Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has lambasted President Bola Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State following a lingering and unresolved political crisis that led to the bombing of pipeline infrastructure in Rivers.

Atiku said the development reeks of political manipulation and outright bad faith.

The former VP blamed the president for the crisis in Rivers, accusing him of being a “Partisan actor in the political turmoil engulfing Rivers.”

Atiku, who took to X to react to the development shortly after the president suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and members of the state House of Assembly in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

Tinubu said, “I feel greatly disturbed by the political crisis in Rivers. The state has been at a standstill, and the people have been deprived of good governance.

“Fourteen months after Governor Fubara demolished the House of Assembly, it remains unbuilt. Many Nigerians have intervened, just as I did. But their efforts have been to no avail.

“No responsible President will stand by without taking action. To restore good governance and peace in this circumstance, it has become imperative to declare a state of emergency.

“By this declaration, Governor Fubara is hereby suspended.”

However, in his reaction, Atiku said it is disgraceful that the president refused to stop the crisis from escalating.

“Anyone paying attention to the unfolding crisis knows that Bola Tinubu has been a vested partisan actor in the political turmoil engulfing Rivers. 

“His blatant refusal or calculated negligence in preventing this escalation is nothing short of disgraceful.

Beyond the political scheming in Rivers, the brazen security breaches that led to the condemnable destruction of national infrastructure in the state land squarely on the President’s desk. 

“Tinubu cannot evade responsibility for the chaos his administration has either enabled or failed to prevent,” Atiku said.

Continuing, the former Vice President said it is a failure on the part of the president that the Niger Delta region has been thrown back into era of unrest, adding that the president should bear responsibility for the bombing of pipeline infrastructure in the region.

“It is an unforgivable failure that under Tinubu’s watch, the Niger Delta has been thrown back into an era of violent unrest and instability — undoing the hard-won peace secured by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. Years of progress have been recklessly erased in pursuit of selfish political calculations.

“If federal infrastructure in Rivers has been compromised, the President bears full responsibility. Punishing the people of Rivers State just to serve the political gamesmanship between the governor and @officialABAT’s enablers in the federal government is nothing less than an assault on democracy and must be condemned in the strongest,” Atiku stated.

Former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it a blatant disregard for constituted authority.

Reacting to the development, George said, “This is absolute Armageddon—total disrespect for constituted authority. The Constitution has been viciously violated.”

He continued, “We can’t keep quiet. This is recklessness of the highest order. What did Fubara do? As Commander-in-Chief, Tinubu gave Wike soldiers and security agents to destabilize Rivers State. The governor has no control over security agencies, yet he remained calm. Nobody has explained what he did to warrant this dictatorial emergency rule.”

George likened the situation to past political crises, stating, “This is exactly how it started in 1962 and 1983. It’s a dress rehearsal for what Tinubu wants to do in 2027. The APC wants to take control of all states through unconstitutional means.”

He questioned the legality of Tinubu’s actions, asking, “Did he get National Assembly approval before his broadcast? What happened in Rivers is the hand of Esau and the voice of Jacob. Why didn’t he declare a state of emergency in Lagos when lawmakers were fighting? Why invite Diete-Spiff and Niger Delta leaders last week if he already planned this?”

George concluded, “Is Tinubu now becoming a civilian dictator?”

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has expressed his strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

In a statement on Tuesday issued by the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Matawalle stated that this decisive action is vital for restoring stability to the state’s turbulent political landscape.

He asserted that the emergency rule is a necessary measure to address the ongoing political crisis, which has hindered the delivery of democratic governance and the welfare of the people of Rivers State.

Reflecting on the President’s address regarding the state of emergency, the minister acknowledged the gravity of the political crisis in Rivers State and the urgent need for intervention.

Matawalle highlighted the unfortunate demolition of the House of Assembly by the state governor, which has left the state without a functioning legislature for over fourteen months.

The statement added, “This action has contributed to the ongoing political impasse and the inability of the government to effectively serve the people.”

The minister also noted the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, which reaffirmed the constitutional necessity of a functioning legislature and condemned the governor’s actions as unconstitutional.

Matawalle further expressed concern over recent reports of vandalism and threats from militants, underscoring the need for a unified effort to restore peace and security.

He reiterated that the Federal Government is committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens and the protection of vital infrastructure in Rivers State.

It added, “In light of the current situation, the Nigerian Military is on high alert to safeguard government infrastructure and ensure the security of the citizens.

“Any attempts to attack government facilities or disrupt public order will be met with a resolute response from security forces.”

He, therefore, urged all stakeholders to embrace this opportunity for renewed governance and cooperation and expressed hope that the state of emergency will pave the way for a peaceful and democratic Rivers State, benefitting all its residents.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday dismissed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s request to join the lawsuit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery seeking to stop the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and oil marketers from importing refined petroleum products into the country.

Justice Inyang Ekwo dismissed the commission’s application while delivering a ruling in the suit, stating that the dispute could be effectively determined without the inclusion of the FCCPC.

Justice Ekwo specifically held that the FCCPC was not a relevant or necessary party and rejected its application.

Dangote Refinery, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, sued the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NNPCL, AYM Shafa Limited, A.A. Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited as 1st to 7th defendants.

The refinery prayed the court to nullify the import licences issued by NMDPRA to NNPCL and the five other companies for importing refined petroleum products.

It also sought a declaration that NMDPRA violated Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act by issuing licences to import petroleum products, arguing that such licences should only be issued in cases of a petroleum product shortfall.

Dangote Refinery asserted that it has the capacity to meet local petroleum need.

It further sought N100bn in damages against NMDPRA for allegedly continuing to issue import licenses to NNPCL and the other companies, among other reliefs.

The FCCPC, in a motion on notice, sought to be joined as a party in the suit.

In its application for joinder, the FCCPC argued that it needed to be joined in the suit as the aim of Dangote Refinery to monopolise the petroleum industry was contrary to the FCCPC’s mandate to ensure a free market.

“The main thrust of Dangote Refinery’s suit borders on anti-competition and monopoly in the petroleum industry,” the FCCPC argued.

The commission further claimed that it needed to be joined in the suit because any judgment entered by the court would affect its mandate.

Dangote Refinery, however, opposed the FCCPC’s application to join the suit, describing the commission as a meddlesome interloper that had no business in a case revolving around the Petroleum Industry Act, an Act of the National Assembly.

Dangote Refinery urged the court to reject the FCCPC’s application.

NNPCL, the second defendant in the suit, filed a preliminary objection contesting the refinery’s suit and the jurisdiction of the court to hear it.

NNPCL also argued that Dangote Refinery sued a non-existent party, as the entity mentioned in the suit as the second defendant, “NNPC,” does not exist.

NNPCL added that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, being its registered name with the Corporate Affairs Commission, is not the same entity as the second defendant mentioned in the plaintiff’s suit.

NNPCL urged the court to strike out its name from the suit and challenged the locus standi of the plaintiff to file the action, which it termed “premature.”

“The 2nd defendant is not a competent party. The plaintiff’s suit is incompetent. This honourable court lacks the jurisdiction to hear this suit,” the NNPCL argued.

In his ruling on Tuesday, Justice Ekwo dismissed both FCCPC’s request for joinder and the NNPCL’s application challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the suit.

Justice Ekwo held that NNPCL’s objection lacked merit and proceeded to dismiss it.

The court granted the plaintiff’s prayers to amend the suit to reflect the proper name of the NNPCL, which Justice Ekwo approved.

He proceeded to adjourn the matter to March 6 for further mention.

…Urges FG to Review Pipeline Surveillance Contracts

…Calls for Measures to Assuage Aggrieved Ex-Militants

Less than 24 hours after the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, oil and gas-producing communities in the Niger Delta have warned that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision could trigger guerrilla warfare in the region.

The communities expressed concerns that the recent bombing of the major Trans-Niger oil pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Ogoni, Rivers State, on Tuesday may be linked to aggrieved ex-militant leaders who feel sidelined in the pipeline surveillance contracts.

Speaking exclusively to Vanguard on Wednesday, Joseph Ambakaderimo, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of Community Development Committees (CDC) of Niger Delta Oil and Gas-Producing Areas, cautioned that the political crisis in Rivers State could spiral into an economic crisis if not handled with tact and diplomacy.

Ambakaderimo criticized President Tinubu’s decision, arguing that the situation was still manageable and did not warrant a state of emergency.

“A state of emergency can lead to guerrilla warfare, and this country is not ready for such a dire situation,” he warned.

He alleged that some ex-militants involved in pipeline surveillance contracts had been sidelined and might have taken advantage of the crisis in Rivers State to sabotage the pipeline as a means of drawing attention to their grievances.

“This is why I urge the federal government to urgently review the contracts to ensure inclusivity and fairness for all stakeholders. Reports indicate that out of Train Six of the NLNG, only two are currently operational, which has led to a shortfall in gas supply.

“If crude oil production suffers a similar fate, the consequences for the national economy will be disastrous. The government must reassess its approach to these contracts, possibly engaging the CDC to mediate with affected groups and communities,” he stated.

Despite the declaration of a state of emergency, Ambakaderimo called on Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to seek dialogue with President Tinubu through senior statesmen in a bid to reverse the decision.

He also condemned the 27 lawmakers in the state for disregarding the Supreme Court’s judgment and prioritizing their own political interests by attempting to impeach Governor Fubara at the behest of their political leader, Nyesom Wike.

“Governor Fubara has been the only one trying to implement the court’s judgment, even at his own detriment. However, the lawmakers pursued a different agenda—to remove him from office. They outrightly ignored the Supreme Court’s ruling and even refused to accept the budget from the Governor.

“For me, a state of emergency could lead to a full-blown guerrilla conflict, further exacerbating the crisis. If this happens, daily crude oil production will decline, which would be disastrous for the country’s economy,” he warned.

Ambakaderimo emphasized that President Tinubu should reconsider his decision, arguing that doing so would align with his administration’s broader goal of ensuring peace and boosting oil production.

“Rescinding the state of emergency would be a demonstration of the President’s commitment to peace and economic stability. Otherwise, it could amount to shooting himself in the foot,” he concluded.

The Rivers State Government has expressed shock over President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara while leaving Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who has been accused of fueling the state’s political crisis.

In a statement issued by the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, the government described the development as unjust, noting that Governor Fubara has remained committed to constitutional order, peace, and good governance despite the political turbulence in the state.

Johnson emphasized that since assuming office, Fubara has prioritized the protection of lives and property while ensuring the progress of Rivers State. Even in the face of political instability, the governor upheld his constitutional duties and put the interests of the people above personal or political considerations.

Following President Tinubu’s intervention to broker peace, the Rivers State Government implemented the agreed terms in good faith, including reinstating commissioners who had previously resigned. Furthermore, the government swiftly complied with the Supreme Court’s ruling upon receiving the certified true copy of the judgment, demonstrating a commitment to legal and democratic processes.

However, the commissioner lamented that despite these efforts, lawmakers loyal to Wike, who is also a former governor of the state, have continued to obstruct peace and stability. He expressed surprise that while Fubara has been removed, Wike, whom he described as the principal actor in the crisis, remains in office.

“It is shocking that Mr. President sacked the governor and left his minister, who is the principal actor,” Johnson stated.

Reassuring the people of Rivers State, the commissioner emphasized that governance remains effective despite political challenges. Salaries have been paid, developmental projects are ongoing, and the state remains secure.

At this critical time, the government has called on Rivers residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding while reaffirming its commitment to engaging with all relevant institutions to uphold democracy and ensure that Rivers State continues to thrive.

“We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process,” Johnson added.

The Rivers State Government maintains that it will continue to prioritize the well-being and prosperity of its citizens while navigating the unfolding political situation.

Hours after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, soldiers have taken over the state Government House.

An Armoured Personnel Carrier has also been stationed at the entrance of the Government House along Azikiwe Road in Port Harcourt.

It is not clear if Governor Siminalayi Fubara was still in his official residence when the troops took over the premises around 9 pm.

Tension enveloped Rivers State on Tuesday evening, following President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency to end the lingering political battle involving the state governor, Siminalayo Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

The declaration prompted residents and motorists in Port Harcourt, the state capital, to rush home to their families because they feared a possible breakdown of law and order.

In his nationwide broadcast, President Tinubu justified the declaration, citing the unresolved crisis in the state, which he said has defied political solutions.

He said, “By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for six months.

“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.”

Meanwhile, the suspended governor, Fubara, has called on state residents to be calm, saying he’ll “engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong.”

In a statement titled “Press Release by the Executive Governor of Rivers State,” Fubara blamed lawmakers loyal to Wike, accusing them of frustrating his efforts to comply with the Supreme Court judgement.

His statement read in part, “My dear Rivers People, I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history.

“Since assuming office as your governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.

“We prioritised the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear state.

“Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.

However, while political affairs at Rivers will now be governed by Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) for six months, political stakeholders, parties, and lawyers have criticised President Tinubu’s declaration, describing it as undemocratic.

okada riders supplying kidnappers food nabbed

Akure —Police detectives in Ondo State, have arrested seven suspected kidnappers including a 19-year Umar Isyaku, in possession of N3.5 million believed to be ransom paid by families of their victims.

Briefing newsmen in Akure, the state Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, said the 19-year-old lsyaku was arrested alongside one Ridwan Salisu,45, at Ipele in connection with a case of kidnapping.

Afolabi said they were arrested March 14, 2025, through coordinated intelligence led policing.

According to him, “N3.6 million was found in possession of the duo. Salisu claimed the money was for PoS. Investigation is ongoing to confirm if the money is a proceed of ransom paid by victims.”

The Police chief added that another wanted suspected kidnapper, Abdullahi Mallam, 21, has been one apprehended by the Police and local vigilantes at Owo.

According to him, Mallam “is part of the syndicate of Ibrahim Dan Alh Umaru that was arrested earlier in the year and his name reoccurred in kidnapping related cases.

“Also, on February 22, 2025, the Police (Special Squad) through the use of technical support arrested one Komolafe Sunday a.k.a Veego, 39years. During interrogation, he confessed to be a motorcyclist who helps the kidnappers to get food for their victims while in custody and received money based on the number of people kidnapped.

“He also serves as spy to inform them of movements along the road. The suspect led the Police to Akunu-Akoko and two suspects Umaru Sanda and Yusuf Ahmadu were arrested, Umaru Abubakar confessed to be the one who guard victims in the forest when they were brought to base.”

Afolabi added that further interrogation led to the arrest of Lekan Temitope a.k.a legelege, who is also a motorcyclist that works for the kidnappers.

Also, as part of the command’s effort to rid the state of all forms of criminality, four suspected cult members, he said, were arrested in Ondo town through the Special Anti-Cultism Squad.

The commissioner said the police squad raided their hideout and arrested Awosika Babajide, 28 years (Eiye Cult), Michael Peter, 18 years (Eiye Cult), Kunle Akinwande, 28 years (AvehCult) and Akintemi Akinwunmiju, 30 years (AvehCult).

According to him “They all confessed to being members of the cult group indicated against their names.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has supported President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, asserting that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is entirely accountable for the political turmoil that necessitated this intervention.

The nation’s ruling party emphasized that Fubara is facing the consequences of his actions since taking office.

In a statement released on Tuesday, March 18, APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, criticized Fubara for undermining democracy in the state.

He pointed to the governor’s dismantling of the Rivers State House of Assembly and his governance without legislative oversight as factors that have made the state unmanageable.

Morka contended that effective governance relies on the collaboration of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, highlighting that Fubara’s actions have left the state in a state of constitutional uncertainty.

“When he brazenly demolished the Rivers State House of Assembly, Fubara destroyed the very foundation of democracy in the state.

“When he ‘governed’ the state without a legislature, Fubara ended government in the state.

“When he expended state funds without valid legislative appropriation, Fubara stripped himself of all constitutional protections of the office of Governor,” the statement read.

“There cannot be a governor without a legislature and the judiciary.

“All three arms of government, although separate in their constitutional powers, must co-exist in order to have a government known to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“As the Supreme Court confirmed, there was no government in the state and there had not been a government since Fubara destroyed the state legislature,” APC stated.

Morka reiterated that Tinubu’s intervention was not only necessary but constitutionally backed to restore governance and protect lives and property in Rivers.

“By his reckless actions, Fubara asked for and set the stage for this outcome.

“The declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was a necessary, constitutionally-backed measure to protect lives and property, and extend governance to the good people of Rivers state.

“The safety and well-being of the people is paramount at this time, and must trump all political considerations,” Morka declared.

The APC hailed Tinubu for taking decisive action to prevent the state’s total breakdown of law and order.

“Again, President Tinubu has demonstrated courage and leadership in forestalling a looming breakdown of law and order in the state,” the statement concluded.

Veteran journalist and ex-presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati, has disagreed with the decision of President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Speaking on Wednesday in the aftermath of the President’s declaration, which also includes a six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and all members of the State House of Assembly, Abati said Tinubu has appropriated to himself the powers to make laws for the Rivers State House of Assembly, which is an impeachable offence.

He added that the National Assembly can reject his proclamation and issue impeachment proceedings against him, but it remains to be seen what the lawmakers would do.

According to him, a democratically elected Governor can not be unilaterally removed by the declaration of the President.

“President Tinubu has appropriated to himself the powers to make laws for the Rivers State House of Assembly, which is an impeachable offense. I don’t know whether the National Assembly will have the courage to either reject his proclamation or proceed with the issue of impeachment against him for violating the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Abati said on Arise News.

He argued that the President’s action did not meet the requirements for a declaration of a state of emergency as contained in section 305 of the Nigerian constitution, which Tinubu also quoted during his speech.

He added that President Tinubu has violated the constitution with the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State because he was not properly advised by those around him, including the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

The journalist submitted that if Vice Admiral Ekwe Ibas (rtd) is a true patriot, he must reject his appointment as the Administrator for Rivers State because it is a wrong appointment, and his own integrity has been put on the line.

[NaijaNews]

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