The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu over his declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials. The NBA condemned the move as unconstitutional and a dangerous precedent that undermines Nigeria’s democracy. In a statement issued on 18 March, and signed by its president, Mazi Osigwe, SAN, the NBA asserted that the President lacks…

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has voiced strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State, deeming it an essential step towards restoring stability to the region’s turbulent political environment. In a statement released on Tuesday, March 18, by the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Matawalle emphasised the significance of this decisive move in addressing the ongoing political…

Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sir Simi Fubara, said despite unwarranted provocation and machinations by those opposed to him to cause trouble in the state, it has been safe, secured and peaceful under his watch. He has also condemned the imposition of the state of emergency in the state. He made the claims in a statement he personally endorsed on Wednesday. Fubara in the statement he personally signed said: “I…

Citing the need to prevent further breakdown of law and order, President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday evening declared a state of emergency in Rivers State in a nationwide broadcast. Consequently, the president suspended the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu, and all members of the House of Assembly for an initial six months. In the nation-wide broadcast, Tinubu announced the nomination of retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas…

Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his family members are reportedly being held hostage at the Government House in Port Harcourt by a contingent of heavily armed soldiers, sources have revealed. The incident took place on Tuesday night, shortly after President Bola Tinubu invoked Section 180 of the Nigerian Constitution to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. The state of emergency follows a rapidly escalating political feud between Governor Fubara…

On Tuesday, March 18, the Nigerian Senate passed for first reading a bill aimed at amending the Nigerian Data Protection Act of 2023, with the goal of compelling major social media platforms and independent bloggers to establish physical offices within Nigeria. Titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigerian Data Protection Act, 2023, Mandating the Establishment of Physical Offices within the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Social Media…

Suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has made serious allegations against the Nigerian Senate, describing it as a “secret society” where lawmakers are intimidated into silence by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. In an interview with the BBC Hausa, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that senators are too afraid to voice differing opinions for fear of losing opportunities, privileges, and their ability to speak in the Senate. Akpoti-Uduaghan further accused the Senate leadership…

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…

More than 150 Nigerian women and children were deported by Libyan authorities on Tuesday under a UN-affiliated “voluntary return” scheme for irregular migrants, an immigration official and UN sources said. Libya is a key departure point on North Africa’s Mediterranean coast for migrants, mainly from other parts of Africa, risking dangerous sea voyages in the hope of reaching Europe. Speaking to AFP, Mohamad Baredaa of Libya’s migration agency said the…

The political battle between pro-Wike allies and Governor Siminalayi Fubara continues to escalate following the Supreme Court judgment, causing significant setbacks to the economy and development of Rivers State, with residents bearing the brunt of the turmoil. Since December 2023, Governor Fubara and 27 lawmakers, including Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA), Martins Amaewhule, have been locked in a prolonged political crisis. The conflict stems from allegations…

By Damilola Olufemi and Friday Omosola The political crisis in Rivers State has taken a new and significant turn with the federal government’s decision to withhold the state’s monthly allocation, citing a court order. This move has sparked widespread debate, raising concerns about economic instability, governance paralysis, and political maneuvering in one of Nigeria’s most strategic oil-producing states. The feud between Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, and Nyesom Wike,…

Another explosion has reportedly occurred at an oil facility in Okwawriwa, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (LGA), following the Trans-Niger Terminal pipeline explosion that happened in Bodo, Gokana LGA of Rivers State. The exploded pipeline is said to be a federal pipeline that transports crude oil to Imo State and Brass in Bayelsa State. It was gathered that the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday. An eyewitness disclosed that…