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PDP Chieftain Ewenla Condemns State of Emergency in Rivers

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PDP Chieftain Ewenla Condemns State of Emergency in Rivers

By Ifeoma Ikem

Prince (Dr.) Adedipe Ewenla, a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has criticized President Bola Tinubu over his declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. He described the move as a total disregard for Rivers people, an attack on PDP, and a serious embarrassment to Nigeria as a democratic nation.

Background of the Crisis in Rivers

It would be recalled that Rivers has been embroiled in a festering political crisis, revolving around a power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The crisis escalated due to political realignments within the state legislature and disagreements over governance, leading to violent clashes, destruction of property, and threats of impeachment.

The political turmoil drew national attention, with concerns over law and order in the oil-rich state. While President Tinubu initially called for political actors to respect court rulings and embrace dialogue, he has now taken the drastic step of imposing a state of emergency, citing worsening security concerns.

Ewenla’s Condemnation of State of Emergency

Amb. Ewenla, in his reaction, condemned the decision, arguing that the imposition of emergency rule is undemocratic and a direct attack on PDP, the ruling party in Rivers. He asserted that the move was an abuse of federal power aimed at suppressing opposition-led states.

According to Ewenla, the crisis should have been resolved through legal and constitutional means rather than the suspension of democratic governance. He warned that using emergency rule as a political weapon could destabilize Nigeria’s democracy and set a dangerous precedent for future administrations.

Call for Reversal and Respect for Democracy

Ewenla called on President Tinubu to immediately reverse the declaration and allow Rivers handle its internal matters through democratic processes. He urged PDP leaders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to resist any external interference that undermines the state’s autonomy.

The PDP chieftain also expressed concerns that the emergency declaration would damage Nigeria’s international reputation and discourage investors, given that Rivers is one of the country’s key economic hubs.

The state of emergency in Rivers State marks a critical moment in Nigeria’s political landscape. While the federal government justifies the decision as a security measure, opposition voices like Prince Ewenla argue that it undermines democracy. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether political dialogue or federal intervention shapes the future of governance in Rivers State.

 

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Governor Bago Inaugurates APC Digital Media Sub-Committee Ahead of National Convention

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Governor Bago Inaugurates APC Digital Media Sub-Committee Ahead of National Convention.

 

Governor Umaru Bago has inaugurated the Digital Media Sub-Committee for the forthcoming National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), scheduled to hold on March 27 and 28, 2026 in Abuja.

 

Chairing the sub-committee, Governor Bago tasked members with the responsibility of effectively communicating the party’s manifesto to the public.

 

He emphasized the need to leverage social media platforms to highlight the achievements and ongoing efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that communication gaps have posed challenges that must now be decisively addressed.

 

The Co-Chair of the sub-committee, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, echoed the Governor’s position, urging members to project the activities of both the party and the government to a broader audience.

 

He called for a deliberate and coordinated effort to showcase the party’s achievements and policy direction, stressing the importance of shaping a compelling and consistent narrative across all digital platforms.

 

Delivering a presentation to the committee, Otega Ogra, SSA to the President on New Media, who serves as Secretary of the sub-committee, outlined strategic focus areas to guide the team’s operations.

 

His presentation highlighted communication priorities and actionable steps to achieve the committee’s mandate and strengthen the party’s digital engagement.

 

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VP Shettima Set to Lead Delegation to Zamfara as Governor Dauda Lawal Formally Joins APC

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VP Shettima Set to Lead Delegation to Zamfara as Governor Dauda Lawal Formally Joins APC

VP Shettima Set to Lead Delegation to Zamfara as Governor Dauda Lawal Formally Joins APC

 

The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has finalized plans to receive Vice President Kashim Shettima for the formal defection and reception of Governor Dauda Lawal into the ruling party, scheduled to take place on Tuesday.

 

State APC Chairman, Tukur Danfulani Maikatako, disclosed this during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held in Gusau, the state capital. He noted that the Vice President would be joined by the party’s national leadership to mark what he described as a landmark political realignment in the state.

 

Maikatako expressed the party’s excitement over Governor Lawal’s return, recalling that Zamfara had historically been an APC stronghold and that the Governor was previously a bona fide member of the party before his earlier exit.

 

“We all know that Zamfara has long been one of the APC’s stronghold states, where the defected Governor was once a bona fide member. Now that he has decided to return home, having been satisfied that the APC remains his second choice after the one he left for obvious reasons,” Maikatako stated.

 

The Chairman called on all party faithful across the 147 wards in the state’s 14 local government areas to turn out en masse to honour the Vice President’s visit. He emphasized that the event was strategically positioned to bolster the party’s popularity and strengthen its structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

In a strong appeal for unity, Maikatako urged members to set aside all factional tendencies, stressing that the APC remained one political family with shared goals, particularly the ambition to make Zamfara and Nigeria great again.

 

Echoing similar sentiments, a former state APC Chairman, Lawal M. Liman, appealed to members to cascade the message to their wards and local government areas. He reinforced the need for cohesion, noting that the party’s collective strength would be critical to achieving success in future elections.

VP Shettima Set to Lead Delegation to Zamfara as Governor Dauda Lawal Formally Joins APC

All eyes are now on Gusau as the ruling party prepares for a high-profile political gathering expected to further consolidate its influence in Zamfara State.

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Governor Dauda Lawal Named Part of Presidential Delegation for Historic UK State Visit

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Governor Dauda Lawal Named Part of Presidential Delegation for Historic UK State Visit

Governor Dauda Lawal Named Part of Presidential Delegation for Historic UK State Visit

 

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has been named as a member of the presidential entourage that will accompany President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on a historic two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom.

 

According to a statement from the Zamfara State Government House on Monday, the Governor will depart Abuja for the UK on Tuesday for the visit, which is scheduled to take place on March 18 and 19 at the invitation of the British Royal Family.

Governor Dauda Lawal Named Part of Presidential Delegation for Historic UK State Visit

During the visit, King Charles III will host President Tinubu, the First Lady, and the Nigerian delegation at Windsor Castle, where they will view a special exhibition of Royal Collection items related to Nigeria. The Royal Family will also host a State Banquet in honour of the Nigerian guests on the evening of Wednesday, March 18.

 

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The presidency has outlined that the purpose of the visit is to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. President Tinubu is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which are expected to lead to expanded bilateral discussions and the signing of Memorandums of Understanding covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.

 

The President will also serve as the guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, which showcases contemporary art and culture, and will participate in a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders as well as members of the diaspora community.

 

The Zamfara State Government expressed confidence that Governor Lawal’s participation in the high-level delegation will provide valuable networking opportunities, opening significant prospects for investment and economic benefits for Zamfara State. The visit will also see Governor Lawal display his repertoire of knowledge on global policy and corporate governance and also pitch the Mineral and Farming rich state to potential investors during the bilateral meeting with the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.

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