Politics

JUST IN: Atiku, Obi, Others Urge N’Assembly To Reject Tinubu’s Emergency Rule In Rivers

Published

4 months ago

March 20, 2025

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, along with his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi, and other opposition leaders, have called on the National Assembly to oppose President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Atiku, speaking on behalf of the opposition leaders at a press conference at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Thursday, accused Tinubu of favouritism and the improper use of Section 305 regarding the state of emergency.

He stated, “We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately revoke this unconstitutional proclamation and reinstate the elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and State Assembly of Rivers State.

“We call on patriotic Senators and Representatives to vote against this illegal action when it comes before them for approval.

“The National Assembly must stand on the right side of history and not allow itself to be used to legitimise an unconstitutional power grab.”

Recall that Rivers State has been engulfed in political instability for nearly two years as former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, vie for supremacy, leading to a governance deadlock in the oil-rich state.

As a result, the President declared a state of emergency in the state on Tuesday during a nationwide broadcast.

He stressed the need for order and suspended Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months.

Additionally, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas was appointed as the state’s administrator.

Within hours of the declaration, military forces took control of the Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt.

While Fubara expressed his concerns and called for calm, the state House of Assembly supported the President’s decision.

Other opposition leaders present at the ongoing press conference include Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who is represented by Yunusa Tanko, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh, and Convenor of the Alternative, Segun Showunmi, among others.

Among those whose apologies were announced are former governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Adamu, among others.

Details shortly…

Related Topics:Atiku Obi Rivers Assembly Rivers Crisis

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Politics

PHOTOS: Kwankwaso Welcomes APC Defectors Into NNPP

Published

10 hours ago

July 25, 2025

Editor

Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has welcomed thousands of defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) into his party in Kano State.

Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, disclosed this on Friday via his official X handle, noting that the event was held at his residence in Kano.

He further stated that the NNPP’s growing political influence and distinguished leadership style in Kano continue to attract new members, encouraging others to join without hesitation.

“Yesterday was a momentous occasion, as I received thousands of defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) into the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP),” he stated.

“Speaking during the event at my residence in Kano, I welcomed the new members into our party and I promised them equitable treatment and cooperation.

“The distinguished leadership style in Kano and our political leadership keep attracting more people into our fold, and I encourage those considering joining to do so without any hesitation.”

See photos below:

Politics

Lawmaker Wants Bill Banning Public Servants’ Children From Private Schools To Include Politicians

Published

10 hours ago

July 25, 2025

Editor

Rep. Kayode Akiolu (APC- Lagos ) says he will support a bill that will ban children of public servants from attending private schools, if it includes politicians.

The lawmaker said that such a bill should make everybody put in their best interests for national development.

He made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Lagos.

Akiolu represents the Lagos Island II constituency of Lagos state in the 10th National Assembly.

NAN recalls that the House of Representatives passed for first reading, a bill seeking to prohibit public and civil servants, including their immediate families, from patronising private schools and healthcare facilities in Nigeria.

The bill was sponsored by Mr Godwin Ogah, lawmaker representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia.

Akiolu said: “First things first, I hold a balanced view; what I mean is a balanced view on both sides.

“We are creating a democratic country, which is open, freedom of association, and freedom of movement.

“However, on the other side, it is presently a proposed bill; maybe the benefit of the bill is to make sure that civil servants put in all the best.

“Also, if I am to support the bill, I would also want it to include all public servants, which includes us, the politicians.”

According to him, that is when the country’s education will be top-notch, world-class, saying, “Because my child is there, the Bank Secretary’s child is there, the President’s child is there.

“We have nowhere but our country. If they amend it to include children of politicians, I am in support 100 per cent,“ he said.

He said that the support also included visiting the country’s hospitals, saying the nation’s healthcare required investing in, to arrest medical tourism.

“We need to go back to the good old days when Saudi Arabia and some other countries sent their people to Nigeria, including the Saudi royal family.

“In the 60s, and 70s, the Saudi royal family were coming to invest in Ibadan to get treatment. Later, there was a brain drain, and they decided to take our doctors over to Saudi Arabia, in the 80s and mid-90s.

“There is always a reversal; the way people go to India, and different countries of the world, is the way they will start coming to Nigeria.

“So, I think its high time we looked inwards, into our country, “ Akiolu said.

Politics

JUST IN: Tinubu, Shettima, Akpabio, Others In Attendance As APC Holds Crucial NEC Meeting

Published

2 days ago

July 24, 2025

Editor

President Bola Tinubu is currently attending the 14th National Executive Council, NEC, meeting of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, taking place at the State House in Abuja.

The meeting, which commenced at about 2:10 pm, has in attendance members of the party’s NEC, including governors, former governors and leaders of the National Assembly.

Some other ranking and foundation members of the party are also part of the NEC.

Besides Tinubu, others participating in the ongoing meeting include Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu.

Also in attendance are the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, PGF, and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, as well as several other governors.

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the acting National Chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori, are also present.