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Governors of states governed by the Peoples Democratic Party have instituted a suit before the Supreme Court, challenging the six-month suspension of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers House of Assembly members were suspended for six months by President Bola Tinubu after he declared a state of emergency in the state on March 18 and appointed a sole administrator for the state.
Meanwhile, the legislatures, on their part, supported the president’s decision to implement the suspension.
However, the governors of Bauchi, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Enugu, Osun, Plateau, and Zamfara states questioned the powers the president has to carry out such action (suspension).
Mentioned as respondents in the suit are Tinubu and the National Assembly.
The seven state governors who termed the suspension as unconstitutional, through their Attorney-Generals, urged the Supreme Court to declare that “the President has no powers whatsoever or authority to suspend a democratically elected governor and deputy governor of a state in the Federation of Nigeria under the guise of or pursuant to the proclamation of a state of emergency in any state of the federation, including the states represented by the plaintiffs,” based on the provisions of Sections 1(2), 5(2), and 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The governors also urged the apex court to declare that the President has no powers to suspend a democratically elected House of Assembly of a state pursuant to Sections 192 (4) (6) and 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
The appellants (seven state governors) sought a declaration that “the suspension of Governor Siminalaye Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly was unconstitutional, unlawful, and in gross violation of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”
The governors argued that Tinubu lacks the statutory powers to suspend a serving governor and appoint a sole administrator in their stead.
The governors urged the Supreme Court to nullify the appointment of the sole administrator appointed to govern the state.
They challenged the constitutionality of the voice votes used by the National Assembly to ratify Tinubu’s actions.
They argued that the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by the defendants did not comply with the constitutional requirements set out in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Furthermore, the litigants contended that the proclamation by the President failed to meet the stipulated conditions and procedures for such a declaration, stating that it was made for reasons beyond those specified in the Constitution.
They also argued that the National Assembly’s approval of the state of emergency via a voice vote was invalid, stressing that the Constitution mandates a two-thirds majority vote of members of each legislative chamber.
They prayed the Supreme Court for the following relief, “An order nullifying the proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State made by the first defendant and wrongfully approved by the second defendant.
“An order restraining the defendant, by himself, his servants, agents, and privies, from implementing the unlawful suspension of the governor and deputy governor of Rivers State.
“An order restraining the defendant, by himself, his servants, agents, and privies, from interfering in any manner whatsoever with the execution by the governor and deputy governor of Rivers State of their constitutional and statutory duties, as well as their electoral mandate.
“An order restraining the defendant from attempting the suspension of any other governor of any state in Nigeria, particularly the plaintiffs, or from interfering with or undermining their constitutional and statutory duties.”
[Punch]
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has appointed Professor Kamoru Olayiwola Usman, a Yoruba Muslim from Oyo State, as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), marking the first time in the institution’s history that a person of Yoruba descent has held the position.
The appointment, made by the Acting Vice-Chancellor (Ag. VC), Professor Oguejiofo T. Ujam, is part of ongoing reforms aimed at fostering inclusive governance and restoring the university’s academic excellence.
In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, the university reaffirmed its commitment to merit-based leadership and national unity.
Professor Ujam stated: “The appointment of Professor Usman reflects our resolve to prioritise competence over sectional considerations. It is imperative that we sustain this culture of inclusivity and meritocracy to move the university forward.”
In addition to Professor Usman’s appointment, the Acting VC also named Dr Mansur Adebowale Saddiq as Acting Director of the Medical Centre, further demonstrating his commitment to promoting excellence over sectional interests.
Both appointments have been widely welcomed by scholars and students from diverse backgrounds, recognising them as steps towards strengthening national unity within the institution.
Professor Usman, who succeeds Professor Urama, holds a PhD in Mathematics Education and previously served as Provost of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo State, from 2015 to 2023.
A distinguished academic, he is a fellow of the Mathematical Association of Nigeria and a member of several professional bodies, including the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies and the Nigerian Educational Research Association. His initial tenure as DVC (Academics) will last for two years, with the possibility of renewal.
Meanwhile, the statement also highlighted that during a recent University Senate meeting, Professor Ujam emphasised the collective responsibility of repositioning UNN as a centre for ethical and innovative learning.
“A collective effort is required to place the institution on a steady path towards ethical and innovative learning. UNN must regain its pride of place as Nigeria’s premier university. We must rid the system of narrow-minded sectionalism and divisive tendencies that have eroded the enabling environment for research, comparative studies, and the adaptive application of new knowledge,” the statement read.
The Senate meeting was attended by key university officials, including the newly appointed DVC, Professor Usman, and members of the governing council, led by Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo.
Professor Ujam further noted that UNN must take the lead in global educational trends, particularly in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence. He also commended the support of Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, in advocating for experiential learning.
“It is commendable that His Excellency, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the Governor of Enugu State—our host state—has been championing the transition to experiential learning. We must align with this vision to ensure our students are not left behind in the evolving global education landscape,” he said.
The Acting VC called on the university community to work together to eliminate divisions that have hindered research, academic collaboration, and technological advancement.
“I will be firm, fair, and transparent in the discharge of my duties. UNN must not lag behind in the current technological revolution, characterised by the rivalry between OpenAI and DeepSeek,” he assured.
[Vanguard]
Oby Ezekwesili, former minister of education, has shared her side of the altercation with Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, the lawmaker representing Ebonyi north, during the senate ethics committee hearing.
Earlier on Tuesday, the two politicians traded words during the senate panel hearing on a fresh petition submitted by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended senator representing Kogi central.
Tensions arose when the former minister told Nwaebonyi, the deputy chief whip of the senate, to shut up during the panel hearing.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, the ex-minister said the senate panel explained that the case was before the court and was sub judice.
“The petitioner had insisted that he would not proceed with his main petition until he received assurances regarding the two objections he had raised,” Ezekwesili said.
“However, the panel interpreted this stance as a sign that we were not ready to engage in the matter.
“Then, suddenly, they also argued that the case was sub-judice because there were two related cases in court.
“They mentioned the case filed by the wife of the senate president and suggested that, based on that, proceedings should not continue.
“At that point, Dr. Abiola questioned the very basis for convening the jury. While all of this was unfolding, a certain senator—whom I will not acknowledge by name—spoke up (referring to Nwaebonyi).
“He declared that since we were unwilling to provide any testimony, he was present as a representative of the senate president, who was the respondent, and that he was prepared to speak because, in his view, we could not continue in this manner.
“In response, ‘I said to him, can you please shut up?’ because we had just been informed that we were not allowed to speak, yet he was doing so freely without any form of an equivalent treatment.
“The justification for silencing us was that we were unwilling to proceed without first addressing our objections.
“When I told him to be quiet and that remark provoked the senator, though he was already agitated.
“He was already provoked, his anger stemmed from the belief that we were not taking the matter seriously.”
Ezekwesili added that Nwaebonyi’s reaction reflected the “indecorous behaviour” of some public officials in the country.
The Ebonyi lawmaker had criticised the former minister for first calling him a “hooligan” and ordering a serving senator to “shut up”.
The deputy chief whip also said he has no regrets about the incident and still respects Ezekwesili as a woman despite all that transpired.
[TheCable]
The Federal Government Taskforce on Illegal oil activities has arraigned nine suspects accused of vandalising oil pipelines in the Ogidiama community, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The suspects—Anthony Peter, Nelson Joshua, Stanley Kio, Adekunle Godspower, William Don-Pedro, Aminu Suleiman, and three others—were brought before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt on Monday on a two-count charge of conspiracy and tampering with pipelines.
Security agencies arrested the accused on March 11, 2025, and they pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The case was adjourned to May 6 and 7 with the suspects remanded at the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre pending trial.
Strict Measures Against Oil Theft
In a bid to curb the persistent issue of crude oil theft, the Federal Government has established an interagency security team comprising members from the police, EFCC, Civil Defence, the Ministry of Justice, the Army, and the Navy. This team is tasked with apprehending and prosecuting pipeline vandals to the fullest extent of the law.
Under the new measures, convicted offenders face life imprisonment, with no option for plea bargaining.
Prosecution’s Firm Stance
Speaking after the court proceedings, the prosecution counsel, Frederick O. Dibang, stated:
“We just arraigned nine defendants before the Federal High Court in Rivers State on charges of conspiracy and pipeline tampering. The court denied their oral bail application and ordered them remanded pending a formal hearing,” Dibang stated.
Dibang issued a stern warning to oil thieves saying, “This is a lesson to those tampering with pipelines—there is now a specialized force dedicated to ending illegal oil activities. The era of impunity is over.”
He also cautioned security agencies saying, “When suspects are arrested with exhibits, those exhibits must be preserved. Destroying evidence undermines prosecutions.”
The case continues in May as authorities intensify efforts to combat oil sector sabotage.
The University of Lincoln is joining other universities across the United Kingdom, UK, calling for the government to reconsider its decision to impose visa restrictions on international students, BBC reported.
The restrictions, introduced at the start of 2024, prevents some students from bringing their families with them to the UK.
The government said the new rules were part of measures to curb immigration.
As a result, Lincoln University said it had seen a 51% drop in allocations from international students since the changes were applied.
Student Raha Fazlollahei, from Iran, said it was “really heartbreaking” to be so far away from her family, but said it was also an opportunity to be independent.
The university, like most, said it relied on international student fee income to compensate for the freeze on home tuition fees.
It said international student applications fell from 2,995 in 2023-24 to 1,460 in 2024-25.
Nationally, Home Office figures showed the 393,125 visas that were granted in 2024 represented a 14% drop on the figures from 2023, but that it was still 46% higher than in 2019.
“Removal of the dependents visa has made the UK a less attractive study destination overall in a competitive global marketplace for student recruitment, particularly for international masters students,” the university said.
“We support sector calls for a more evidence-based approach to international students in national immigration policy, which recognises the need to manage true migration without jeopardising the economic and societal benefits of the UK’s standing as a global study destination.”
Cost implications for Nigerians
Godswill James, from Nigeria, is studying IT and said although the changes “had impacted”, there were other contributing factors, such as initial course fee deposits and the cost.
It is costing him between £25,000 and £30,000.
Fellow student Sibghatullah Karimi, from Afghanistan, believed those figures represented a “big challenge” to some countries.
He said: “The students from Asian and African countries, their currency difference is too high, so if we convert that currency, it would be in the millions.”
It is estimated one in seven at the university are international students.
The government has been contacted for comment, but has previously said international students “will always be welcome but the net migration levels seen in recent years have been completely unacceptable, and we have committed to reducing those numbers substantially”.
‘I Said To Him, Can You Please Shut Up?’ – Ezekwesili Opens Up On Altercation With Nwaebonyi At Senate
AFOLABI
A former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has given her account of the altercation with the lawmaker representing Ebonyi North, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, during a Senate Ethics Committee hearing.
Naija News reports that the incident, which took place on Tuesday, occurred during a session regarding a petition filed by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.
The altercation unfolded when Ezekwesili instructed Nwaebonyi, who also serves as the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, to “shut up” during the panel hearing.
The former minister explained in an interview with Arise TV that the tension stemmed from the handling of the case, which was complicated by the presence of related ongoing court cases.
Ezekwesili shared that the Senate panel explained that the matter was “sub judice” because there were related cases pending in court.
“The petitioner had insisted that he would not proceed with his main petition until he received assurances regarding the two objections he had raised,” Ezekwesili stated.
She further explained that the panel had interpreted the petitioner’s reluctance to proceed as a lack of readiness to engage with the matter, which led to further frustrations.
According to Ezekwesili, the Senate panel suggested halting proceedings due to the related court cases, including one filed by the wife of the Senate President.
It was during this period that Nwaebonyi, speaking on behalf of the Senate President, intervened.
“He declared that since we were unwilling to provide any testimony, he was present as a representative of the Senate President, who was the respondent,” Ezekwesili recounted.
She continued, “I said to him, can you please shut up? We had just been informed that we were not allowed to speak, yet he was doing so freely without any form of equivalent treatment.
“The justification for silencing us was that we were unwilling to proceed without first addressing our objections.
“When I told him to be quiet and that remark provoked the senator, though he was already agitated. “He was already provoked, his anger stemmed from the belief that we were not taking the matter seriously.”
Ezekwesili reflected that Nwaebonyi’s reaction was an example of “indecorous behaviour” that is sometimes displayed by public officials in the country.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has stated that he is uncertain about whether he will contest the presidency in 2027 against incumbent, Bola Ahmed Tinubu
In a forthcoming interview for the television show Untold Stories with Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, scheduled to air today, Atiku responded to questions about his potential candidacy.
Despite previously announcing the formation of a coalition of opposition leaders aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in 2027, Atiku emphasized that a viable platform is essential before making any decisions.
Atiku, the former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), acknowledged the growing speculation surrounding who would lead the coalition, with figures like former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai being considered key contenders.
However, when asked if he would run for president again, Atiku replied, “I don’t know because there has to be, first of all, a viable platform, more than any other time in the political history of this country, particularly since the return of democracy.”
Atiku, who has contested the presidency six times, did not completely rule out the possibility of running in 2027.
He emphasized the country’s pressing need for experienced and credible leadership, stating, “I have not seen Nigeria in dire need of, you know, an experienced and credible leadership than this time.”
Reflecting on the political landscape, Atiku recalled the merger of opposition figures in 2014, where multiple candidates ran for president, and the eventual consensus around one candidate who was supported by all and won. He suggested that such unity could be replicated in the 2027 election.
Atiku also echoed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s concerns about the deterioration of Nigeria’s democracy, agreeing that the situation is “very dire.”
He expressed his disappointment with the country’s political leadership, noting that despite many individuals from the current generation having served as governors or senators, there has been little improvement in governance at the state level, which left him “a little bit distressed.”
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Monday, busted a ponzi scheme academy and arrested 133 suspects in Abuja.
EFCC Head, Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, in a press statement in Abuja, said the suspects were arrested at the Compensation Layout in Gwagwalada Area of the FCT, following actionable intelligence on the existence of the academy.
“The Academy, named Q University (a.k.a Q-Net) is in the business of recruiting gullible young Nigerians who are trained to recruit more gullible citizens into the scheme with the promise of getting unrealistic profit returns.
“The suspects are enrolled into a training codenamed: “Special Training for New Generation Billionaire” and brainwashed to believe that they would graduate into the league of billionaires. “They got into the training by obtaining a form the promoters called “Independent Representative Application Form” with promotional slogans such as: “I’m a Champion” “I’m Unstoppable”, “I’m Infinity”, among others.”
He further stated that, “The EFCC carried out the operation in collaboration with officers and men of 176 Guards Battalion, Nigerian Army.”
Oyewale said items recovered from the suspects include phones, computers and other electronic gadgets; adding that they would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded.
THE Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, yesterday, lampooned the National Assembly for backing the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State, saying the lawmakers have desecrated the 1999 Constitution.
Afenifere noted that members of the National Assembly, through their actions, have demonstrated that they lack the courage to defend the democratic rights of the people of Nigeria.
The Yoruba body stated this in a communique at the end of its National Caucus meeting held at the residence of its former leader, the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo at Isanya Ogbo in Ogun State.
The communique signed by its Leader and National Publicity Secretary, Oba Oladipo Olaitan and Prince Justice Faloye, said the action of President Bola Tinubu in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State and the support of the National Assembly was “an ill wind that blows the nation no good and spit on the faces of Nigerians.”
The communique reads: “Contrary to the expectation of Nigerians but in a manner consistent with its proven character, the 10th Assembly in both chambers not only joined hands with the President in further desecrating the tenuous 1999 Constitution but also demonstrated lack of courage to defend the democratic rights of the people of Nigeria.
“In clear terms, the provision of the constitution requiring the concurrence of the 2/3 majority of the members of the National Assembly on any matter, is in the absence of a national referendum, a call for legislative plebiscite in determining the issue concerned which must be demonstrated without equivocation.
“That the resort to voice votes obscuring compliance with the constitution on the required number to deal with such a matter of monumental national importance of Presidential reversal of the electoral decision of the people of Rivers State is an ill-wind that blows the nation no good and spit on the faces of Nigerians.
“Without recourse to other acts of persistent violation of their oaths of office and such others decimating the integrity, particularly of the Senate, Afenifere calls on the present leadership of the National Assembly to step aside in the interest of decency, integrity and respect for the principles of separation of powers on which fulcrum our democracy lies.
“In line with the above, Afenifere observed and holds that the recent vote of confidence on the Senate President by his colleagues is an admission of a crisis of trust on which motion the Senate President presided to the chagrins of the world.
“By these very acts, a new gambit has emerged – the crisis of Nigerian constitutionalism using which both the horizontal principle of separation of powers and the vertical principles of federalism are all undemocratically usurped by the all-powerful executive, who could do whatever he wants. This is the same way Hitler hijacked the German democracy.
“Afenifere calls on all people of goodwill to rise legitimately to restore the rule of law, ensure best democratic practice and save the Nigerian democracy. We must nip this in the pud before our hard-won democracy is destroyed.”
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the leadership of the National Assembly under the Senate President Godswill Akpabio of corruption.
Atiku made the claim during an interview with a TV journalist on the platform of ‘Untold Stories With Adesua’, where he also commented on the state of emergency declaration on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
When asked whether he was surprised about the National Assembly’s ratification of the proclamation by Tinubu, Atiku said: “I was not surprised because I know the leadership is corrupt, no apologies about that. They could do anything, and the Senate President is known to have that type of character even when he was a governor.”
The former vice president further, who is a leading Opposition Leader in the country, accused Akpabio of misconduct beyond financial corruption. “He was not only corrupt as a governor, but he was also in the habit of abusing women,” Atiku claimed.
On the prospect of forming a coalition to challenge the ruling party in the 2027 general election, Atiku drew parallels to the 2014 opposition merger that led to the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.
“We had a similar merger in 2014, and there were about four or three of us who ran for president. When one of us emerged, we all supported the one who emerged, and he won,” he said.
While he did not confirm his intention to run for president again, Atiku emphasised the need for experienced and credible leadership for Nigeria at this time.
“I have not seen Nigeria in more dire need of an experienced and credible leader than now,” Atiku stated.
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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reiterated the need for urgent restructuring in Nigeria, emphasizing that the country’s current trajectory poses a threat to the democratic rights of citizens.
Speaking at a coalition meeting in Yola on Tuesday, which saw members from various political parties in attendance, Atiku made a passionate call for change, warning that without action, future generations would suffer the consequences.
“We need a new movement that we can use to correct things; if we do not act this time, our children will become slaves in their father’s land,” Atiku stated, stressing that the country was not moving in the right direction.
Naija News reports that the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate revealed that he would soon speak out on national issues and clarify his political stance.
He urged his supporters to remain patient and focused, promising that he would soon break his silence on the state of the nation.
“It is not yet time for me to speak on the politics of the country, but very soon I will break my silence on my political position and other things that are going on wrongly in the country,” Atiku added.
The former vice president also called on Nigerians to be vigilant and continue working towards the country’s best interests, describing the new movement as a potential savior for the nation.
Senator Ishaku Abbo, the convener of the coalition meeting, echoed Atiku’s sentiments and affirmed that the former vice president remained their political leader, irrespective of party affiliation.
“The former vice president, you are our party, you are our logo, anywhere you go we will follow you,” Abbo stated, emphasizing Atiku’s enduring influence and leadership qualities that have endeared him to many democrats, particularly during his eight years as vice president.
Abbo’s endorsement of Atiku’s leadership resonated with the attendees, who included representatives from all 21 local government areas of Adamawa State, as well as aides from the All Progressives Congress (APC), such as those supporting the 2023 governorship candidate, Senator Aishatu Binani.
In a surprising twist, one of Senator Binani’s aides confirmed the APC candidate’s involvement in the coalition. The aide, speaking anonymously with Punch, indicated that despite Binani’s other commitments, she was aligned with the coalition and would attend future meetings.
“For you to see me here, it is very clear that my principal is among the coalition team, you see other members of the APC who are her supporters here,” the aide said, signaling a potential shift in political allegiance.
The aide also assured that Binani would be present at the next meeting.
The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) has said the representatives of the petitioners seeking the recall of the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central district at the National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti -Uduaghan did not provide their contact address, telephone number(s) and e-mail address(es) in the covering letter forwarding the petition through which they can be contacted as provided in Clause 1(f) of our Regulations and Guidelines.
The commission said the address is “Okene, Kogi State,” which is not a definite location for contacting the petitioners. It insists that only the telephone number of “the lead petitioner” is provided, as opposed to the numbers of all the other representatives of the petitioners.
INEC National Commissioner and chairman of its information and voter education committee, Sam Olumekun, said this at the end of the commission’s weekly meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said the recall process is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and the Commission’s detailed Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024, which are available on its website. He stressed that all petitions will be treated in strict compliance with the legal framework.
“The Commission held its regular weekly meeting today, Tuesday 25th March 2025. Among other issues, the meeting discussed the petition for the recall of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
“The process of recall is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, as well as the Commission’s detailed Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024, available on our website. All petitions will be treated in strict compliance with the legal framework.
“The petition from Kogi Central Senatorial District was accompanied by six bags of documents said to be signatures collected from over half of the 474,554 registered voters spread across 902 Polling Units in 57 Registration Areas (Wards) in the five Local Government Areas of Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi and Okene.
“The Commission’s immediate observation is that the representatives of the petitioners did not provide their contact address, telephone number(s) and e-mail address(es) in the covering letter forwarding the petition through which they can be contacted as provided in Clause 1(f) of our Regulations and Guidelines.
“The address given is “Okene, Kogi State”, which is not a definite location for contacting the petitioners. Only the telephone number of “the lead petitioner” is provided as against the numbers of all the other representatives of the petitioners,” Olumekun said.
The INEC Chief Spokesperson reiterated that the recall of a legislator is the prerogative of registered voters in a constituency who sign a petition indicating loss of confidence in the legislator representing them.
He said that once the petition meets the submission requirements, as contained in INEC’s regulations, the commission shall commence the verification of the signatures in each polling unit in an open process restricted to registered voters who signed the petition only.
“The petitioners and the member whose recall is sought shall be at liberty to nominate agents to observe the verification, while interested observers and the media will also be accredited. At each Polling Unit, signatories to the petition shall be verified using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
“Consequently, if the petitioners fully comply with the requirements of Clause 1(f) of the Regulations and Guidelines regarding the submission of their petition, the Commission will announce the next steps in line with the extant laws, regulations and guidelines.
“In the absence of a definite contact address, the commission is making efforts to use other means to notify the representatives of the petitioners of the situation.
“The commission reassures the public that it will be guided by the legal framework for recall. The public should, therefore, discountenance any speculations and insinuations in the social media,” Olumekun added.
President Bola Tinubu has felicitated veteran Fuji musician and entertainer, Adewale Ayuba on his 60th birthday on March 25, 2025.
Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, acknowledged Ayuba’s profound influence on Nigeria’s Fuji music genre, a cultural treasure that resonates with many.
The president also celebrates Ayuba’s legacy as one of the nation’s cherished musical icons.
Since his debut as a Fuji singer at 17, Ayuba has established himself as the Bonsue Fuji King.
Known affectionately as Mr. Johnson, the veteran Fuji musician has remained a vital presence on the Nigerian social scene.
The president recalled that Ayuba’s album ‘Bubble’ which was released in 1991 garnered numerous awards and topped the music charts for months.
He commended the multi-talented artist, who excels as a singer, drummer, and actor, and acknowledges Ayuba’s significant contributions to youth development through talent nurturing.
“Today, we celebrate an icon whose talent and dedication have brought joy to generations of Nigerians and Africans worldwide. Through his lyrics, Adewale Ayuba has etched his name in gold, standing as a formidable force in our cultural history. His music, rich with wisdom, reflects the vibrancy and resilience of our society,” Tinubu stated.
He wished the Fuji maestro a long life and good health as he continues to inspire the younger generation of entertainers and serves as a beacon of hope for the vibrant and creative youth.
The Senate, on Tuesday, dismissed a petition of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, filed by the suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central).
The petitioner, Mr. Zuberu Yakubu, representing the suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, accused the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions of bias and of denying him a fair hearing.
Appearing before the committee on Tuesday, Yakubu was accompanied by his legal counsel, Dr. Abiola Akiyode, and former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili. He initially refused to speak unless Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, his principal witness, was allowed entry into the National Assembly.
A heated exchange erupted during the hearing between Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi (APC, Ebonyi North) and Ezekwesili after tensions escalated when Yakubu attempted to speak while the Committee chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, was addressing the panel. Yakubu was instructed to mute his microphone, prompting Ezekwesili to intervene.
Nwaebonyi, present as a witness for Akpabio, interjected, leading to a sharp verbal confrontation with the former minister.
“Compose yourself and stop making noise,” Ezekwesili told Nwaebonyi.
Angered by her remark, the Senator Nwaebonyi fired back: “You’re a fool. What do you mean? Why are you talking to me like that? I will not take it. You’re an insult to womanhood. People like you cannot be here.”
Ezekwesili responded by calling him a “hooligan,” escalating the confrontation and briefly halting the proceedings of the legislative panel.
Order was later restored, but Imasuen announced that the case was already before a court, leading to an abrupt adjournment of the hearing.
Speaking to journalists after the dismissal of the petition, Yakubu explained that he refused to make a statement before the committee because he believed the hearing was biased.
He directly challenged the committee chairman, Senator Imasuen (LP, Edo South), for making prejudicial comments in the media before the hearing.
“How can the chairman serve as a judge in a case where he has already publicly taken a position? He was quoted in the media saying the petition was ‘dead on arrival.’ This means he had already made up his mind before even hearing us. How can we expect fair treatment?” Yakubu questioned.
He also alleged that some committee members had prior affiliations with the Senate President, further compromising their impartiality.
“One of the committee members denied this today, but he had previously stated on Channels TV that he is a key witness for the Senate President. In such a situation, how can we expect a fair hearing?” he asked.
A major point of contention was the exclusion of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, whom Yakubu described as the principal witness with crucial documentary evidence.
“In my petition, I clearly stated that my witness would present her evidence personally. But she was barred from entering the National Assembly. If my key witness is denied access, how can I proceed?” he asked.
Yakubu further accused the committee of using “defensive tactics” to avoid addressing the real issues.
“The committee had already made up its mind. They are simply playing a game, using procedural excuses to justify their actions. In Nigeria today, we are not following the Constitution. If we don’t uphold the Constitution, how can we expect peace and justice?” he added.
Also speaking, Dr. Abiola Akiyode, legal counsel to the petitioner, argued that the Senate’s decision lacked consistency.
“There is nothing in Yakubu’s petition that wasn’t in Senator Natasha’s original petition. If the Senate dismissed her petition as ‘dead on arrival,’ then logically, Yakubu’s should also be dismissed. Instead, they invited him and then dismissed his case on the grounds that it was in court,” she said.
She criticised the committee’s approach, arguing that it was designed to extract additional information from the petitioner rather than conduct a fair hearing.
“If they knew the matter was already in court, why did they invite the petitioner at all? They should have simply informed him that they could not entertain it. Instead, they brought him here, only to tell him they couldn’t proceed. This shows clear bias and a disregard for constitutional principles,” she stated.
Akiyode also raised concerns over the Senate’s rules seemingly overriding the Constitution, particularly in the six-month suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“The Constitution and the Senate rules on fair hearing do not align. The Senate is acting as if it operates outside the Constitution, which is why they can suspend a senator without following due process,” she added.
Former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili, who attended the hearing as a witness for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, described the committee’s conduct as a gross violation of the Nigerian Constitution.
“The Nigerian Senate is now telling citizens that Senate rules take precedence over the Constitution in a democracy. This is deeply troubling,” she said.
Ezekwesili argued that the Senate’s internal rules should not supersede national laws.
“This was exactly what happened in Senator Natasha’s suspension. The Senate prioritized its internal rules over the Constitution. Now, they have done the same thing again, using procedural loopholes to deny justice,” she added.
She emphasized that an independent committee should be set up to hear the case fairly.
“The petitioner has made it clear—he does not trust this committee to deliver justice. The Senate should constitute a neutral panel that ensures due process is followed,” she insisted.
Ezekwesili also reiterated that barring Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan from appearing as a witness further demonstrated the Senate’s bias.
“By preventing Senator Natasha from testifying, they have denied the petitioner a fair hearing. She is the principal witness, and her absence only harms the credibility of the process,” she said.