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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

Captain Buratai Joins Borno Assembly Race, Sparks Youth Mobilisation in Biu

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Captain Buratai Joins Borno Assembly Race, Sparks Youth Mobilisation in Biu

 

Pilot Muhammad Tukur Buratai (MTTB), son of former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has intensified political activities in Borno State after purchasing the nomination form of the All Progressives Congress to contest for a seat in the Borno State House of Assembly.

General Buratai Backs Son’s Political Ambition, Calls For Greater Youth Inclusion In Governance

The young aviator is seeking to represent Biu Constituency, a move many political observers describe as a bold transition from professional service into active grassroots politics.

 

 

Supporters of the aspirant insist his emergence represents a blend of youthfulness, exposure and leadership capacity needed in the state legislature at a time when demands for greater youth representation in governance continue to gain momentum across the country.

 

Unlike conventional political entrants, allies of captain Buratai argue that his aviation background has equipped him with discipline, technical knowledge, calm decision-making and strategic coordination skills considered valuable in public leadership.

 

 

Political watchers within Biu also believe his candidacy could energise younger voters and strengthen grassroots participation within the APC ahead of the party primaries.

 

His growing acceptance, according to supporters, is also linked to his accessibility, community engagement and understanding of the developmental concerns facing youths and rural communities within the constituency.

 

The aspirant recently met with his father to seek his blessing ahead of the political contest, a development seen by many as a symbolic endorsement of his ambition and readiness for public service.

 

 

Stakeholders within the constituency say his entry into the race has already altered political calculations in the area, with consultations and mobilisation intensifying across several wards.

 

Supporters further maintain that beyond family name recognition, the young aspirant possesses the educational exposure, leadership orientation and communication skills required to effectively represent the interests of the people at the legislative level.

 

 

As political activities gather momentum ahead of the elections, many within Biu believe his emergence could usher in a new generation of leadership focused on youth empowerment, education, economic opportunities and community development.

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Ajadi Congratulates Bimbo Adekanmbi, Vows Supports to 2027 Governorship Project

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Ajadi Congratulates Bimbo Adekanmbi, Vows Supports to 2027 Governorship Project

 

 

Prominent political figures within the Team Seyi Makinde political structure in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo and Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide, popularly known as Odidiomo, have congratulated Chief Bimbo Adekanmbi following his emergence as the consensus governorship candidate of the political movement ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

The duo, who also emerged as consensus senatorial candidates for Oyo Central and Oyo South Senatorial Districts, respectively, pledged total support for Adekanmbi’s governorship ambition, while assuring residents of Oyo State of inclusive governance and continuity of developmental policies associated with Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.

 

“I throw my full support behind Chief Bimbo Adekanmbi as the consensus governorship candidate chosen by our political leaders through a unified process,” Ajadi said.

 

He added, “His emergence reflects unity, consultation, and the collective resolve of our political family, and we are fully committed to delivering victory in 2027.”

 

According to him, the endorsement of Adekanmbi was based on competence, loyalty, administrative experience, and the need to sustain ongoing developmental strides in the state.

 

Also reacting to the development, Hon. Stanley Odidiomo expressed appreciation to stakeholders for the confidence reposed in the candidates selected through consensus.

 

He assured party loyalists and supporters that the candidates would work collectively to deepen democratic dividends across the state.

 

“This is not about individual ambition alone; it is about protecting the future of Oyo State and consolidating on the achievements already recorded. We are united, and we are prepared to serve the people with sincerity and fairness,” Odidiomo said.

 

Sources close to the meeting disclosed that discussions centered on political unity, grassroots mobilization, and sustaining the developmental momentum associated with Governor Makinde’s administration.

 

The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal, was also said to have witnessed the strategic meeting alongside other influential stakeholders within the political structure.

 

Lawal reportedly congratulated Adekanmbi and the senatorial candidates while expressing optimism that the political family would remain united ahead of the next general elections.

 

Political observers in the state believe the consensus arrangement may reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 governorship contest, especially with increasing alignments and consultations among major political actors across the state.

 

Adekanmbi’s emergence is already generating conversations within political circles, with supporters describing it as an attempt to maintain continuity, stability, and the governance philosophy championed by Governor Makinde over the years.

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CityBoy Movement Denounces ‘False Blasphemy Claim’ Against Seyi Tinubu

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Why Seyi Tinubu is not your usual silver spoon

CityBoy Movement Denounces ‘False Blasphemy Claim’ Against Seyi Tinubu

 

 

The CityBoy Movement has dismissed as false and malicious a viral social media post alleging that its patron, Barr. Seyi Tinubu, made blasphemous remarks concerning God and the 2027 presidential election.

 

In a statement issued on Monday by the group’s Deputy Director-General for Communication and Public Affairs, O’tega Ogra, the movement described the publication as “deliberately inflammatory” and aimed at creating religious tension in the country.

 

The group said the statement, allegedly authored by one “Albaabu Abudulahi,” falsely attributed comments to Tinubu which he never made “at any time, in any place, through any channel, or under any circumstance whatsoever.”

 

According to the statement, the allegation was “entirely false, malicious in intent, reckless in circulation and dangerous in consequence.”

 

The movement maintained that Seyi Tinubu is a man of faith who believes that all authority comes from God alone and would never insult or diminish the supremacy of God or Allah.

“He has never insulted, mocked, questioned or diminished the supremacy of Almighty God or Allah, and will never do so,” the statement read.

The group further accused unnamed individuals of attempting to damage Tinubu’s image and provoke unnecessary religious controversy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While reaffirming Tinubu’s support for the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, the CityBoy Movement stressed that all political ambitions and public service efforts remain subject to “the will and guidance of Almighty God.”

The organisation urged Nigerians to disregard the circulating claims, describing them as a calculated attempt to mislead the public and sow division along religious lines.

It also called on media organisations, digital publishers and social media users to verify information before sharing materials capable of threatening national unity and peaceful coexistence.

The statement reiterated the movement’s commitment to democratic engagement, responsible public conduct and respect for all faiths.

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