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Atiku, El-Rufai, Tanko, Ihedioha Form Coalition To Challenge Tinubu In 2027

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has announced the formation of a new coalition of opposition political parties aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

Atiku made the declaration on Thursday at a press conference held at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, where he addressed journalists on behalf of the opposition leaders. The coalition, comprising key political figures, seeks to present a united front against what they describe as the president’s unconstitutional actions and governance failures.

As part of its agenda, the coalition strongly criticised President Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which led to the suspension of elected officials, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.

Atiku, flanked by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Labour Party spokesperson, Yunusa Tanko, and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, called on the National Assembly to reject the move.

He also urged the judiciary to swiftly overturn the president’s pronouncement, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent for arbitrary removal of governors in the future.

“Section 305 of the Constitution allows the President to declare a state of emergency only in extreme cases where public safety, national security, or Nigeria’s sovereignty is at serious risk. However, it does not grant him the power to suspend elected officials or to demolish democratic structures as he has brazenly done,” Atiku stated.

He described Tinubu’s decision as “a clear subversion of democracy and an imposition of autocratic federal control over a duly elected state government.”

The coalition urged civil society organisations, political groups, and all Nigerians to reject what they termed an assault on the Constitution and democratic institutions.

The coalition leaders pledged to engage stakeholders across party lines in preparation for 2027, signalling the beginning of an intensified political battle against Tinubu’s administration.

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BREAKING: Tinubu swears-in Ibas as Rivers sole administrator

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu has sworn- in the sole administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.), into office.

Tinubu swore Ibas into office at about 03:00 pm at the State House, Abuja.

The brief ceremony was witnessed by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the Principal Secretary to the President, Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola.

Ibas arrived at the Presidential Villa at about 12:48 pm (local time).

On Tuesday night, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

In a national broadcast, Tinubu cited prolonged political instability, constitutional breaches, and security threats as reasons for the extraordinary measure.

The crisis, which had paralysed governance in the oil-rich state, stems from a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

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Fubara’s whereabouts unknown as Military moves trucks into Rivers Govt House

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The movement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara was unknown on Tuesday night when the military moved trucks into Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt.

The trucks were placed within and outside the Government House on the first night of the State of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu declared emergency rule amid the attacks on oil installations in Rivers State.

Some militants groups had threatened to blow up pipelines if the Rivers House of Assembly impeach Fubara.

However, hours after the lawmakers served the governor with notice of alleged misconduct, the militants carried out their threat.

Responding, the president suspended Fubara and the lawmakers for sic months, appointing an administrator for the state.

After the declaration, about 10 military trucks patrolled the road leading to the Government House main gate while armoured vehicles were seen at strategic positions within the road leading to the Government House gate.

The road leading to Government House from the popular UTC junction was deserted as residents made efforts to get back to their respective houses.

A resident of Port Harcourt who pleaded anonymity told our reporter that military trucks were found all over the area.

“The road leading to Government House from the Issac Boro park to the popular UTC is deserted. Residents are making efforts to get back to their respective homes as nobody wants to be caught in a cross fire. I saw about 10 military trucks parading the road leading to Government House. There are other armoured tanks that have been stationed at both entrance road leading to Government House,” the sources said.

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BREAKING: Tinubu names ex-Naval chief Ibas as Rivers administrator

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu has named a former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibokette Ibas, an administrator for Rivers State.

The appointment was made after the President declared a state of emergency in the state and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu, and the state lawmakers for six months.

Tinubu made the declaration on Tuesday during a national broadcast.

“By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.

“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.

“For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate,” he said.

More details soon…

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BREAKING: Tinubu suspends Fubara, deputy others for 6 months

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

……declares state of emergency in Rivers State

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.

This is in reaction to the political crisis that have engulfed Rivers State.

Leading reporters reports that the President made the declaration in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday.

“The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started,” Tinubu said.

The president stated that he made personal intervention to resolve the crisis in the state but his efforts have been ignored.

A retired military chief, Ekwe Ibas, has been selected to oversee the state’s affairs once the emergency is declared.

The move comes amid escalating violence between former Governor Nyesom Wike and the current Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as the two continue their protracted political feud.

Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has reportedly been attempting to unseat Fubara, intensifying the political tensions in the state.

Following the unrest, major petrol pipelines in the state were sabotaged by suspected militants.

The increasing violence and instability have prompted the federal government to consider drastic measures to restore order in the oil-rich state.

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BREAKING: Tinubu suspends Fubara, deputy others for 6 months

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

……….. declares state of emergency

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.

This is in reaction to the political crisis that have engulfed Rivers State.

Leading reporters reports that the President made the declaration in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday.

“The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started,” Tinubu said.

The president stated that he made personal intervention to resolve the crisis in the state but his efforts have been ignored.

A retired military chief, Ekwe Ibas, has been selected to oversee the state’s affairs once the emergency is declared.

The move comes amid escalating violence between former Governor Nyesom Wike and the current Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as the two continue their protracted political feud.

Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has reportedly been attempting to unseat Fubara, intensifying the political tensions in the state.

Following the unrest, major petrol pipelines in the state were sabotaged by suspected militants.

The increasing violence and instability have prompted the federal government to consider drastic measures to restore order in the oil-rich state.

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Tinubu appoints Bishop Kukah as Pro-Chancellor

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, announced this in a statement, on Monday.

Onanuga said the president also appointed principal officers for the university, including Prof. Qurix Williams Barnabas as Vice Chancellor, Sanusi Gambo Adamu as Registrar, Ibrahim Dalhat as bursar, and Prof. Daniel Abubakar as university Librarian.

“President Tinubu also approved the appointment of Mr Thomas Etuh, representing the North Central, Chief Fabian Nwaora (South East), Prof Femi Taiwo (South West) and Zarah Bukar (North East). as members of the university’s Governing Council.

“All the appointees were carefully selected based on their distinguished careers, leadership experience, and dedication to advancing education in Nigeria.

“President Tinubu implored them to use their collective expertise to position the university as a hub for academic excellence and research, aligning with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“President Tinubu urged the newly appointed officers to provide visionary leadership and lay a solid foundation for the university’s growth as it prepares to admit its first cohort of students in September 2025.

“The Federal University of Applied Sciences was formerly known as Nok University. It was renamed following the federal government’s takeover of its assets.”

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‘For 50 years, Nigeria spent money meant for future generations’, Tinubu laments

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu has said that Nigeria spent the past 50 years and more depleting funds meant for future generations.

The president expressed his displeasure when some senators of the Third Republic visited him at the Presidential Villa in Aso Rock, Abuja.

In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the senators of the Third Republic, which Tinubu served as a Senator representing Lagos West, were at the Villa on Thursday, March 13.

At the meeting, the president said the primary motive of his administration was to protect the interest of future generations.

Tinubu said, “For 50 years, Nigeria was spending money of generations yet unborn and servicing the West coast of our subregion with fuel. It was getting difficult to plan for our children’s future.”

Highlighting some of the efforts made by his administration to address the challenges faced by the nation, the president said Nigeria would have been bankrupt if he did not take over leadership.

“We faced serious headwinds when I took over, very challenging times. Nigeria would have been bankrupt if we had not taken the actions that we took, and we had to prevent the economy’s collapse.

“Today, we are sitting pretty on a good foundation. We have reversed the problem; the Exchange rate is stabilising. Food prices are coming down, especially during Ramadan. We will have light at the end of the tunnel,” Tinubu added.

In his reaction, Emmanuel Nwaka who spoke on behalf of the visiting group commended the president for some of the initiatives implemented by his administration.

Nwaka said, “I appreciate you for what you are giving to students because the student population is the largest demographic in the country. I’ve spoken with many of them, and many have benefited from it.

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BREAKING: Tinubu intervenes in Rivers Political Crisis, Advises Governor Fubara

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu has addressed the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, revealing his efforts to restore peace both privately and publicly.

Speaking to leaders of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) on Tuesday in the presidential villa in Abuja, Tinubu said he had foreseen the current situation and urged them to return home and work for peace while upholding the rule of law.

He advised Governor Siminalayi Fubara to implement the recommendations given to him and respect the rule of law, noting that the Supreme Court remains the highest authority in the country. He also called on Niger Delta leaders to support him in achieving this goal.

The president’s remarks came after the Supreme Court upheld Martins Amaewhule as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

In its ruling delivered on February 28, the Supreme Court ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Accountant General of the Federation, and other financial institutions to withhold funds from the Rivers State government. The court accused the government of “flagrant disobedience” to judicial orders and stated that compliance with the law was necessary before funds could be released.

The decision marked a political setback for Governor Fubara, as the five-member panel of justices unanimously dismissed his cross-appeal challenging the legitimacy of the House of Assembly under Speaker Martins Amaewhule. The ruling affirmed the authority of the 27 lawmakers loyal to former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Additionally, the Supreme Court nullified the recent local government elections in Rivers State, declaring them invalid due to violations of the Electoral Act.

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BREAKING: President Tinubu Break Ramadan fast with Fubara, Wike, Others in Abuja

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu is currently hosting Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, and other top government officials for an Iftar dinner at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The gathering, which includes governors, ministers, and heads of key ministries, departments, and agencies, is part of the annual Ramadan tradition where the president breaks fast with political and government leaders.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and several members of the federal cabinet are also in attendance.

Among the governors present are Alex Otti of Abia, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Babagana Zulum of Borno, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Monday Okpebholo of Edo, Muhammad Yahaya of Gombe, Umar Namadi of Jigawa, and Uba Sani of Kaduna.

Others include Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano, Nasir Idris of Kebbi, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Mohammed Bago of Niger, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, Duoye Diri of Bayelsa, and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi.

Also in attendance are heads of key federal agencies, including Professor Abdullahi Mukhtar Muhammad, chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, acting controller general of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Jaji Abdulganiyu, comptroller general of the Federal Fire Service, and Bashir Adeniyi, comptroller general of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Top oil industry leaders, including Abba Kyari, group chief executive officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, and Farouk Ahmed, chief executive officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, are also present.

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