In a measured response to the raging political inferno in Rivers State, PDP Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) has advised President Tinubu to reverse the state of emergency.
The Chairman, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who made the call in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, described the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers as unconstitutional.
Mohammed stated that it was illegal and unacceptable for the president to suspend democratically elected officials of a state.
“The PDPGF has noted with concern the suspension of democratically elected officials in Rivers by the president. We state categorically that this is a threat to democracy.
“This is a premeditated attack on Rivers, the PDP and other opposition parties in the country. It is a great threat to democracy, and an ill wind that will blow no one any good.
“It is a dangerous course of action that will not only endanger our hard earned democracy, but deepen crisis in the country, ” the statement read in parts.
The PDPGF chairman further said that the president’s action would exacerbate the crises in the nation, deepen mistrust, elevate security threats, and destroy the economy.
In a related development, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has described the emergency rule declaration in Rivers as unconstitutional.
The President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, said in a statement on Wednesday that declaration of emergency rule remained an extraordinary measure that must be invoked strictly within constitutional limits.
“The NBA affirms its commitment to upholding the constitution, defending democratic governance, and ensuring that the rule of law prevails in Nigeria.
“The removal of elected officials under the pretext of emergency rule is unconstitutional and unacceptable,” he said.
He urged Tinubu to reverse the declaration in the interest of democracy and the wellbeing of Rivers people.
The Katsina State Government, has flagged off the process towards the conduct of the State’s Gross Domestic Product (SGDP) survey to gauge the state economic performance.
Gov. Dikko Radda, announced this in Katsina on Tuesday, at the opening of a 5-day training for the project enumerators, supervisors and other stakeholders.
Represented by Alhaji Ibrahim Mu’azu-Safana, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Radda said that the exercise would provide insights into the performance of the state’s economy.
This he said include the contribution of various stakeholders, the growth rate of the state’s GDP, and the challenges needed to be addressed.
”It is salient that we have a metric for measuring overall economic activities in the state. The one that is often used by National and Sub-national is the GDP.
”That is why we are here to flag off the implementation of the state GDP,” the governor said.
He reiterated that the computed state GDP that would be produced at the end of the activities would be used in making informed fiscal reforms and evidence-based development plans.
The governor noted that the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), was based on some macroeconomic assumptions, which include the GDP and inflation.
”I charged the state’s Bureau of Statistics to work on the state-level inflation statistics. These two vital statistics shall be released timely to aid implementable economic planning in Katsina.
”We have started witnessing the fruits of our collective labour, as food insecurity is continually diminishing, and prices of produce are crashing.
”We will not relent until we ensure that access to affordable food is achieved by all and sundry in the state.
”Let me assure you without equivocation that the security improvement recorded in the state will be sustained to serve as an impetus that will drive investment,” he also said.
Radda revealed that the wisdom behind the establishment of the Katsina State Development Enterprises (KASEDA) was to transform MSMEs, in terms of capacity building and provision of supportive capital.
”I hope that all the more than 500,000 registered enterprises in the state will benefit from one intervention or the other without recourse to party politics.
”Similarly, my administration has placed a premium on Agriculture consistent with what is often described as an agrarian state,” he added.
Earlier, the state’s Commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Malik Anas, said that the survey was a crucial step towards understanding the economic landscape of the state and identifying areas for growth and development.
Anas, represented by Alhaji Sa’idu Danrimi, a Director in the ministry, said that as the state strive to build a more prosperous and equitable society, it was essential to have accurate and reliable data to inform a decision.
”It will also provide the required macro-economic assumptions for the ongoing government reforms, including MTEF, MTSS and the entire budget process,” he said.
Anas commended the effort of the state governor and the state’s Statistician General, Prof. Saifullahi Sani-Ibrahim for working tirelessly to design and implement the survey.
In his remarks, the state’s Statistician, Prof. Saifullahi Sani-Ibrahim, said the main exercise was expected to commence across the state on March 24, 2025.
According to him, it has been the dream of the governor to see that all data that have been lacking in the state and will stand the test of time are generated.
Some indigenes of the FCT have called for an investigation into alleged compensation fraud relating to demolished Gishiri Village, Abuja.
A total of 455 houses and structures standing on a road corridor in the village were demolished to give way for a road project.
Media reports alleged that victims of the demolished houses and structures, were being defrauded by officials of the FCDA.
The reports emanated from a meeting between the FCT Minister and leaders of the community.
At the meeting, Mr Richard Dauda, the acting Executive Secretary of the authority particularly identified as the culprit.
Reacting to the development, the indigenes, in a joint statement in Abuja on Tuesday, called on the FCT Minister to investigate the claim.
According to them, the full investigation of the alleged fraud is necessary to determine the veracity of the claim and bring the culprit to book.
The statement was jointly signed by the President of Abuja Original Inhabitants Youths Empowerment Organisation, Isaac Isaac, and Youths Leader, FCT Youths Network, Mr Umar Makeri.
Others are the Women Leader, Abuja Original Inhabitants Women Association, Sarki Yemi and Chief Ambassador, Abuja Grassroots Ambassadors and Coalition of Nigeria Youth on Security and Safety Affairs, Mr Yunusa Yusuf.
The group called for a probe into the fraud allegations, insisting that the FCDA Executive Secretary was wrongfully accused.
They called for fair hearing to enable Dauda to exonerate himself from the alleged fraud linked to him.
The group argued that a press release from the Director of Press, Office of the Minister, had completely absolved the FCDA boss of any fraud.
According to the group, the emphasis was on fair compensation for owners of demolished structures in Gishiri Village, irrespective of their indigenisation status.
“We the civil society organisations in the FCT have taken interest in the demolition, compensation and relocation of affected persons from Gishiri Village.
“We have done our investigations and can tell you that nobody was paid before demolition was carried out.
“While we believe that the media has the responsibility of holding government officials accountable, they also owe it to the people to present the facts as they are.”
The group commended the FCT minister for increasing the compensation funds from N655 million to N1.3 billion, stressing the need for social justice and equity.
They, however, said that they would not stand by and watch while an innocent person was being wrongfully accused.
“Is the Executive Secretary responsible for paying compensation? Is that not the responsibility of the Department of Resettlement and Compensation?
“Why then is the Executive Secretary of FCDA dragged for what he is not directly responsible for?
“We, therefore, call for a thorough investigation of all those involved in the compensation payment, where everyone involved will be given an opportunity to present their own case,” the statement said.
Dr Fara Dagogo, has described the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu as a slap on the Constitution.
Dr. Dagogo was a member of the House of Representatives member, (Degema, Bonny, Federal Constituency).
The former legislator made the remark on Tuesday in a statement issued to newsmen in Port Harcourt while reacting to the emergence rule declared on Rivers.
He said that the declaration was questionable under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
Dr. Fara added that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) outlined the conditions under which the President might declare a state of emergency.
According to Dagogo, specifically, Section 305(1), the President may, by instrument published in the Official Gazette, issue a proclamation of a state of emergency in the federation or any part thereof.
‘’Section 305(3) states that the President may only declare a state of emergency in a state if the Governor of the state, with a resolution supported by two-thirds majority of the House of Assembly, requests the President to do so;
“If there is actual breakdown of public order and public safety requiring extraordinary measures;
“Or If there is a clear and present danger of an actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the federation or any part thereof;
“If there is an occurrence or imminent danger of invasion, war, or insurrection; or if there is a natural disaster or public health emergency;
“Or if there is any other danger threatening the existence of the federation,”Dagogo explained.
Dagogo said that President Tinubu admitted that the Governor and Deputy Governor did not request the proclamation (as required under Section 305(5).
He said that the legal basis for the declaration rested on whether or not the public order and public safety had truly broken down, justifying the invocation of emergency powers.
Speaking on legality of the Suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and State House of Assembly, Dagogo said that the controversial aspect of the declaration was their suspension under the 1999 Constitution.
According to him, the only legal way to remove a Governor or Deputy Governor is through impeachment by the State House of Assembly under Section 188.
He stated that the Constitution does not grant the President the power to suspend or remove a Governor or Deputy Governor outside the impeachment process or a valid resignation.
Dagogo said that section 11(4) and (5) stated that only the National Assembly could take over legislative functions of a state House of Assembly in cases where it could not function.
It does not allow for the suspension of elected lawmakers.
Dagogo explained that given the constitutional provisions, President Tinubu’s suspension of elected officials was unconstitutional, as there was no provision in the 1999 constitution granting such powers.
“Even during a state of emergency, the Governor and Deputy Governor remain in office, unless removed in accordance with constitutional procedures,” he said.
He said that the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator to govern Rivers State raised another constitutional issue.
Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas (Rtd)
“The 1999 Constitution does not recognize the office of an “Administrator” in place of an elected Governor
‘’The constitution only provides for a Governor elected by the people (Section 176(1)), a Deputy Governor elected alongside the Governor (Section 186),” he said.
Dagogo mentioned that the only situation where an unelected official could assume control of a state is under military rule, which was not applicable under a democratic system governed by the 1999 constitution.
He noted the role of the National Assembly in approving the State of Emergency, saying that under section 305(2) and (6), the President must transmit the emergency proclamation to the National Assembly for approval within two days.
“If the National Assembly does not approve it within 10 days, the proclamation ceases to have effect.
Dagogo while giving the constitutional breaches in the proclamation of Judicial interpretation and possible legal challenges, said that there were strong grounds for legal challenges in court.
“The Supreme Court’s pronouncement in A.G. Federation v. A.G. Lagos State (2013) LPELR-20974(SC) reaffirms the principle that the President must act within constitutional limits, even in extraordinary situations,” he noted.
Dagogo stated that ‘’any action outside the scope of the 1999 constitution is illegal’’ and could be overturned by the courts.
The political crisis in Rivers State deepened this Monday as members of the State House of Assembly accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of gross misconduct.
In a notice to be published in three national dailies, the 27 state assembly members, accused the governor of violating the Nigerian Constitution and his oath of office.
In a statement signed by multiple lawmakers, the assembly criticized the governor’s alleged disregard for constitutional provisions, citing a recent Supreme Court judgment in Suit No.: SC/CV/1174/2024, which condemned his actions.
In the judgement under reference, the apex court ruled that “the 8th respondent’s fear of impeachment by the House of Assembly is no justification for his attacks on the House, the Constitution, the Government of Rivers State, and the rule of law.”
The ruling further stated that political disagreements should not justify unconstitutional actions by a sitting governor.
The statement was endorsed by several lawmakers, including: Rt. Hon. Dumle Mao (Gokana Constituency), Hon. Major Jack (Akuku-Toru Constituency), Hon. Linda Somiari Stewart (Okrika Constituency), Hon. Franklin Uchenna Nwabochiie (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Constituency), Hon. Christopher Ofiks Kagbang (Andoni Constituency) and Hon. Azeru Opara.
The lawmakers declared that Governor Fubara’s actions have weakened governance in the state and called for accountability.
Deputy Governor Served Notice of Allegations of Gross Misconduct
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, officially forwarded a notice of allegations of gross misconduct to the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu.
The notice, dated March 14, 2025, was signed by 26 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional requirement of, at least one-third of the Assembly’s membership, to initiate impeachment proceedings.
In his letter to the Deputy Governor, Speaker Amaewhule referenced Section 188 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), stating that the allegations must be responded to within 14 days.
The letter further reminded the Deputy Governor of Section 188(3), which requires the House to decide by motion whether the allegations should be investigated, regardless of whether a defense is submitted.
The latest development signals an escalating power struggle within the Rivers State government, with implications for governance and political stability in the state.
The Nigeria Police, Ogun state is investigating the death of a man, Toye Dominic, 25, who allegedly took his own life by hanging himself.
The incident occurred in a forest in Alagbodagbo Village., Ijebu Igbo area of the state.
CSP Omolola Odutola, the command’s spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement in Abeokuta on Thursday.
She explained that the body of the deceased was found at the scene of the incident at about 4:30p.m.
She said that the incident was reported at the Ijebu Igbo Divisional Headquarters by a local hunter named Kareem Olawalose who discovered the deceased body while on a hunting expedition.
Odutola disclosed that after making the discovery, Oluwalose sought help from a nearby village, where he met Joseph Dominic, the elder brother of the deceased.
She stated that the elder brother revealed that his brother had left for the farm earlier that morning but failed to return, prompting a search by family members, which was fruitless.
“Police officers and villagers on arrival at the scene, observed that the deceased had set aside his farm tools before proceeding further into the forest, where he was found hanging from a tree. “No suicide note was found, and family members expressed shock and disbelief over the incident.
“The police have documented the scene with photographic evidence, and the body has been transferred to General Hospital, Ijebu Ode, for further examination,” she said.
Odutola pledged that the command would conduct a thorough investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
She urged the public to remain vigilant and sought support for individuals experiencing distress or emotional struggle.
She added that mental health awareness and timely intervention remained crucial in preventing such unfortunate incidents.
Governor Uba Sani has pledged to leave Kaduna State in a better condition than he met it.
He made the assertion as his administration executes projects in key sectors like education, health, and agriculture.
He made this commitment at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction and upgrading of Zaria township roads.
These include Magajiya Junction to Kasuwan Amaru and a link to Unguwan Liman/Albarkawa Road intersection and Audi to Kako Roads in Zaria Local Government.
The governor said his administration was intensifying the Rural Transformation Programme, initiating over 78 road projects since assuming office.
He reiterated that these projects are progressing well, with contractors adequately funded to meet deadlines. His focus is to connect local communities for social and economic benefits.
“When completed, these Zaria township roads will serve a significant urban poor population. Job opportunities will increase, commercial activities will improve, and security will be enhanced,” he assured.
He stressed that Zaria is too important to be left in its current state, adding that the groundbreaking reflects his administration’s commitment to road expansion, repair, and maintenance.
“The road from Audi to Kako, on the outskirts of Zaria City, connects farming communities. We are extending infrastructure to all local governments for accelerated development.
“Our goal is to support rapid economic growth, address infrastructure deficits, curb rural-urban migration, and improve the quality of life for our people,” he added.
Earlier, Zaria Local Government Chairman, Jamil Ahmad, thanked the governor for developmental projects in the area and pledged the people’s full support for his administration.
He promised that the people of Zaria would increase their votes for the governor in the next election, showing their appreciation for the ongoing projects.
The Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, welcomed the governor home, recognising him as a son of the soil and commending his commitment to development.
The Emir, who is also the Chairman of the Kaduna State Council of Chiefs, praised the governor for executing projects across the state, improving infrastructure and livelihoods.
Farmers in Oluwa Forest Reserve in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State have petitioned Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, over alleged threat to their livelihoods.
The farmers, through their lawyer, Mr Tope Temokun, submitted the petition to Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Friday in Akure.
The farmers accused a personality in one of the government agency of unsavoury acts capable of bringing the state into disrepute.
In the petition, the official was alleged of setting the farmers up for quick and forceful eviction under the guise of restoring peace.
They explained that there was a subsisting order of the Ondo State High Court restraining government from evicting the farmers from the forest reserve pending the outcome of the court’s verdicts.
“Since 2023, there is a case in the High Court of Ondo State over forceful eviction of farmers in the Oluwa Forest Reserve with a subsisting interim order of court restraining the Ondo State Government and others from forcefully evicting the farmers.
“Now, the Ondo State Agribusiness Empowerment Centre (OSAEC) is now laying claim to ownership of Oluwa Forest Reserve, which is the subject matter of dispute before the High Court of Ondo State, asking for injunction against the occupiers of the forest reserve,”the farmers said.
The farmers said that the governor’s intervention was necessary at this time to ensure that they have access to their farm crops and that there would be no victimisation against them.
“Intervene immediately in this matter to ensure that the farmers are allowed to access their farmlands and harvest their crops without victimisation, further threats, harassment or intimidation.
“While the High Court is allowed to determine the case already presented before it, if government will not settle the matter out of court with the farmers.
No fewer than 100 farmers from the 17 Local Government Areas in Enugu State on Friday received training on Climate Smart Agriculture to mitigate agricultural losses.
The workshop is aimed to enlighten farmers on best agronomy, seedlings and planting/harvest periods as well as protection of crops and the farmer and family against harsh weather, disasters and sicknesses.
The workshop on “Downscaling of 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction for Enugu State Farmers” was organised by the Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-industrialisation in collaboration with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET).
Declaring open the workshop on Friday in Enugu, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-industrialisation, Mr Patrick Ubru, said that participating farmers would be part of trainers meant to further stepdown the training.
According to him, the 100 registered farmers participating will serve as trainers and ambassadors for the dissemination of knowledge and best practices in the Climate Smart Agriculture to farmers in each of the 17 council areas.
“Their experiences and insights will be invaluable as we work together to implement these innovative agricultural strategies and step it down to each farmer and his or her farmland.
“Our mission to transform Enugu State into the food basket of Nigeria and an export hub is bolstered by robust partnerships with private investors.
“We have signed partnership agreements with the following private partners; Pragmatic Palm Ltd, Bio-sources and Technology Ltd, Ugwu Anama Farm and Fungtai Engineering Company LTD.
“Others are Atletico Farm Concepts Ltd, Whit Rabbit Agro Concept Limited, and the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN).
“More partners are in the pipeline for both rehabilitation of existing farms and establishment of new ones,” he said.
Ubru said that the state government, its partners and the people were cultivating vast areas of land and developing produce cities that would serve as centers of excellence in agriculture.
“These collaborations are essential as we strive to create value chains that not only enhance production but also improve the livelihoods of our farmers.
“Under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, we envision a future where Enugu State is synonymous with agricultural prosperity.
“Our goal is to feed the people of Enugu and beyond while establishing our state as a key player in the national and international agricultural markets.
“Today’s event is not just about climate predictions; it is about equipping you, our farmers, with the knowledge and tools necessary to adapt to changing climatic conditions.
“In a world where climate change poses significant challenges to agriculture, we must stay informed and proactive,” he said.
The commissioner urged the participants to take full advantage of the workshop and use the information provided to implement best practices that enhanced the state’s agricultural resilience.
Ubru expressed gratitude to farmers especially the youth and women, private partners, and stakeholders for their unrestingly commitments to the development of Enugu State.
Speaking, Mrs Glory Onyegbule, Director, Applied Meteorological Services in the NiMET, said that Enugu State, according to the 2025 rainfall prediction, would have ample and long stretch of abundant rainfall between April and November.
“However, farmers should start planting when there must have been series of rainfall and the ground saturated with enough water. This should be so since most farmers in the state depend on rain feed, sustained type of agriculture.
“This will ensure better and bumper food harvest for direct consumption, local market and foreign exchange earnings as well as reduce or eliminate losses due to wrong rainfall or climatic timing,” Onyegbule said.
Corroborating, Prof. Ifeanyi Enete, Director, Institute for Maritime Studies of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, said that adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture was a current global best practice and it opened up better understanding of modern agriculture.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Victor Ngwu, urged farmers in the state to adopt the new learning and modify their farming practices to check losses and ensure constant profitability in their farming business.
But upon convening this Monday in Port Harcourt, the Martin Amaewhule-led version of the assembly ordered Governor Siminlaye Fubara to lay the 2025 budget before them within 48 hours.
Governor Fubara had on January 2nd, signed a ₦1.1 trillion 2025 Budget into law after presenting it to the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led lawmakers.
But months after, specifically last week, the Supreme Court ordered Martin Amaewhule and the group of lawmakers he is leading to resume sitting as legitimate members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
That move ended months of tussle over the leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly with two sets of lawmakers laying claim to the legislative body.
