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A prominent leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and a close ally of the party’s 2023 Presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Buba Galadima, has clarified that there is no existing agreement or understanding between the North and South regarding the 2027 presidential election.
In an interview with Sunday Punch, Galadima stressed that opposition parties should be more concerned about ensuring credible and fair elections rather than focusing on the regional origins of presidential candidates.
He stated, “I don’t discuss the North and I don’t discuss the South when I speak on democracy. Okay. If Tinubu is finishing and has done well, and Nigerians decide to vote for Seyi Tinubu, I have no grudge, provided that there is a free and fair election.
“I have no grudge because that is democracy. Opposition should be more concerned about credible election, than this North and South thing.
“And anybody who tells you there is any understanding or agreement between the North and South, tell him he’s a liar. And he doesn’t understand what democracy is. He doesn’t understand what politics is. As far as I am concerned, I am talking about democracy, I am not talking about North and South.”
Naija News reports that Galadima stated this days after the 2023 presidential candidates from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar; the Labour Party (LP)’s Peter Obi; and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai announced the formation of a coalition aimed at ousting President Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
Musibau Alani, the renowned Fuji musician, has dismissed the claims that he snatched Asake’s mother, Fali, from his father, Odunsi, popularly known as Malo.
He stated that he was not responsible for the separation between the duo, adding that Fali was no longer married to Malo when he met her.
The controversy arose after Odunsi claimed that Asake had neglected him, leading to widespread social media discussions.
Some online commentators further alleged that Alani was present as a performing musician during Asake’s naming ceremony. But the Fuji veteran has categorically dismissed these claims.
However, addressing the allegation, in a recent media chat, the Stand Well Well crooner, who is Asake’s stepfather, confirmed his marriage to the singer’s mother, a union that produced three children, two of whom are now deceased.
“I met Fali as a single mother; she was already separated from her husband, whom I didn’t know at the time. We got along, and she moved in with me along with her son, Ahmed (Asake). I trained the boy,” Alani explained.
He also recalled a later encounter with Odunsi, saying, “I eventually met her ex-husband, Malo, who was working at a council in Lagos Island. The day he saw me there, he even told his colleagues to thank me for taking good care of his son, Ahmed (Asake).
*For the record, I did not snatch Fali from her first husband, and I was neither present at nor played at Asake’s naming ceremony.”
The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, on Saturday warned African presidents to take charge of the continent, as he foresees rebels spreading across several countries in an attempt to cause insecurity.
The prophet stated that prominent groups like RSF and M-23 will turn Sudan and DR Congo into war zones, with plans to continue spreading across the continent to capture more countries.
In a statement signed by his spokesman, Oluwatosin Osho, Ayodele advised African leaders to stop relying on the United Nations and support from the U.S. but instead focus on ECOWAS and the AU, and what they can do collectively to solve the insecurity crisis.
“RSF and government forces will turn Sudan into a war center, and they can become a syndicate in the African continent. M-23 and RSF can become a terrible force in the continent if African leaders don’t take action.”
“Let’s forget about the U.S. and UN—what are ECOWAS and the AU doing to curb insecurity? They are doing nothing, and this matter goes beyond the president of DR Congo. These people will terrorize Africa, and this is why South Sudan must also rise to fight the rebels there, because this will continue to spread.”
He further noted that some countries, including Benin Republic, the Central African Republic, and Togo, may soon experience an invasion by these rebels. He called on leaders to stay on high alert to prevent instability, warning that it could become a crisis that will not be easily resolved.
“Rebels will take over many African nations, including Benin Republic, CAR, and Togo. They are coming and can invade Africa as a continent. Our leaders shouldn’t sleep on this because they are not doing anything. There won’t be stability in the continent. This could become a serious crisis that won’t be healed anytime soon.”
REWIND: ‘Godfatherism isn’t good’ — in 2018, Wike advised Ambode to resist Tinubu’s influence
AFOLABI
Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), once advised Akinwumi Ambode, former Lagos governor, to reject godfatherism in his state.
In a September 2018 interview on The Osasu Show, Wike, who was then Rivers governor, advised Ambode to prioritise Lagos’ interests over those of President Bola Tinubu, widely seen as Lagos’ political godfather.
Ambode failed to secure a second-term ticket as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as it became obvious that he had fallen out with Tinubu ahead of the 2019 election.
This, many believed, was mainly because of allegations that he abandoned the party structure put in place by Tinubu and even dumped some loyalists of the APC leader.
Ambode lost his second term bid as Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Tinubu’s anointed candidate, won the party’s ticket and the governorship election.
“If it is correct that the godfather is against Ambode, I will tell him (Ambode) to resist it. I will tell him to promote the interests of his state,” Wike said.
“Godfatherism is not good. It negates development. No more godfather politics in Rivers state. We are not in Lagos state. Rivers state will not accept godfatherism. My concern is to do well for Rivers state.”
Years later, a political clash between Wike and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, over the control of Rivers state triggered a breakdown of law and order.
WIKE VS FUBARA
The rift between Wike and Fubara traces back to October 2023, when tensions flared over control of the state’s political machinery. Wike, as the outgoing governor of Rivers, had handpicked Fubara as his successor in the 2023 general election.
However, cracks emerged soon after Fubara’s inauguration, with the governor resisting Wike’s influence.
The situation escalated on October 29, 2023, when an attempt to impeach Fubara led to the demolition of the Rivers state house of assembly complex, an act Wike’s allies blamed on Fubara’s camp.
In December 2023, a peace pact brokered by Tinubu unravelled as both sides accused each other of breaches. Wike claimed Fubara abandoned those who supported his rise, while Fubara accused Wike of meddling, citing incidents like the minister’s alleged interference in local chieftaincy matters.
The crisis peaked on February 28, 2025, when the supreme court reinstated 27 pro-Wike lawmakers, tipping the balance against Fubara.
The assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, the speaker, accused Fubara of flouting court orders to re-present the 2025 budget and issued a misconduct notice against the governor on March 17.
Fubara’s efforts to meet legislative demands hit a wall, with allegations of being prevented from entering the house of assembly.
On March 18, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, pointing to the political unrest and risks to oil infrastructure as justification.
He then suspended Fubara, Ngozi Odu, his deputy, and all assembly members for six months.
Tinubu appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, retired vice-admiral as the sole administrator of Rivers state during the emergency period.
Two days later, on March 20, the senate and house of representatives controversially approved Tinubu’s emergency declaration through voice vote.
Samuel Anyanwu, national secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has praised Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory, for supporting him while he faced a legal battle to be recognised as the party’s scribe.
On Friday, the supreme court nullified the judgement which sacked Anyanwu as national secretary of the PDP.
Anyanwu and Sunday Udeh-Okoye have been laying claim to the position of the national secretary of the opposition party.
“First, let me thank almighty God. I use this opportunity to ask those who are faithful to God to remain faithful because there is nothing God cannot do. I want to thank my leaders across the country, PDP faithful, who stood by the truth,” Anyanwu said after resuming at the party’s national secretariat.
“I also thank those who have put me in the situation I was. Without their challenges, I won’t come out the way I have come out. I still thank them. In everything, we are one family. We are a PDP family. This victory is victory for all PDP faithful. It is not a victory for me.
“I want to thank, in a very special way, my friend and my leader, the honourable minister for FCT, who also believed and supported me and gave me encouragement. Some of our governors too who believed in me and believed in the truth, who stood by me in all circumstances.
“I want to assure my colleagues in the NWC that we are one family. We are one family; we came here as a family, and we will leave as a family. We came the same day; we are going to leave the same day.
“I want to assure them that despite what has happened, we are humans. We can always err, but what matters is if you are honest and sincere about your repentance.”
Anyanwu said the leaders of the PDP will reshape the party ahead of the 2027 general election.
“Our aim is to win election in 2027. I want to plead with all those who are causing confusion in our party to please desist. This is the only party we have,” he said.
“We cannot destroy our home. We can’t destroy our bed, if we destroy our bed, we will sleep on the bed. Nigerians love PDP, so we are going to work hard, we are going to brainstorm to see how the party will come back again.”
He also urged those who have left the party to come back ahead of the 2027 polls
The Federal Government has revealed how it successfully convinced the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, to accept the role of Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of the Governing Council at the newly established Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, Kaduna State.
Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa shared the details during the inauguration of the university’s Governing Council and Principal Officers in Abuja.
He explained that Vice President Kashim Shettima played a crucial role in nominating and persuading Bishop Kukah to take on the appointment.
At the Ministry’s conference hall, Dr. Alausa recounted the Vice President’s involvement: “Bishop Kukah is very busy. When the Vice President was nominating Bishop Kukah, he was very worried that I’m going to put a lot of burden on his mind. The Vice President said Bishop Kukah has so much respect for him.”
He continued, quoting the Vice President: “I’m giving the words of the Vice President now. ‘He has so much respect for me. Every time I’ve asked him to do something, he accepts that service. I want to ask him to take on the position of the Pro Chancellor. I know he’s already stretched to the limit, but for my own selfishness, for the country, in service of the country, I will ask him. And I know he will not say no.’”
According to Dr. Alausa, when Vice President Shettima reached out to Bishop Kukah, the religious leader agreed to take on the position, saying, “Yes, I will do it.”
The Minister expressed his gratitude to Bishop Kukah for accepting the role, despite his many responsibilities, describing his decision as a reflection of his commitment to education and his dedication to serving the community.
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Qurix Williams Barnabas. General Musa, an indigene of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Southern Kaduna, pledged that the Nigerian military would provide robust security for the university, ensuring a safe environment for students and staff.
A Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, has overturned its previous ruling that restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from receiving the recall petition initiated by constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The court’s landmark judgment delivered on Friday affirmed that the recall process is constitutionally valid and in line with her constituents’ civic rights.
In the ruling, the court encouraged the constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District to continue exercising their rights in an orderly and peaceful manner.
The judgment marked a significant step in the ongoing legal battle over the recall process, which has drawn considerable attention.
This latest development follows an earlier decision on Thursday, when the court had granted an interim injunction that temporarily restrained INEC, its staff, agents, and associates from receiving or acting on any petition containing signatures from the constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The injunction also halted any referendum by INEC aimed at initiating the recall process of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan until the determination of the Motion on Notice.
The initial injunction had been granted following an Ex-parte application supported by an affidavit of extreme urgency. The application was filed by Anebe Jacob Ogirima, along with four other registered voters and constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The court had been asked to prevent INEC from acting on any petition to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan until the matter was fully addressed in court.
The application for the injunction was moved by Smart Nwachimere, Esq., of West-Idahosa and Co., who co-signed the court processes in support of the motion.
The ruling reaffirms the validity of the recall process, which has seen growing momentum in the Kogi Central Senatorial District, where constituents have expressed their desire to initiate the process due to dissatisfaction with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s performance.
With the court lifting the injunction, INEC is now authorized to proceed with the petition and further actions related to the recall.
Former Ekiti governor, Ayodele Fayose, had in 2023 cautioned the now-suspended governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, about the political might of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Fayose issued the warning in May 2023 during a state banquet held in honour of Wike, shortly after he handed over power to Fubara.
He advised Fubara to tread carefully, emphasizing Wike’s reputation for never backing down from a fight.
“Your excellency, my counsel to you: God will help you. Don’t see more than what you should see.
“The moment you want to see more than you should see, you will begin to see spirits.
“I know Wike. If he says he will fight you, it is either you surrender, or you look for the trouble to the end.
“God will not give you Wike’s problem,” Fayose remarked.
A year later, as tensions between Fubara and Wike reached a breaking point, Fayose acknowledged that the situation had spiralled beyond control, stating that the conflict had “crossed the rubicon.”
Rivers’ Political Crisis Escalates, Leading to Fubara’s Suspension
Fayose’s warning proved prescient as the power struggle between Fubara and Wike escalated just weeks after the banquet. The ensuing political crisis led to deep divisions within the Rivers State House of Assembly.
On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court upheld a Federal High Court ruling that barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation from disbursing the state’s statutory monthly allocations.
Additionally, the court nullified the local government elections conducted in Rivers on October 5, 2024.
Amid these developments, the state assembly resumed sitting and revived impeachment proceedings against Fubara.
The crisis had already peaked in October 2023 when an attempt to impeach Fubara resulted in the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex.
In response to the prolonged political instability and concerns over the security of oil installations, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers.
On Tuesday, he announced the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all state lawmakers for six months.
To manage the crisis, Tinubu appointed retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas to oversee the state’s administration.
On Thursday, the National Assembly swiftly approved the president’s request for emergency rule, despite controversy surrounding the decision.
Fayose’s warning from 2023 now resonates more than ever, as the political landscape in Rivers continues to be shaped by the ongoing battle for control between Fubara and Wike.
Former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has said that the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and other elected officials of Rivers State, dents Nigeria’s image.
Jonathan said this while speaking as the Chairman at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday (today).
He expressed disappointment that elected officials had been removed.
Meanwhile, same day, the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, supported President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers.
The party said no responsible government will allow a situation to deteriorate before taking decisive action in the best interest of its citizens.
NNPP National Chairman, Dr. Agbo Major, told newsmen: “President Tinubu is the Chief Security Officer of Nigeria.
“The information available to him as president from intelligence sources may not be in the public purview.
“The government in Rivers was suspended and no one can actually say what would have happened by now, judging from the deepening crisis.
“The crisis was further compounded by some leaders who, instead of offering advice or promoting peace during the turmoil, allowed it to escalate before later stepping in to criticize.”
Jonathan…
But for President Jonathan, “These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light.”
He said it was not the norm for former presidents to comment on issues, so as not to heat up the polity.
However, Jonathan said, his comment became necessary after calls from many Nigerians, urging him to speak on the events in Rivers State.
He added that the image of the country and how much investments a country attracts is dependent on the actions of the executive, legislature and judiciary of that country.
Goodluck Jonathan faulted the situation where an individual can dictate to the judiciary, noting that it makes it difficult for anyone to have faith in the judiciary.
Popular Yoruba Nollywood veteran actress, Dupe Jayesimi, has chronicled her story of being childless at over 60 years of age.
Jayesimi made the revelation on Saturday in a podcast with Abiola Adebayo’s ‘Talk-to-B’.
According to her, she was just unfortunate to be in the situation despite several attempts to be a mother.
The Ibadan-born actress added that her mother and family refused her plans to adopt a child when her desperation heightened, stressing, “If you adopt any kid, I will feed them to death. It was then I knew that I was in for a long ride.”
“I got married on October 22, 1988. I had started theatrical works then. In our marriage, we had no child for several years despite conceiving before the wedding ceremony. After the ceremony, I had a miscarriage, which was when our problems started. We had too many tests, with several attempts to conceive. My husband and I had a misunderstanding when he left me for months without checking back when we were already five years into our marriage. The problem lingered that he would begin to use a pillow to demarcate the bed.
“He began to make plans to make me leave the marriage. I had to pack out when I could no longer bear it. Two weeks after I left the house, another woman moved into the house, pregnant. I resorted to taking alcohol and sobbing for years. I had to move on when the problem was becoming unbearable. I summoned the courage to say that I wouldn’t get married again, but my parents rejected the plan, urging me to remarry.
“So I met one Alhaji who tried his best to make me conceive. I did IVF twice, and it didn’t even work. So one day, I conceived, without even knowing. At the point that I wanted to urinate when I came back from a location one night, I couldn’t, it was too hard, I had to call for a nurse who gave me pain relief and advised that I head for the hospital the following day. When I got to the hospital, the doctor said I was pregnant, but it was an ectopic pregnancy. I cried hell. Then I was already 40 years old. I was operated on and since then, I haven’t conceived. I had to leave the Alhaji because his wife began a war with him,” she noted.
She maintained that she had stopped overthinking the issue, believing that God would make her bear a child someday, especially because of her experience with men who would lie to sleep with her.
With tears while narrating her story, Jayesimi said, “There are several men who would lie that when you marry them, you will conceive. It is a lie. They want to sleep with you. Not that I don’t think about it, but I know God’s time is the best. I have taken a lot of steps to conceive. Those whom I trained their children mock me at the end of the day.
“This acting job is just a blessing in disguise. It has helped me sustain the watered ground of mockery. What I want to do now is get a child who will be my company. If I had not listened to my mum, I would have adopted a long time ago. I am not fighting with my mum, but I want her to stay clear of me because she’s the cause of my childlessness.”
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The Coalition for Democracy and Development has called on the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the suspended Governor, Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara to put aside their differences and sign a new peace pact within the next 90 days.
The CDD condemned both Wike and Fubara urging them to prioritise the welfare of the people in the midst of the political crisis.
In a statement signed by the Public Secretary, CDD, Dr. George Ifure, he lamented the political crisis in Rivers State, adding that the ongoing crisis is a clear indication of the failure of leadership.
To resolve the crisis, the CDD also called on President Tinubu and the National Assembly to establish a committee comprising eminent Nigerians who can mediate and find a lasting solution.
The group said, “We call on Wike and Governor Fubara to put aside their differences and work towards signing a new peace pact within the next 90 days. We urge them to prioritize the interests of the people and find a lasting solution to the crisis.
“We warn Wike and Fubara that Nigerians are ready to hold them responsible if they fail to sign a peace pact within the stipulated timeframe. The CDD calls on President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to name a committee for the resolution of the Rivers State political crisis.
“We urge President Bola Tinubu to make history with the way he handles the Rivers State crisis. This is a pivotal moment that requires bold and visionary leadership. We implore him to focus on the welfare and interests of the Nigerian people, to listen to their voices, and to work towards a peaceful and democratic resolution that will restore democratic governance in Rivers State.
“We urge the two parties to embrace peace and ensure there is an immediate resolution to the crisis. The CDD believes that a peaceful resolution to the crisis is necessary to restore democratic governance in Rivers State. We urge all stakeholders to work towards finding a peaceful and democratic solution to the crisis in Rivers State.”
The West African Examinations Council has released the results of the 2025 Computer-based West African Senior School Certificate Examination for private candidates.
In a post obtained from its X handle on Saturday, the examination body said, “The results of the Computer-based West African Senior School Certificate Examination for Private Candidates, 2025-First Series have been released.”
Reacting to the developments, some students lamented inability to check their results.
An X user with the name Ephrata said, ” I checked mine now they’re saying my card has been used by another candidate. And this my first time of using it. Why is that? I bought scratch card same thing. Please I want you to reply me and tell me what wrong with it, so I can make the next steps.”
Another user with X account registered under endowedToBad, said “My student has not been able to check Nov/Dec 2024 result till now.”
Another X user called Bigname said, “Good morning, please I’m trying to re download my photo card so as to check my result pin but it’s saying that registration is not allowed this period while another X user named Trillions shared a screenshot of the negative response he got trying to check his result online.
More to follow…
Former Publicity Secretary of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, in this interview, faulted the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing that the motivating factor is the revenue that Rivers generates and 2027 elections.
Sara-Igbe, who spoke on the Morning Show, an Arise TV programme, also said Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s suspension was an attack on the people of Rivers. Excerpts:
What is your reaction to developments in Rivers State, the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and declaration of a state of emergency as well as its implications for the politics in Rivers?
This is not the first time a state of emergency has been declared. As spokesman (Dr Reuben Abati) for former President Goodluck Jonathan, a situation like this came up. In three states, a state of emergency was declared. When you (Abati) were asked why the president did not sack the governors, you made it clear that the constitution does not empower Mr President to sack or suspend elected representatives or governors in the case of a state of emergency.
Mr President relied on Section 305. If you look at Section 305 all through, Section 305 should also apply in the Northern part of Nigeria where we had war. In the case of Rivers State, there is no war, no fight, the whole place is quiet, and yet the state of emergency was declared. Not only that, an elected governor was suspended, the House of Assembly was also suspended. Somehow, this is not proper. It is an illegal action. The constitution did not empower Mr President in any way. I have looked at the condition under which a governor can be removed. This was not part of the conditions in the constitution. But I will tell you why Mr President may have taken this action. One, Mr President, seems to be very desperate to whip opponents to their nails.
Wike is the hatchet man of Mr President. Last week, he came to Rivers State like a president. He came with the military, the army, the police, the navy, the air force, the DSS, gunboats, airplanes, tanks, artillery, all were mobilised for a visit of a minister, with the intention of causing a crisis so that this state of emergency could be declared. Mr President met with the two of them and set up an agreement. In that agreement, Governor Siminalayi Fubara was asked to withdraw his case from the court. He did but the other party refused to withdraw their case. It is like two men carrying guns. You asked one man to drop his gun and the other man refused to drop his gun and you did not care. You don’t blame him and you ask him to shoot the man and they shot him. That is how they got the Supreme Court judgment they are talking about.
Mr President accused Siminalayi of not implementing the agreement. If you look at it closely, nowhere in the world where a man who has resigned will be forced to come back and the governor will accept him. But the governor accepted. When he was told to accept the House of Assembly members that have decamped from their party, he (Fubara) did. All the conditions, he (Fubara) complied with it. Yet you are not satisfied. The Rivers State elders looked at it and some of us felt, no. These eight conditions were not good for the state. So we went to court. Those things we were telling Mr Governor not to do that he applied are the ones that are now witch haunting him. You went to the Supreme Court with the same eight-point agenda. You asked the judges to write exactly what you wanted and they did for you. The governor was willing to implement the Supreme Court judgment and was ready to do that and they kept saying they wouldn’t accept it. Mr President never blamed them.
PANDEF went to see Mr President and I was among them. Mr President blamed the governor, he never blamed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike. Two people are fighting and if you want to make peace, what you would have done is to say: ‘Okay, I will fire my minister.’ At least you have the power to fire a minister that has been causing confusion not only in the Niger Delta, also in the North and in the South-East. You did not fire him, but you could fire the governor that you do not have power to fire. These are things that are obvious. Now, other governors will be watching. Today, it is the turn of Siminalayi Fubara. He (President Bola Tinubu) will apply it to the other states, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, states.
National Assembly members are there, and the law says they have to confirm. But in this case, he has also gone contrary to the constitution. He has violated the constitution. And he is asking the National Assembly to approve for him that he violated the constitution and they all accepted it. If the National Assembly now thinks this is a president that they can trust, I worry, because definitely he will go after them.
If you are saying that you are not happy with the decision the president has taken, what would you have expected him to do when you made calls for him to come in to intervene in the crisis? How would you have wanted the president to intervene?
We are not against him intervening. It is like a father who has two children fighting. You must be fair to both children. You cannot beat one and leave the other causing trouble. It is not possible. It is not right. A father must be fair to all his children. You cannot love one and show the other child that I love this one more than you. In the context of declaring a state of emergency, nobody has quarrelled with the president because he has that power under Section 305.
However, you don’t have any power in the Nigerian constitution from Section 182, 183, 188, 189, where it is mentioned how a governor or a deputy governor can be removed from office. You do not have such powers. Nothing like that to say Mr President has the power to suspend or remove a governor. When you infringe on the constitution, people will tell you. I am not a lawyer, but this is elementary law that everyone knows. The Attorney General has not advised him properly . This means democracy is at risk. Our democracy is at risk because you must stand by the truth. You are suspending a governor, an elected governor of Rivers State, and you are not suspending or sacking the minister who is fomenting all the problems. He (president) can declare a state of emergency, but he has no constitutional power to suspend the governor.
His minister who is causing the whole trouble should be sacked. The other day, this man came and abused everybody and told Nigerians openly that it is not only the Ijaw that can bomb pipelines, adding that Ogoni can bomb pipelines, Etche can bomb pipelines, Ikwerre can bomb pipelines. Within the period he has been fomenting problems, Ogoni has bombed pipelines, as he promised. He has sent people to blow pipelines in the Omoku area, as he said. Yet, you are leaving him and you are crucifying a man, an innocent man, because he is peace-loving, because he is quiet, because he is not fighting, and you allow this man who insulted everybody, insulted Niger Delta as a whole and insulted Ijaw nation.
You said: ‘Oh, Tompolo is the one looking after pipelines,’ so you want to blow pipelines in Ogoni so that you crucify Tompolo because you hate Ijaw. And Mr President is there watching these things.
Can you provide me with evidence that Wike is behind the bombing of pipelines?
I will give you the facts. A witch said a child would die today or tomorrow, and tomorrow the child died. That is what empirical facts are. Wike said on national television that Ogoni could bomb pipelines. Here is a man who came to a small community in Rivers State with over 700 soldiers, a DSS, gunboats, airplanes, jets, fire jets. What did he want? Was he going to war? The man wanted a state of emergency by all means. That was why he did what he did.
What are the elders in the state doing? Where is Fubara, as we speak? Have you spoken to him?
First, the Supreme Court said don’t release money until Fubara presents the budget. Fubara has been trying to present a budget, but he was prevented. The Supreme Court has not said anything. Money is released to somebody, a stranger, a complete stranger, who came illegally. And their interest is nothing but the money. Otherwise, why not be patient?
The state has funds that they can use to run it. We have an internally generated fund that can run the state. When you saw that this man was commissioning projects every day, all you needed to do was to stall him. And you brought a stranger, illegally. You have no legal right to suspend the governor. You have no legal right to suspend state funds. You brought somebody, and you released money to him. We have not seen Fubara, and nobody has communicated with Fubara. We do not know what they have done to Fubara. We do not know where Fubara is. We have tried to reach him, but we cannot reach him (as at Thursday). He is in danger. We want Nigerians to know that Fubara’s life is in danger.
Until we see Fubara speak face-to-face on television, we have not seen him. We have not heard from him. With all sincerity, ask anybody whether they have heard from him (Fubara). He was locked up in the Government House. We only see on social media that he has been released from the Government House. The Rivers people are worried. This is a war against Rivers State, not a war against Fubara.
Fubara has done so well, and Rivers’ people are happy with him. If Nigerians keep quiet and allow this thing to happen, it will happen in other places. And what are we inviting? We are talking about democracy. This is not a democratic government. This is a dictatorial government. And if this dictatorship is allowed to stand, then the country is finished. As regards whether we are going to see the administrator, Rivers elders are not willing to do so. We are saying that is an illegality and we cannot join illegality. We cannot dine with illegality. We will continue to protest until the right thing is done in accordance with the law.
Is it possible to imagine that even Wike himself is a loser or a victim in this matter?
You may not know the background to this issue. Just on Monday, the Federal High Court sat in Port Harcourt. Martins Amaewhule, which is the Wike faction, brought a certified true copy of the Supreme Court judgment and asked the court to strike out the case. The judge said no, he wants to hear the case on its merits. And the judge had both sides and said he would give judgment on the 15th of next month. The moment they came out from court, what we heard was, they were serving an impeachment notice.
When they realised that they could not go through with impeachment, despite the fact that they had the number, the next thing they thought of was the commando style – a state of emergency, bundle the governor away, I will take over the government and grab the money. They are interested in Rivers’ money and they have taken the money that the Supreme Court said nobody should touch until the governor presents a budget. The governor has written to them through the Secretary of Government. On his own (Fubara), he has written to them. He went to their house, their Assembly quarters and it was locked out. Nigerians are seeing it.
When they saw that things were not going the way they wanted, all they did was a non-constitutional coup, to remove the governor. What else do we want? If Wike was honourable, he would resign. He is not causing problems to Rivers alone. The North is angry because of Wike, the way he communicates with them. The South-East is angry because of Wike, and the way he communicates with them. He insulted the Niger Delta, thinking the Niger Delta would be happy, and they would support Jonathan. Former President Goodluck Jonathan lost his second tenure because of Wike. It is because of Wike that former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, left with five other governors from the PDP. And Jonathan lost the election.
Do you think President Tinubu will survive under this condition? He has created enemies for him. The next enemy he will create is the West. He will create an enemy between the West and Tinubu. Mr President is supporting whatever Wike is doing. What we are saying is that if the president is sincere, then Wike should be sacked. Then we will know that he is sincere. Wike is the fomentor of all the problems in the Niger Delta and across the country.
That the second-hand underwear market in Lagos is experiencing significant growth is not news.
What is news, perhaps, is the rising demand for used bras.
Some women say that their decisions when buying bras are based on some factors which include affordability, durability, and quality.
Many say they go for the fairly used bras, popularly known as “Okrika”, because they are mostly available, affordable and durable.
Apart from busy markets such as Tejuosho, Balogun and Katangowa, in Lagos State, thrift bras can be found in smaller markets, stores and from roadside traders.
Mrs Peace Okeke, also known as ‘Lady Bra’ among her customers in Festac Town, in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of the state, says she has been in the trade for more than 18 years.
According to Okeke, since she has been in the business, many of her customers have come to trust high quality and first grade thrift bras.
Okeke, who sells both thrift and new bras, says for those seeking affordability, durability and comfort, these first grade second-hand bras are increasingly popular option.
“I have been in the business for the past 18 years, and I have seen how people’s preferences changed.
“Most people prefer it. One, it’s durable, long-lasting, when in use. Secondly, it’s cheap, it’s affordable. Anybody can afford it,” she said.
She notes that new bras, particularly from top-tier international brands, can cost between N15,000 and N50,000, or more, for one, but the thrift bras offering similar quality are available for as low as N5,000.
“People buy the new ones but for the average person, especially those with limited income, they can get thrift bras for N5,000 comfortably.
“You can as well get three bras for the same price as one new bra, and they will last as long as you need them to,” she explains.
While some may hesitate to buy second-hand bras, especially due to social stigma or concerns over hygiene, Okeke stresses the value in opting for thrift items.
She says thrift bras are the better choice for those on a budget.
“The economic situation in the country is hard. Some people have the money to get that of N15,000 or N20,000.
“I will advise those that cannot afford to, instead of spending N15,000 on one bra, you can use that N15,000 to get three good bras.
“They will last you as long as you want without spoiling, unless you decide to change your underwear,” she said.
On the hygiene aspect, Okeke says washing them properly with warm water and salt is the simple solution.
She says her customers have not reported any issues with hygiene and infections, and that some even use the same cleaning method for thrift underwear, which she says sells in large quantities.
“Even people go as far as using it to wash thrift pants and they wear it. No germs. No diseases,” she says.
Also, Mrs Aisha Lawal, a trader at Orile Market, says the economic hardship has pushed many women to seek out thrift bras as an alternative.
“I sell both new and fairly used bras but the fairly used ones sell faster, and many women prefer them because they are stronger, cheaper and last longer than the new ones,” she says.
Lawal, who has been in the business for over 15 years says with as low as N1,500 to N2,000, customers can get a good quality thrift bra while the new one of the same quality will cost N20,000 or more.
She says durability and affordability is the selling point of thrift bras.
“Unlike many new bras that can lose their elasticity and quality quickly, especially cheaper mass-produced ones, thrift bras often sourced from reputable regions like the UK, are known for their resilience.
“Even those with larger busts, often overlooked in mainstream stores, can find a well-fitting and long-lasting bra from thrift stores at a reasonable price.
Lawal also advises buyers to soak their thrift bras in hot water and disinfectant before washing to get rid of any germs.
Acknowledging the source of quality bras, Lawal says, “some of these fairly used bras come from the UK and USA, and they are of better quality than the cheap, new ones.”
Again, one of the concerns of people are hygiene and proper care about second-hand items, especially underwear.
According to Mrs Olayemi Adebayo, she buys thrift bras that are in good condition because they are more affordable and most times better than the new ones.
Adebayo says she has not had issues with hygiene because she washes it properly before use.
Mrs Tolu Adebiyi, who is a banker, however says that apart from quality, hygiene and perception of used items are major considerations for her when buying underwear.
“I only buy new bras. I believe undergarments should be personal and new. I don’t feel comfortable wearing something that someone else has used.
“I understand that fairly used bras are more affordable but I will rather save and buy new ones,” she says.
Remilekun Moses, a lingerie businesswoman, says thrift trends will not impact underwear brands in the market.
“They have their market share and offer more stylish and sensual designs using lluxury fabrics,’’ she says.
According to Moses, who is a digital marketer, the local and international underwear brands are expanding their reach by targeting the middle and upper class through social media.
Thrift is becoming more than just a trend, it is a lifestyle for many.
People are increasingly turning to second-hand goods, not only to save money but also because they are often made with higher quality materials that last longer.
For many, thrift bras are no longer seen as second-rate option but as smart, practical solution that deliver both quality and affordability.