Oyo State governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has vowed that the government in the state will not accommodate errant herdsmen, illegal miners as well as criminals and bandits being pushed out of the northern part of the country to seek refuge in the South-West and other areas.

Governor Makinde stated this in his monthly newsletter where he disclosed to holding expanded meeting of the Oyo State Security Council on Thursday to address the security threats.

“One thing is certain, Oyo State will not welcome such criminals. We will push back to ensure that they are flushed out of our State. And so, our deliberation today (Thursday) was about the strategies we will deploy and the roles that we all should be playing to ensure that we continue to keep our dear State safe and secure.

“We must do whatever it takes to protect the relative peace that has helped us grow our State’s GDP by over 50% since 2019,” Governor Makinde said.

Also speaking on the Tuesday declaration of state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State, Makinde said it was necessary to speak up when anything threatens the development of the nation, even if it takes standing alone.

“As our democracy grows and unfolds, we must also be willing to speak up when we see anything that threatens our development as a nation. We must choose to stand up for what is right, even if it means standing alone.

“This is why I stand today to say that the declaration of the State of Emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of the executive and legislative arms of government by the presidency is an illegality that right-thinking members of society must oppose.

“Our democratic tenets must never be trifled with no matter our personal feelings and loyalties. This is the time to take a stand for fairness, equity and justice. And I am glad that our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is demonstrating the needed strength and leadership,” the Oyo State Governor said.

He recalled that the PDP Governors’ Forum rose from an emergency meeting on Wednesday “where we unanimously decided to challenge the actions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a court of competent jurisdiction.” He added, “We cannot fold our hands and watch the democracy we built for almost three decades be trampled upon. The time to act is now!”

LEADERSHIP recalls that the Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and the State House of Assembly were suspended for an initial period of six months by President Tinubu over the political dispute in the state.

Both chambers of the National Assembly ratified the president’s decision through their consent on Thursday at the plenary of the Senate and House of Representatives.

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Siminalayi Fubara has released a statement to address allegations claiming that the suspended governor did nothing to prevent militant attacks on oil installations in the state.

The statement, signed by Nelson Chukwudi, clarifies that Fubara has consistently promoted peace and non-violence, even in the face of extreme provocations.

According to Chukwudi, Fubara has nothing to do with the threats by militants and did not “telegraph” the reported attacks on any oil facility in the state.

He rather clarifies that the reaction of stakeholders in the Niger Delta, especially elders, chiefs, women, the Ijaw National Congress, its youth wing, the IYC, as well as militants, among others, was triggered by remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike.

He explained that the reaction stemmed from a live media chat where Wike dismissed Ijaws as a minority of the minorities and powerless in the Nigerian polity, saying that Ijaws are not the only ones who are militants and can blow up pipelines.

“Governor Fubara has consistently made it clear that his administration is committed to the peace, security, and safety of oil facilities in the state. On several occasions, including project commissioning events and the handover of the AW139 helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force, Governor Fubara emphasised the need to protect oil pipelines and other facilities in the state.

He further addressed allegations that Governor Fubara demolished the State House of Assembly complex without rebuilding it.

The governor’s office explains that the demolition was done based on professional advice and guidance and that a new state-of-the-art assembly complex is nearly 80 per cent completed.

The Rivers State Government has called on security agencies to focus on the real purveyors of violence and to critically evaluate incidents of violence in the state.

The statement emphasizes that Fubara has worked hard to promote and sustain peace in the state and that allegations suggesting otherwise are untrue

He said: “Since inception as the Chief Executive of Rivers State, Governor Fubara has prioritised investment in upscaling the welfare and operational equipment of all personnel and arms of the Armed Forces and security agencies in the state.

“He has built livable office and residential accommodation for officers and men and donated vehicles, gunboats, helicopters, and other critical needs of the formations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the performance of their duties.

Nollywood actress, Nkechi Blessing Sunday, has expressed regrets after losing several brand deals due to her past controversial lifestyle.

Naija News reports that until recently, Nkechi had been involved in many controversies with her colleagues and men she had dated.

However, in an emotional video via her Instagram page on Thursday night, Nkechi said opinions of third parties have discouraged many brands from working with her over fear of being called out online.

According to the thespian, the past online controversies were due to her failed romantic relationship, and she needed to defend herself because the other party was tarnishing her image.

Speaking further, Nkechi Blessing said she could no longer take the negativity surrounding her person, and people should get to know her by themselves instead of relying on what they see online.

Nkechi Blessing apologised to everyone who saw her as a nuisance, and she begged them to give her a chance by working with her.

She said, “Before whatever relationship I had that went viral online, I’ve had several relationships with people that didn’t even make it online and the relationship ended, and then just one that came online and made headlines, people are categorising on it. Why am I saying this? I meet someone today that likes me and wants to help me, not sexual, just normal people that like me that didn’t meet me online, and you know in life if you want to do something with somebody, either business, relationship or anything, you will seek third party opinion like ‘this person I met can you tell me some things about her’ and you hear things like ‘ah! Run away from her o, she will drag you online’ why? I am not blaming anybody because this is my doing, na me cause am, but then again, whatever relationship that came online and became a topic, wasn’t because I wanted it to be like that, it ended months before the outburst, meaning I had already moved on with my life, not wanting anything to come out in the open but the other party needed it to so that he could feel good about himself then that was me trying to defend myself because the internet never forgets.

“I won’t have someone speak ill about my person and I will not come to defend myself. If it were to be now, I would probably ignore because this is the life I’m living now, ignoring every negative vibes and just focusing on positivity only, but it has been affecting me. Imagine someone wants to work with me and they seek third party opinion and they hear things like ‘ah! That controversial girl! She’s not somebody you can work with’.

“I can no longer take it, it is enough, I know I made all of you see me like that but that is not who I am. Allow me to have friends and business partners in peace, let them know me by themselves, that bad person wey una dey call me for internet, let them experience it themselves. If not be by the grace of God, I for no dey see food chop because I know how many deals I have lost but God’s grace keeps me going, it is enough. At least I have shown traces of changes for the past two years.

“This is my sincere apology to everybody that has seen me as an idiot, a nuisance and a notoriety. Please, I beg you in the name of God, if you see someone that wants to work with me, give them the benefit of doubt, tell them ‘know her by yourself’, I am a very sweet person to work with.”

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has condemned the transactional nature of politics in Nigeria.

Speaking via a statement on Friday released on his X account, Obi submitted that the overwhelming approval given on Thursday by the National Assembly to the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu shows the country lacks true democracy.

Naija News reports that before the National Assembly approved the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, there were fears that opposition lawmakers may move against the president’s declaration and prevent the two-third majority needed to get parliamentary approval.

However, there was no major opposition to the declaration when the matter came up for hearing in both chambers of the National Assembly on Thursday.

Speaking against this backdrop, Ob explained that there is no real democracy when the opposition can not thrive, as a functional opposition is what holds the ruling party accountable and offers reasonable alternatives to the citizens.

The former Anambra State Governor also submitted that a situation where politicians defect freely without any consequence weakens democratic institutions, the opposition and undermines the will of the people.

While comparing Nigeria to South Africa and Indonesia, Peter Obi, however, added that the fight to entrench real democracy in Nigeria would continue despite the current state of things and called for urgent reforms.

“The parliamentary vote held yesterday clearly demonstrates that democracy, in its true sense, does not exist in Nigeria. Where there is no functional opposition, democracy cannot thrive.

“Opposition is a critical pillar of any democratic system. It ensures that the right things are done, holds the ruling party accountable, and offers alternative viewpoints. However, an effective opposition can only exist within a system that supports proportional representation—an approach practised in countries like South Africa and Indonesia.

“In South Africa, for example, the National Assembly has 400 seats. The African National Congress (ANC) received about 40% of the vote and holds approximately 160 seats, while the Democratic Alliance (DA), with about 20% of the vote, holds around 80 seats—alongside several other parties. Those who contested the presidential election remain the recognised leaders of their respective parties.

“A similar situation exists in Indonesia and other countries where democracy is genuinely practised. As is the norm in such systems, laws prohibit elected officials from switching parties without forfeiting their seats. This helps maintain party discipline and preserves the sanctity of the electoral mandate. These mechanisms contribute to a more balanced, accountable, and credible democratic process.

“If that were the case in Nigeria, our Senate—comprising 109 seats—would be more reflective of electoral realities, with the APC holding 44 seats, the PDP 33 (under the leadership of Atiku), and the Labour Party 27 (under my leadership). Ideally, the House of Representatives should mirror this balance, with approximately 144 APC members, 108 PDP members, and 90 Labour Party members. But this is far from the case. The absence of laws restricting party defection allows politicians to switch allegiances freely and without consequence. This not only weakens the opposition but also makes a mockery of the electorate’s will and undermines the integrity of our democratic institutions.

“What we are left with is not a genuine democratic system, but one that is transactional, compromised, and, in many respects, resembles organised criminality. Unless we urgently implement reforms to entrench true democratic principles, enforce party discipline, and ensure fair representation, Nigeria’s democracy will remain fragile and dysfunctional.

“But we will not surrender to criminality. We shall continue to fight for democracy—genuine democracy,”

The Presidency has described former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, and the former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, as disgruntled politicians.

Naija News reports that Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had on Thursday announced that a coalition of opposition political parties that will defeat the ruling party and President Bola Tinubu has been formed.

In response to the recent regrouping of some politicians, including the former governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, and former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a post via ?, described the politicians as a frustrated lots and sore losers.

Onanuga said President Tinubu is focused on governance to build a prosperous country.

He wrote, “My message to the coalition of Tinubu haters: President Tinubu is focused on governance to build a prosperous country. He is on the way to achieving this. Two months to his midterm, he has many solid achievements to showcase.

“Intractable problems are being tackled headlong. He cannot be distracted by the so-called coalition of politicians. They are not politicians after the Public Good. It’s all about their self-interest. They are disgruntled. They are a frustrated lot.

“The leaders are sore losers. The coalition is an amalgam of Tinubu haters. Their agenda is to stop Tinubu

The House of Representatives on Thursday ratified the State of Emergency proclaimed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Rivers State on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

The approval, which followed a unanimous voice vote by 243 Members present at plenary, in accordance with Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), came after extensive deliberations and key amendments introduced during Thursday’s plenary at the Green Chamber.

Naija News reports that this was disclosed in a statement on Thursday by the House of Representatives spokesperson, Akin Rotimi.

The House began Thursday’s session with an executive session, in line with Order 16 of the Standing Orders (Eleventh Edition), during which Speaker and Presiding Officer, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, read the President’s communication regarding the proclamation.

At plenary, the House adopted a motion to stand down all other business scheduled for the day, allowing for in-depth deliberations on the President’s request. This came after the House Majority Leader, Rep. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, OON, DSSRS, briefed Members on the circumstances leading to the emergency rule and urged the House to support actions that would move Rivers State forward.

In the debate, which was multi-partisan in nature, some Members supported the State of Emergency, emphasizing the need for additional security resources to restore order and protect lives and property. However, concerns were raised about the potential for abuse of power and the impact on fundamental human rights, with calls for strong legislative oversight to ensure lawful implementation.

After extensive discussions, the House unanimously ratified the amended proclamation via a voice vote, with no dissension recorded from the 243 Members present, representing two-thirds of the House membership. The Speaker confirmed this figure based on the attendance register taken during the session.

Key amendments to the proclamation include:

The formation of a National Mediation Committee made up of eminent Nigerians, including representatives from the Federal Executive and Legislature, to facilitate dialogue and resolve the crisis during the emergency period.

The adoption of Sections 11(4) and (5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As amended), which allows the National Assembly to take over the lawmaking functions of a State House of Assembly if necessary to restore order and governance in the state.

The implementation of periodic reviews of the emergency rule within the first six months, with the possibility of early termination if peace is sufficiently restored.

The House adjourned plenary to Tuesday, March 24, 2025

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has urged Nigerians to ignore the rantings of the opposition politicians ganging up against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.

Naija News reports that former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, had on Thursday announced that a coalition of opposition political parties that will defeat the ruling party and Tinubu has been formed.

In response, Ganduje, in a statement issued on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Oliver Okpala, said that no political gang-up will stop Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 because of his performance.

The APC chieftain reiterated that any northerner interested in contesting in 2027 should suspend such ambition and wait till 2031.

He added that the gatherings from the Labour Party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and others are people with different political ideologies and selfish political interests who can never agree on any political issue.

The statement said, “Tinubu will surely emerge victorious because of his untrammelled performance since he assumed office as President of Nigeria.

“Forget the recent political gatherings and rantings from some politicians who presently do not have any identifiable political base.

“Their gathering from the Labour Party, PDP SDP and others are people with different political ideologies and selfish political interests that can never agree on any issue politically.

“The gathering is an assemblage of people with divergent political interests. No amount of political arrangement or gang up can stop the good people of Nigeria from re – electing Tinubu as President in 2027.”

The United Kingdom has announced plans to introduce new fees for passport applications starting from April 10, 2025.

In a statement on Thursday, the UK Home Office said the fee increase, which is subject to approval by the parliament, aims to help move towards a self-sustaining system, reducing its reliance on funding from general taxation.

According to the proposals, the fee for a standard online application made from within the UK will rise from £88.50 to £94.50 for adults and £57.50 to £61.50 for children.

Postal applications will also see an increase, from £100 to £107 for adults and £69 to £74 for children.

The premium service (one day) application fee made from within the UK will rise from £207.50 to £222 for adults and £176.50 to £189 for children.

Overseas applicants will also face increased fees, with standard online applications rising from £101 to £108 for adults and £65.50 to £70 for children.

“The fee for a standard online application when applying from overseas for a UK passport will rise from £101 to £108 for adults and £65.50 to £70 for children,” the statement reads.

“Overseas standard paper applications will increase from £112.50 to £120.50 for adults and £77 to £82.50 for children.”

The UK government noted that it does not make any profit from passport application fees, which contribute to the cost of processing applications, consular support overseas, and border control.

The Home Office advised applicants to submit their applications well in advance of their travel dates.

“In 2024, 99.7% of standard applications from the UK were processed within three weeks, provided no additional information was required,” the Home Office said.

Adura Aloba, the younger brother of the late Nigerian singer Mohbad, has been arrested by the police.

According to a viral video posted by Abosede Aloba, Mohbad’s mother, Adura was arrested at the premises of the magistrate court in Ogba, Lagos state, on Wednesday.

Abosede accused actor Yomi Fabiyi and a person named Sam Jojo of being behind Adura’s arrest.

She claimed that Adura was in court as a witness over a phone he sold to someone named Damola, and was arrested shortly after.

Abosede, who appeared distraught, called on Nigerians to help her and ensure that nothing happened to her son, who she said was also unwell.

“I do not know where they took my son to. It is Yomi Fabiyi and Sam Jojo. They have carried my son away, he did not do anything. Nigerians, please they must not touch or beat my son, he is not feeling well,” she said.

“Please help me, Yomi Fabiyi and Sam Jojo are behind it. They are the ones who they be picked up at the court premises. He was even in court for something he knows nothing about, it is Yomi Fabiyi.

“The person behind the issue has confessed, he said he was the one who did it. They have been begging me since morning, even his lawyer begged I did not to accept because the matter is already in court, and there is nothing I can do.

“I am not the one who took him to court but because my son is the one who sold the phone, he had to appear in court as a witness. It is Yomi Fabiyi, the person who offended, and his lawyer was left alone. Help me Nigerians, Yomi Fabiyi is behind it.”

In a statement shared on Thursday, the actor denied claims that he was responsible for Adura’s arrest.

“Adura Aloba, Damola Ayinde Habeeb and Damilare Koleosho were persons of interest in an ongoing homicide investigation and fact-finding by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG ZONE 2 Police Command) via a petition and evidence from our Human Rights NGO,” the statement reads.

“They were duly invited and served invitation letters on three different occasions, which they refused to honour.

“They were called many times, and the Adura Aloba and Damola Ayinde Habeeb duo remained indifferent to the invitation. Meanwhile, Damilare Ibrahim Koleosho had several banters via WhatsApp chat with the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) about why he would never honour the invitation. His other accomplices are still at large.”

In January, Abosede and Fabiyi clashed after the actor claimed that Adura knew about the cause of Mohbad’s death.

Fabiyi claimed that Adura messaged him on Instagram, saying he was aware of the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.

Abosede, however, disputed the claim, alleging that the message was sent by Damola, who had purchased Adura’s phone

Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers, says his leadership will not condone anyone who seeks to sabotage the peace and stability of the state.

Speaking on Thursday during a state-wide broadcast in Port Harcourt, Rivers state capital, Ibas said there would be “no room for lawlessness” under his administration.

He noted that his assumption of duty as the sole administrator of Rivers is to restore law, and order, and create the necessary conditions for restoration of democratic institutions and representation in the state,

“Let me be clear, under my leadership, civil liberties and fundamental human rights will be respected and protected. The rule of law will remain sacrosanct,” Ibas said.

“Those who seek to sabotage the social or economic stability of river state and national infrastructure and institutions within the state or who attempt to disrupt the peace for selfish and destructive ends, will find no tolerance for their actions.

“There will be no room for lawlessness, no space for violence, and no patience for actions that threaten our collective well-being.”

The sole administrator assured residents that he is not a partisan actor or involved in the struggles that have brought the state to where it is.

He noted that the security agencies have been charged to remain neutral, respect the rights of citizens, and do all within their powers to maintain law and order.

While thanking President Bola Tinubu and the 10th national assembly for their support, Ibas said he would carry out his assignment in good faith.

“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you, and I recognise the weight of this moment, the expectations of the people and the challenges that lie ahead, I feel the weight of families, young and old,” the administrator added.

“My mandate is clear — to restore law and order, stabilise the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the full restoration of democratic institutions and representation.

“This is not a task for one man alone. Success will depend on the collective effort of all Rivers, people, elders, political leaders, traditional rulers, faith leaders, youth, women, the media and civil society.”

Ibas’ appointment as sole administrator follows the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers by Tinubu, and the suspension of Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the state assembly, over protracted political crisis