News

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

Published

1 year ago

March 25, 2025

Editor

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

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

7 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

29 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.