Author: Friday Omosola

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed disapproval over the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State, warning that such actions could harm Nigeria’s global reputation. Speaking as the Chairman of the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan said he was deeply concerned about the removal of elected leaders. “These decisions by major players in the executive and legislative arms of government do not reflect well on the country,” he said. His reaction follows President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi…

Lagos State Governor and Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development as the state prepares to host the maiden edition of the South-West Games (SOWEGA). Scheduled to take place from March 26 to 28, 2025, the event will bring together athletes from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti to compete in various sporting activities across multiple venues, including Teslim Balogun Stadium, Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Rowe Park, and Yaba College of Education. During a courtesy visit by the South-West Games 2025 Committee at the Lagos House in Marina yesterday, Sanwo-Olu assured…

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has confirmed the release of previously withheld local government allocations, assuring that immediate steps will be taken to facilitate the prompt payment of workers’ salaries. During a meeting with Heads of Local Government Administrators in Port Harcourt, Ibas described the occasion as a critical step toward restoring stability and progress in the state. Expressing concern over the persistent economic hardship in the Niger Delta, he lamented that despite the region’s abundant resources, many residents still face financial struggles. “This situation cannot continue,” he declared, emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility and urgent…

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…