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Politics

Emergency Rule In Rivers, Affront To Democracy – Fubara’s Kinsman Blow Hot

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The Opobo Council of Chiefs, kinsmen of suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has criticised the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.

The council described Fubara’s suspension as an affront to democracy, saying that President Bola Tinubu’s action was a gross abuse of power.

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Vice Chairman of Opobo Council of Chiefs, Edwin Brown, made the remark while speaking on the sideline at an emergency stakeholders’ congress of the Ijaw National Congress held on Thursday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

Brown said the suspension of Fubara, his Deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly, was an unprecedented assault on the democratic process.

READ ALSO: Rivers Ex-HoS, Nwaeke Speaks Out On Alleged Kidnap, Speaking Under Duress

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He argued that suspending an elected governor and the state legislature not only undermined the mandate given by the electorate but also posed a significant threat to the political stability of the state.

Brown further declared the suspension as “an aberration and travesty of the constitution.”

He said, “Even though the Nigerian Constitution grants the President powers to declare a state of emergency under Section 305, it does not authorise the suspension of democratically elected officials, such as governors or members of the legislature.

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“The proper procedure for removing a governor is outlined in Section 188 of the Constitution, which requires legislative processes rather than executive fiat.

READ ALSO: ‘Nwaeke Compromised’ – Fubara Denies Plot To Bomb Oil Facilities

“The unconstitutional suspension of democratically elected government officials is a slow but surely dismantling of democratic structures. This will not help our fledgling democracy, but will destroy all the gains so far made in this democratic dispensation.

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“This is not just about Governor Fubara; it is about every citizen of Rivers State who participated in a democratic election. Injustice in Rivers State is injustice all over Nigeria because we are all governed by one constitution.”

He expressed concern that such actions could set a dangerous precedent, eroding public trust in the electoral system and democratic institutions across Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Fubara: ‘Democracy Has Been Knocked Down In Nigeria’, Peter Obi Laments

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The Opobo Council of Chiefs’ vice chairman further articulated the historical context of the Ijaw struggle for representation, highlighting the community’s long-standing grievances regarding political marginalisation.

For over 24 years, we have fought to regain our rightful place in governance. To have that struggle undermined by a unilateral decision from the Federal Government is not just frustrating—it is an affront to our identity and aspirations as Ijaw people,” Brown stated.

He therefore called for a united front among Ijaw leaders and communities, urging them to resist any attempts to divide or silence their voices.

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Politics

BREAKING: Confusion As APC Chair, Ganduje Resigns

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National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has resigned from his position, Saturday Vanguard has learned.

Although the exact circumstances surrounding his resignation remain unclear as of press time, a senior party official confirmed the development, stating simply, “Yes, it is true. He has resigned.”

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READ ALSO: FCT Polls: APC Releases Names Of Primary Election Committee Members

Sources revealed that Ganduje’s personal belongings were earlier moved from his office at the APC national secretariat, further fueling speculation.

The development has thrown the party’s headquarters into confusion, with staff and visitors visibly shocked by the unexpected news.

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‘Peace Has Returned To Rivers’ — Wike, Fubara Speak After Meeting Tinubu

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After months of political tension and division in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, have publicly declared an end to their rift, assuring residents that peace has finally returned.

The truce followed a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Thursday night, where both leaders, along with other stakeholders, reached a resolution to work together for the state’s progress.

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Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, expressed gratitude to God for the breakthrough.

READ ALSO: Fubara Exonerates Self From Pipeline Vandalism, Blames Wike For Crisis In Rivers

Wike said, “I want to give God the glory that today is the 26th of June 2025, that peace has finally returned to the state. We all agreed to work together with the governor, and the governor also agreed to work together with all of us. We are members of the same political family.”

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He acknowledged that disagreements are part of politics but emphasised that the resolution marked a fresh start for the state.

He said, “Just like humans, you have disagreements, and then you also have a time to also settle your disagreements, and that has been finally concluded today, and we have come to report to Mr President that is what we have agreed.

READ ALSO: Wike Revokes 4,794 Land Titles Over Non-payment Of Ground Rent In FCT

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“So for me, everything is over, and I enjoin everybody to work together with everybody. There is no more acrimony; there is nothing to say. We have disagreed; we have all agreed on everything, so thank God. For me, it’s a day we have to thank almighty God.”

Governor Fubara, who also spoke to journalists, said the return of peace is crucial to the state’s development.

He said, “For me, it’s very important that this day has come to be. What we need for the progress of Rivers State is peace, and by the special grace of God this night, with the help of Mr President and the agreement of the leaders of the state, peace has returned to Rivers State.”

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Fubara pledged to do everything within his power to sustain the peace, describing it as a step toward lasting stability and governance in the oil-rich state.

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INEC Fixes Voter Registration Resumption Dates For Anambra Election, Nationwide

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) will resume in Anambra on July 17 and nationwide on Aug. 18.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this at the commission’s quarterly meeting with political parties on Thursday in Abuja.

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Yakubu said that in view of the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra, the CVR exercise would be held at two levels.

He said the exercise would commence in the 326 wards across the state on July 8 and end on July 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, including the weekend.

READ ALSO: Anambra Governorship: INEC Publishes Final List, Announces Date For Campaign

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During the registration period, new voters as well as those who wish to transfer their registration to Anambra from other states of the federation or from one location to another within the state will have the opportunity to do so.

“Similarly, registered voters whose Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) were lost or damaged will have the opportunity to apply for replacement.

“Uncollected PVCs from previous registrations will also be available for collection at the registration centres.

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“Interested eligible Nigerian citizens are encouraged to appear in person to register,” he said.

The INEC chairman, however, explained that the online pre-registration option is currently unavailable.

READ ALSO: INEC Releases Details Of 16 Anambra Guber Candidates

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Yakubu added that voter registration and compilation of the voters’ register must be completed not later than 90 days before the date fixed for the election as provided by law.

For the nationwide CVR, the commission has approved resumption of the online and in-person registration of voters in all states of the federation.

“The online pre-registration will start on Aug. 18, while the in-person registration will follow on Aug. 25.

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“The exercise will be held simultaneously in all states and the FCT as well as the 774 Local Government Area offices nationwide,” he said.

Yakubu said the detailed schedule of activities would be released soon.
(NAN)

 

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