Human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, has vowed to take legal action against those responsible for his arrest and detention in December 2024 in connection with a now-withdrawn defamation case filed by senior lawyer, Afe Babalola.

In an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Farotimi expressed his intent to seek justice for what he described as the misuse of state power to pursue a private matter.

Naija News recalls that he was arrested by the police in Lagos and taken to Ekiti State, where he was charged with defamation over comments made in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. A magistrate court subsequently ordered his remand for 21 days.

Although the defamation case was eventually withdrawn by Babalola, bringing an end to the legal dispute, Farotimi has made it clear that he will not let the matter rest.

The human rights lawyer intends to seek redress for his incarceration, stating, “I will certainly be demanding an account from those who sent me to prison.”

Farotimi emphasised the importance of accountability, stressing that his case was about more than just the withdrawal of the criminal suit.

“Even though the criminal suit has been withdrawn, the civil suits are there, and what I would like to do in response to my incarceration is another ball game entirely.

“You can be certain that some people will account for my incarceration, but that is not a matter for banter. That is something for the courts to decide,” he said.

When asked who he intended to sue, Farotimi stated that the decision would be left to his legal team. He explained that he was willing to hold anyone involved in the misuse of state power accountable.

“Whether it’s the police that I have to sue, whether it’s the magistrate who sent me to prison, whether it’s the persons who wrote the petition, whether it’s whoever, but somebody would explain,” Farotimi said.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, former state chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change have declared that their continued stay in the All Progressives Congress is rooted in loyalty to their political leader and former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the forum’s National Secretary, Sulaiman Oyaremi, the former CPC leaders affirmed their commitment to the APC, while expressing concern over the internal wrangling and marginalisation of their bloc within the party.

“Except for a few of us, we are unanimous in our decision to remain in the party with our principal, former President Muhammadu Buhari,” the statement read. “We owe it to ourselves to support the current leader of the party, President Bola  Tinubu, and contribute to building an inclusive APC where all stakeholders feel a sense of belonging.”

The forum acknowledged that many former CPC members feel sidelined within the APC, both in terms of appointments and inclusion in party structures, despite their contributions to the party’s electoral victories.

They lamented the lack of recognition for their role in the formation and growth of the APC.

“Members of the defunct CPC, especially former state chairmen, have not been treated fairly in government appointments or party structures at both national and state levels,” the statement added.

While speculation had suggested that elements within the CPC might form a coalition with opposition figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, the forum distanced itself from such moves.

Their stance followed an earlier meeting on April 16, where former CPC members led by ex-Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura reaffirmed their loyalty to President Tinubu and the APC.

However, this drew criticism from former Attorney General Abubakar Malami (SAN), who argued that Al-Makura lacked the mandate to speak for the CPC bloc.

Addressing the factionalism, the forum noted, “Unfortunately, with several camps speaking for the defunct CPC, the situation has exposed a lack of coherent leadership within the bloc.”

Nonetheless, they emphasised that decisions to remain in or leave the APC are a democratic right and should not be a source of division.

“We do not begrudge those who have decided to quit the APC,” they said, reiterating their choice to stay, guided by loyalty to Buhari.

The forum also used the opportunity to call on the Tinubu administration to shift focus away from political maneuvering ahead of 2027 and address the growing insecurity and economic challenges facing the nation.

“We urge the President and APC governments at all levels to prioritise tackling these existential issues rather than focusing on the next election,” the forum added.

The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, says he is still fighting for the survival of his $20bn refinery, stressing that the fight is not yet finished.

Dangote expressed optimism that he would win the fight for the refinery, stating his determination to fight on.

According to Semafor, an international news medium, Africa’s richest man spoke at an investor forum in Lagos on Friday.

The report stated that Dangote pointed out that some individuals who “for a very, very long time” have “made a lot of money from” government-subsidised oil imports into Nigeria, were the ones trying to sabotage the 650,000 barrels per day oil refinery situated in Lekki, Lagos.

Dangote was quoted as saying that “those groups have funded resistance to the Bola Tinubu government’s removal of petrol subsidies and are opposed to the refinery operating easily in the country.”

However, Dangote was confident that the battle between him and the groups would be won, priding himself as a long-time fighter.

“We’re fighting, and the fight is not yet finished. But I have been fighting all my life, and I am ready and 100 per cent sure I will win at the end of the day,” he was quoted.

Dangote’s latest comments came as Nigeria plans to increase its capacity to stockpile petroleum products, to prepare against shocks to the global oil market following US President Donald Trump’s shake-up of international trade with the threat of tariffs.

Recall that Dangote has since last year raised the alarm that some mafias were sabotaging his refinery.

He specifically mentioned that some international oil companies were sabotaging his investment by denying the facility adequate crude supply despite the domestic crude supply obligation.

Dangote had alleged that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority was issuing licences to marketers to import substandard petroleum products into the country.

He vowed to push his $20bn refinery to full operational capacity despite what he said were challenges from oil importers seeking to undermine his venture to retain their dominance in the country’s energy sector.

At a point last year, Dangote said he regretted building the refinery, saying the mafias in the oil and gas sector were stronger than those of drugs.

However, he refused to give up on the project as the facility targets its full capacity soon.

The PUNCH recalls that the Dangote Group boss once accused some powerful individuals of frustrating his refinery.

“In a system where, for 35 years, people are used to counting good money, and all of a sudden, they see that the days of counting that money have come to an end, you don’t expect them to pray for you. Of course, you expect them to fight back.

“And I think that is the process that we’re now really going through. But the truth is that, yes, the country, the sub-region, and also the continent of sub-Saharan Africa, need this refinery. So, you expect them to fight through non-supply of crude, non-purchase of the product, but I think it’s all temporary. We’ll get there,” Dangote added.

He had recalled that he was once persuaded by a former Minister of Energy in Saudi Arabia, Khalid Al-Falih, to shelve the idea of building a refinery. However, he said he told the former minister that he did not need his advice.

In June 2024, the Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, accused IOCs in Nigeria of plans to frustrate the survival of the new Dangote refinery.

Edwin said the IOCs were “deliberately and willfully frustrating” the refinery’s efforts to buy local crude by hiking the cost above the market price, thereby forcing the refinery to import crude from countries as far as the United States, with its attendant high costs.

Edwin also accused the NMDPRA of granting licences indiscriminately to marketers to import dirty refined products into the country.

“It appears that the objective of the IOCs is to ensure that Nigeria remains a country that exports crude oil and imports refined petroleum products. They (IOCs) are keen on exporting the raw materials to their home countries, creating employment and wealth for their countries, adding to their Gross Domestic Product, and dumping the expensive refined products into Nigeria – thus making us dependent on imported products,” Edwin had stated.

The refinery, which started petrol production last September, is seen as a way for Africa’s biggest crude oil producer to end its reliance on the costly importation of refined fuel.

It was reported that the refinery’s entry has helped push down the pump prices of refined products even as retailers count their losses.

With the naira-for-crude deal, the Dangote refinery promised to ensure enough fuel supply to Nigeria, Africa, and the world.

IPMAN supports Dangote

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria said they are with Dangote as he pushes ahead to fight the cabal.

IPMAN Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Udadike, said Dangote had promised before that he would fight the so-called cabal for the good of the masses, stressing that the association is behind him.

He said the fight is just the usual competition in any business, especially when a product is doing better than others in the market.

“Well, this is business. Competition abounds. There is no businessman whom people will not fight if he is doing well, especially when it is only your goods that are being produced, and the others are not being patronised because of the price. So, it is evident that every businessman wants to survive. It’s not an issue. What we can do is encourage him.

“We independent marketers are happy with him for his price slashes, although sometimes it’s against our own business strategy and projections. But that is part of the business, it is profit and loss.

“You know the factor of demand and supply matter determines the market. So, if he’s talking about how people want to sabotage him, he has told us that he’s ready to fight the oil cabals, and he is in this business to ensure that Nigerians don’t suffer. So, we encourage him not to lose hope, and we independent marketers support him in all ramifications,” Ukadike said.

No need to fight, says PETROAN

The National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, Billy Gillis-Harry, said there should be no form of discord in the downstream.

According to him, Dangote should be allowed to refine its products with the naira-for-crude deal while importers and other traders should be given a level playing field to operate.

Gillis-Harry noted that there should be facts to back up all claims, saying there will be competition in any business, pleading, however, that it should be healthy.

He appealed to the Federal Government to supply enough crude to Dangote and other refineries.

Asked whether he felt the temporary stoppage of the naira-for-crude deal by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited could have prompted Dangote’s comment, he replied that there was a need to review the pilot phase of the deal, emphasising that PETROAN was always in support of the naira petrol sales deal, which he said would make petroleum products available for all Nigerians.

He stressed that other refineries are coming onstream and there will be more competitors in the market.

“I just want all players to do their business without any fight,” the PETROAN boss said.

The naira-for-crude deal ordered by President Bola Tinubu allowed the sale of crude in naira to the Dangote refinery, prompting a crash in fuel prices.

With the supply of crude in naira, the Dangote refinery continued to crash petrol prices across the country. From about N1,100 per litre, the company slashed the price of premium motor spirit to N860.

But importers of petroleum products lamented the repeated reduction of petrol prices by the refinery. Some of the importers lamented that they were compelled to sell below their costs, as consumers only buy from where the product is cheaper.

While Nigerians were rejoicing over the price slashes, fuel importers and retailers said they were counting losses.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to meet with the leadership of Nigeria’s power-generating companies as part of an emergency effort to address the N4tn debt threatening to cripple the country’s electricity supply chain.

The move follows a high-level meeting on Tuesday between the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and chairmen of Gencos in Abuja, amid mounting fears of a possible collapse of the national grid due to liquidity constraints in the sector, according to a statement from the power ministry on Sunday.

The government pledged immediate action to reduce the N4tn debt owed to power generation companies.

The PUNCH earlier reported that Gencos had issued a warning to the Federal Government over the continued accumulation of debts now totaling over N4tn.

The companies said they were currently owed N2tn for power supplied in 2024 and N1.9tn in legacy debts.

The statement by the minister’s Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, stated that the Federal Government had resolved to settle a substantial portion of the debt immediately, while the remainder would be cleared through financial instruments such as promissory notes within the next six months.

He said this would be proposed in a meeting being planned between President Bola Tinubu and the Gencos’ leadership. 

“There is a need to pay a substantial amount of the debt in cash. At the minimum, let us pay a substantial amount, then ask for debt instruments in promissory notes to pay the rest,” Adelabu said.

He emphasised the Federal Government’s determination to prevent a collapse of the power sector, describing the situation as a national emergency.

“We recognise the urgency of this matter. The government is committed to resolving this debt to stabilise the sector and prevent further crisis,” he said.

When questioned on a likely date for the meeting, the media aide said, “I can’t say yet,” explaining that discussions were still ongoing among relevant parties.

The Gencos were led by the Chairman of Mainstream Energy Solutions and head of the Association of Power Generating Companies, Col. Sani Bello (retd), who warned that the sector faced a looming collapse due to the mounting debt and persistent liquidity challenges.

Bello noted that the debt burden had crippled operations and limited access to funding for maintenance and infrastructure upgrades. “Without urgent intervention, the entire power ecosystem could collapse,” he said.

Echoing his concerns, the Chairman of Egbin Power and First Independent Power Limited, Kola Adesina, said, “This is a national emergency. Everything hinges on power—industries, homes, hospitals. We cannot afford to let the sector fail.”

Adelabu acknowledged the role of systemic failures and policy inconsistencies in the sector’s woes, adding that the government was not only focused on debt repayment but also committed to pushing reforms that would ease operational challenges.

He advocated for a full liberalisation of the electricity market and called on Nigerians to embrace cost-reflective tariffs, stressing that subsidies were no longer sustainable in the long term. “Citizens must pay the appropriate price for the energy consumed. The Federal Government will continue to provide targeted subsidy for economically disadvantaged Nigerians,” he stated.

The CEO of APGC, Dr Joy Ogaji, also outlined the challenges bedevilling the GenCos, including erratic gas supply, persistent defaults on payments, and foreign exchange volatility. She noted that the dramatic depreciation of the naira—from N157/\$1 in 2013 to N1,600/\$1—had severely affected maintenance budgets and loan repayments.

“Gencos have borne unsustainable risks—from grid failures to unproductive taxes—while remaining patriotic,” she said.

Adelabu disclosed that plans were underway to implement regulatory reforms aimed at enhancing market stability and reducing levies. He urged Gencos to partner with the government in creating public awareness on electricity consumption, efficient usage, and tariff realities.

Amid ongoing defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has dismissed suggestions that he is planning to dump the PDP.

Naija News reports that the denial was disclosed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor, Humwashi Wonosikou.

Speaking during a media parley in Yola over the weekend, Wonosikou said Governor Fintiri remains a committed and “bona fide member” of the PDP and is focused on leading the party’s National Convention Committee.

“His Excellency Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri remains a bona fide member of the PDP. He is not leaving,” the CPS stated.

The clarification comes amid mounting speculations that more PDP governors may defect to the ruling APC, following the recent high-profile defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa.

The duo’s defection, alongside the entire PDP structure in Delta State, has stirred debate over the opposition party’s future ahead of the 2027 general elections.

APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, who received the defectors last week, had boasted that more PDP governors would soon join the ruling party.

However, Wonosikou insisted that Fintiri has no such plans.

The death penalty is authorised by Section 33 of the Constitution of Nigeria. Being sentenced to death means a court has officially ordered that a convicted individual be executed as punishment for a crime.

This is a legal penalty for certain serious offences, primarily those involving murder, treason, and armed robbery.

The death sentence is carried out by the state after a court of competent jurisdiction finds the person guilty.

In the past few years, many individuals convicted by the court have remained on death row, and while governors in Nigeria are not very open to signing death warrants. These people are one signature away from losing their lives.

Bamise Ayanwola and Andrew Ominikoron case

In April 2025, the Lagos High Court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square convicted and sentenced to death a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, Andrew Ominikoron, for the murder of a 22-year-old fashion designer, Bamise Ayanwola.

Delivering judgment, Justice Sherifat Sonaike held that the prosecution successfully proved its case, relying on the doctrine of “last seen” and the victim’s dying declaration to establish Ominikoron’s guilt.

Ominikoron faced a five-count charge, including conspiracy to commit a felony, rape, sexual assault, and murder. He was found guilty on all counts.

The case captured national attention in 2022 after Bamise went missing on February 26, following her boarding of a BRT bus operated by Ominikoron at the Ajah area of Lagos. Her mysterious disappearance ignited public outrage, social media campaigns, and demands for justice.

Nine days later, her body was tragically discovered dumped under the Carter Bridge on Lagos Island.

Soldier and girlfriend’s murder

A General Court Martial sitting at the Headquarters, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, sentenced Private Adamu Mohammed to death by hanging for murder.

The sentence was handed down following the conclusion of his murder trial.

A statement on Tuesday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu said the court martial composed of 11 members, was inaugurated on February 18, 2025, by the General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, to adjudicate cases involving erring personnel within the Division.

Delivering judgment on Private Mohammed, the President of the court, Brigadier General Sadisu Buhari, said the soldier was found guilty of the murder of his girlfriend, Miss Hauwa Ali, an offence punishable under Section 106(a) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Osinachi’s husband was sentenced to death by hanging for murder

A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Wuse Zone 2 sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, to death by hanging following his conviction for her murder.

Judge Njideka Nwosu-Iheme, delivering her judgment on Monday, found Peter Nwachukwu guilty of culpable homicide in connection with the death of his wife, Osinachi, on April 8, 2022.

Osinachi, who tragically passed away on April 8, 2022, was initially believed to have died from throat cancer.

The federal government brought a 23-count charge against Nwachukwu, including culpable homicide punishable by death, criminal intimidation, child cruelty, spousal abuse, and other offences.

The trial, which began on June 20, 2022, and concluded on March 10, 2023, saw 17 witnesses testify for the prosecution. The accused’s children also gave testimony as the fourth and fifth prosecution witnesses, PW4 and PW5.

Hanifa Abubakar’s case

On the 28th day of July 2022, Justice Usman Naabba of the Kano State High Court sentenced the Proprietor of Noble Kids College Kano, Abdulmalik Muhammmad Tanko (38), and two others to death by hanging for the kidnapping and killing of Hanifa Abubakar, a five-year-old pupil.

Tanko, alongside his accomplice, Hashim Isyaku and Fatima Musa, were arraigned before the Kano State High Court on a five-count charge of criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, confinement, and culpable homicide contrary to sections 97, 274, 277, 221 of the penal code.

Tanko kidnapped and killed Hanifa, a five-year-old pupil, on 4 December 2021, while she was returning from Islamiyya School and subsequently buried her in a shallow grave.

The judge, Usman Nababa, sentenced Mr Tanko, 38, and Hashimu Isyaku, 38, to death by hanging for the kidnapping and killing of Hanifa Abubakar.

The convicts were sentenced to five years each for conspiracy.

Ramon Adedoyin

Ramon Adedoyin, the owner of Hilton Hotels in Ile-Ife, has also been sentenced to death by the Court of Appeal in Akure, Ondo State, for his role in the murder of Obafemi Awolowo University graduate student Timothy Adegoke.

This verdict upholds a lower court’s earlier decision and brings a measure of closure to a case that has gripped the nation. The appellate court had reserved judgment on the matter since 29 October 2024.

The Appeal Court judgement reads: “The judgment of the High Court of Osun State stands. Adedoyin’s appeal is dismissed in part. The Court of Appeal held that Adedoyin was properly convicted and sentenced to death.”

The appeal court, however, set aside some of the decisions of the lower court.

“Order of forfeiture of Hilton Hotel quashed and set aside. Order of education scholarship to children of Timothy Adegoke by Adedoyin and others quashed and set aside,” the judgment read.

Sunday Jackson

In 2015, Jackson, a 29-year-old farmer and student from Dong Communi­ty in Demsa LGA of Adamawa, was working on his farm in Kodomti Community, Numan LGA, when Buba Ardo Bawuro, a herdsman, herded his cattle into his farm to feed on his crops.

Jackson challenged him, but the herdsman pulled out a knife and attacked him twice.

Although wounded, Jackson was able to seize the knife and stab him in return. Bawuro later died from his wounds.

The police arrested and tried the farmer for culpable homicide in the Yola High Court. The charge carried a death sentence under Section 211 of the penal code.

In court, Jackson admitted that his attacker died at his hands, but he maintained his innocence of any crime.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has claimed President Bola Tinubu is unsettled by the formation of an emerging opposition coalition led by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, ahead of the 2027 general election.

In an interview with Punch, Lawal alleged that the Presidency is deeply concerned about the growing momentum of the opposition alliance and has been actively seeking ways to disrupt it.

Naija News reports that Lawal’s statement comes amid rising speculation about a potential political realignment within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly involving factions from the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), which merged with other parties to form the APC in 2013.

There has been growing concern following the defection of some CPC-aligned members to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), further fueling speculation of an impending split in the ruling party.

In late April, Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai led a delegation to meet with former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna.

Though the visit was officially described as a post-Sallah courtesy call, many observers viewed it as a strategic move to secure Buhari’s support for the new opposition coalition.

Other prominent members of the delegation included former Governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa), and Achike Udenwa (Imo).

Despite repeated dismissals by the Presidency and the APC regarding the coalition’s strength, Lawal insists that the growing political force of the opposition privately rattles Tinubu and his allies.

“This political party we are forming — most of those comments about Tinubu being unbeatable — are like people peering through tinted glass and assuming they know what’s happening inside.

“Tinubu knows we can defeat him. Even those around him who are sincere know he’s an endangered species in terms of the 2027 Presidency. We still hear what they say behind closed doors. There’s panic,” Lawal said.

Lawal further pointed to the alleged censorship of anti-government songs as evidence of the administration’s insecurity. He specifically mentioned the banning of songs by popular Nigerian musician Idris Abdulkareem, calling it a sign of “insecure people frightened even by small things.”

“They’ve gone bananas out of desperation. A scared man has no rules of engagement,” Lawal added.

Lawal also emphasised that Atiku, El-Rufai, and other members of the opposition coalition are well-acquainted with Tinubu’s political strategies, having worked closely with him in the past.

“We’ve stayed together before. If people still say I was the one sent to buy Tinubu’s presidential election form, then it means we know each other well.

“Atiku and Rauf Aregbesola were once political allies of Tinubu too. We know the methods used in Nigeria to win elections — and the tactics used to make the opposition lose,” he said.

However, the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, dismissed the threat posed by the opposition coalition, calling it a gathering of “internally displaced politicians.”

In a phone conversation with Punch, Basiru stated, “There is no coalition. It’s a figment of the imagination of some individuals who think they are important. It’s just an association of internally displaced politicians.”

The National Assembly has urged the Supreme Court to dismiss the suit filed by 11 governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenging the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Naija News gathered that the federal legislature, in its preliminary objection, contended that the suit was procedurally flawed and lacked merit.

In a document dated April 22, 2025, obtained by Punch on Sunday, the National Assembly argued that the court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the suit and called for the plaintiffs to be penalised with a ₦1 billion fine for filing a “frivolous and speculative” case.

The suit, filed by the PDP governors, seeks to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s powers to suspend a democratically elected state institution and replace it with an unelected one.

The National Assembly contends that the suit should be dismissed for failing to meet legal standards.

On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period.

Following the suspension, Tinubu appointed Rear Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.

The National Assembly had ratified the President’s declaration through a voice vote, but the PDP governors are challenging both the powers of the President and the process used to approve the state of emergency.

In suit number SC/CV/329/2025, the PDP governors from Adamawa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Delta, Taraba, Zamfara, and Bayelsa States approached the Supreme Court to challenge the President’s authority to suspend a democratically elected state government and replace it with an unelected appointee.

The plaintiffs seek the Court’s determination on several constitutional issues, including whether the President can lawfully suspend or interfere with the offices of a governor and deputy governor, and whether the National Assembly’s approval of the state of emergency through a voice vote contravenes constitutional requirements for a two-thirds majority.

The plaintiffs in the suit are seeking the following declarations:

1. That the President cannot lawfully suspend or interfere with the offices of governors and deputy governors or replace them with unelected appointees under the guise of a state of emergency.

2. That the National Assembly cannot approve a state of emergency declaration by a simple voice vote without a two-thirds majority.

3. A perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from interfering with state offices through state of emergency proclamations.

4. An order nullifying the state of emergency proclamation in Rivers State as published in Official Gazette No. 47 of 2025.

The governors are asking for “An order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from suspending or approving the suspension or in any way interfering with the offices of the Governor, the Deputy Governor and /or the House of Assembly of any of the Plaintiffs States by way of a Proclamation of State of Emergency or in any manner whatsoever or by any method howsoever.

“An order setting aside and nullifying the Official Gazette No.47 of 2025, State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation, 2025 made by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and wrongfully approved by the 2nd Defendant and upon which the ominous threat by the 1st defendant against the Plaintiffs is predicated.”

However, in its preliminary objection, the National Assembly faulted the plaintiffs’ suit and urged the Supreme Court to dismiss it, arguing that the court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the case, particularly against the second defendant (NASS).

Declaring that it holds a memorandum of conditional appearance, the National Assembly argued that due process was not followed in instituting the suit, emphasising that the plaintiffs failed to issue the statutorily required three-month pre-action notice to the Clerk of the National Assembly, as mandated under Section 21 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2017.

It stated, “A person who has a cause of action against a Legislative House shall serve a three-month’s notice to the office of the Clerk of the Legislative House disclosing the cause of action and reliefs sought.”

Additionally, NASS argued that the plaintiffs did not secure resolutions from their respective State Houses of Assembly, a prerequisite for approaching the Supreme Court under its original jurisdiction provisions outlined in the Supreme Court (Original Jurisdiction) Act, 2002.

Citing alleged threats referenced in the plaintiffs’ suit, which borders on a statement attributed to the Attorney-General during a press briefing, NASS noted that since the threat did not emanate from them or their officers, the suit has no business with them.

The objection read, “Considering the affidavit in support and the threats alleged, which did not come from the 2nd Defendant, there is no cause of action against it.

“This is a suit relating to an alleged threatened declaration or proclamation of State of emergency in the plaintiffs’ States by the Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Justice. This is allegedly as a result of the statement of the 1st Defendant in a press briefing held March 19, 2025, wherein he is said to have stated that after Rivers State, ..it can be anybody’s turn tomorrow…,’ None of the alleged threat or statement is alluded to the 2nd Defendant or any of its officers.”

The N’Assembly further contended, “With the objection amongst others submitted, due process of instituting the action in the suit was not followed by the plaintiffs before taking this steps against the 2nd Defendants as the plaintiffs failed to issue the requisite three months pre-action notice to the Clerk of the National Assembly and took no steps to obtain the resolutions of the Houses of Assembly of each of the States to enable the plaintiffs each join to approach this busy Court pursuant to the provision of the Supreme Court (Original Jurisdiction) Act 2002 on the matters.”

NASS asserted that the plaintiffs were attempting to use the Supreme Court to dictate how it exercises its constitutional role, particularly regarding the use of voice votes to ratify states of emergency under section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.

The objection described the suit as speculative and an abuse of the court process.

It also stated, “In the suit, the Plaintiffs seek to use the court to curtail the manner in which the 2nd defendant votes or make approval to ratify proclamations of State of Emergency declared pursuant to section 305 of the CFRN 1999, to get the 2/3 majority of their votes.

“It also seeks that the Court dictates how much roles are to be performed by the 2nd Defendant. The suit seeks to restrain the 2nd defendant from using voice votes to get majority approval for future or anticipated Proclamations of States of Emergency in the States of the Plaintiff.

“The suit also seeks by perpetual injunction, to restrain the second defendant’s Houses (Senate /House of Assembly) from carrying out their constitutional duties of approval of Proclamations of State of Emergency and seeks that the approval given by the 2nd Defendant on the 20th day of March, 2025, ratifying the proclamation of State of Emergency in Rivers State be set aside for being wrongfully approved.”

NASS further added, “The 2nd Defendant/Applicant having observed the several deficiencies in the suit of the Plaintiffs which go contrary to the provisions of the laws and the jurisdiction of the Court raises objection and submits that the 11 States (Plaintiffs) approached the Court wrongly and in abuse of court process.”

It predicated its objection on six grounds, stating that the plaintiffs’ suit lacks a cause of action.

The National Assembly further stated that the plaintiffs lack locus standi to proceed against the second defendant on the issues raised in the suit.

It also argued that the plaintiffs failed to comply with due process as stipulated under section 2, Schedule 2 of the Supreme Court (Additional Original Jurisdiction) Act, 2002.

The 2nd defendant noted that the “court lacks jurisdiction.”

In an affidavit supporting the notice of preliminary objection, a legal officer in the Directorate of Legal Services in the National Assembly, Godswill Onyegbu, argued that due process was not followed in instituting the suit.

Onyegbu maintained that no dispute exists between the plaintiffs and either the Government of Nigeria or the second defendant, (NASS).

He further deposed that, “The plaintiffs did not obtain the required resolutions from the Houses of Assembly in their respective states to authorise the suit under the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction.

“There is no cause of action against the second defendant, as no threat emanated from the second defendant’s office.

“That the plaintiffs lack the locus standi to institute this suit as none of the plaintiffs has shown that it has suffered anything far and above any other persons or people of Rivers State.

“There are no disputes involving questions of law or fact upon which the existence or extent of a legal right depends between the parties.

“The plaintiffs have not established any legal rights against the second defendant to warrant equitable relief such as a perpetual injunction.”

He noted that the Supreme Court lacks jurisdiction to hear the matter against the second defendant as constituted.

In addition to requesting the dismissal of the suit, Onyegbu called for a cost of ₦1 billion to be awarded jointly and severally against the plaintiffs in the interest of justice.

“That the Plaintiffs’ States’ Houses of Assembly did not pass any resolution by a simple majority of the members present and sitting at the time of the resolution authorising the plaintiffs to institute this action.

“That the plaintiffs have not established any legal rights against the 2nd defendant to enjoy the equitable remedy of perpetual injunction.

“That the suit of the plaintiffs is speculative, unfounded, frivolous and a vexatious waste of resources, time and energy of the 2nd defendant.

“That the present court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain this matter as presently constituted against the 2nd defendants.

“That it is in the best interest of justice for the Court to dismiss or strike out this suit against the 2nd defendant with a cost of N1b only, jointly and severally against the plaintiffs,” the affidavit read.

Industry experts divided

’It’s politically targeted at the North’

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is intensifying its investigation into alleged financial mismanagement at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), focusing on approximately $2.96 billion allocated for refinery repairs.

Several high-ranking former officials, including former Managing Directors of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries, are under scrutiny, with multiple arrests already reported.

A source close to the investigation told Sunday Vanguard that the scope of the investigation is wide.

He said: “The investigation into alleged financial mismanagement at NNPCL is advancing rapidly and covers a wide scope. We have already uncovered compelling evidence of significant misappropriation of funds, including large sums traced to the personal accounts of former officials.”

The source further said:”A key focus of our probe is the $2.96 billion earmarked for refinery repairs. We are meticulously tracking the flow of these funds to establish how they were diverted.”

As of the time of filing this report, it remains unclear whether Mele Kyari, the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of NNPCL, has been arrested or has voluntarily presented himself for questioning.

The investigation is specifically examining funds allocated for the quick-fix maintenance of Nigeria’s refineries, which have long suffered from persistent operational challenges.

Preliminary findings indicate that $1.56 billion was allocated to the Port Harcourt Refinery, $740 million to the Kaduna Refinery, and $657 million to the Warri Refinery.

As the EFCC prepares for further arrests in the coming days, the agency is working closely with NNPCL to secure critical financial records and interview key witnesses.

“This is not a superficial inquiry. It is a determined effort to root out corruption and hold those responsible fully accountable. The stakes are high, as this investigation is vital to restoring integrity and public confidence in the oil sector,” the source stressed.

Meanwhile, the Commission has formally requested detailed financial records from NNPCL, including documentation of emoluments and allowances, to support its ongoing investigation.

EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, could not be reached for comment, as he is currently on official assignment abroad.
However, experts in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry were divided on the matter.

Reacting to the probe in an interview with Sunday Vanguard, yesterday, Iledare Wumi, Professor Emeritus in Petroleum Economics and Policy Executive Director, Emmanuel Egbogah Foundation, said: “I am not in a position to provide a definitive statement or to judge matters of guilt or innocence regarding the public allegations of funding misalignment relative to intended objectives.

“However, the documented operational inefficiencies of the NNPCL refineries remain a significant concern. The substantial financial outlays committed since 2021 to the repair and refurbishment of these facilities highlight the broader consequences of transactionalism in Nigeria.

“This leadership approach, which seems to characterize governance in the Nigerian oil and gas sector, continues to undermine the growth objectives outlined in the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA.

“Looking ahead, I firmly believe that a shift in leadership mindset towards a shared vision, focused on prosperity for future generations is essential. Only a transformational mindset can reject the practice of retaining public funds in financial institutions for personal gain.

“The prevailing transactionalism is inadequate to effectively govern Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Perhaps a restructured NNPCL, with a deliberate and meaningful change, will mark the beginning of a truly transformative era for the Nigerian oil and gas industry.”

On his part, an Abuja-based oil and gas expert, who pleaded anonymity, said: “The investigation is politically-motivated against the North, whose politicians have vowed to oppose President Bola Tinubu in the next presidential election.

“The investigation would likely compel many northerners to defect to the ruling APC and support President Tinubu’s second term bid. From all indications, it is partly targeted at weakening opposition and attracting more loyalists.”

Suspended gov’s push for survival

Since March 18, 2025 when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency, there has been relative peace in Rivers State.

The eventual suspension of Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof Ngozi Ordu, and the entire Legislative Arm of government is the biggest setback that may likely affect the economy and other social fabrics of the state.

For close to two months, Fubara has been stripped of the paraphernalia of office as governor elected by his people in 2023.

Having understood what it means to stay inactive without political power for this long, the suspended governor has chosen to go full throttle to seek for genuine peace with his mentor, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

It was reported that on April 18, Fubara came down from his high horse and went to meet Wike in his Abuja residence to ask for forgiveness.

Why the suspended governor chose to meet with the Minister in the company of some respected Yoruba political leaders like Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and former Governor Segun Osoba, among others, other than the elders in Rivers State, is relatively understandable.

The FCT Minister believes that some of the elders in Rivers State were those stoking the embers of crisis between him and Fubara.

Political problems

These elders, nearly all of them, had political problems with Wike in 2023 because of the presidential candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in the run-up to the general elections.

After the PDP presidential congress, where Atiku emerged as the favorite to confront the APC candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Wike felt betrayed and refused to support Atiku.

A time was also when Wike thought he could be compensated with the running mate slot, again, PDP backtracked and went for Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, then governor of Delta State.

Okowa has since defected to the APC he contested against as the PDP vice presidential candidate.

Recall that the Atiku supporters had all abandoned Rivers and relocated to Abuja to give support to his dream of becoming the next President.

Wike was the man alone at home showcasing Fubara in the campaigns to become governor.

Some of the Atiku supporters openly condemned the choice of Fubara as governor, wondering what political sense Wike was mooting to play up a political neophyte as the next governor of a sensitive state like Rivers.

While Wike attempted to calibrate his political structure in support of Tinubu of APC, the likes of Prince Uche Secondus, a former National Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, Sir Celestine Omehia, Rt. Hon Austin Opara, Senator Lee Meaba and Tele Ikuru, among others, formed a formidable political bloc against Wike in the state.

But when the table turned and Wike became the FCT Minister and relocated to Abuja, these elders took the reverse flight back to Port Harcourt and suddenly began to give Fubara the energy to stand up to a man who made him governor against all odds.

This set of politicians formed what looked like an iron cast structure for Fubara with a deliberate design to castigated Wike in the war against then governor.

This same bloc of politicians was alleged to have asked the governor to have a rethink in his implementation of the 8-point peace agreement initiated by President Tinubu. This presidential move could have, according to some analysts, ushered peace into the state a long time ago.

Nevertheless, in his wisdom, Fubara has come to clearly realize that only genuine peace devoid of intrigues can resolve the lingering political tension in Rivers.

This explains why he has chosen to walk the path of peace alone without the involvement of the Rivers elders.

Undoubtedly, the suspended governor has seen that Wike has what it takes to take the fight to its conclusion which was initiated to end in impeachment but the intervention of the president with the tool of state of emergency to stop what would have been the end of Fubara’s political career.

Wike has the financial war-chest. He enjoys the backing of Tinubu. He is a master strategist in all forms and shapes.
Dealing with a man of this political caliber would only call for wisdom and that is exactly what Fubara chose to do even if it meant standing alone.

In his last media chat in Abuja, Wike had made it clear that if Fubara should genuinely apologize to him, he would let go. A fortnight ago, the governor made a trip to London enroute Frankfurt, Germany where he met with the president in a closed door meeting.

Details

The details of their discussion in that meeting were not divulged but close sources believe that it was the prelude to a symbiotic agreement for the betterment of Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 while Fubara returns as governor.

Having met with the president, Fubara never rested on his oars.

He went on a remorseful visit to Wike to let him know how sorry he was and begged for forgiveness.
It is not clear what lies in the offing after the two high stake meetings.

But Nigerians are of the opinion that having shown sufficient regrets for his actions or inactions, Fubara deserves to be reinstated.

There are speculations that Tinubu, who is alleged to be under intense pressure by prominent Nigerians, may reinstate the suspended governor by May 29. “Everything is in the realm of speculations”, said Prince Ogbonna Nwuke, a former member of the House of Representatives.

“I think as a democrat, the president should use the May 29, which is a big day in our country’s political history, to convince the whole world that he is indeed a true democrat by reinstating Governor Fubara , his deputy and the House of Assembly”.

On her part, Ann Kio Briggs, spokesperson for Ijaw Republican Assembly, IRA, believes that reinstatement of Fubara on May 29 would make more sense to the people of the state.

“He has to be reinstated on May 29, being Democracy Day, so that the governor can join his colleague governors to celebrate his second year in office”.

Briggs explained that the entire Rivers people will appreciate Tinubu if he could “bring back our governor on May 29. That is our Democracy Day. It will bring a lot of succor to the people of the state who have suffered as a result of the crisis in the past two years”.

History

Corroborating the IRA’s spokesperson, the President of Ijaw National Congress, INC, Prof Benjamin Okaba, said Tinubu would make history if he reinstates Fubara on May 29 as with stringent lines drawn to demarcate power play between the two warring factions.
“Fubara’s visits to the President and Wike are welcome developments. The president can make history by returning Fubara earlier than expected”, he said.

“Besides, he should make himself the president of all Nigerians, not to a particular person. Let the Minister mind his job in Abuja and allow the Rivers people to enjoy the governor they voted for.

“I am not interested whether Fubara wants to defect to APC or not. After all, our politicians do not have ideology. And the country is cascading to a one party state. “What we want is his return to power for the interest of Rivers people”.

For Dr. Joseph Ambakederimo, Convener of the South-South Reawakening Group, SSRG, “Fubara has shown that he is a man of peace. He has shown enough remorse and deserves to return to his duty post.

“The stakes are high. Expectations are also high. Nigerians are eagerly waiting to hear what Mr. President will have to tell us on Democracy Day.

“I know that the president won’t disappoint. Our prayer is that Fubara should be returned to power. I was privileged to meet with him recently in Port Harcourt and I saw a man who was ready to do anything for the sake of peace”.

More than anything else, what is more worrisome to the Rivers people is the terms of agreement between the FCT Minister and the suspended governor for the return of peace in the state and his subsequent return to power.

There are speculations that appointment of commissioners must be shared in a formula that will give the Abuja bloc a comfortable stand.

This same formula will apply to the appointment of all offices when normal democratic institutions are restored.
For local government elections which were earlier scheduled to be conducted on August 9, “the Minister’s interest will be highly protected”, a source privy to the arrangement hinted.

“The template has been set already. There is a change in the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC.

“Interested contestants would be selected, it does not matter which political parties they belong. They will be there to serve the interest of those who nominated them”.

How then will Fubara’s second coming to office look like? Is he going to be a puppet governor who will dance whenever the string is pulled from outside the state?

What will be the political fate of the Atiku supporters (elders) when normalcy returns and Fubara returns to the saddle? All eyes are on May 29 while Nigerians sit on edge.