Politics

Pro-Wike Lawmakers Override Fubara, Enact Service Commission Law

Published

2 years ago

March 22, 2024

The face-off between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly took a new twist on Friday as the majority of the lawmakers enacted a new law without the governor’s assent.

The new law is the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission Amendment Law.

Of the 27 lawmakers said to be loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, 24 who were present during the emergency plenary on Friday overrode the Governor.

This followed an observation by the House Majority Leader, Hon Major Jack, that the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission amendment law, which was sent to the Governor on February 19, 2024 had yet to be assented to by Governor Fubara.

The leader stated, “Mr Speaker, I draw the notice of this House that since then, 30 days have elapsed. Let me go to the Constitution Section 100 (4) where a Bill is presented to the Governor for assent he shall within 30 days thereof signify that he assents or withholds assent.

“Mr. Speaker, having given this letter to the governor, I’m bringing it to the notice of this house that the 30 days have elapsed.”

Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, then called for a debate, and members of the Assembly argued that Section 100 (5) be invoked so that the House can override the governor.

Following the voting, the speaker stated, “Those that voted for, 24, against, nil, abstention, nil. By this voting, 24 members are far and above two-thirds, and what this means is that we have surpassed the constitutional requirements for overriding the assent of the governor.

“By this, the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission is hereby passed, and the assent of the governor is no longer required for it to be law in this state.”

This is the second time the Pro-Wike lawmakers will override the state governor.

In January, the House enacted four laws after they said the governor declined his assent to them.

The implication of this law is that the House of Assembly now has the powers to appoint a Chairman and members of the Assembly Service Commission, even as it places the Clerk at par with the State Head of Service, and places the Deputy Clerk and Secretary of the Assembly Service Commission at par with Permanent Secretaries in the State Civil Service.

Politics

PDP Crisis: INEC Rejects Turaki-led NWC

Published

13 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said it will not recognise the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee, NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, citing existing court judgments and unresolved legal processes.

This was as contained in a letter dated December 22, 2025, signed by INEC Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

The Commission stated that it could not act on demands to acknowledge or upload on its website the list of national officers said to have been elected at the National Convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan.

According to INEC, its position was guided by subsisting court decisions and pending litigation relating to the leadership crisis within the PDP.

The electoral body further noted that it would be improper to recognise any factional officers while the matter remains before the courts.

Politics

Govt That Fails To Protect Its Citizens Has No Business Remaining In Office – Kwankwaso

Published

13 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has accused the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of lacking the political will to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

Kwankwaso spoke on Tuesday in Kano while unveiling 2,000 operatives of the Kano State Neighbourhood Security Network.

He urged President Tinubu to “rise to the occasion and truly act as the Commander-in-Chief” in addressing banditry and other security challenges.

According to him, Nigeria’s military “remains one of the most gallant in the world,” having served in international peacekeeping missions in Darfur, Liberia, and other conflict zones.

However, he said the armed forces are not being adequately supported to perform optimally.

“Today, many innocent Nigerians are being killed, while the perpetrators walk freely as if nothing happened. The government must apologise to Nigerians for its laxity in the fight against insecurity,” he said.

Kwankwaso, who once served as Minister of Defence, added: “When I was Defence Minister, I knew the capability of the Nigerian military. They are courageous and professional but need clear direction, support, and political will to do the needful.”

He stressed that Nigeria’s armed forces had historically ranked among the best globally and urged the government to equip them properly to change the current security situation.

Kwankwaso also said that if elected president in 2027, he would recruit over one million additional military personnel to strengthen national security.

“Any government that fails to protect the lives and property of its citizens has failed woefully and has no business remaining in office,” he declared.

He further called on the Federal Government to integrate community-based security initiatives, like the Kano Neighbourhood Security Network, into the national security system to boost morale and improve intelligence-driven operations against criminals.

Politics

ADC Announces Temporary Closure Of Secretariat

Published

13 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

The African Democratic Congress, ADC , says it has temporarily closed its National Secretariat as part of the end-of-year break.

A statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said full operations are scheduled to resume in the New Year.

According to the statement, the secretariat will close on December 23, 2025, and reopen on January 5, 2026.

The party, however, said essential skeletal services will remain available throughout the period, while all other official activities at the National Secretariat will be suspended to allow staff and party officials observe the Christmas and New Year holidays.

“This is to inform the public that the African Democratic Congress National Secretariat will close for the year on 23rd December 2025 and will resume full operations on 5th January 2026.

“During this period, only skeletal services will be available, while all other official activities at the Secretariat will be temporarily suspended,” the statement said.

The party thanked its members, partners and supporters for their continued loyalty and cooperation throughout the year, noting that their support remains critical to the growth and stability of the party.

The ADC also said it is committed to its ideals and to democratic engagement as it prepares for activities in the coming year.