Author: Friday Omosola

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has urged traditional rulers to maintain neutrality in political matters, emphasising their critical role in fostering unity and stability across the state. During a meeting with the monarchs at Government House, Port Harcourt, Ibas, a retired Vice Admiral and former Chief of Naval Staff, expressed his deep concern over the state’s persistent instability. “As someone who has dedicated years to safeguarding lives, I find it troubling to witness the unrest in Rivers State,” he stated. “Restoring peace is not just a mandate—it is a necessity.” He reassured the traditional leaders that his…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has welcomed Visa Inc.’s plan to establish a data centre in Nigeria, a move aimed at strengthening the country’s digital economy. Visa Inc., a leading American multinational payment services corporation, disclosed its commitment during a courtesy visit to the Vice President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The delegation was led by Andrew Torre, Visa’s Regional President for Central & Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA). Mr Torre highlighted Visa’s ongoing investments in Nigeria, which exceed $1 billion, including a $200 million stake in Interswitch, a major partnership with MoniePoint to enhance digital payments,…

Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as a necessary step toward stability and the protection of citizens. In a statement posted on his Facebook page yesterday, Uzodimma praised the move as a proactive measure demonstrating Tinubu’s deep commitment to the security and well-being of Rivers State residents. The 66-year-old lauded the President’s decisiveness, emphasising that the declaration was aimed at preventing further unrest in the oil-rich state. The governor also commended the National Assembly for swiftly ratifying Tinubu’s…

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has revealed that his administration has invested billions of naira in reconnecting urban and rural communities previously cut off from the national grid. Despite these efforts, he expressed dissatisfaction with the poor coordination of power generation and distribution, which has hindered the full benefits of the state’s investment. Governor Oyebanji made these remarks while receiving a delegation from the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), Abuja, led by its Technical Director, Engr. Lawal Lawal. He lamented that despite the state’s financial commitment to purchasing transformers, wiring communities, and reconnecting them to the grid, the power supply remains…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has unveiled plans to unite opposition forces in a bid to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Atiku emphasised the need for a strong coalition to counter the APC’s grip on power. The gathering, organised by concerned political figures and stakeholders, was a direct response to President Bola Tinubu’s controversial declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The event brought together prominent politicians, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha, ex-APC National Working…

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has distanced himself from the South-South Governors’ Forum’s condemnation of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo clarified that the forum’s position did not reflect his views, as he was neither consulted nor informed before the statement was released. While acknowledging the right of other South-South governors to express their opinions, he firmly dissociated himself from any stance opposing the emergency declaration. According to him, he fully supports the measures taken by President Tinubu, believing they will bring…

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has criticized the House of Representatives for approving President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State through a voice vote. The New Daily Prime earlier reported that Tinubu suspended Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the State Assembly for six months. The House of Representatives endorsed the president’s proclamation via a voice vote during Thursday’s plenary session. Reacting in a statement on his X page, Obi argued that the Constitution mandates an individual roll-call vote, requiring lawmakers to verbally express their…

The Federal Government (FG) has reiterated its commitment to upholding free speech, fostering healthy opposition, and ensuring a thriving media environment as part of its efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this declaration on Thursday at the ongoing Ministerial Briefing Session in Abuja. He emphasised that President Bola Tinubu remains dedicated to protecting constitutionally guaranteed rights and encouraging constructive criticism as a means of deepening democratic governance. “President Tinubu, as a foremost democrat, is fully committed to protecting the constitutionally guaranteed rights of all Nigerians,” Idris stated. “He also encourages constructive criticism…

The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding consumer rights and promoting sustainable living by ensuring residents are protected from substandard products while encouraging environmentally responsible consumption. Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu gave this assurance during the week at the 2025 World Consumer Rights Day celebration, organised by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) at the Marriott Hotel, GRA, Ikeja. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hudeyin, the governor highlighted the crucial role consumers play in driving economic growth and reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to upholding their rights under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus development agenda. READ…

It is no longer news that President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu announced the emergency measure and appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.), as the administrator to oversee the state’s affairs. The 1999 Constitution, under Section 305, grants the President the power to declare a state of emergency under specific conditions. However, such a proclamation must be published in the…