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SERAP Drags Tinubu To Court Over Fubara, Deputy, Lawmakers’ Suspension

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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has taken President Bola Tinubu to court over what it calls the “unlawful suspension” of the Rivers State Governor, his deputy, and House of Assembly members.

The six-month suspension was announced while the president proclaimed a state of emergency in the state.

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SERAP argued that the decision violates constitutional provisions and undermines democratic governance.

The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, was initiated by three members of SERAP’s Volunteers’ Lawyers Network (SVLN) in Rivers State—Yirabari Israel Nulog, Nengim Ikpoemugh Royal, and Gracious Eyoh-Sifumbukho.

READ ALSO: IG Warns Policemen Against Unlawful, Prolonged Detention

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The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) have also been joined as defendants.

The suit, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/558/2025, demands “an order setting aside the suspension of the democratically elected officials in Rivers State by President Tinubu while proclaiming a state of emergency in the state” and “an order setting aside the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.”

SERAP, in a statement by its Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare on Sunday, argued that “the rule of law would be a mere figure of speech if the people’s right to participation can be arbitrarily suspended or violated.”

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“Democracy is an inherent element of the rule of law. Nigeria’s democracy ought to have as its foundation respect for human rights and the rule of law,” the statement read.

READ ALSO: Emergency Rule: Ijaw To Meet, Decide On Options For Self-determination – INC President

SERAP insists that the suspension contradicts both the Nigerian Constitution and international legal obligations, citing the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance.

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The combined provisions of Sections 1(2), 14(1)(c), 176(1)(2), and 305(1) of the Nigerian Constitution create a delicate balance of rights and responsibilities, ensuring that the exercise of presidential power does not override the people’s right to participate in their own governance,” the organisation asserted.

It further argued that Section 305, which grants the president powers to declare a state of emergency, “is neither absolute nor superior to other provisions of the Constitution,” stressing that such power must be exercised in a way that upholds democratic participation.

READ ALSO: Soyinka Criticizes Tinubu’s Emergency Rule In Rivers, Calls For Constitutional Reform

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“The suspension of the democratically elected officials in Rivers State has seriously undermined the ability of the plaintiffs to participate more effectively in their own government, the credibility and integrity of the country’s electoral process, and the notion of the rule of law,” SERAP stated.

Among other reliefs sought, the plaintiffs are asking the court for a declaration that Tinubu’s actions are “unlawful, unconstitutional, null, and void” and an injunction restraining the appointed sole administrator from acting in that capacity.

“No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit,” the statement concluded.

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2Baba’s Wife, Natasha Wins Best Legislator Awards

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Wife of legendary singer Innocent Idibia popularly known as 2Baba, and lawmaker Representing Egor Constituency at Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Natasha Osawawru has been honoured with Best Legislator Awards.

The Edo-born lawmaker was honoured at the 2025 National Leadership Awards held at the Nigerian Merit House, Maitama, Abuja.

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The female lawmaker had championed bills and embarked on initiatives which focused on women empowerment, education, healthcare and youth development.

READ ALSO:‘This Is Not Me’ – 2Baba Apologises To Wife Natasha, Children Over Controversial Comments

Other laudable projects she has embarked upon in her constituency include scholarships, free medical outreach, and skills acquisition programmes that have directly benefited her constituents.

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Speaking after receiving the award, Osawaru dedicated the honour to the people of Egor Constituency and reaffirmed her commitment to “serve with integrity, passion, and dedication.”

The National Leadership Awards celebrates excellence and service across sectors in Nigeria.

Osawaru’s recognition further cements her reputation as one of the country’s most dynamic and impactful young legislators.

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Lunar Eclipse To Hit Nigeria, Other African Countries

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Nigerians, alongside residents of some African nations, are set to witness a rare celestial spectacle on Sunday, September 7, when a total lunar eclipse lights up the skies from 8:00 p.m. West Africa Time.

The phenomenon, which will last about 83 minutes, is expected to turn the Moon a vivid reddish colour, drawing the attention of sky watchers across the region.

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According to the National Television Authority (NTA), scientists confirmed that the eclipse will be visible across much of Africa.

READ ALSO:2024 Solar Eclipse: See When, Where It Will Happen

“Countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Benin, Togo, Niger, Chad, and São Tomé and Príncipe will experience the eclipse, though the westernmost areas may miss parts of the early penumbral or partial phases due to the Moon rising closer to or during totality,” the network reported on Sunday.

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Although some westernmost areas may not see the early phases, much of Nigeria will enjoy a clear view of the event, which scientists describe as safe and awe-inspiring.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration stated on its website that a lunar eclipse may be total, partial, or penumbral, and predicted that Sunday’s total eclipse will be visible in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

READ ALSO:Eight Amazing Facts You Should Know About Solar Eclipse 2024

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The Moon’s red glow, often referred to as a “blood moon,” comes from sunlight bending through Earth’s atmosphere, a phenomenon NASA recently linked to temperature variations on the lunar surface during such events.

Unlike solar eclipses, which require protective eyewear, this lunar eclipse can be viewed safely with the naked eye.

A total lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align, with Earth’s shadow falling across the Moon.

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DSS Gives X Ultimatum To Pull Down Sowore’s Tweet

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The Department of State Services (DSS) has demanded that X (formerly Twitter) remove a tweet against President Bola Tinubu by activist Omoyele Sowore, giving the social media platform a 24-hour ultimatum to comply.

The DSS claims the tweet “disparages” President Bola Tinubu and poses a threat to Nigeria’s national security.

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In a letter signed on behalf of the Director-General, the DSS cited a tweet from Sowore’s verified handle, @YeleSowore, dated August 25, 2025. The tweet, which has now been widely reported, reads: “This criminal @officialABAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is NO MORE corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!”

The DSS’s notice to X stated that the tweet is a “disparaging” and “dangerous” publication that could incite unrest and create “political tension.”

READ ALSO:JUST IN: DSS Writes X, Wants Sowore’s Account Deactivated Over Tweet Targeting Tinubu

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The tweet under reference is against the transparency on X and Government has frowned at it and found it extremely dangerous, false, privacy violation behaviour that manipulate and negatively impacts on the person of the President and the Country.”

The said tweet is still in circulation and has attracted widespread condemnation by majority of Nigerians, some of whom may resort to unwholesome activities to vent their grievance over it, especially supporters of the President who have started taking to the streets in protest, thereby creating political tension and threatening the country’s national security. This is in addition to the disparaging effect the tweet has on the reputation of Mr. President and the country before the comity of nations.”

The service claimed that the tweet, directed at the President’s official X account, has already led to protests from his supporters.

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The letter also asserted that the tweet violates several Nigerian laws, including the Cyber Crimes Act 2025, the Criminal Code Act, and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The DSS alleged that the words used by Sowore constitute “misleading information, online harassment and abuse,” and an attempt to “cause disunity” and “discredit the President.”

READ ALSO:DSS Charges Top Ansaru Leaders Over Terrorism, Kuje Prison Break Roles

The security agency warned of “far-reaching, sweeping and across-the-board measures” if X fails to take down the tweet and its attendant retweets within the stipulated 24-hour period.

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It is against the above highlighted backdrop that we make an immediate and urgent demand on your Corporation to as a matter of its own policy, immediately TAKE DOWN the tweet and its attendant re-tweets. This demand is unequivocal with its attendant consequence. Should you fail, neglect and refuse to comply with the command in this notice, the Federal Government will be compelled to take far-reaching, sweeping and across-the-board measures through our Organisation, whose mandate covers such criminal acts. In the light of the above having been made official to you, 24 hours is sufficient enough to take necessary action.”

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