News

Rivers: Reverse Emergency Rule, Apologies To The Good People, CSO Tells Tinubu

Published

6 months ago

March 25, 2025

Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, South-South zone, has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately revoke the proclamation declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State and restore democratic institutions in the state.

The coalition, comprising over 200 civil society organisations, also charged Tinubu to “apologise to the people of the state and Nigerians in general, for undermining their democratic choice and usurping the powers of their elected leaders.”

Their call was contained in a statement signed by by Dr. Jude Obasanmi, South-South Representative;
Dr. Bright Oniovikukor of Indomitable Youth Organisation, Comrade (Mrs) Abiola Igaga of Take a Cure Development Initiative; Comr Batholomeum Okundo, CONGOs, Edo State, and representatives of six other civil society organisations in the South-South geo-political zone.

Raising concerns on the dangers inherent in the emergency proclamation, consequent suspension of democratic structures in the state, the Civil Society Organisations Situation Room observed that the order contravenes the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

“The President’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State contravenes the Nigerian Constitution, which grants states autonomy to govern through democratically elected officials. This action undermines the principles of federalism and the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution.

“We call on the President to revoke the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and restore constitutional order.

“The suspension of elected officials and the imposition of a federally appointed Administrator in Rivers State severely undermines the democratic rights of the people.

“By electing their leaders, the citizens of Rivers State exercised their constitutional right to participatory governance.

“The president’s action disregards this democratic choice, disenfranchising citizens and undermining the legitimacy of their duly elected government.

“If this declaration is allowed to stand, it sets a dangerous precedent for future undemocratic actions by the federal government against other states.

“This could embolden leaders to subvert democracy for personal or political gain, jeopardizing Nigeria’s progress in strengthening democratic governance since 1999 and pushing the country toward authoritarian rule.

“The president must publicly apologize to the people of Rivers State and Nigeria for violating their democratic rights and unlawfully usurping the powers of their elected leaders.

“We call on the judiciary and relevant stakeholders to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy, prevent any future violations of constitutional principles and ensure the protection of democratic institutions; while the notorious section 305 of the Constitution should be reviewed to provide more clarity and limits of its application.

“We urge the National Assembly to exercise its oversight function, ensuring the President’s actions align with the Constitution and prevent any potential abuse of power.

The CSO, while calling on all Nigerians to stand together to defend democracy, noted: “The protection and preservation of democratic institutions are crucial for Nigeria’s stability, progress, and the well-being of its citizens.

“It is imperative that we reject any actions that undermine the constitutional principles that are the foundation of our democratic system”.

News

Navy Opens Recruitment For Basic Training School Batch 38

Published

7 hours ago

September 26, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian Navy has opened applications for its Basic Training School (BTS) Batch 38 recruitment exercise, scheduled to run from October 2 to October 31, 2025.

According to an official statement, the recruitment process is free, and interested applicants must submit their applications online at https://www.joinnigeriannavy.navy.mil.ng/https://www.joinnigeriannavy.navy.mil.ng.

Successful candidates will undergo basic military training before being officially enlisted as Ordinary Seamen.

The Navy stressed that eligibility is restricted to Nigerian citizens by birth with a valid National Identification Number (NIN). Applicants must have no criminal record and must not be affiliated with secret societies, cults, or fraternities.

Educational and age requirements were clearly outlined. Candidates applying with O’level results must be between 18 and 22 years old as of December 31, 2025.

Those with OND/NCE qualifications must be aged 18 to 26, while Chaplain/Imam Assistants and Drivers/Mechanics must fall within the 18 to 28 age bracket.

In all cases, applicants are required to have at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained in not more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO, GCE, or NABTEB, with certificates not older than 2015.

The Navy added that special professions, such as Medical Assistants and Nurses, require proof of registration with relevant professional bodies.

Applicants for technical trades including tailoring, plumbing, carpentry, welding, and electrical works must present valid Trade Test certificates in addition to academic qualifications.

Similarly, candidates applying as sportsmen and women are expected to provide certificates and medals as evidence of their sporting achievements.

The recruitment examination is scheduled for November 29, 2025, at designated centers nationwide.

Candidates are required to bring their Attestation Form, duly signed with a passport photograph of the signer, along with valid identification such as a Driver’s License, International Passport, or National ID Card.

Applicants have been cautioned against multiple applications, which will lead to disqualification.

The Navy further advised candidates to seek clarification only through official communication channels provided on the recruitment portal.

News

BREAKING: Gov Fubara Dissolves Rivers Pension Board

Published

8 hours ago

September 26, 2025

Editor

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has dissolved the State Pensions Board with immediate effect.

Rivers State Head of Service Mrs Inyingi Brown made this announcement on Friday in Port Harcourt.

According to the governor, the office of the State Accountant General will handle the functions of the board until a new one is constituted.

News

FAAN Launches Cashless Payment System Across Airports

Published

9 hours ago

September 26, 2025

Editor

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched the cashless system of payment across all airports.

“FAAN in partnership with Paystack, is proud to announce the roll out of OPERATION GO CASHLESS, a cashless contactless payment solution across all airports beginning with Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja,” the agency said in a communique on Thursday.

Effective September 29, 2025, all payments at FAAN’s revenue points, including airport Access Gates, Car Parks, FAAN VIP and Protocol Lounges will go cashless which means the agency will be phasing out the collection of cash at these points.

FAAN added that travelers and airport users will now enjoy fast and seamless services by using a secure contactless payment option.

This initiative, it stated, is a response to the growing demand for safe, modern, and transparent payment systems while ensuring Nigeria’s airports remain aligned with global digital trends.

By reducing reliance on cash, FAAN said it aims to enhance efficiency, improve revenue assurance, and deliver a better customer experience at our airports.

To ease the transition, trained brand ambassadors have been deployed at access gates and around the terminals to guide users, assist with onboarding, provide demonstrations, and answer questions they may have.

In addition, passengers have been directed to obtain a FAAN Go Cashless Card at any airport access gate in Lagos and Abuja.

After collection, users are encouraged to activate and fund their cards immediately by visiting www.gocashless. faan.gov.ng.

FAAN added that it remains committed to continuous improvement and will expand this cashless policy to other airports nationwide in phases.

For inquiries, airport users have also been advised to contact FAAN’s support line at 0700 CBS FAAN (0700 227 3226) or email the agency at gocashlesssupport@faan.gov.ng.