FCT Minister’s aide, Lere Olayinka, defends Nyesom Wike, denying his role in the Rivers crisis and insisting he is not to blame for the political turmoil rocking the state. Port Harcourt, Nigeria — Political tensions in Rivers State have reached a critical point following the federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the entire House of Assembly. The controversial move, approved…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has written to notify Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, about the petition by constituents seeking her recall from the national assembly. INEC said it has also received the contact details of the petitioners. “Pursuant to section 69 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, I write to notify you of the receipt of a petition from representatives…

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…

A bill seeking to eliminate the constitutional immunity granted to the vice president, governors, and their deputies has progressed to the second reading in the House of Representatives. The proposed amendment aims to strengthen accountability, combat corruption, and eliminate impunity in public office. The bill was among 42 constitutional amendment proposals considered by lawmakers on Wednesday, following 39 similar bills that advanced through the second reading a day earlier. Among…

By Alade Adisa Tongues have started wagging over the claim that 250,000 voters have signed a petition to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate. The main question raised is how 250,000 people managed to endorse the petition within just five days. Commenting on the development, political analyst Dr. Nnaemeka Onyeka Obiaraeri expressed doubt over the figure, questioning its feasibility. “This would translate to 50,000 people signing per day, which…

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information Strategy, has criticised Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, over his claim that democracy in Nigeria has collapsed. Speaking at the 60th birthday colloquium of former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, in Abuja on Monday, Obi expressed concerns about Nigeria’s democratic progress since 1999, stating that recent developments had reversed previous gains. He…

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has appointed Prof. Ibibia Worika, a distinguished legal expert and administrator, as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG). In a statement, the Sole Administrator emphasised that Prof. Worika’s selection followed a meticulous vetting process, during which his extensive experience in law, governance, and public policy made him the ideal candidate for the role. Meanwhile, in a separate…

Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election is already shaping up to be a high-stakes contest, with various opposition figures coming together to form a formidable coalition aimed at unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). At the forefront of this movement is a coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has aligned with other political heavyweights including former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai; 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter…

By Alade Adisa A coalition of politicians from different factions and parties in the country has expressed frustration over attempts to get their political party registered for the 2027 general elections The coalition consists of individuals opposed to the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu. In a statement on Monday, Salisu Mohammed Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman (Northwest) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), criticized the Independent National Electoral…

Chairman of the Nigerian stakeholders forum , David Adeoye, stated that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has the right to speak, but taking her case to the United Nations (UN) seems unnecessary. He emphasized that the issue should be resolved within Nigeria, following due process and Senate procedures to uphold national integrity. The Nigerian Stakeholders Forum is a committed organization dedicated to promoting social well-being, fostering economic empowerment, and addressing systemic inequalities…

For the first time since his suspension, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has appeared in public. He attended a church service at Salvation Ministries headquarters in GRA, Port Harcourt. Governor Fubara, who was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, made no public statements during his church visit. His next move remains uncertain as political tensions in the state continue to escalate. Fubara’s appearance followed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration…

Amnesty International has urged Nigerian authorities to launch an independent and impartial investigation into allegations of sexual harassment levelled by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. In a statement issued by Amnesty International Nigeria’s Director, Isa Sanusi, the organization emphasised the urgency of addressing the allegations rather than allowing them to be dismissed or ignored. He warned that failing to act on the allegations could set a dangerous…