Author: Olaoluwa Vincent Ajayi

In a new development in the ongoing Rivers State political crisis, the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has directed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) across the state’s 23 local government areas to submit detailed reports on the operations of their respective councils. The directive, issued via a letter dated March 24, 2025, and signed by Itong Awani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, mandates the HLGAs—appointed under suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara—to submit their reports to the ministry by Wednesday, March 26, 2025. According to the letter obtained by The New Daily Prime,…

A Professor of Law at Afe Babalola University, Sesan Fabamise, has stated that the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is unconstitutional. He argued that Section 305(3) of the Constitution requires a total breakdown of law and order before such a declaration can be made and that the blowing up of some pipelines alone does not justify it. However, he acknowledged that the move was politically expedient, as the legislature was intent on removing the governor, which could have triggered a major crisis. To prevent chaos, the proclamation served as a preemptive measure. While legally flawed, the…

The financial stability of UK universities is at risk, with mounting concerns over potential bankruptcies, staff layoffs, and declining global competitiveness. According to the Office for Students (OfS), a major UK higher education provider could collapse as institutions struggle with plummeting international student enrollments, rising operational costs, and years of frozen tuition fees. With over 10,000 jobs at risk, experts warn that the crisis could weaken the UK’s reputation as a global leader in education unless urgent action is taken. In a report published on Wednesday, the OfS highlighted a significant deterioration in university finances, stating that the sector is…

A former Nigerian career diplomat, Ibrahim Mohammed Bashir, Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR), has stated that the alleged sexual harassment case involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has put Nigeria’s image to the test. Senator Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan This follows the report filed by the embattled senator at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Natasha, who was suspended by the Senate, has continued to fight against what she describes as “injustice”, following her suspension from the National Assembly. After her report at the IPU meeting, many Nigerians criticized her move, arguing that…

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has urged the European Union (EU) to avoid engaging in a retaliatory tariff war with the United States, warning that escalating trade tensions could fuel inflation and economic instability across Europe. Speaking ahead of an EU leaders’ summit in Brussels, Meloni cautioned against reacting to US-imposed tariffs with countermeasures, emphasizing that such a response could lead to an economic downturn that neither side can afford. She called on the European Commission to initiate urgent negotiations with the Trump administration to prevent further escalation. “It is not wise to fall into the temptation of reprisals that…

Less than two hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, for six months alongside the 27 lawmakers. The president, during the live broadcast, said, “By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.” Shortly after the declaration, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) issued a press statement, signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, rejected…

Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers State, Suspends Governor Fubara and Lawmakers, Appoints Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as Administrator President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. The announcement was made on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, in a nationwide broadcast, where the President cited escalating political instability and security threats, including recent acts of vandalism on oil pipelines by militant groups. The decision comes after months of rising…

In a historic, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. The announcement was made during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, where the President cited the escalating political crisis in the state as the reason for his intervention. “By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial…

A highly anticipated phone call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin has ended, with a top Russian official declaring that the world is now “a much safer place.” The 90-minute conversation, which began at 2 PM GMT, focused on securing a ceasefire in Ukraine, according to the White House. While neither Washington nor Moscow has provided full details of the discussion, Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev hailed the call as a “historic” and “epic” moment in international diplomacy. “Under the leadership of President Putin and President Trump, the world has become a much safer place today! Historic! Epic!” Dmitriev stated. Ahead…

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to hold a critical phone conversation today, lasting “for as long as they deem necessary,” according to a Kremlin statement this morning. The discussion, scheduled between 1 PM and 3 PM UK time, is expected to cover the war in Ukraine, Russia’s demands, and efforts to normalize U.S.-Russia relations, according to The Telegraph. Trump Hints at Possible Territorial Concessions Speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump suggested that negotiations had already included discussions on “dividing up assets” and that he planned to speak to Putin about “land and…