Politics
Rivers Crisis: FG Sends 10,000 Security Operatives as Pipeline Attacks Escalate
Federal Government Deploys 10,000 NSCDC Personnel to Protect Oil Pipelines in Niger Delta
In response to a series of explosions at oil installations in Rivers State, the Federal Government has deployed 10,000 personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to prevent further attacks on critical national infrastructure. The deployment follows blasts that occurred between Sunday and Tuesday, escalating concerns over pipeline vandalism and economic sabotage.
Confirming the deployment on Wednesday, NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, stated that the operatives were assigned to protect vital infrastructure, particularly in the Niger Delta region, where oil pipelines have been targeted.
“The NSCDC hereby warns against destruction and vandalism of critical national assets and infrastructure across the Niger Delta as over 10,000 operatives have been deployed to collaborate with other security agencies to provide adequate peace and security of lives and property,” Babawale said.
Political Crisis in Rivers State
The security reinforcement comes amid heightened political tensions in Rivers State following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule. In a national broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly. In their place, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) was appointed as the state’s sole administrator for an initial six-month period.
The emergency declaration followed a charged political atmosphere that saw three explosions in two days. The attacks were reportedly linked to threats from Ijaw groups opposing moves to impeach Fubara, with the groups vowing to disrupt oil production if the governor was removed from office.
On Monday, a faction of the Rivers State Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule, loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, presented a notice listing 19 infractions allegedly committed by Fubara, paving the way for impeachment proceedings.
Before this notice was served, an explosion rocked the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area, on Sunday. Security agents recovered a corpse at the scene, and a suspect was arrested in connection with the blast.
Security Agencies Intensify Operations
A staff member of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), identified as Ebikeme, disclosed that covert operations led to the arrest of the suspect.
“On Sunday, the 16th of March 2025, there was a blast on the TNP Pipeline Right of Way in Aluu – Zone 5. A suspected vandal was found dead at the site from the effects of the blast. Upon further investigation, another suspected vandal was apprehended and is currently in police custody while further investigations continue,” Ebikeme said.
Speaking on the deployment of NSCDC personnel, Babawale reiterated that the agency remains committed to safeguarding critical assets and preventing economic sabotage.
“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has a statutory mandate as the lead agency in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure. Commands across the federation have been placed on red alert to forestall acts of vandalism and destruction of government utilities,” Babawale stated.
He emphasized that the NSCDC is collaborating with other security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and property in the region.
Military Presence Strengthens in Port Harcourt
Meanwhile, security presence has intensified in Port Harcourt, with more soldiers deployed to the Government House. Reports indicate that Governor Fubara vacated the premises on Wednesday, though his exact whereabouts remain unclear. It is uncertain whether he relocated to his private residence in Port Harcourt or returned to his hometown in Opobo.
Eyewitnesses confirmed seeing increased military activity, with three Armoured Personnel Carriers stationed at the entrance of the Government House. Strict security checks were also being conducted on individuals and vehicles entering the premises.
An aide to Fubara, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that soldiers were occupying the Government House.
“As I speak with you, more soldiers are entering the Government House. This afternoon, over 15 arrived, believed to be an advanced team of the Sole Administrator who is still expected to assume duties. This evening, more soldiers joined them,” the aide disclosed.
The political and security situation in Rivers State continues to develop as the Federal Government takes measures to restore stability and protect the country’s economic assets.
Politics
Captain Buratai Joins Borno Assembly Race, Sparks Youth Mobilisation in Biu
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.
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.
Politics
Ajadi Congratulates Bimbo Adekanmbi, Vows Supports to 2027 Governorship Project
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.
Politics
CityBoy Movement Denounces ‘False Blasphemy Claim’ Against Seyi Tinubu
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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