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WIKE PETITIONS MINISTER OF DEFENCE, OTHERS OVER AMAECHI’s PLOT TO UNLEASH VIOLENCE DURING ELECTION

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Wike invites Tinubu to commission projects in Rivers

RIVERS PETITIONS MINISTER OF DEFENCE, OTHERS OVER AMAECHI’s PLOT TO UNLEASH VIOLENCE DURING ELECTION

* Declares Friday, March 17, 2023, as a public holiday

 

 

 

 

 

Rivers State government has petitioned the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Army Staff and other relevant authorities not to release army personnel to former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi or any politician to interfere in Saturday’s election.

 

 

 

 

Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike in a state broadcast on Thursday said the State government decided to petition the aforementioned based credible intelligence indicating the plans by Amaechi and the All Progressives Congress, APC, to overrun and disrupt the Saturday elections in Rivers State with army personnel and civilian thugs and cultists dressed in army and police uniforms.

 

 

 

 

 

The governor said Amaechi, who alongside the APC governorship candidate, Tonye Cole, were indicted by a Judicial Panel of Inquiry for fraudulently acquiring the State’s valued assets and diverting the State’s $50,000,000.00 to themselves, wants to unleash violence during Saturday election.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“We have written to notify the Hon. Minister of Defence, the Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army, and the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, and requested that no military personnel is released to Rotimi Amaechi or any other politician to interfere with next Saturday’s elections in Rivers State.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Furthermore, we have noticed that the Anti-terrorism Unit of the State Police command continues to provide VIP security services to politicians in defiance of the Inspector-General’s order to withdraw all police personnel attached to VIPs during the elections.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“We, therefore request the Inspector-General of Police to enforce his order by ensuring that all political leaders are restricted to their polling units and prevented from moving about with police escort.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Governor Wike also requested the security agencies to arrest and prosecute the following 27 local politicians who are plotting to disrupt the elections with armed thugs, cultists, and gangsters in military and police uniforms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The politicians are: Dr. Lenoonu Nwibubasa, Bright Nwinyoodee, Barika Bareh, Friday Sinee, Dumbari Deezua, Neeka Ikina, Dr. Gabriel Pidomson, Giobari Poiba, Barisi Bonikoo, Hon. Mike Amachree, Paul Lawrence Paul, Anosike Odua, Mr. Ogbams Ojimah, Kenneth Chinda, Smiles Azundah and Gift Welebe.

Others include, Nwobueze Amadi, Chidi Wosa, Ugochukwu Wosu, Ndidi Erim, Lucky Mmai, Baridi Edmund Katara, Solo Filiman Mon, Charles Anyanwu, Christian Don Pedro, Iworiabo Amachree, and Arokosimiya Ikalama.

 

 

 

 

 

Governor Wike said the State government expects the security high command to live up to their assurance of providing adequate security beef-of throughout the State to forestall any security breaches or breakdown of law and order during and after the elections.

 

 

 

 

 

“We assure everyone that we will do everything within our power to resist and prevent a repeat of what happened in 2019 when the Nigerian Army was used to rig, kill our people and destroy property during the elections across the State.

 

 

 

 

The governor urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to guarantee and ensure that next Saturday’s elections are free, fair, and credible, by allowing the electorate to decide their leaders.

 

 

 

 

Governor Wike stressed that with the quality of progress his administration has delivered in the last eight years, it is evident that Rivers State will be more outstanding and closer to fulfilling its purpose if the current development tempo is strengthened and sustained for the next four years.

 

 

 

 

To this end, he maintained that his successor should be someone who will consolidate and continue with the new Rivers vision, defend and protect the State’s interests, and propel it to more remarkable progress and prosperity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“This is precisely what the candidate of the PDP, Sir Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, have committed to accomplishing with their blueprint for consolidation and continuity. Siminalayi Fubara is a Christian, a Knight of St. Christopher, and an Accountant with over two decades of working experience in civil service.

 

 

 

 

 

“He progressed to the zenith of his public service career as Permanent Secretary and Accountant General of Rivers State, where he recently resigned to contest as the governorship candidate of the PDP.

“Siminalayi Fubara’s running mate, Professor (Mrs) Ngozi Odu, is also Christian with an excellent public service career. She is a former Permanent Secretary, Commissioner for Education, and university lecturer.”

He explained that both candidates are persons of impeccable character and knowledgeable technocrats with excellent public service records. According to him, the PDP governorship candidates are familiar with the workings of government, the standard public service rules, and the precepts of good governance, having worked closely with him in different capacities.

The governor harped that this is the first time former civil servants with knowledge, capacity, competence, passion and experience have been given a chance to administer the State and drive its development with their blueprint for the consolidation and continuity of the New Rivers Vision.

“Therefore, this is the turn of civil servants to be at the helm of State affairs. It is a golden opportunity for every civil and public servant, serving and retired, to fully embrace and ensure that the next Governor and Deputy Governor come from their constituency.

“We must agree that this election is about the future of Rivers State. It is about moving Rivers State forward to the next level. It is about advancing the security and well-being of our people. It is about protecting and defending the interests of Rivers State.”

To ensure effective participation in Saturday’s election, governor Wike has therefore declared Friday, March 17, 2023, as a public holiday to enable all private and public sector workers to travel to their communities and vote in their polling units.

Governor Wike has meanwhile appreciated the voters of Rivers State for overwhelmingly voting for the State’s National Assembly candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election.

“We are particularly elated with the emergence of my Deputy Governor, Dr. Mrs. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, as one of the only three elected women Senators of Nigeria for the 10th National Assembly.”

Kelvin Ebiri

Special Assistant on Media to the Rivers State governor.

March 16, 2023

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Amosun declares support for cultural legacy as Abeokuta Film Festival decorates him as Patron

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Amosun declares support for cultural legacy as Abeokuta Film Festival decorates him as Patron

Amosun declares support for cultural legacy as Abeokuta Film Festival decorates him as Patron

 

 

Former Governor of Ogun State and Senator representing Ogun Central, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has expressed heartfelt appreciation to the organizers of the Abeokuta Film Festival, who recently honored him with an award and decorated him as Patron of the Festival.

 

Amosun declares support for cultural legacy as Abeokuta Film Festival decorates him as Patron

 

Receiving the award personally at his residence in Abeokuta, Senator Amosun emphasized that legacy and service should outweigh the pursuit of recognition. He commended the organizers for promoting local achievements but noted that true leadership lies in quiet, impactful service rather than self-promotion.

 

 

 

“I’ve never been the type to chase awards or honors,” he said. “If you’re in a position of authority or leadership, just do your work. That’s what you’re there for. Let the impact speak for itself.”

 

 

 

Referencing historical figures such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Amosun remarked that their legacies endure not because of awards, but because of the depth of their contributions. While he acknowledged the motivational power of recognition, he reiterated that real reward lies in meaningful impact.

 

 

 

Senator Amosun praised the Abeokuta Film Festival as a vital cultural platform and called for its expansion across Ogun State and the Southwest region. He proposed greater collaboration and suggested a regional brand identity such as “KAARO OJIRE,” which he said could showcase the diversity of languages and stories from the area.

 

 

 

Pledging continued support for the initiative, he assured the organizers of his availability whenever needed. “Even without this award, I’ve always been ready to contribute. Now, with this recognition, I’m even more inspired to do more,” he stated.

 

 

 

In conclusion, he dedicated the award to the pioneers and legends of Nigeria’s film industry, including Hubert Ogunde and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, whose timeless contributions, he said, continue to inspire generations.

 

 

 

Among those who were on the entourage to do the honour was the National President, Association of Nigerian Theatre Practitioners, Popular Nollywood Actor, Dr. Hafiz Oyetoro, Popularly known as Saka, and Convener, Abeokuta Film Festival, Hon. Kehinde Soaga (dgn)

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Constitution review should reflect views of the people – Ndarani

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Constitution review should reflect views of the people – Ndarani

By Ebere Agozie

Abuja, July 11, 2025 (NAN) A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mohammed Ndarani, SAN has advised the National Assembly to ensure that the current constitution review reflects the views of the people.

Ndarani gave the advice during a press conference on Friday in Abuja.

He noted that developments in the country today justify the complete overhaul and comprehensive amendment to the 1999 constitution, which was only made as an annexure to a military decree.

He said that the current constitution has gone through five amendments and yet, it is generally believed that it could be much better.

“My stand has always been to draft a totally new constitution but if we must continue to tinker with the same document over and over again, it has to be thorough this time around.

“There have been many efforts to knock it into shape, but with very little success.

“The truth, however is that the constitution has to be fundamentally solid and take into account the special characteristics of the entity for which the document is being drafted’’.

He advised that the process must draw from the peculiarities of Nigeria, the demographics, ethnicity, economic structure as well as the many other variables that make up this complex society called Nigeria.

“There is therefore a great need for the National Assembly to make provision for a proper referendum prior to amendments to those critical areas of the constitution.

“This is what will give the said constitution or act the touch of the people, imbue it with much-needed legitimacy and bring the laws closer to the people and vice versa.

“Considering that the Zonal public hearings are already underway, the voice of the people should be heard to ensure a greater relevance and acceptability of the outcome.

“The world over, constitutions are amended to respond to socio-economic, cultural and political changes, so the amendment process must entail the mass participation of the people’’.

The senior lawyer said that no constitution is entirely good or completely bad. It is believed that it all depends on the people who apply and implement the provisions.

“It must be transparent, credible and rigorous enough to ensure that it is done in the interest of the people, and not to protect the personal interests of some individuals.

“In many instances amendments are seen as a means of protecting vested interests as power blocs see the process as a political poker game, rather than a democratic rearrangement to benefit all’’.

Ndarani noted that Nigeria is a state founded on the principles of democracy and social justice, emphasizing that sovereignty belongs to the people.

“It also mandates the participation of the people in their government as enshrined in Chapter II, Section 14 of the Nigerian Constitution.

“It explicitly states that the people of Nigeria hold sovereignty, and the government’s powers and authority are derived from them.

“It equally ensures the participation of the people in their government through various means, as outlined in other sections and chapters’’.

He, therefore, wondered why the National Assembly removed some submissions of the people especially the one calling for a removal of the immunity clause.

“We are talking about fighting corruption at the highest places and they are refusing to allow debate on the removal of the immunity clause.

“Who told them to remove those submissions, was it the people? Removal of the mmunity clause is part of what the people want.

“The people want to be able to hold their leaders accountable and the removal of the immunity clause will help them gather evidence and prosecute erring leaders.

“We need naked justice. So, why did the National Assembly not allow the views of all the people who have submitted memoranda to be considered?”

He called on the National Assembly members to resist the urge to simply go, sit down in their houses and begin to handpick bills and memoranda according to their whims.

“They should allow whatever is the opinion of people on the people’s constitution to prevail.

“The drafters should listen more to the people and ensure that it is a national dialogue indeed, and a participatory constitutional reform process that reflects the aspirations of all Nigerians.

“The review should result in a responsive and efficient constitution that will address structural, fundamental and emerging issues within the Nigerian Federation.

“With the right constitution to guide the Nigerian nation, this country has the wherewithal to be one of the leading nations on earth,’’ he added.

“Let us put our heads and hands together to realize that greatness.”

The learned silk aligned himself with the indigeneship bill tabled by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.

Kalu had proposed a bill to grant indigene status to individuals who have resided in a state for 10 years or married a native, which has ignited deep controversy across Nigeria.

“I see it as a progressive move for national unity. Nigerian citizenship is primarily defined in Chapter 3 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“It outlines three ways to acquire citizenship as long as you meet certain requirement by law, one of which is that a person born in Nigeria is a citizen by birth if either of their parents or any of their grandparents is a citizen of Nigeria.

“Nigeria should be operating along global standards by now.

“For example, in the UK or USA once you are a citizen, you have the right to contest for an elective position in any part of the country where you reside.

“Nobody should be prevented from contesting for a position because his parents were not from a particular city, state or locale. Citizenship should take precedence over other mundane considerations’’.

He reiterated that the preamble to the constitution says that `we are one indivisible nation, once we are citizens of Nigeria.

“That means that you take a position based on citizenship in the state, not on indigeneship. And there should be no discrimination.

“This citizenship provision is saying that Nigeria is one indivisible nation. It is Nigeria first, before individuals.

“That bill is very, very good and I also lend my voice to it, because that should be the ideal situation.

“The constitution should have state citizenship: that is you know where you come from, but once you have your citizenship, like in the UK, nobody will ask you where you are from.

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LG Polls: Speaker Obasa charges Lagos West APC candidates to intensify campaigns, assures of the Assembly’s support

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LG Polls: Speaker Obasa charges Lagos West APC candidates to intensify campaigns, assures of the Assembly’s support

…As Lagos Railway Corporation and Ibile Energy Corporation bills scale second reading

Ahead of the local government elections holding Saturday, July 12, across the state, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa met with candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), from the Lagos State West Senatorial District at the assembly complex on Tuesday, charging them to knock on all doors and campaign vigorously until the very last day to ensure victory at the polls.

As a show of support, Speaker Obasa contributed generously to the candidates’ campaign purses and assured them of the Assembly’s unstinting support before and after the elections.

At the meeting, which was attended by all the APC chairmen, vice-chairmen, and councillorship candidates, Speaker Obasa urged the candidates not to rest on the party’s laurels but to maintain momentum and outreach efforts until the very last day of campaigning. “Engage with everyone in the community, regardless of their ethnic background or religion,” he implored, while harping on the necessity for candidates to actively supervise those assigned to manage their campaigns.

The Speaker also admonished the candidates to adopt a mindset centred on service to the people when they assume office, adding, “Your focus should be on serving your constituents with integrity and commitment, and you must have respect for democratic institutions and practices.”

Further, he proudly noted that Lagos remains unique among states in the country, as it grants local government chairmen a four-year tenure per term, allowing for more sustained governance and grassroots development.

The meeting concluded with a palpable sense of urgency and resolve among the APC candidates, as they prepare to take their campaigns to the grassroots, embodying the spirit of service and dedication imparted by Speaker Obasa.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Railway Corporation bill and the IBILE Energy Corporation Bill have scaled the second reading.

According to the Majority Leader, Hon. Noheem Babatunde Adams, who spoke during plenary later on Tuesday, the proposed ‘bill for a Law to establish the Lagos State Railway Corporation to improve Railway Transportation in Lagos State and for connected purposes’, seeks to provide efficient and reliable transportation services, and establish a Governing Board tasked with overseeing the corporation’s operations.

Hon. Adams, the member representing Eti Osa Constituency 1, said, “With South Africa leading in Africa with a 20,926 km railway network and Nigeria currently at 3,798 km, Lagos, as Africa’s second-largest city economy after Cairo, must take the lead in innovative rail transport solutions.” He added that the bill will set up a standard railway corporation comparable to any across the globe.

Similarly, the House also read for the second time, ‘A bill for a Law to establish the IBILE Energy Corporation’, which Hon. Sobur Oluwa, chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Mineral Resources, described as a transformative one for the state’s energy landscape.
“If passed into Law, the corporation will attract innovation, investment, and reshape the energy sector of the State,” he said.

In his remarks, Speaker Obasa commended the essence of the bills and noted that when eventually passed into law, they will mark a significant advancement in the assembly’s efforts to modernize infrastructure and strengthen the state’s economy. He, thereafter, committed the two bills to the committees on Transportation and Energy and Mineral Resources with a mandate to submit their reports at the earliest possible time.

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