FEATURES

FEATURES

Twenty-seven lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, barred Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara from accessing the State House of Assembly on Wednesday morning, preventing him from presenting the 2025 budget.

 
 

Reports indicate that Governor Fubara had arrived at the Assembly early in the day to implement a key provision of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgment—the presentation of the 2025 budget to a properly constituted State Assembly.

However, Assembly staff, speaking anonymously, claimed there was no formal communication regarding the Governor’s visit.

“I am not aware that the Governor was scheduled to be at the Assembly today (Wednesday). If such information existed, the Rt. Hon. Speaker would have informed us. As of now, we have no knowledge of his visit,” a source stated.

However, Fubara said he communicated his coming to Speaker Martins Amaewhule through a letter and has tried to call him on the phone since Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Fubara has reaffirmed his commitment to fully implementing the recent Supreme Court judgment, emphasizing that his administration will adhere strictly to the ruling.

Fubara made this declaration on Tuesday in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of the New Judges’ Quarters, built by his administration in the Old GRA area of the state capital.

The governor stressed that no personal ambition or political dispute should supersede the collective peace and stability of Rivers State, stating that no sacrifice is too great for peace.

The governor acknowledged that the past 16 months had been rough for his government, saying that he would leave office one day but that his good work would speak for him.

He said since the crisis started, a lot of money and resources that should have been channelled to the development of the state had been wasted by both sides.

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has said former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, will join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Naija News reports that Bwala said the presidency and the APC were having success in emptying the Labour Party.

 

In an interview with TVC on Wednesday, the presidential spokesman said the former Labour Party presidential candidate would not run for presidency under the party.

“Do you know we are emptying Labour Party? Not because we go and ask them to come. They are coming. Valentine Ozigbo has joined us. Balami has joined us. Even Peter Obi will join us. I mean, we are successful in this window. Peter Obi will not run in Labour Party. They are all leaving Labour Party,” he said.

 

Asked why he was sure of Obi’s defection to the ruling party, Bwala explained that the defection of Valentine Ozigbo to the APC signalled the former Anambra governor’s next move.

He added that the defection of opposition political leaders to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) would not work.

According to him, the question of who becomes the presidential candidate and who gets what would affect any coalition movement.

For Valentine Ozigbo to come to our party. Valentine Ozigbo is actually the custodian of Peter Obi. Right? Then I know for a fact that Peter Obi will join us. Do you know why I said that? It’s after one week or two weeks of these melodramatic activities.

“The way they scheme this thing is that every week you will hear a breaking news. A gladiator has joined SDP so that they will dominate the media space with conversation. And I hope that the media will be smart enough to know that. But that is what they intend to do to keep the conversation in the media. But the thing is, why I said he will join us is, by the time the two weeks is over, and they are able to enjoy this momentarily coverage, when they sit down, they will start fighting. Who will be president? Who will be vice president? Who will determine what?” Bwala added.

The presidency has opined that President Bola Tinubu’s government is unperturbed by the defection of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Naija News reports that El-Rufai has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the SDP, citing irreconcilable differences with the ruling party’s leadership.

 

In an interview with TVC on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, stated that El-Rufai’s decision is not based on any ideology but ambition.

 

According to him, El-Rufai’s exit from the APC and his threat to unseat President Tinubu is inconsequential, stressing that his principal remains focused on governance with improved security and driving down food prices.

He said, “We are not perturbed by El-Rufai’s defection; before now we have engaged him if he could reconsider his decision because his decision is not built on any ideology we all known. El-Rufai admitted it himself, and his grievance is because he was not appointed a minister. His decision is not ideology-driven but ambition-driven. We are hearing of different permutations, some say he would pair with Osinbajo.

“Nasir El-Rufai’s exit from the APC and his threats to unseat President Tinubu, which I consider inconsequential. The President remains focused on governance, with improved security driving down food prices. Unlike in the past, private interests no longer exploit the system at Nigerians’ expense—we’re building a sustainable economy through due process and accountability.

“Just to buttress that El-Rufai’s exit lacks ideological basis, and APC remains strong, attracting even opposition figures. Nigerians should keep faith with Mr. President—his reforms are yielding results, and better days lie ahead.”

 
 

Social media content creator Ifeluv has announced the end of her relationship with her fiancé and baby daddy, Oluwadolarz.

The breakup comes just four months after Oluwadolarz proposed to Ifeluv. 

In a post shared on her Instagram page Tuesday evening, Ifeluv accused the singer of infidelity and financial irresponsibility, claiming he failed to fulfill his promises after their engagement.

 

In the lengthy statement now deleted, she said: “I left him the first time because of cheating. He spent two years trying to convince me that he had changed.

“Meanwhile, I have been taking 85 per cent responsibility for our child because he is broke most of the time. Just living a fake life and chasing anything in a skirt. He absolutely has nothing to his name. If you give him an advert deal, he won’t deliver.

“Brands keep threatening him, and every time he sees me achieving something, he starts crying because he hates it. But guess what? I make my own money.

“I rarely even visit him. He even embarrassed me online with a public apology, and I let it slide, accepting his proposal—only to go pick up my son at his place and find his actress, Lola, hiding in the bathroom. And this guy looked me dead in the eye and said nothing was going on! This man was my absolute first. But now? It’s over.”

The Chairman of Canadian Senate Committee on Human Rights, Salma Ataullahjan, has demanded justice for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged sexual harassment.

Naija News reported that the Kogi Central Senator, on Tuesday, reported the Nigerian Senate and its President, Godswill Akpabio, to the United Nations’ Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

 

Senator Natasha stated that the Senate suspended her for six months because she complained of alleged sexual harassment against Akpabio.

 

“I was suspended illegally because I submitted a petition of sexual harassment against the president of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

“I thought that by submitting the petition, he would recuse himself and both of us will submit ourselves to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition for a fair and transparent investigation. Unfortunately, I was silenced and I was suspended,” she said.

Recall that the Senate explained that the Kogi Central Senator was suspended for violating Senate Standing Rule and misconduct.

On her ? handle on Wednesday, the Canadian Senate’s Chairman on Human Rights lauded Natasha for speaking out.

Stay strong, Natasha Akpoti. Your bravery for speaking out against sexual harassment is a powerful reminder that we must all continue to fight for a safer, more respectful world for everyone,” she wrote.

A Federal Character Commissioner from Oyo State, Adeniyi Olowofela, has stated that the defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from the All Progressives Congress will not hinder President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Speaking during a telephone interview with Noble FM in Ibadan, Olwofela described El-Rufai’s defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as political suicide.

 

He argued that Tinubu holds the most powerful seat in Nigeria, and this, combined with the country’s political culture, will make it difficult to wrestle power from the president.

He said, “Bola Ige once said the most powerful person in Nigeria is the President. As a result, it is difficult to unseat Tinubu. His policies will yield positive results by the time the 2027 election approaches. What we are witnessing now is the natural interplay of demand and supply, which is beyond the government’s control.”

 

He dismissed claims of divisions within the APC, asserting that Tinubu has consolidated power within the party. “Contrary to what people are saying about APC being divided, it originated from the ACN and CPC. Tinubu has united all factions. The supposed divisions are mere political distractions,” he said.

Addressing speculation about the roles of former APC leaders such as Rauf Aregbesola and Kayode Fayemi, Olowofela maintained that they were merely Tinubu’s political foot soldiers. He also ruled out the possibility of opposition figures like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar forming a successful alliance with El-Rufai, as they would not join a party where they cannot secure a presidential ticket.

Tinubu’s second term is in the North’s best interest. Many assume Northerners act as a single political bloc, but this is a misconception. Atiku and Rabiu Kwankwaso, for instance, will not align with a party that doesn’t guarantee them a presidential ticket,” he explained, predicting that Tinubu will secure victory in over 18 states in 2027.

Olowofela also criticized El-Rufai’s leadership in Kaduna, labeling him a religious extremist who alienated Christians. He suggested that this may play a role in the rejection of El-Rufai’s ministerial nomination.

Veteran Journalist and Presenter, Reuben Abati said on Tuesday that leadership in Nigeria must evolve to address the complex challenges of the 21st century.

Speaking at Baze University’s Founders Day celebration in Abuja, Mr Abati noted that Nigeria’s governance challenges have changed with digital transformation and so must governance.

Mr Abati, the keynote speaker at the event, spoke on the topic: “Leadership in a Disruptive Era: Ethics, Accountability, and the Future of Governance in Nigeria”.

He noted that the digital transformation despite its pros has also introduced challenges such as misinformation, cyber-attacks and data breaches.

He explained that governance must also evolve with the transformations in the digital era.
“In a disruptive era, leadership transcends traditional authority and requires a proactive, visionary, and ethical approach,” he said.

“Navigating governance in a disruptive era demands leaders who are ethical, accountable, and forward-thinking.
“Given Nigeria’s history of political instability, economic volatility, and social unrest, adaptive leadership is essential for ensuring resilience in governance.”

He said leadership today requires leaders who can address political instability, economic fluctuations, security threats, and technological disruptions through ethical decision-making and strategic governance.
Mr Abati noted that a successful government must build public trust which he said can be done through accountability and ensuring sustainable national development.

“The future of governance depends on the ability of leaders to rise above personal interest and prioritise collective good,” he said.

Institutional reforms

Mr Abati explained that ethical lapses in governance like corruption, nepotism and abuse of power are undermining national development.

He said institutional reforms are essential to build strong institutions for sustainable governance.

He listed the reforms to include the strengthening of independence for anti-graft agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission.

“Weak institutions have historically hindered Nigeria’s development, allowing corruption and inefficiency to thrive,” he said.

He also said policy makers must embrace evidence-based decision-making and continuity of policies to ensure developmental programmes are not abandoned due to political transitions.

“Policy frameworks should be aligned with long-term national development goals, while legislative processes must incorporate public participation to ensure that governance reflects the needs of citizens,” he said.

Founder’s Day Significance

Earlier in her welcome address, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Jamila Shu’ara, a professor, said the event was to celebrate the vision of the founder of the institution, Yusuf Baba-Ahmed.

Ms Shu’ara said “Founder’s Day is a time to reflect on our journey, which is firmly rooted in a commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community service.”

She noted that the institution commenced operations in March 2011, with 17 students in three faculties —Business Studies, Computing and Information Technology and Law.

Today, she said the institution has nine faculties, 102 academic programmes approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC), over 6,000 students and 911 members of staff.

The faculties are Management and Social Sciences, Law, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Computing and Information Technology, Allied and Health Sciences, Basic Medical Sciences, Basic Clinical Sciences, and Clinical Sciences.

Ms Shu’ara added that the university has produced 3,300 undergraduate students and 668 post graduate students.

“As we celebrate our robust growth, we are grateful to God, and we pay tribute to our Founder’s unwavering belief in the power of education to change lives and communities,” she said.

Speaking, the Founder and Chancellor of the university, Yusuf Baba-Ahmed, emphasised the institution’s founding principles.

He said the university, which he founded 14 years ago, is based on the vision that “education is the most powerful tool for national transformation.”

“Today, we celebrate this institution’s remarkable journey, a journey marked by relentless dedication to knowledge, cutting-edge research, and character-driven leadership,” he said.

He said the university has consistently demonstrated a commitment to shaping minds, nurturing talents, and producing graduates ready to impact society.

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The Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, has said the government policies to revitalize the economy have been yielding positive returns.

Naija News reports that Edun stated this on Tuesday when he paid a courtesy visit to the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.

 

Edun, along with his team, visited the First Lady’s office to inform her about the forthcoming 32nd Annual General Meeting of the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM Bank), which will be held between June 23rd and 27th this year.

 

Mrs. Tinubu expressed readiness in hosting the spouses of Heads of Governments of African and other Countries who would be attending the meeting, noting that it would be another opportunity to showcase the best of Nigeria.

“This is one of the ways that God has just been blessing us in this administration with the quality of the people that are running the affairs of the country.

“Therefore, I thank the Minister for approaching us with the forthcoming AGM meeting of the AFRIMEX Bank. Meanwhile, ours is very easy being the wife of Mr President, I am supposed to be the Chief Hostess and to ensure that we take care of things,” she said.

The Minister, in his remarks, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to stabilising the nation’s economy with manufacturing and export becoming more competitive with others globally.

He emphasised Nigeria’s strong partnership with AFREXIM Bank and its commitment to fostering trade and economic growth for Africa and beyond.

What we refer to was the competitiveness of the Nigerian economy, bold and courageous under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu over the last 20 months, the AFREXIM Bank has been reformed, it has been changed and it has been improved.

“We have a situation now where we have inflation stabilizing, food prices crashing down, petroleum prices coming down amongst other improvements in the economy.

“While we still have relatively high inflation, there is focus on helping people with their cost of living, and those reductions in major prices that affect the land, particularly encouraging and heartwarming for Mr President,” he stated.

Edun, who specifically talked about the reduction in inflation, added that this would be stabilised to the minimal level as time goes on with policies that would favour the indigenous manufacturers to be able to compete with others globally being put in place.

 

The 32nd AFREXIM Bank Annual General Meeting has as its theme, ‘Building the Future on Decades of Resilience’ and would be held in Abuja.

The immediate-past governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that the crises being faced by opposition parties like the PDP, LP, NNPP, amongst others, were being sponsored by “the government of the day.”

El-Rufai stated this during a visit to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) national headquarters on Tuesday, barely 72 hours after he resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the SDP. 

Recalls that El-Rufai, who was one of the founding members of the ruling APC, resigned and joined the opposition party on Monday.

In a statement issued on Monday announcing his defection, El-Rufai said developments in the last two years confirmed that those who currently control and run the APC did not desire to acknowledge, much less address, the party’s unhealthy situation. 

The former governor said on Tuesday that even the act of going to courts, divisions, and factions across opposition parties were all contrived by the ruling party to destabilise the opposition.

“The crisis that is being faced in the Labour Party is contrived and funded by the government of the day.

“Everyone knows it. Jumping from one court to another is all designed to distract the party leadership from focusing on their functions.

“The same thing is happening in the PDP, even the NNPP has been targeted with distraction.

“There are people that have been resourced to go and cause problems in the NNPP. The last thing I read about NNPP was that one faction of the party has expelled Kwankwaso and the sitting governor.

“When you see things like that, you know it’s contrived crisis. Which party sacks a sitting governor? The only governor they have, you know it is contrived.

“I don’t have the details, I cannot mention names,” El-Rufai stated.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has tactically asked Governor Siminalayi Fubara to implement the recent judgement by the Supreme Court on the political crisis in Rivers State.

Addressing political leaders from the South-South on Tuesday in Abuja, Tinubu emphasised the critical need for adherence to the rule of law in Rivers State to ensure lasting peace and prosperity.

 
 

During a meeting with representatives and leaders of the Niger Delta under the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), President Tinubu, in a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, reiterated that respect for the judiciary is crucial in upholding democracy and fostering harmony.

The President advised the leaders to be more broadminded, selfless and focused on the larger vision of salvaging the region, politically and economically, by insisting that the judiciary’s interpretations of the Constitution be respected. 

“I am here by the grace of God, appreciating your support, prayers and concern. I cannot complain. I campaigned for this position and begged for the job. I must do it with all my heart, whatever it takes.

“I will make sure we achieve our promises and goals. Nigeria is a great country. To some cabinet members here, from outside looking in and inside looking out, we have been doing our best to give Nigeria a re-bounce, a reset and a recalibration of the economic fortune.

“Yes, Niger Delta is the goose that lays the golden egg. We must care for the goose; otherwise, we lose the golden egg. I just wanted to let you know that 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.”

The President said stakeholders must make sacrifices for the state to move forward by recognising the Constitution.

“This is a nation governed by the rule of law. I should not be here as President without a rule of law. I have total confidence in our judiciary. We have expectations. Human beings can make errors. But once the court has spoken, that is it.

“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,” he added.

President Tinubu told the delegation that his priority remains community development, particularly projects and programmes that positively impact citizens.

 

“Go back home and take charge of peace. If you need me, let me know. I have given the situation enough time and enough consideration. We cannot fall back, and we will not. The people of Rivers State will not suffer because of democracy. We worked together on it. They will not suffer. They must be protected,” President Tinubu said.

The President commended the leadership of the Niger Delta.

“I have seen what you have tolerated in the region. Community development is very close to my heart. The leader of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, is doing a great job and should be encouraged to do more.

“He is your son. We are all proud of him. Yes, there are lots of misadventurers around Nigeria on democracy. We will continue to work on preserving the integrity and character of our legislators.

“I sincerely thank you for bringing up those issues. And for doing what you are doing for the country. Nigeria is too big for anyone. And greater than anyone. It is so great. That greatness must come from us through our determination, perseverance and endurance to do all we can to improve it.” 

President Tinubu thanked the delegation for acknowledging the efforts to stimulate the economy for more sustainable and predictable growth. 

“We cannot achieve Eldorado in one day. But we are on the path to it. We will succeed by the grace of God Almighty. We are resetting the economy, and it looks far better. We have funds for our children in college. Our medical colleges are also getting equipped,” he said. 

The President noted that the ongoing coastal road project will create new economic benefits for the Niger Delta and the country. 

“We are already working with international companies to build ports in the Niger Delta States,” he stated. 

King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom and Co-Chairman of the PANDEF Board of Trustees, thanked the President for his commitment to South-South well-being and appointments given to Niger Delta indigenes. 

“Your government has taken the bull by the horns, and we are sure you will succeed. We are here to give you our assurance and support. I can say now that God bless Nigeria and your government,” he said. 

Obong Victor Attah, former governor of Akwa Ibom State and co-chair of the PANDEF Board of Trustees, called for further intervention in the Rivers State crisis. 

Attah, who also chairs the reconciliation committee set up by PANDEF in Rivers State, said the political crises in Rivers State threaten national stability and deserve more attention. 

“Instability there has far-reaching consequences on the peace and stability of the nation,” he added. 

He praised the President’s reforms, including power devolution and regional development recognition, and urged focus on infrastructure, seaports, environmental sustainability, and fiscal federalism in the South-South. 

The PANDEF delegation included former governors, legislators, ministers, traditional leaders, religious figures, and youth and women groups.