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Rivers Crisis: Pro-Democracy Group Demands Reversal of LGA Appointments, Urge Tinubu To Rein in Sole Administrator

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Budget Constraints, Infrastructure Woes Stall Diplomatic Deployment

 

Citizens for Democratic Watch (CDW), a pro-democracy group, has condemned the appointment of administrators for the 23 local government areas in Rivers State by the sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, describing it as “a dangerous abuse of power and a direct attack on the constitution”.

This latest action, which came just 24 hours after a federal high court restrained Ibas from making such appointments, has triggered widespread concern over what CDW calls “the rapid erosion of democratic institutions under the guise of emergency governance”.

In a statement on Wednesday, Dr Hassan Dantani, Executive Director of CDW, called on President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the National Assembly to intervene before the situation spirals out of control.

“Appointing 23 sole administrators in clear defiance of a federal court order is not only unlawful — it is tyrannical,” Dantani said.

“No state of emergency gives anyone the license to override the judiciary, erase local governance, and act above the law. This must be condemned in the strongest terms.”

Dantani noted that the local government system is a constitutionally recognised tier of government, and any attempt to run it without democratic structures sets a very dangerous precedent.

“This action by Ibok-Ete Ibas is a grave violation of Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the system of democratically elected local government councils,” he said.

“Our democracy cannot function if unelected individuals are imposed to run local governments under military-style appointments.”

CDW warned that if allowed to stand, the appointments could embolden future political actors to trample on the rule of law and weaken the judiciary.

“The blatant disregard for a valid court order should alarm every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation,” Dantani said.

“When leaders ignore court rulings and impose their will, what remains of the rule of law? If we allow this to stand in Rivers, it could happen anywhere else.”

The group called on the National Assembly to urgently summon the Rivers sole administrator to explain his actions and ensure that all constitutional boundaries are respected.

“We urge the Senate and House of Representatives to treat this matter as a priority,” he added.

“Democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of expediency or political convenience.”

Dantani concluded by demanding the immediate reversal of the LGA appointments and a return to constitutional order.

“The people of Rivers State deserve legitimate, elected representation — not handpicked appointees. We must not normalise authoritarian shortcuts in a democratic society,” the group warned.

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Prince Amb. (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla Emerges PDP Southwest Ex-Officio, Appreciates Stakeholders, Supporters

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Following his recent election as the Southwest Ex-Officio of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Ambassador (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla has extended a heartfelt message of appreciation and goodwill to key stakeholders, leaders, and supporters of the party across Lagos State and the Southwest region.

In a public statement released shortly after his election on April 16, 2025, Prince Ewenla, a proud son of the Baaki Adedipe Royal Family of Lagos, expressed profound gratitude to all party leaders and faithfuls who contributed to his emergence as a key figure within the PDP’s Southwest leadership structure.

“I extend special appreciation and greetings to the leadership and executives of the Lagos State PDP,” he said, singling out notable party elders including Chief Olabode Ibikunle George, the Atona Oodua, and Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu for their unwavering support and leadership.

He further acknowledged the roles played by Lagos State PDP Chairman, Dr. Phillips Aivoji, and Chair of Chair, Mr. Adegboyega Adegbesan, in fostering unity and organization among party executives and local government leaders.

Turning his attention to the women of the party, Prince Ewenla gave special praise to respected party matriarchs such as Chief Mrs. Aduke Maina, State Woman Leader Alhaja Idowu Akinsanya, and Chief Mrs. Yeye Oge Alhaja Mojisola Kariola Balogun, stating, “When it is time to celebrate your children, none of you will be left out.”

He also lauded the contributions of Lagos PDP Youth Leader Agboola Akinpelu and Olabinjo Ibrahim (BJ), extending warm regards to all youth leaders and members across the state.

A native of Alimosho, Prince Ewenla paid tribute to his political roots by appreciating the Alimosho PDP leadership, especially Hon. Shodiya Isiaka and Elder Council Chairman Hon. Alani Ige, for their financial, moral, and physical support.

He also recognized personal allies and team members, including Evangelist Shodiya Adebayo, Ologundudu Rotimi, Omisope Adewale (Champion), Hon. Femi Awodeji Smart, and other close supporters and staff of Adedas.

In closing, Prince Ewenla extended special thanks to two prominent Southwest PDP leaders—His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, and His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State—for their confidence in his leadership.

“Your leadership, vision, and steadfast commitment to the unity and progress of the PDP have been the foundation upon which our successes are built,” he stated. “Thank you for this great honor. I will serve with dedication, humility, and integrity.”

With renewed commitment to the growth of the PDP in the Southwest and across Nigeria, Prince Ewenla concluded by wishing continued unity and progress for the party and all its stakeholder.

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Blame the Customs for insecurity in Nigeria, not Tinubu,IMAN DG,Amb.Okoro

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The Director General of Importers Association of Nigeria Taskforce, IMAN Amb.Chijioke Okoro John has accused the Nigerian Customs service of being responsible for the insecurity that has been ravaging the Nigerian nation.

Speaking to newsmen today during a press briefing in Gbagada, Lagos, the DG reiterated that the customs should be held responsible for the lingering and persistent security threat that has crippled and ravaged the nation “nobody should blame president Tinubu for insecurity, the Nigeria Customs is responsible for it,they mortgaged the peace and happiness of the country, the Nigerian Customs have an organised crime system, they do a lot of dubious and shady deals and nobody watches over them ,we must be truthful and tackle the problem of insecurity from the root, it’s the customs that allowed several arms and ammunitions to enter the country and they pretend not to be aware, without the customs allowing arms to infiltrate the country, there will be no insecurity, Nigeria is in this terrible situation because of the customs.

He advised the president to reform the customs in order to have a genuine and sincere fight against insecurity “the major solution to the insecurity in Nigeria is customs reform,I can tell you emphatically,if not that,any fight against insecurity will never be meaningful or fruitful,if the customs decide to work effectively, insecurity will reduce drastically ”

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PMF president,Bishop Anthony implores Christians to use Easter celebration to foster the unity of Nigeria

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The president of Pentecostal Ministers Forum of Nigeria,PMF bishop Chidi Anthony has advised Christians in Nigeria to use the solemnity of the forthcoming Easter celebration to intensify and amplify national unity by embracing peace and fostering the spirit of love and togetherness which the Christian religion has always advocated for.

Speaking to newsmen today in Lagos, Bishop Anthony enunciated that Christianity is a religion of peace and Christians should use the Easter celebration to assert this to the entire nation “Easter is a sacred celebration because it marks the remembrance of the death of our Lord Jesus Christ,he came to pay the ultimate price for the redemption of our sins, Christians are supposed to be sober during this period, it should not a period of fighting, it should not a period of killing, it should not be a period of tension and enmity in the country, it should be a period of peace, love, endurance and perseverance which will ultimately lead to peace and unity in the country

Christians should also use the forthcoming Easter celebration to alleviate , mitigate and assuage the tension in the country by adhering strictly to the principles of reconciliation “As I said that Easter is a period of sober reflection, it’s a period of reconciliation with our God so we have to make peace with people around us,Easter should be seen as a period of national reconciliation because Christianity preaches peace and we must portray that as Christians,this will definitely help to build a better and indivisible nation ”

Lastly, Christians should show love by giving palliatives, money and others at this period because doing this helps to alleviate the sufferings and hardship in the country and this will help to foster the unity of the Nigerian nation, Easter period should be used for this .

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