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Category: Politics

  • Gov. Fubara urges Rivers people to remain peaceful, law-abiding 

    Gov. Fubara urges Rivers people to remain peaceful, law-abiding 

    Gov. Siminilayi Fubara of Rivers, has urged the citizens in the state to remain peaceful and law-abiding in the face of the  state of emergency declared in the state.

    Fubara made the remark in a statewide address on Tuesday in Port Harcourt after the pronouncement of emergency rule on the state by President Bola Tinubu.

    He said that his administration had been guided by ‘’his constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty’’ since his assumption of office as the Governor of Rivers.

    Fubara said that he had prioritised the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of the state.

    “Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.

    “This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition.

    According to him, they moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement immediately he received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy.

    He stated that these steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear state.

    “Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult,” he explained.

    He expressed that the priorities of his administration remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.

    Fubara noted that though there was political disagreements in the state, good governance had continued, salaries were being paid, and great projects executed to move the state forward.

    He stated that in all, the state was safe, secured and peaceful under his watch.

    Fubara said that Rivers people had always been resilient people, and would continue to face the situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.

    “We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and the Rivers State continues to thrive,” Fubara said.

    President  Tinubu on Tuesday declared a state of emergency for the state due to the unabated political crisis bedeviling the state.

    He, however, appointed Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas to administer the state after suspending Gov. Siminalaye Fubara and his Deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu as well as the elected members of the state Assembly.

  • Rivers group gives condition for Fubara’s impeachment

    Rivers group gives condition for Fubara’s impeachment

    As a faction of the state assembly moves for his removal, the Rivers Restoration Movement (RRM) said another Ijaw must succeed him if Gov. Siminalayi Fubara is impeached.

    The group’s Director General, Johnson Georgewill, told journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday that the arrangement would ensure that the Ijaw people completed their tenure.

    He stated that replacing Fubara with another Ijaw governor would ensure equity and fairness for the Ijaw people.

    Georgewill noted that the RRM, loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, had worked tirelessly to ensure an Ijaw candidate emerged as governor in 2023.

    According to him, the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) has a constitutional responsibility to exercise oversight over the Executive Arm of Government.

    “RRM believes that Gov. Fubara has committed several impeachable offences.

    “If the RSHA eventually decides to impeach him, we appeal to our leader, Wike, to consider another Ijaw man as governor.

    “This appeal is based on the principles of equity, fairness, and justice, ensuring that Ijaw people complete their tenure in office,” he said.

    Georgewill backed Wike’s position that it was unacceptable for individuals to threaten to destroy pipelines if Fubara were removed from office.

    He emphasised that Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution empowers state Houses of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against any governor found guilty of an impeachable offence.

    “Threats of violence and unguarded statements cannot override what the laws stipulates,” Georgewill added.

    The RRM director general further stated that, aside from Bayelsa, the Ijaw people could not singlehandedly produce a governor in Akwa Ibom, Delta, Edo, Ondo, and Rivers states.

    He praised the FCT minister for his unwavering commitment and contributions to the development of Rivers.

    “RRM stands 100 per cent in support of the statements made by the leader of Rivers State politics, Wike, during his recent media engagement,” Georgewill concluded.

  • Bafarawa foundation distributes N13.8 m to 276 indigents in Sokoto

    Bafarawa foundation distributes N13.8 m to 276 indigents in Sokoto

    The Attahiru Bafarawa Foundation, Giving Back Initiative on Sunday inaugurated the distribution of N13.8 million in grants to 276 orphaned mothers and people living with disabilities in Sokoto State to support small-scale businesses.

    Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Malam Lawal Maidoki, Chairman of the initiative, stated that the gesture aligned with the founder’s commitment to alleviating economic hardship among the less-privileged.

    “Today, we are beginning the distribution across six local government areas: Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Wamakko, Kware, Dange-Shuni, and Bodinga,” Maidoki announced.

    He explained that 12 beneficiaries were selected from each of the state’s 23 local government areas (LGAs), comprising 10 widows or orphaned mothers and two individuals with disabilities per LGA.

    “Each beneficiary will receive N50,000, along with transportation support ranging from N3,000 to N5,000, depending on their distance from the distribution centers,” he added.

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    Maidoki emphasised that the initiative aimed to provide the recipients with the capital needed to sustain their daily needs and generate income, strengthening the grassroots economy.

    Speaking at the event, Sarkin Malaman Sokoto, Malam Yahaya Boyi, commended former Governor, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa for his generosity.

    He conveyed the beneficiaries’ appreciation and urged them to pray for the donor, Sokoto State, and Nigeria, especially in this blessed month of Ramadan.

    Boyi also encouraged the recipients to make good use of the funds by engaging in productive ventures rather than resorting to begging.

    One of the beneficiaries, Shehu Gwiwa, expressed gratitude on behalf of others, thanking the foundation for its support and prayed for Allah’s blessings upon all those involved in the initiative.

  • FOIA use will eliminate obstacles and biases against women – Stakeholders

    FOIA use will eliminate obstacles and biases against women – Stakeholders

    In apparent reaction to the senate debacle, stakeholders in Abuja on Friday, say the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) can help address obstacles and biases faced by women across various spheres.

    They spoke at a town hall meeting on the application of FOIA, organised by the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice and the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS).

    The event, which had as its theme, “Leveraging FOIA to Promote Women’s Rights and Inclusion in the Fight Against Corruption,” brought together representatives of the Minister of Justice, Minister of Women Affairs, and the Minister of Youth.

    Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, noted that increasing the use of FOIA by Nigerian women would help eliminate systemic obstacles in both personal and professional spheres.

    Fagbemi was represented by Mr Garuba Godwin, Head of the FOI Unit at the ministry of justice.

    “Women should leverage on the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 to accelerate their inclusion in the activities of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    “The president is very ready to improve women’s involvement in the governance of this great country,” he said.

    He further said that the fight to accelerate action should not be left for the women alone.

    “The other gender must ensure that women are not discriminated against as both genders have equal right before the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “According to this year’s slogan, “Let’s Accelerate Action for gender equality. All hands must be on desk to ensure gender inclusivity in human endeavour”.

    In her remarks, Executive Director of CTA, Faith Nwadishi, said that the event was designed specifically, to coincide with the commemoration of the 2025 International Women’s Day.

    According to her, corruption is almost becoming a pandemic, pervasive and a threat to our collective existence as a people.

    “We need not be reminded that corruption undermines the rule of law,  perpetuates inequality, and disproportionately affects women and marginalised communities.

    “Nevertheless, our gathering today is not to lament and see women as victims of corruption but as amazons and powerful change agents.

    “All women need is information, access to resources, and opportunities to be able to demonstrate the transformative role that promotes accountability, transparency and good governance.”

    According to Nwadishi, FOIA enables citizens including women to hold governments and institutions accountable for their actions.

    “It allows them to track budgets, monitor programmes, and expose corruption where and when they occur”.

    Also speaking, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, emphasised that women’s rights, gender equality, and inclusion were causes deeply important to her.

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who was represented by EmemMaria Offiong, noted that as Nigeria joined the world in marking International Women’s Day (IWD), it was crucial to highlight the ministry’s commitment to collaboration and creating an enabling environment for these ideals to thrive.

    “To achieve this, we need to create more awareness about the Freedom of Information Act, reshape public perception of the Act, and explore various ways to apply it effectively,” she said.

    A spat between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President, Godswill Akabio over seating arrangement had degenerated rapidly to include allegations of sexual harassments, leading to a controversial six-month suspension of the senator representing Kogi Central district.

  • Senate cmte recommends 6-month suspension for Natasha Akpoti

    Senate cmte recommends 6-month suspension for Natasha Akpoti

    … to forefeit salary and all privileges

    The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct has recommended a six-month suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing violations of Senate rules.

    The committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, submitted its report on Thursday, urging the suspension to take effect immediately from March 6, 2025.

    According to the committee’s recommendations, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will be barred from entering the National Assembly premises during the suspension.

    Her office will be shut down and her salary and allowances shall be stopped during the period.

    Additionally, she will be prohibited from representing Nigeria in any official capacity as a senator.

    The committee also stated that the senator could be given the opportunity to submit a written apology, which may be considered if the Senate decides to review the suspension at a later date.

    The final decision will be made after a vote by the entire Senate, which could strip her of all legislative privileges for the duration of the suspension.


    Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a new petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.

    The petition, reportedly signed by her constituents, was presented during plenary on Thursday.

    When asked whether the case was before any court, she confirmed that it was not.

    In accordance with parliamentary procedure, the Senate referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for investigation.

    The committee has been given four weeks to examine the allegations and report its findings.

    This is the second time Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has raised similar allegations against the Senate President.

    A previous petition was dismissed on procedural grounds on Wednesday.

  • Atiku must not be given 2027 Presidential Ticket – Bode George

    Atiku must not be given 2027 Presidential Ticket – Bode George

     

    Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olabode George, has urged party leaders not to consider former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as their presidential candidate for the 2027 election. 

    He said that allowing Atiku to run again would weaken the party’s chances in the poll.

    George accused Atiku and his allies of neglecting the South during the 2023 election process, which led to dissatisfaction among southern members of the party. 

    He recalled how the treatment of the region caused a rift within the PDP, leading some members, including a group of governors, to withdraw their support.

    He warned that choosing another northern candidate in 2027 would be unfair to the South and could cause many southern politicians to lose interest in campaigning for the party.

     He insisted that power should return to the South after President Bola Tinubu’s tenure before the North considers another run.

    Speaking on Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, George stated that Obi would struggle to achieve his ambition with the Labour Party due to its weak structure. 

    He argued that only the PDP has the necessary support base to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election. 

    While he acknowledged that Tinubu’s re-election would not be an easy task, he maintained that the PDP could only succeed if it prioritizes fairness and unity.

    George also addressed Nyesom Wike and others who had opposed the PDP in the last election, urging them to put the nation’s interest first. 

    He called on Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the country’s current economic state to support the opposition.

    Expressing concern over the federal government’s involvement in political affairs in states like Lagos, Rivers, and Osun, he warned that such interference could lead to instability. 

    He further stressed the need for Nigeria to restructure its governance system to operate under true federalism.

  • Akpabio’s Wife Sues Senator Natasha for Defamation, Seeks ₦250bn Damages

    Akpabio’s Wife Sues Senator Natasha for Defamation, Seeks ₦250bn Damages

    Unoma Akpabio, wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has filed two lawsuits against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accusing her of defamation and violating her fundamental human rights.

    The legal battle stems from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent claims that her challenges in the Senate began after she rejected alleged sexual advances from the Senate President.

    In the first case (Suit No: CV/814/25), filed at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, Mrs. Akpabio argued that the senator’s statements had subjected her and her children to emotional distress and fear for their safety. 

    She requested the court to rule that the allegations violated her right to dignity as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. 

    She is demanding ₦250 billion in damages and a permanent injunction to prevent further statements from Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    In a separate defamation case (Suit No: CV/816/25), Mrs. Akpabio refuted the senator’s allegations against her husband, calling them false and malicious. 

    She claimed that the accusations had brought her family into public disrepute. As part of her demands, she is seeking ₦1 billion in damages and a court order compelling Akpoti-Uduaghan to publish a public apology in The Guardian and ThisDay newspapers.

    “The allegations have caused untold pain and emotional trauma to me and my family,” Mrs. Akpabio stated in her court filings.

    The court has not yet scheduled a hearing for the cases.

    Tensions between the lawmakers escalated after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Senate seat was reassigned without prior notice, prompting her to protest during a plenary session. 

    The Senate later referred the issue to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, led by Senator Neda Imaseun of Edo South, for investigation, with a two-week deadline for its report.

    In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a ₦100 billion defamation lawsuit against Akpabio and his senior legislative aide, Mfon Patrick.

     Her legal counsel, Victor Giwa, argued that a Facebook post by Patrick titled “Is Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?” contained derogatory remarks implying that she viewed her Senate position as an opportunity to showcase makeup and revealing outfits. Giwa contended that the statement damaged her reputation among colleagues and the public.

    The controversy intensified when Akpoti-Uduaghan appeared on Arise Television’s Morning Show, where she reiterated her claims of sexual harassment against the Senate President. 

    She alleged that colleagues had warned her to accept the seat change, suggesting it was part of a broader plot against her.

    Mrs. Akpabio has strongly denied the allegations, dismissing them as baseless and false.

  • APGA Schedules Anambra Governorship Primary for April 5

    APGA Schedules Anambra Governorship Primary for April 5

    The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has fixed April 5, 2025, for its governorship primary election in Anambra State.

    This is in preparation for the main governorship election set for November 8, 2025.

    According to the party’s National Organizing Secretary, Ifeanyi Mbaeri, the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms will start on February 28.

    Aspirants interested in contesting under APGA will pay N5 million for the Expression of Interest Form and N25 million for the Nomination Form.

    However, a five percent discount has been approved for female aspirants and persons with disabilities.

    The primary election will take place at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, where party members will gather for a special state congress.

    The screening of aspirants is scheduled for March 28 at APGA’s National Headquarters in Abuja.

    APGA has also released a provisional timetable for the entire election process.

    However, the party retains the right to adjust the dates if necessary.

    The decision aligns with the APGA Constitution and follows the timetable set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the upcoming governorship election in Anambra.

  • Stakeholders seek reserved seats for women participation in politics

    Stakeholders seek reserved seats for women participation in politics

    Stakeholders of women’s inclusion in politics have called for quota that ensures that seats are reserved for women to attain political offices.

    The stakeholders made the call at an event on Wednesday in Lagos.

    The event was organised by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), in collaboration with UN Women, and funded by the United Kingdom International Development and Canadian Government.

    The event was tagged: “Stronger Together: Special Seats for a more Inclusive Democracy”.

    Dr. Ejiro Otive-Igbuzor, Managing Director, Emerald Int’l Development Services, said gender equality was a development issue, and no society will develop until the women were included in leadership.

    According to Otive-Igbuzor, all the sustainable development goals (SDGs) require gender equality to achieve them.

    Otive-Igbuzor, who is also a Social Inclusion Expert, said though Nigeria was committed to inclusion, considering the constitution and the national gender policy, about half of the population have been left out.

    According to her, one of the indicators that measure how well a nation is doing is the proportion of women in parliaments.

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    “In the 9th Assembly, on the House of Representatives that has 366, we had 13 women. 13 over 360, that’s how poorly we were doing in the 9th Assembly.

    “In the 10th Assembly, there is a marginal increase to 17. I think we lost one person, so we now have 16 out of 360,” she said.

    Noting that there was not much difference when compared to the House of Assembly, she said Nigeria wasn’t doing well when compared to other African nations such as Ghana, Sierra Leone and Senegal.

    Otive-Igbuzor said there had never been a level playing field for women, even the qualified ones, to participate in politics in Nigeria.

    Referring to a study conducted by McKinsey Global Institute, she said: “Exclusion of women from governance costs Nigeria up to $90 billion in GDP growth.”

    She recommended the quotas, reserved seats in constitution or in electoral laws, to compensate for the long years of marginalisation that women have faced.

    Noting that countries including Kenya, Ugandan, Tanzania and Rwanda use such systems, she added that there are legal candidate quotas where political parties nominate a set minimum.

    Earlier, the Chairman, House Committee on Electoral Matters, Adebayo Balogun, said in spite of their significant contributions in politics, women still remained under-presented.

    READ ALSO: 2,450 Vulnerable Nigerians get Saudi food donation in Kebbi

    Balogun said the lawmakers in the House of Representatives had passed a bill seeking one special seat to be given to women in every state.

    The lawmaker, however, urged women to look at positions at the grassroots level, rather than the upper echelon, so they could get enough experience to compete at the top.

    “Let’s start from our wards to make the women councillors, House of Assembly members,” he said.

    The Chairman, Conference of Speakers, Adebo Ogundoyin,  expressed concerns over the provision of special seats exclusively for women, noting that it could be a drawback for women’s inclusion in politics.

    Ogundoyin said it might limit women’s stake in political offices, adding that the main issue was that the number of women interested in politics is way less than the men.

    He, however, pledged the Conference of Speakers’ support to ensure that the constitution was amended in favour of one seat per state for women inclusion in the National Assembly.

    The Head of Editorial Operations, NAN, Lagos office, Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, said there was a need for women to become executive members of political parties, to help when decisions are being made.

    Omowole called for more engagements and continuous conversations regarding the inclusion of women in politics.

    Agatha Amata, a Media Entrepreneur, acknowledged the need for the constitution to reserve special seats for women, if they are to catch-up, and achieve a level field.

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    “For women to catch-up with what is available, there needs to be some sort of compensation,” she said.

    Obukome Ibru, a movie producer and politician, said it was important for women to begin to participate early in politics.

    Ibru urged women to overcome the negative stereotypes and perceptions of women in politics, adding that she had received support from women on various levels.

  • As party stalwarts pass vote of confidence, Tinubu promises to work harder

    As party stalwarts pass vote of confidence, Tinubu promises to work harder

    Assuring that the Nigerian economy was on the road to recovery, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday reaffirmed his resolve to put in more effort for the sake of the nation.

    The President spoke in Abuja at the All-Progressives Congress (APC) National Executive Committee meeting, during which he received a vote of confidence for his administration’s good performance.

    He said that the party’s top decision-making body’s praise was an exhortation to strive even harder. He pledged to keep the party loyal.

    READ ALSO: Five candidates to contest for AfDB presidency

    “I am happy with your vote of confidence, and I accept it. The vote is a challenge to do more work; we will vigorously pursue our sovereignty in food security, investment and development.

    “I am happy with food prices coming down, especially as Ramadan approaches. The Sun is high, and the sky is bright outside. While the rest of the world unravels, we see growth in Nigeria. We are seeing a gradual return to stability. We are seeing improvements. I thank you, governors, ” President Tinubu said.

    President Tinubu thanked Nigerians for their continued belief and trust in the All-Progressives Congress (APC).

    He pledged to continue working assiduously with other arms of government to ensure the greater good for Nigerians and commended APC governors and executives for their continued and unwavering commitment.

    “I’m grateful to all Nigerians for the electoral successes recorded from one state to the other. Governors, you have embraced these changes, and I thank the leadership of our party. I also thank members of the National Assembly for expeditiously considering the budget.

    A cross-section of delegates at the APC caucus meeting

    “We can only build the party on a progressive platform to deliver good service to Nigerians.

    The President also commended the party’s National Working Committee for its performance and called for measures to end some of the crises in the states.

    “The National Working Committee is doing a very good job; I am pleased with them. However, there are a few conflicts in the various states. Let’s set up committees to look into the lingering problems in the states and appeal to these party leaders in various states to please be calm and be collaborative,” the President said.

    The party’s National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, thanked members for their steadfastness in the face of challenges and assured them that the party would continue to deliver on its electoral promises.

    “Though the journey has been very challenging for us as a ruling party, given the big task we have at hand and the expectations from Nigerians, We can sufficiently submit that we have collectively risen to the occasion and challenges,” he said.

    President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting President Tinubu in lifting the nation from its economic and developmental woes.

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    “The Senate will expeditiously pass bills that would enhance our national development, improve the economy and redirect our national pathway,” he said.

    Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas commended the President for his vision and courage in making unpopular but essential decisions.

    He said the decisions were pivotal for Nigeria’s developmental efforts.

    The APC National Executive Council meeting took place a day after the party’s caucus meeting on Tuesday night.

    At the Caucus meeting, party leaders also praised President Tinubu’s administration for turning the economy around, with GDP growing by 3.84 per cent in the last quarter of 2024 and inflation going downhill.