolerate impunity,” Ribadu said.

He added that under President Tinubu’s administration, over 2,000 terrorists had been prosecuted or are facing prosecution.

Ribadu also urged Plateau residents to prioritise peace and unity, emphasising that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and not violence.

He praised the efforts of Governor Caleb Mutfwang in maintaining peace and promised that security measures would continue to improve in the state.

The NSA was briefed on the current security situation by the General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Folusho Oyinlola, and the Commander of Operation Safe Haven during his visit.

As the federal and state governments continue to address the security challenges in Plateau, residents are hopeful that further steps will be taken to prevent more attacks and restore lasting peace to the region.

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, has hailed the Nigeria Police Force for withdrawing the invitation extended to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi.

Obi said the invitation was unnecessary and could have further heightened an already inflamed situation.

DAILY POST reported that the Emir was earlier summoned over an alleged murder during last Sunday’s Sallah festivities in Kano.

The incident reportedly occurred after Sanusi returned home from Eid prayers.

He had gone to the Eid prayer ground on foot but returned to the palace riding a horse.

However, following public outcry against the development, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, withdrew the invitation extended to Sanusi.

Egbetokun has in turn directed the Kano State Command of the force to obtain Sanusi’s statement regarding the incident.

Reacting to the development, the former Anambra State Governor, in a post on his X handle on Monday, hailed the decision to withdraw the invitation.

Obi suggested that a decentralized approach to the matter would encourage peace and public trust.

He said: “I would like to commend the Nigeria Police Force for the wise and timely decision it took to withdraw the invitation extended to His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II. In light of the current tensions within our society, such an invitation was unnecessary and could have further heightened an already inflamed situation.

“There is a fully functional police command in Kano, with sufficient capacity to address such matters within the State. That is precisely why we have senior-ranking officers, including Commissioners of Police and Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs), to handle issues of this nature appropriately at the state and zonal levels.

“Once again, I appreciate the decision to withdraw the invitation. A decentralized approach would encourage peace and public trust. -PO”

The House of Representatives has issued a reminder to Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.), emphasizing that he lacks the constitutional authority to make laws or draft a budget for the oil-rich state.

Naija News reports that the House’s stance follows Ibas’s announcement of plans to prepare a new budget after the declaration of a state of emergency in the state in March.

In an interview with Punch on Sunday, the Deputy Spokesman for the House, Philip Agbese, clarified that the Sole Administrator does not have the mandate to perform legislative functions under the current circumstances.

“The Sole Administrator does not have the authority to carry out the National Assembly’s function of making laws under the current circumstances.

“The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, is consulting with the leadership of the House to establish a committee to oversee the administrator’s activities and ensure that the interests of Rivers State are represented,” Agbese said.

Agbese further explained that the House of Representatives had already communicated their position on the administrator’s appointment and mandate to President Bola Tinubu.

He warned that if the Sole Administrator oversteps his constitutional boundaries, the House would take necessary actions, including the possibility of a vote of no confidence, to ensure adherence to the rule of law.

The political situation in Rivers State, stemming from a crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, prompted President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in March. This move resulted in the suspension of the governor and the state legislature for an initial period of six months.

In place of Governor Fubara, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibas as Sole Administrator. Last week, Ibas revealed his intention to formulate a new budget to manage the state’s affairs for the next six months.

While hosting a delegation of the Rivers State National Assembly caucus, Ibas reiterated his commitment to the people of the state and outlined his plan for the new budget.

He said, “Since the Supreme Court verdict on the state’s budget, we have acted swiftly and decided to put together a new budget that reflects our commitment to healthcare, education, social services, and continued infrastructural development.”

Ibas emphasized that the new budget would focus on creating job opportunities and investing in key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and technology.

“We understand the urgency of this initiative, and we are committed to ensuring that they are implemented without delay,” he added.

The Sole Administrator stressed that the budget would be transparent, inclusive, and expedited to improve the lives of the citizens. He also assured that the process would not lose any more time in making the necessary investments in the state’s future.

The Department of State Services (DSS) in Osun State has reportedly summoned the Organising Secretary of the state chapter of the Take It Back (TIB) Movement,

Olasunkanmi Mary Oluwatosin, for questioning regarding the upcoming nationwide protest scheduled for April 7.

Naija News reports that the Take-It-Back Movement has firmly stated that it will proceed with the planned protest on Monday, which aims to highlight what they perceive as the “authoritarianism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, violations of human rights, and the improper application of the Cybercrime Act.”

This protest is titled “Nationwide Protest Against Bad Governance and Suppression of Free Speech.”

According to SaharaReporters, a DSS official named Akin reached out to Oluwatosin through a WhatsApp message, requesting her presence at the DSS office in Osogbo, the state capital.

Oluwatosin informed journalists late Sunday evening that a DSS agent had contacted her on Saturday to inquire about the details of the protest.

She also mentioned that she received a call from an unknown number on Sunday, asking her to come to the DSS office for a “chat.”

When she inquired about the purpose of the invitation, the caller reportedly indicated that it was merely for a “conversation.”

“One DSS official called me yesterday and asked for details about our protest tomorrow, but I told her I wasn’t in town and knew nothing about the protest.

“Another number called me this evening, saying they wanted to see me in their office. When I asked why, the person said they just wanted to chat, but I told them I wasn’t in town,” she said.

Meanwhile, the National Coordinator of the TIB Movement, Sanyaolu Juwon, was said to have attempted to contact the DSS officer via WhatsApp, but the message remained undelivered at the time this report was filed

“Hello Mr. Akin. My name is Sanyaolu Juwon. I am the National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement. One of our comrades called me from Osun that you have been harassing and intimidating her. I’d like to remind you that the right to protest is constitutionally guaranteed. You are advised to please desist from this,” Juwon reportedly wrote to the secret police.