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Rivers State Boils: Tinubu’s Emergency Declaration Sparks Controversy

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Emergency Rule in Rivers: Tinubu Moves to Restore Order or Seize Control?

Emergency Rule in Rivers: Tinubu Moves to Restore Order or Seize Control?

 

In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday evening, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the need to restore law and order amid escalating political turmoil. The declaration led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

President Tinubu announced the nomination of retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the Rivers State Administrator to oversee the affairs of the state. Within hours of the announcement, military personnel took over the Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt, with sources confirming the presence of armed soldiers and an Armored Personnel Carrier stationed at the entrance.

Tension in Port Harcourt

Following the emergency declaration, anxiety gripped the state capital, Port Harcourt. Residents rushed home as news of the situation spread, while others gathered on streets to discuss the unfolding events. Witnesses reported an increased military presence, with government officials remaining tight-lipped on the specifics of the transition process.

Tinubu Justifies Action

In his address, Tinubu stated that the political crisis in Rivers State had defied all attempts at resolution, stalling development and depriving residents of good governance. He cited Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution as the legal basis for the emergency declaration, emphasizing that the move was necessary to restore stability.

“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,” Tinubu clarified. He assured that the newly appointed administrator would focus on governance rather than legislation, with any necessary regulations subject to Federal Executive Council approval.

The decision followed an emergency security meeting at Aso Rock, convened after twin explosions rocked oil pipelines in the state. The meeting included key security figures, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and top government officials.

Fubara Responds, Calls for Calm

Governor Fubara, in a statement, urged Rivers residents to remain calm and law-abiding. He blamed political adversaries for frustrating his attempts to comply with a recent Supreme Court ruling. “Since assuming office, all my actions have been guided by the Constitution and a commitment to peace,” Fubara said. He accused members of the state assembly loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike of undermining his efforts to govern effectively.

Pipeline Explosions Heighten Tensions

Security concerns escalated after two explosions were reported at key oil installations in Rivers State within 24 hours. The first incident occurred at the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, while the second blast hit a pipeline manifold in Omwawriwa, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA. The Rivers State Police Command confirmed arrests related to the incidents and launched an investigation into possible sabotage.

Some sources linked the blasts to threats from militant groups opposing the political crisis, raising fears of renewed instability in the Niger Delta. The police, however, assured the public that measures were in place to prevent further disruptions.

Political Fallout and Supreme Court Rulings

The crisis in Rivers State has been brewing for months, with a long-standing rift between Governor Fubara and lawmakers loyal to Wike. The state assembly had earlier moved to impeach Fubara, a process that intensified following a Supreme Court ruling affirming the legitimacy of 27 lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The apex court ordered the suspension of state government financial allocations until a lawful budget was passed under Speaker Martin Amaewhule’s leadership.

NBA, Opposition, and PANDEF Condemn Suspension

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) criticized Tinubu’s declaration, arguing that the Constitution does not empower the President to unilaterally suspend a governor or elected lawmakers. “A declaration of emergency does not automatically dissolve or suspend elected state governments,” NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) stated.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also condemned the move, describing it as “an assault on democracy.” He accused Tinubu of failing to prevent the political crisis from escalating and warned that the intervention could destabilize the region.

Similarly, the PDP rejected the state of emergency, calling it an unconstitutional attempt to forcefully take control of Rivers State. PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba stated, “The action of Mr. President borders on an attempt at state capture and a deliberate plan to subvert democracy in Rivers State.”

The Ijaw National Congress and Ijaw Youth Council warned against any attempt to remove Governor Fubara, asserting that such actions could lead to unrest in the Niger Delta and disrupt oil production.

National Assembly’s Role and Next Steps

Under Nigerian law, the National Assembly must approve the declaration of a state of emergency within 10 days. The decision is expected to face intense debate, with opposition lawmakers and civil society groups already mobilizing against the measure.

In the meantime, all eyes are on Rivers State as tensions rise amid uncertainty over the political future of the state. Security agencies have been placed on high alert to prevent further unrest, while the Federal Government insists that the emergency intervention is necessary to restore stability and governance.

More updates will follow as the situation unfolds.

Politics

Aare Adetola Emmanuel King Congratulates Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on Election Victory

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Aare Adetola Emmanuel King Congratulates Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on Election Victory

Aare Adetola Emmanuel King Congratulates Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on Election Victory

 

 

The Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuel King KOF, has congratulated Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on her resounding victory in the just-concluded by-election for the Remo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.

 

 

In a goodwill message issued by him, he described the victory as “a historic moment for the Remo people, coming at a time when the constituency yearns for a leader with vision, courage, and genuine commitment to service.”

 

 

He noted that the outcome of the election was an attestation to the trust and confidence reposed in Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji by the people, adding that her sterling qualities, integrity, accessibility, and compassion for the grassroots had endeared her to the electorate.

 

 

“The overwhelming support you garnered at the polls is proof that you are the right voice at the right time to carry the aspirations of Remo to the national stage,” he stated.

 

 

While acknowledging that the by-election followed the painful demise of the late Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga (Ijaya), Aare Adetola Emmanuel King said Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji’s emergence symbolizes the continuity of purposeful representation. He expressed confidence that she would not only sustain the legacy of her predecessor but also surpass it with new energy, innovative ideas, and progressive leadership.

 

 

The Adron Group Chairman further prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and compassion for the Member-Elect as she assumes office, expressing confidence that her tenure will usher in meaningful development, economic empowerment, and greater opportunities for the people of Remo Federal Constituency.

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ADC Condemns Intimidation Campaign Against Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola

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ADC Condemns Intimidation Campaign Against Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola

ADC Condemns Intimidation Campaign Against Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogun State Chapter, strongly condemns the ongoing intimidation and smear campaign targeted at our party leader and Interim National Secretary, *Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola*, by opposition forces in the South West region.

ADC Condemns Intimidation Campaign Against Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola

It is unacceptable and undemocratic that as he exercises his constitutional and political right to campaign across the region, elements of the opposition resort to harassment and attacks instead of engaging in issue based politics. Such actions are a direct assault on democracy, free expression, and the spirit of fair political competition.

The ADC calls on security agencies and all relevant authorities to guarantee the safety and freedom of movement for Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and all our party leaders nationwide. Democracy thrives on inclusivity, tolerance, and fairness not intimidation.

We urge our members and supporters to remain steadfast and law-abiding, as the ADC will continue to pursue its vision of a just, democratic, and prosperous Nigeria.

*Signed:*
Honourable Muhammed MJG GKAF
*Publicity Secretary, ADC National Media Frontiers, Ogun State*

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From Ejigbo to the World: How Primate Ayodele’s Prophecies Shape Public Debate

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The Man Who Makes Nigeria Listen — Primate Elijah Ayodele’s Prophetic Influence

Primate ELIJAH AYODELE: The Seer, And the Country That Listens

By Femi Oyewale

Ejigbo, Lagos — When Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele steps onto the pulpit of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church each week, he does more than preach: he convenes a national conversation. For decades, the clergy has issued blunt, often headline-grabbing prophecies about presidents, markets, and disasters — pronouncements that are dutifully copied, debated, and digested across Nigerian newsrooms, social media, and political corridors.

 

The Man Who Makes Nigeria Listen — Primate Elijah Ayodele’s Prophetic Influence

 

Primate Ayodele is best known for two things: the regular release of New Year’s and seasonal “warnings to the nation,” and a large, loyal following that amplifies those warnings into national discourse. He publishes annual prophecy booklets, holds prayer mountain conventions where journalists are invited, and maintains active social media channels that spread his messages quickly beyond his church gates. In July 2025, he launched a compendium of his prophecies titled “Warnings to the Nations,” an event covered by national outlets, which Ayodele used to restate concerns about security, governance, and international affairs.

 

Ayodele’s prophecies have touched on lightning-rod topics: election outcomes, the health or fate of public figures, infrastructure failures, and international crises. Nigerian and regional press have repeatedly published lists of his “fulfilled” predictions — from political upsets to tragic accidents — and his followers point to these as proof of his accuracy. Media roundups in recent years credited him with dozens of prophecies he argued had been realised in 2023 and 2024, and his annual prophetic rollouts continue to attract wide attention.

 

Impact beyond prediction: politics, policy, and public mood

The practical effect of Ayodele’s ministry is not limited to whether a prophecy comes to pass. In Nigeria’s politicised and religiously engaged public sphere, a prominent seer can:

• Move conversations in electoral seasons; politicians, commentators, and voters listen when he names likely winners or warns about risks to candidates, and his claims sometimes become part of campaign narratives.

• Shape popular expectations — warnings about economic hardship, insecurity, ty or public health influence how congregations and communities prepare and react.

 

• Exert soft pressure on leaders — high-profile admonitions directed at governors or ministers often prompt responses from the accused or their allies, creating a feedback loop between pulpit pronouncements and political actors.

 

Philanthropy and institution building

Ayodele’s public profile extends into philanthropy and church development. He runs INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church from Oke-Afa, Lagos, and his ministry periodically organises humanitarian outreach, scholarships, and hospital visits — activities he frames as evidence that prophetic ministry must be accompanied by concrete acts of charity. Church events such as extended “17-day appreciation” outreaches and scholarship programmes have been widely reported and help cement his appeal among congregants who value spiritual counsel paired with material support.

 

What makes him unique

Several features set Ayodele apart from other public religious figures in Nigeria:

1. Productivity and documentation. He releases extensive, numbered lists of prophecies and compiles them into booklets — a tactic that makes his predictions easy to track (and for supporters to tally as “fulfilled”).

2. A blend of national and international focus. His pronouncements frequently move beyond parochial concerns to name international actors and events, which broadens his media footprint.

3. Media-savvy presentation. From staged press events to active social accounts, Ayodele understands how to turn a prophecy into a viral story that will be picked up by blogs, newspapers, and TV.

 

The public verdict: faith, influence, and skepticism

To millions of Nigerians — and to his core following — Primate Ayodele remains a pastor-prophet whose warnings must be taken seriously. To others, he is a media personality whose relevance depends as much on spectacle and circulatory power as on supernatural insight. What is indisputable is his role in magnifying the religious dimension of national life: when he speaks, politicians, congregants, and newsrooms listen. That attention, in turn, helps determine which social and political questions become urgent in public debate.

Looking ahead

As Nigeria heads into another cycle of elections and economic challenges, Ayodele’s annual pronouncements will almost certainly return to the front pages. Whether they are read as sober warnings, political interventions, or performative theology, they will continue to shape conversations about destiny, leadership, and the kinds of risks a deeply religious nation believes it must prepare for.

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