FEATURES
Nigeria’s Opposition Lawmakers Coalition has flayed the impeachment plan against Governor Siminalayi Fubara by members of the Rivers State Assembly, saying that it’s invalid as the lawmakers who are loyal to FCT minister Nyesom Wike were only trying to dodge the State’s 2025 budget presentation.
Recall that the Rivers State House of Assembly earlier on Monday served a notice of alleged misconduct against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
This comes amid rising tensions between the governor and the State Assembly over the presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
In a letter dated March 13, 2025, and addressed to Speaker Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, Governor Fubara had expressed his intention to present the budget on March 19, 2025, or any other day within the month after being allegedly locked out of the Assembly earlier last week.
The opposition federal lawmakers in a statement by their spokesperson, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, knocked the state lawmakers, urging Rivers people to ignore their latest antics.
Ugochinyere said the latest move of the pro-Wike lawmakers was aimed at causing crisis and raising tension in the state with the antics of commencing an illegal impeachment move.
The Federal lawmakers said there was no valid impeachment notice against the governor but a desperate strategy to divert attention from their constitutional violation of refusing to accept budget because of ‘their evil interest’ to see Rivers people suffer.
The Coalition said, “There is still a valid court judgement barring them from commencing any impeachment move and as long as that order remains, they can only dream of removing Fubara to help their political masturbation but in reality Fubara is above their dreams. These guys are local political blackmailers and propagandist , they suffered Rivers state up to Supreme court and when they won on the budget, the governor compiled and presented the budget and they ran away from receiving him meaning their interest is not the budget but to ensure the people of Rivers their own people suffer and die from hunger.
“The Governor wrote another letter to them and they claimed to have gone on recess on Friday evening and now suddenly the people who went on recess on Friday wakes up on Monday to claim they have commenced a purported impeachment, just to distract the slated budget presentation billed for this week.
“They suddenly fabricated allegations of age falsification to the same Chief Judge they once cleared just to see if they can intimidate him into joining their anti rivers plot, a move that have failed already hence their attempt to undermine the state judiciary for not supporting their plots against their own people.
“How can you fail to receive budget, run away on the agreed date and claimed to have gone on recess and suddenly in your hideout claimed to have commenced non existing impeachment on the same grounds of refusal to present budget, when you are the one running away from receiving the budget, so those allegations of imaginary offences are the desperate Abuja conceited offence for their dream of installing speaker who is Wike errand boy as governor, a move that is dead on arrival, we wish to urge rivers people to go about their business as this latest kindergarten blackmail is dead on arrival and will amount to nothing.”
The All Progressives Congress and other opposition figures on Monday lampooned ex-Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for leading a proposed coalition against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 poll.
This comes as the plot to raise a formidable opposition against Tinubu’s re-election continued to gain traction.
El-Rufai defected to the Social Democratic Party from the APC last week, citing a growing misalignment between his values and the current direction of the ruling party as the primary reason for his decision.
In an interview with BBC Hausa after his exit from the APC, the former governor called on Atiku, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, ex-Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi, ex-minister, Rauf Aregbesola and all the opposition leaders to join him in his new party.
El-Rufai had lately been hobnobbing with Atiku, a development that sparked speculations that the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party Presidential candidate may be working with the ex-Kaduna governor to rally a coalition against Tinubu.
Atiku has consistently emphasised the need for unity among opposition parties, noting that he is actively working to bring the opposition parties together in a coalition to oust the ruling party from power.
Also, Obi and the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed, agreed to work together to ensure the emergence of a new leadership in the country in 2027 after a meeting in Bauchi last week.
Some of the heavyweights said to be involved in the anti-Tinubu plot include the immediate- -past National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Adamu; ex-Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami and former Senate President, Ahmed Lawan.
Others are Amaechi; former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha, ex-Cross River State governor, Liyel Imoke, ex-Sokoto governor, Aminu Tambuwal, Aregbesola and other unnamed APC and Peoples Democratic Party chieftains.
Amaechi declined comment when asked if he had plans to join the SDP. “No comment,’’ he said.
Nwajiuba, Dalung, Adamu and Aregbesola did not respond to calls and messages on Monday.
However, a prominent figure in the Aregbesola-backed Omoluabi movement in Osun, Mr. ‘Lowo Adebiyi, said the group’s next political destination would be announced soon.
“When the time comes, we will announce it. In party formation, a lot of factors will be considered. We will announce it soon,” the former Osun State chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria assured.
A report also said top members of the defunct Congress for Progress Change, one of the founding parties of the APC, are also planning to join the SDP coalition to unseat Tinubu in 2027.
But addressing the growing plot against Tinubu, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, labelled El-Rufai’s invitation to the SDP coalition as ‘’an offer to drink from a cup tainted by vengefulness and a delusion of grandeur.’’
In a statement on Monday, the APC asserted that El-Rufai was traumatized over his inability to secure a ministerial position in Tinubu’s administration.
He said, “His claim that he exited because the party had deviated from its founding values or progressive ideology is a smokescreen to weaponise personal grievance garbed as principled dissent. El-Rufai appears traumatized by his failure to land a ministerial position.
“Nursing a bruised ego, he now lashes out at the platform on which he rode to political prominence. Assuming that matters of political conviction had anything to do with his exit, exactly how is the Social Democratic Party, El-Rufai’s new political abode, an ideological safe haven?
“Nigerians are far more savvy than El-Rufai thinks, and they know that he is driven by raw self-interest rather than a genuine concern for the country.
“We continue to welcome millions of new members across the country, who are joining to identify with the Party’s lofty values and support President Tinubu’s bold and transformative policies now birthing sustainable growth and prosperity for our country.”
The Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the APC, Cornelius Ojelabi, dismissed the political machinations against the President, saying Tinubu is unstoppable.
He said, “Well, I don’t really see it as a gang-up against Tinubu. They are free to join a coalition or the political party of their choice. We are doing our own. But the truth is that Tinubu is unstoppable.
“His achievement is there for all to see. But you can’t do without having a few disgruntled elements.”
Ojelabi also ruled out the possibility of a coalition stopping Tinubu, saying it is an effort in futility.
“That is not a coalition they are talking about. It is a coalition that is based on their personal interests. By the time they put all their interests together, you will see that the coalition is dead on arrival.
“It is not one founded on principles. It shouldn’t be coming at a time Asiwaju is reshaping the economy of the country,” he stated.
The APC Zonal Publicity Secretary (North-West), Musa Mailafiya expressed doubts about the SDP being a viable nucleus for a formidable coalition against the ruling party.
According to him, El-Rufai is just taking some of his supporters and loyalists on a wild goose chase.
He said, “Is that how to build a coalition? Did you listen to Sule Lamido’s speech? Let us be realistic. Did you see the possibility of a coalition with the rest of the SDP? They are building a coalition based on the nomination of the SDP.
“To me, El-Rufai is just making noise. He is seeking every means to bring down the APC, the same platform through which he became a two-term governor. But we know he will remain in denial. That was why he confessed that the APC left him. But time will tell if the so-called coalition will survive.
‘I read somewhere that he is planning to bring in bigwigs like Abdulaziz Yari to join the SDP. These are people who are working day and night tirelessly for the unity of the APC. Their profiles are far bigger than El-Rufai. He is just desperate.”
A chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Buba Galadima, said the proposed coalition being championed by the former governor is built on illegality and does not serve the public interest.
Galadima in an interview with The PUNCH declared that El-Rufai is merely a placeholder for Atiku in the SDP.
The politician also disclosed that the NNPP 2023 presidential candidate, Musa Kwankwaso, was approached to join the coalition, but he declined because of the faces behind the new frontier and the timing.
He criticized the idea of making the SDP the base for the 2027 coalition, claiming that the intentions of El-Rufai and others are impure.
He stated “I don’t think El-Rufai will succeed because he lacks a track record in public relations and doesn’t have the trust of the people, as he has wronged many. This will be the downfall of SDP itself.
‘’Additionally, El-Rufai is merely a placeholder for someone else who is expected to take over the party. He does not own it. We know exactly who the true owners are, and they too carry baggage from their past actions towards other politicians and governors. They won’t succeed with this approach. You can’t try to take over a government out of anger.’’
Speaking further, the NNPP chief noted, “El-Rufai cannot lead because no one trusts him. He has a history of betrayal and that will follow him.
‘’He has made many harmful statements and hurt countless people. He ditched Obasanjo, Buhari and now Tinubu. In fact, I don’t believe God will allow him to succeed.’’
A former communication minister, Adebayo Shittu, said he had no plan to join the bloc seeking to remove Tinubu from office, adding that he was not leaving the APC.
“I’m APC pure and simple and I’m aspiring to become APC governorship candidate in Oyo State,” he said, admitting that he was being wooed to join the SDP.
He said, “Of course, I have been approached with the offer to join the SDP. But as I earlier said, I am not part of those moving in and moving out of the party. Besides, I have no reason to want to dump the APC and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“Again, I am not part of the coalition they are talking about because it is not what we need now. Number two, Tinubu still has time to transform Nigeria into the country of our dreams.
‘’You can already see the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and other infrastructural developments by this government. These are national projects we should be proud will bring relief to Nigerians, not a coalition.’’
Former Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, Akin Oshuntokun, expressed concerns over the viability of a strong opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on Arise Television on Monday, Oshuntokun noted that the presidential ambitions of key opposition figures, particularly Obi and Atiku, pose a significant challenge to forming a united front against the APC.
Oshuntokun pointed out the difficulty in bringing together candidates like Obi and Atiku, both of whom contested the 2023 election and are likely to seek the presidency again in 2027.
He emphasized that Obi enjoys strong support from the youth and the Obidient movement, while Atiku has backing from the Northern political establishment.
He warned that unless one of them steps down from seeking to be the presidential standard-bearer, a repeat of the 2023 scenario—where opposition forces were divided—could occur.
Oshuntokun suggested that for the opposition to succeed, Obi might need to reconsider his presidential ambition and instead focus on building a formidable political movement.
“Some people have been promoting the idea of having somebody new altogether to come up as the candidate. So the problem they are going to face is how to solidify that alliance, coalition.
“So what do you do with somebody like Obi? It is a big dilemma. Some will say Obi should run with Atiku and it is a very good argument. But in the process, he is going to lose a lot of credibility among the young people,” Oshuntokun stated.
He cautioned that Obi may struggle to replicate his 2023 success if he runs independently without forming alliances.
“Obi is in a difficult position. There will be pressure on him to run as a vice-presidential candidate alongside a Northern politician. However, the Obidient Movement strongly opposes this idea, as they see him as their chosen leader,” Oshuntokun stated.
He acknowledged calls for a fresh candidate to lead the coalition but highlighted the challenge of unifying opposition forces.
“Some argue that Obi should run with Atiku, which is a valid point. However, doing so could cost him credibility among young voters,” he noted.
“If I were him, I would prioritize building a strong political movement rather than insisting on a presidential bid. Either way, he will face criticism. If he chooses to go solo with the Labour Party again, he is unlikely to achieve the same momentum. In 2023, he took the establishment by surprise, but this time, they are prepared,” he added.
On Atiku, Oshuntokun remarked, “Atiku remains a major player in Northern politics. I cannot see him staying politically active without aiming for the presidency. However, in politics, anything can happen—even 24 hours can change the game.”
Oshuntokun suggested that the APC’s 2015 coalition strategy could be replicated if opposition figures demonstrate the willingness to set aside personal ambitions and resolve internal disputes. He emphasised that Tinubu’s disposition to conducting a free and fair election, as well as the overall performance of his administration, would also be key factors in 2027.
He pointed out that unexpected events could impact the political landscape, citing the Chibok girls’ abduction as a critical moment that weakened former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration and fueled public demand for change in 2015.
Moreover, he stressed that for the opposition to stand a real chance in 2027, dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s government must be strong within the North.
“If there is any hope of unseating the APC, the core opposition must come from the North, as discontent in that region would significantly weaken Tinubu’s chances.
“I fear that several people are coming on board to seek the presidency. To have the kind of 2015 alliance, the quality of people coming together matters and their capacity to resolve irreconcilable differences also matters.
‘’If there will be any hope to unseat the present APC-led government, the core of opposition has to come from the North not being happy with Tinubu,” he stated.
An SDP chieftain in Ondo State, Shola Agboola emphasised that the planned coalition is bound to fail because the SDP is divided.
Agboola claimed that regardless of who joined the SDP, the National Working Committee led by its current National Chairman Shehu Musa Gabam, is illegal.
He stated, “Ordinarily when political heavyweights join a particular party, that party should consider itself fortunate, as they are expected to add value.
‘’However, you cannot just accept someone who aims to hijack your party. This has happened to us before, so we are taking our time.
“Sincerely speaking, the Social Democratic Party is factionalized. There are two factions: Faction A, which is the original, consists of the bonafide members of the party, chaired by Simon Adesina.
‘’The other faction, the parallel group, which I call faction B, is led by Gabam. Unfortunately, Gabam is heading a kangaroo National Working Committee of the SDP.
“I will tell you to inquire from Gabam when and how he joined SDP. How did he rise to become the current national chairman? It’s very simple: Whether it was done correctly, through counterfeit means, or whatever. He was the secretary of the SDP, who at a certain point, declared himself national chairman.
“He was never elected to that position. So, you can see the imbalance that has been pervasive in the SDP for quite some time. So, I am not impressed by any of the so-called political juggernauts as long as they lack sincerity of purpose.”
But the SDP National Secretary, Olu Agunloye, denied there is a crisis in the SDP.
Agunloye, who had filed a petition with the Inspector-General of Police regarding an attempted assassination and efforts to forcefully remove him from office, stated that the SDP would welcome more political heavyweights and urged party leaders to support the new entrants.
He stated, “There is no leadership crisis in our great party, the Social Democratic Party under the leadership of Alhaji Shehu Gabam, the National Chairman.
‘’The current situation that is noteworthy is that there is a much-welcomed influx of politicians including high profile elites into our party and we are expecting more to come.’’
On the plot to remove him, the SDP scribe said, “No, I do not think El-Rufai is behind it. The much-respected former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai only joined SDP on 10 March 2025.’’
Meanwhile, a former National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the APC and a key strategist in the ongoing proposed coalition of opposition parties, Salihu Lukman, has hinted that his followers and several North-West political bigwigs are still consulting with the leadership of the SDP.
Lukman, an ally of El-Rufai, explained that there is a need to put certain things into proper perspective before pitching tent with the new party to avoid a repeat of the mistakes many aggrieved members made.
He said, “After discovering that APC is far gone, almost beyond redemption, the project is basically to bring all leaders of the opposition and the disgruntled, what we call internally displaced politicians in the APC to come together and try this time to produce a truly alternative party that will really promote political competition in the country.
“The frustration of Nigerians with the current democracy is that everything is predictable. You can predict, if we continue like this, Asiwaju is going to be the presidential candidate of APC in 2027. You can also predict all the first-time governors will emerge as the candidate for APC, whether they are popular in their states or not.
“All legislators at federal and state levels, whether they have performed or not too. So long as they are in the good books of Asiwaju and the party leadership, they will be returned. So, we may move if the SDP meets our conditions. We are still in discussion. If they meet it tomorrow, fine.”
He bemoaned what he called El-Rufai’s hasty defection to the SDP.
Human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, said on Monday that the youth corps member Ushie Uguamaye who criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over hardship is under tremendous pressure to apologise.
Sowore, who accompanied the corps member to the NYSC Local Government Inspector’s office in Lagos alongside a team of lawyers, said government officials, including ministers, had been reaching out to pressure Uguamaye to apologise.
Speaking on Arise TV on Monday night, Sowore insisted that the corps members committed no crime by exercising their freedom of expression in criticising Tinubu’s administration.
In a now-viral TikTok video, a Lagos-based corp member, Uguamaye, on Saturday criticised President Bola Tinubu’s government, expressing frustration over Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions, lamenting the high inflation and economic hardship.
She also criticised the President by describing him as a “terrible leader” while questioning the government’s efforts to alleviate the hardship faced by the citizens.
The corp member complained, “I am coming from a supermarket where I went to get foodstuff, and everything has gone up again. It’s just like every single week, prices keep increasing.
“I want to know, what is the government doing about this increase? If a lot of Nigerians come out and start speaking about what we are going through, maybe changes will be made in the government.
“I don’t know if there is any other president that is as terrible as you (Mr Tinubu). But you (Mr Tinubu) are such a terrible president.”
She later alleged that she had received threats over her comments, sparking widespread debate on free speech and political dissent in Nigeria.
She also shared a screenshot of an invitation from the NYSC, summoning her to appear before the LGI office at Eti Osa 3 on Monday at 10:00 a.m
On Monday, Sowore, in a video shared on X on Monday, revealed that he had met with Uguamaye in Lagos and would be accompanying her to the NYSC Local Government Inspector’s office alongside a team of attorneys.
“The journey with youth corper, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, has commenced in Lagos.
“She is scheduled to appear before the LGI (Local Government Inspector) today and we will escort her to their offices. We are all en route with attorneys,” Sowore captioned the video.
Giving an update later, the activist wrote: “We arrived at Eti-Osa LGI offices of the National Youth Service Corps with youth corper, Ushie Rita Uguamaye in Lagos. She was scheduled to appear before the LGI today and we escorted her to their offices with attorneys, Festus Ogun, Adeyinka Oyesomi and Ojienoh Justice but LGI officials had absconded failing to show up throughout our stay. We will be back! #RevolutionNow #tinubuisaterriblepresident.”
Meanwhile, another activist, and journalist, Agba Jalingo, urged Nigerians and authorities to show Uguamaye empathy and support instead of condemning her for the viral video.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Jalingo said Uguamaye experienced personal tragedy linked to poor government policies when her father, Raphael Ushie, a Chief Inspector of the Nigeria Immigration Service, died in May 2019 after protesting the demolition of his palm plantation for the Obudu International Airport project.
Jalingo explained, “There was a protest by youths and women of the Ukambi community over the demolition of their community farmlands for the Obudu International cargo and passenger airport.
“According to a CrossRiverWatch report, her dad, Ushie, who was also the younger brother of Governor Ayade’s physician, Dr Vincent Ushie, died after he was rushed from a hospital in Obudu to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, having participated in the protest.”
He recounted that Ushie, who was approaching retirement, had invested his life savings in a palm plantation in Ukambi.
Upon hearing that demolitions had begun in neighbouring communities and were nearing Ukambi, he hurried home to protect his land.
“He arrived and went straight to the farm in his uniform and met the bulldozer nearing his plantation. He faced the operator and tried to prevent him from encroaching on his land before other community members joined him.
“He participated fully in the day’s protest, and the demolition collapsed afterwards. He was rushed to a hospital in Obudu. The matter couldn’t be handled there, and he was moved to UCTH in Calabar, where he passed on,” Jalingo recounted.
Jalingo revealed that despite losing her father and their farm, Uguamaye’s family received no compensation, leaving her mother to struggle with her education.
“And this young girl goes to the market and comes back to complain about what everyone in the country, including the President’s supporters, are grumbling about, and some persons are calling for her head?” Jalingo questioned.
“If you were in her shoes—you live in a country where the system kills your dad for no reason when you are only 19, your mother suffers to see you through school, and when you try to express your frustrations publicly, the same nation that killed your father threatens to kill you too—so where is the freedom of expression?” he added.
Jalingo urged Nigerians to show empathy rather than condemn her.
He stated, “I think that rather than pushing this young girl into additional complications, well-meaning Nigerians should rather sympathise with her ordeal and rise up to support her and the family to regain the missing gaps in their lives.”
Meanwhile, a senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, Temitope Ajayi, has called for the immediate expulsion of the corps member from the NYSC.
Ajayi, in a statement on Monday, emphasised the importance of upholding the nation’s long-cherished values of dignity, discipline, and mutual respect among citizens.
“I suggested that blatant disregard for NYSC by-laws and established protocols should be met with the full weight of NYSC disciplinary measures, particularly in light of a corps member’s recent act of imprudence,” Ajayi stated.
He added, “It is well established that the maximum penalty under NYSC regulations is expulsion—nothing beyond the existing rules and guidelines has been suggested or implied.
“The NYSC scheme is a historic and valued national programme that should not be undermined by acts of indiscipline. It stands as a testament to our victory over division and our continued efforts to build a stronger, united nation.”
“He Came To Our Party To Spy, Ruined The Party” – Lagos PDP attacks Jandor over return to APC
AFOLABI
he Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has lampooned Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, following his return to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Adediran, who was the Lagos PDP governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, announced his return to APC at a news conference on Monday in Lagos.
Adediran, leader of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, announced his resignation from the PDP on March 3, 2025, citing a lack of discipline in the party and betrayal by its leaders.
He was previously a member of the APC before joining the PDP.
Reacting to his defection in an interview with our correspondent on Monday, the Deputy Chairman of the PDP in Lagos, Tai Benedict, said Jandor was never “our own” and was allegedly planted by the APC to destabilise the PDP.
Benedict said, “He was never our own. He was an agent sent to our party to destroy our party. The very first time I saw him, I told him to explain – that you are an agent of the APC, sent to our party because they knew we had a bright chance to win that election.
“Although he denied it, eventually, I was vindicated. This was somebody who came to the party, and the first thing he did was to start accusing the leaders and the next thing he did was to disorganise a united party to the national level until he got the ticket of our party from the back.
“You know, it’s very unfortunate, very unfortunate. We have never had it so badly. But all I have to say is we thank God. We’re okay with his exit.
“He came, he singularly picked his running mate. It has never happened. He said because Funke (Akindele) had over three million followers on Instagram, that will make his victory (at the 2023 governorship poll) easier. But we had only 62,000 votes.”
“For me, I thank God that he has left our party. It’s not a good thing to lose membership in parties, I quite agree with that. It’s not good to lose your members to other parties. But there are some members that if they leave, you’ll be happy. One of such members is Jandor.”
Meanwhile, the APC in the state has welcomed Jandor, describing him as a vibrant young man who only traced his roots back home.
The party’s publicity secretary, Seye Oladejo, in an interview with The PUNCH on Monday, said the APC was ready to work with Jandor.
Oladejo said, “Like all politicians, Jandor came to the party with ambition. At the time, that could be realised quickly on the platform of the conservatives, which has been rejected at the polls several times by the people of Lagos.
“So, now that he’s back, we’re happy to work with him. We appreciate the fact that Lagos has been better and safer in the hands of the progressives, who have enjoyed uninterrupted trust and confidence from the people.
“We believe in our party that there is sufficient opportunity for him, like many others, to contribute his quota to the continual success of our government and growth of our party.”
He said the party was expecting more politicians to defect to the APC.
“In the days ahead, we’re expecting more decamps as we approach the next election.”
Dismissing the PDP’s claim that the APC planted Jandor to destablise the opposition, Oladejo said, “It shows how inept ideas this so-called opposition is.”
“We’re talking about a party that’s perpetually in crisis. We’re talking about a party that can’t organise itself, and they want to govern. The electorates in Lagos are informed, they are sophisticated.
“They’re just looking for excuses to justify their incompetence, and the fact that they’re incapable of mobilising whatever modicum of support they have for election victory.”
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]
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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
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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
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... lauds Gov Abiodun's Vision, Policies on attracting investment to Ogun State