Impeachment: Group Cautions Rivers CJ Against Playing into the Hands of Rivers Lawmakers

The Africa Centre for Democracy and Leadership (ACDL) has issued a strong caution to the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, on the critical need for judicial independence in the face of the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu.

The group’s intervention comes at a pivotal moment, as the Rivers State House of Assembly, under Speaker Martins Amaewhule, has ramped up its efforts to oust the executive duo.

This follows a series of dramatic shifts, including a recent U-turn by four lawmakers who recommitted to the impeachment push after briefly advocating for dialogue, citing alleged media attacks from the governor’s camp as evidence of bad faith.

The Assembly’s latest resolution to forward a request for an investigative panel to the Chief Judge marks a formal escalation, confirming that impeachment notices have been served in line with constitutional requirements.

The group warned that the judiciary must safeguard its independence amid the escalating political crisis, which stems from long-standing tensions between the governor and factions in the Assembly.

The Africa Centre for Democracy and Leadership stated that the Chief Judge should exercise utmost caution to avoid being drawn into what it described as partisan maneuvers by the lawmakers.

The group, through its Executive Director, Barrister Nedu Ekwueme, emphasized that the role of the Chief Judge in appointing a seven-member panel of unquestionable integrity must remain free from external influence or pressure.

Barrister Nedu Ekwueme said: “The judiciary must remain the last bastion of hope for justice and fairness in our democracy.”

He continued: “We caution Justice Chibuzor-Amadi against allowing himself to be manipulated by lawmakers whose actions appear driven by vendetta rather than constitutional duty.”

Barrister Ekwueme further stated: “This impeachment process has all the hallmarks of a political witch-hunt. The Chief Judge must not play into the hands of these lawmakers, as doing so would erode public trust in the judiciary and set a precedent for future abuses of power.”

The Africa Centre for Democracy and Leadership pointed out that historical precedents in Nigeria demonstrate the dangers of hasty or improperly constituted panels, citing cases where courts later intervened to correct procedural flaws despite constitutional provisions.

Barrister Nedu Ekwueme noted: “We have seen in the past how hasty judicial panels have fueled crises rather than resolved them, as in the cases of Governors Rashidi Ladoja of Oyo State, Peter Obi of Anambra State, and Joshua Dariye of Plateau State, where impeachments were nullified due to violations of due process.”

He added: “Rivers State cannot afford another round of needless turmoil; the Chief Judge should prioritize due process over expediency.”

The group stressed the importance of strict adherence to constitutional guidelines, including the requirement for the panel to investigate allegations thoroughly within three months and report back to the people.

Barrister Nedu Ekwueme asserted: “The people of Rivers deserve leaders who focus on development, not distractions. By cautioning the CJ, we aim to prevent a scenario where the judiciary becomes a pawn in this high-stakes game, ultimately harming the state’s progress.”

The Africa Centre for Democracy and Leadership called on the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to closely monitor the process and uphold judicial independence.

Geregu Power Plc: Why Yari’s board appointment does not excite us -Northern group

As reactions continue to trill the appointment of Senator Abdulaziz Yari as the new Chairman of the Board, Geregu Power Plc; a northern group has dropped a bombshell while lending its voice to the public debate.

The group, ‘Mai Kare Talakawa’ (MKT), majorly based in Sokoto, north western state, said it would never stand for the interest of the people, especially the downtrodden, instead of joining the bandwagon of praise singers of those who unite to enrich themselves.

In a statement signed on Monday by the Spokesperson, Mallam Yusuf Mohammed, the group queried the way and manner Senator Yari became stupendously rich, amassing enormous wealth for himself, since presiding over the common wealth of Zamfara, a leading poorest state in north west.

According to the group, Senator Yari, aside been a Commissioner, two term Governor and currently, a Senator from Zamfara State, has no known strong business base, apart from the MA’AM Energy and the mining activities he has severally being linked to; saying, “such undue accumulation of wealth at the expense of the masses contradicts Islamic teachings, and any genuine Muslim must stand to uphold this tenent”.

“For just being a public officer from a poor state like Zamfara State, he was able to amass so much wealth for that kind of acquisition. But left our youth with no jobs for 8 years as Governor, thereby exposing the citizens of Zamfara State to poverty and youth restlessness which is the insecurity in Zamfara State today”, the group said.

Aside the issue of conflict of interest in oversight functions as a serving Senator, Mohammed described the acquisition of controlling shares in Geregu as “outlandish”, adding that, “Senator Yari using over one trillion naira (N1tr) to buy Geregu Power shares has no direct benefit for the common people on the street of Zamfara, but will further impoverish the people and aggravate insecurity, due to ongoing activities of illegal miners”.

“When we thought his ongoing trials at the EFCC, ICPC and DSS would help the people recover the funds and assets linked to him as Governor, and help stop the activities of illegal miners, which many reports said largely gave rise to banditry; we read in the news again that, the man who should be refunding some funds and forfeiting assets, for onward recovery and injection into Zamfara State purse, was buying a power plant with over one trillion naira. This is ridiculous, outlandish and preposterous.

“Zamfara State is rated as the 3rd poorest state in Nigeria. A report in 2024 listed Zamfara with 82.70% multidimensional poverty, making it the third most multidimensionally poor state after Sokoto and Jigawa. This was a man who was just a Commissioner and then became a Governor, but now suddenly richer than the State, while the people languish in poverty and struggle with high rate insecurity. Why will Allah be happy with such a soul?

“Every mankind has a date with Allah and His judgement is more truthful than human judgement. Allah’s verdicts supercedes court of law, or law enforcement agencies, the prayers of Zamfara people and the neighboring states which equally suffer same fate with Zamfara shall be heard by the Almighty Allah”, the statement added.

It would be recalled that, Geregu Power Plc, located in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, appointed Senator Yari as chairman of its board of directors, following the resignation of the business billionaire, Femi Otedola, penultimate Monday, as announced on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).

The acquisition has since elicited public criticism, owing to the status of the new Chairman of board and controversies surrounding his tenure as Governor of Zamfara State and his constant dates with Nigeria security and law enforcement agencies, relating to “corruption”, “illegal mining business” and “insecurity” in the state.

Donna Adja Clinches Three Wins at Gbedu Awards, Set to Shoot “No Forks Trap” Video

California–based Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer Donna Adja has recorded a major career milestone after winning three awards at the Gbedu Awards 2025, affirming her position as one of the most versatile and performance-driven female artists in today’s Afrobeats landscape.

The Gbedu Awards, organised by MorrisShinehead Ent. Worldwide in partnership with Labour Research and Training Services, and founded by executive producer MC Morris, are a growing platform dedicated to celebrating excellence across music, performance, media, and entertainment. The 2025 edition of the awards held on December 28, 2025, brought together artists, industry figures, and cultural stakeholders in a showcase of Nigerian and diaspora talent.

Although Donna Adja was unable to attend the main awards night due to prior commitments, she was officially presented with her awards on January 10, 2026, during a dedicated welcome and presentation event organised by the awards body in collaboration with UNILAG FM — reinforcing the legitimacy and recognition of her wins.

*A Triple Win That Reflects Depth and Range*

At the Gbedu Awards 2025, Donna Adja emerged victorious in the following categories:

1. Best Stage Act (Female)

2. Most Creative Female Artiste of the Year

3. Nigeria’s Best Female Artiste in the Diaspora

The three awards collectively highlight her commanding live presence, creative originality, and her growing influence as a Nigerian artist successfully navigating global stages.

*A Performer Forged on Live Stages*

Donna Adja’s journey into music began early, with church performances in Delta State shaping her vocal discipline and stage confidence from the age of 15. By 22, she had committed fully to music as a profession, collaborating as a featured vocalist with established Nigerian artists including Solid Star, Harrysong, Dezign, and others.

Her reputation as a live performer reached a defining phase when she formed and led a 14-piece live band, Daz Entertainment, which served as the in-house band at Sheraton Lagos Hotel. Performing up to five nights a week over several years, Donna built a reputation for consistency, stamina, and audience connection. During this period, she performed for two Nigerian presidents and delivered solo performances across the United Kingdom, Dubai, and Australia — credentials that strongly underpin her Best Stage Act (Female) win.

*Creative Identity Beyond the Stage*

Beyond performance, Donna Adja’s artistry has been marked by stylistic freedom and sonic range. Singles such as “Shut Up” and “Gaga” gained notable radio traction in Nigeria, while “I Like Your Body” surpassed one million views on YouTube, extending her reach beyond local markets.

Now operating under the professional representation of Arems Entertainment, which oversees her bookings, engagements, and industry relations, Donna has entered a more structured phase of her career — sharpening both her creative output and long-term positioning. This evolution was recognised with her win as Most Creative Female Artiste of the Year.

*A Strong Diaspora Presence*

Relocating to the United States did not dilute Donna’s artistic identity; instead, it expanded it. Her music continues to blend Afrobeats, Afropop, R&B, and soul, reflecting both her African roots and global environment. This balance has made her a visible voice for Nigerian music abroad, earning her the Nigeria’s Best Female Artiste in the Diaspora award — a recognition of cultural representation as much as musical impact.

*What’s Next*

Fresh off her triple win at the Gbedu Awards 2025, Donna Adja is maintaining momentum with plans to shoot the official music video for her latest trending single, “No Forks Trap,” next week. The record, part of her ongoing No Forks creative run, captures her street-leaning confidence and performance energy — elements that have become central to her brand.

With a growing catalogue, renewed industry structure, and visual rollouts aligned with her sound, Donna Adja’s Gbedu Awards sweep stands as more than celebration. It marks a clear signal of an artist stepping decisively into her most visible, focused, and impactful chapter yet.