| Source | Date | Title | Summary of Report | Subject/Category | Page No./Weblink | ||||
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| BREAKING NEWS | 2 APRIL 2025 | BREAKING: Edo Governorship Tribunal dismisses Action Alliance’s petition against Governor Monday Okpebholo. The tribunal ruled that the petition was a pre-election matter, hence outside its jurisdiction. Recall that the tribunal initially received seven petitions in December 2024. So far, five political parties have withdrawn their petitions. The tribunal is now set to deliver its verdict on the two remaining petitions, filed by the PDP and its governorship candidate, as well as the Accord Party. | BREAKING: Edo Governorship Tribunal dismisses Action Alliance’s petition against Governor Monday Okpebholo. The tribunal ruled that the petition was a pre-election matter, hence outside its jurisdiction. Recall that the tribunal initially received seven petitions in December 2024. So far, five political parties have withdrawn their petitions. The tribunal is now set to deliver its verdict on the two remaining petitions, filed by the PDP and its governorship candidate, as well as the Accord Party. | BREAKING NEWS; EDO GOVERNORSHIP TRIBUNAL | |||||
| BREAKING NEWS | 2 APRIL 2025 | BREAKING: The Edo Governorship Tribunal has dismissed the petition of Accord Party against Governor Monday Okpebholo. The Tribunal ruled that the Accord Party failed to provide sufficient evidence to support their claims of non-compliance. We await the tribunal’s verdict on the remaining petition filed by the PDP and its governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo. | BREAKING: The Edo Governorship Tribunal has dismissed the petition of Accord Party against Governor Monday Okpebholo. The Tribunal ruled that the Accord Party failed to provide sufficient evidence to support their claims of non-compliance. We await the tribunal’s verdict on the remaining petition filed by the PDP and its governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo. | BREAKING NEWS; EDO GOVERNORSHIP TRIBUNAL | |||||
| BREAKING NEWS | 2 APRIL 2025 | JUST IN: The Edo State Governorship Tribunal has dismissed the petition filed by the PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, thereby affirming Monday Okpebholo as the Governor of Edo State. The Tribunal ruled that the petitioners failed to call competent witnesses to prove the allegations of non-compliance with the Electoral Act. | "JUST IN: The Edo State Governorship Tribunal has dismissed the petition filed by the PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, thereby affirming Monday Okpebholo as the Governor of Edo State. The Tribunal ruled that the petitioners failed to call competent witnesses to prove the allegations of non-compliance with the Electoral Act." | BREAKING NEWS; EDO GOVERNORSHIP TRIBUNAL | |||||
| PUNCH | 3 APRIL 2025 | Tinubu set to praise mid-term performance and milestones in 2-week work trip to France | President Bola Tinubu will on Wednesday depart for Paris, France, on a two-week working visit. “During the visit, the President will appraise his administration’s mid-term performance and assess key milestones,” Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed in a statement Wednesday. The statement is titled, ‘President Tinubu to embark on working visit to Paris’. Our correspondent had sighted the President’s convoy departing his official residence at about 11:00 am (local time). The Presidency says Tinubu will also use the retreat to “review the progress of ongoing reforms and engage in strategic planning ahead of his administration’s second anniversary.” “This period of reflection will inform plans to deepen ongoing reforms and accelerate national development priorities in the coming year,” the statement read. It said recent economic strides reinforce the President’s commitment to these efforts, as evidenced by the Central Bank of Nigeria reporting a significant increase in net foreign exchange reserves to $23.11bn—a testament to the administration’s fiscal reforms since 2023 when net reserves were $3.99bn. While away, President Tinubu will remain fully engaged with his team and continue to oversee governance activities. “He will return to Nigeria in about a fortnight,” it concluded. | WORK VISIT; TINUBU; FRANCE; | PUNCH | ||||
| ARISE NEWS | 3 APRIL 2025 | Enugu Defections: "Politics is not a do or die affair," Governor Peter Mbah declares as he welcome Former LP 2023 governorship candidate, Chijioke Edeoga back to PDP. | Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Wednesday, welcomed the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 governorship election, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, back into the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, commending the ex-opposition flagbearer for demonstrating that politics is not a do-or-die affair. Mbah said that Edeoga’s return to the PDP was in line with the party’s principle of reconciliation and making the people, not personal ambition, the focus of governance, urging him and his supporters to feel very much at home. This was even as the former gubernatorial candidate endorsed Mbah as the popular choice of the people of Enugu State, stressing that he had fully aligned with that choice. Receiving Edoega in his office, in the company of party leaders led by the state party chairman, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, Mbah said, “Welcome back home. The symbolism of your action is a mark of the enduring bond that runs in our party. I am indeed very delighted to have you back to rejoin your family. “What we are witnessing today is a result of fence-mending consistent with the philosophy of our party – the imperatives of reconciliation. “It is also a demonstration on your part that politics is not a do-or-die affair; that what we are currently doing in Enugu State appeals to you and you believe that it is working for the interest of the people and you have taken that decision to say, ‘Look, let us join hands together and serve our people.’ “I commend you greatly for making such a courageous bold step. The lesson for us is quite profound, as it shows that the common denominator, even when we express our aspirations on different political platforms, is all about the people and making them the centerpiece of our ambitions. “So, we will embrace you with our arms wide open. You are going to be treated as a member of PDP, which we know you are indeed. We look forward to working with you in the service of our people.” Edeoga, on his part, commended Governor Mbah for making his return possible, describing it as a paradigm shift from politics of animosity and winner takes all to politics of empathy and people-centred development. | ENUGU STATE; PDP; LABOUR PARTY; POLITICS; DEFECTION | ARISE | ||||
| THE CABLE | 3 APRIL 2025 | Edo State Governorship Tribunal: PDP's Asue Ighodalo rejects Tribunal's verdict, vows to appeal judgment | Asue Ighodalo, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2024 Edo governorship election, has rejected the ruling of the election petition tribunal. The tribunal on Wednesday upheld the election of Monday Okpebholo as governor of the state while dismissing Ighodalo’s petition. In a statement, Ighodalo said while he respects the judiciary, he remains steadfast in his belief that the right of the Edo people to elect their leaders through a credible process must not be compromised. “Our pursuit of justice in this regard is an affirmation of our firm belief that the right of the good people of Edo State to freely choose their leaders through a credible, free and fair electoral process must never be compromised,” the statement reads. “As an avowed democrat, I respect the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, and I urge all of you, our dear good people of Edo State, to remain peaceful, calm and law-abiding in the aftermath of this Judgement. “However, let it be clear: this is not the end of our journey, but the beginning of a greater struggle for justice, democracy, and the sanctity of the people’s mandate freely conferred on my running mate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie and I on the platform of our great Party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).” Ighodalo said his legal team has been instructed to challenge the judgment at the court of appeal. “I have, therefore, instructed my legal team to proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge this decision which we consider a huge travesty of justice,” he added. “This is not about me or any single individual; it is about the very essence of democracy, the preservation of our collective right to freely determine our future, and the legacy we leave for generations unborn. “We remain resolute. We remain committed. And we shall not waver in our pursuit of truth and justice.” | PDP; ASUE IGHODALO; MONDAY OKPEBHOLO; EDO STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION | CABLE | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 3 APRIL 2025 | Abia Defections: Labour Party expands reach as 2 PDP House of Assembly members defect to LP | The depletion in the number of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers in the Abia State House of Assembly continued today as the member representing the Isiala Ngwa North Constituency, Collins Ugochukwu, defected to the Labour Party (LP). Ugochukwu’s movement to the LP was officially made known in a letter he addressed to the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, yesterday. The letter, which was read out by the Speaker during plenary, said the legislator is now a member of the LP. This is coming just one week after the member representing Isuikwuato Constituency, Lucky Nweke Johnson, quit the PDP to join LP, after citing the crises in his former party, as well as the performances of Governor Alex Otti, as reasons. Also, the member representing Isiala Ngwa South Constituency, Rowland Dennis, in February, quit PDP and joined the LP. But today’s defection of Ugochukwu could be a blow to the PDP in the 2027 calculations, as the Isiala Ngwa North he represents is one of the populous councils that determine the winner of Abia guber polls. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC), Chris Nkwonta, has tasked the people of Abia South Senatorial District to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) and work hard to ensure the party wins all the seats in the 2027 general elections. The lawmaker, who urged party leaders in the zone to embark on an aggressive membership drive, insisted that the APC must improve from what he described as a third-rate performance in the 2023 polls to emerge as the leading political party in the zone in 2027. Addressing party faithful from the six council areas of Aba South at Akwete, Nkwonta, who represents Ukwa West/Ukwa East Federal Constituency, assured that the people of the area would enjoy more dividends of democracy when they vote massively for APC. APC came third in the 2023 election. The party has not been as strong as it should be in the Abia South zone. In 2027, we must return President Bola Tinubu and win the Abia Government House. | PDP; LP; DEFECTIONS; ABIA STATE POLITICS | GUARDIAN | ||||
| BREAKING NEWS | 3 APRIL 2025 | BREAKING: INEC says petition for the recall of Senator representing Kogi Central senatorial district, Senator Natasha Akpoti, has not met the requirement of section 69(A) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. | BREAKING: INEC says petition for the recall of Senator representing Kogi Central senatorial district, Senator Natasha Akpoti, has not met the requirement of section 69(A) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Section 69(A) provides thus: A member of the Senate or of the House of Representatives may be recalled as such a member if - (a) there is presented to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission a petition in that behalf signed by more than one-half of the persons registered to vote in that member’s constituency alleging their loss of confidence in that member AND WHICH SIGNATURES ARE DULY VERIFIED BY THE INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION; | INEC; KOGI CENTRAL; 1999 CONSTITUTION; SENATOR NATASHA; | |||||
| BREAKING NEWS | 4 APRIL 2025 | BREAKING: The Supreme Court has set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal that recognised Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party. | BREAKING: The Supreme Court has set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal that recognised Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party. The Supreme Court held that the Court of Appeal lacked the jurisdiction to have pronounced him National Chairman since the issue of leadership upon which the matter was decided was an internal affair of the party. Note that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act allow party members to seek redress in court, especially in matters like candidate nomination, party primaries, or fundamental rights violations. However, in several Supreme Court cases, the judiciary has reiterated that internal democracy must be respected and that courts should not interfere unnecessarily in internal affairs unless rights are violated or internal procedures are ignored. | SUPREME COURT; LABOUR PARTY; JULIUS ABURE; PETER OBI | |||||
| PREMIUM TIMES | 7 APRIL 2025 | Anambra 2025: Governorship candidates emerge in APC, APGA, LP. PDP schedules 8 April for primaries | Ahead of the Anambra State governorship elections coming up later this year, major political parties have elected their flag-bearers. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Labour Party (LP) picked their candidates during primary elections held on Saturday at various venues in Awka, the state capital. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is set to elect its flag-bearer on Tuesday, 8 April. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had set a 10 April deadline for political parties to complete their primary elections. The electoral body scheduled the governorship election itself for 8 November. APGA candidate The incumbent governor, Chukwuma Soludo, emerged the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) at the primary election held on Saturday. The primary was held at the Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, amidst tight security and under the watch of the officials of INEC. Mr Soludo being the sole aspirant standing for the primary election, delegates expressed their choices through a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote. In the end, the governor, who is seeking a second term, polled 3,171 votes from the 3,175 accredited delegates across the 326 political wards in the state. While presenting the party’s nomination certificate to the governor, the chairperson of APGA Primary Election Electoral Committee, Uchenna Nwegbo, said the process was in compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022. Mr Nwegbo said Mr Soludo’s unanimous adoption as the sole candidate of the party for the governorship election also adhered to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022. Reacting, the governor praised APGA officials for organising what he called a well-structured exercise. Labour Party’s pick The Labour Party (LP) elected George Moghalu as the flag-bearer for elections coming up later this year. During the party’s primary election held on Saturday in Awka, Mr Moghalu, a former managing director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), secured 573 votes to defeat his only opponent, John Nwosu, who garnered 19 votes. In his acceptance speech,Mr Moghalu extended a hand of fellowship to his opponent, saying that unity among party stakeholders would be crucial to securing victory at the polls. “I am ready for the challenge ahead. With my experience in public service and politics, I am confident in my capacity to defeat the incumbent, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA),” he said. He thanked the LP for conducting a transparent and credible primary and expressed appreciation to the delegates for their support. “We must now get to work to sell the LP agenda to the people of Anambra. Our goal is to reach every nook and cranny of the state with our message,” he said. “Anambra is a blessed state with abundant human and natural resources. ”All that is required is visionary leadership to harness these potentials for the benefit of our people. “I will restore confidence in the party as we move forward in this race. “The LP remains a formidable force, and we are moving like a train with a clear destination: a better Anambra,” he said. Bennett Etanabena, the returning officer for the primary, praised the peaceful conduct of the election and urged all party members to unite and work toward success at the polls. “Anambra is a Labour Party stronghold,” Mr Etanabena said. APC’s candidate emerges too Meanwhile, Nicholas Ukachukwu, on Saturday, clinched the APC’s ticket for the governorship elections. Mr Ukachukwu, a former member of the House of Representatives, defeated his closest rival, Valentine Ozigbo, and other contenders by a landslide in the primary election held on Saturday. Mr Ukachukwu polled 1,455 votes while Mr Ozigbo secured 67 votes. In his victory specch, Mr Ukachukwu pledged to deliver the state to the APC. “We shall deliver Anambra to the APC. One thing I want to say here — nobody has won the governorship of Anambra without my support; it has never happened before,” he said. PDP postpones primaries The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which had earlier scheduled its primaries for Saturday, 5 April has postponed it till Tuesday, 8 April. The Anambra State chairperson of the party, Chidi Chidebe, said the National Secretariat approved the shift to complete necessary administrative processes and ensure a smooth exercise. | ANAMBRA GOVERNORSHIP ELECTIONS; PRIMARIES; | PREMIUMTIMES | ||||
| CHANNELS TV | 7 APRIL 2025 | Take it Back Movement defies Police warning, stage protests across states face tear gas | Young demonstrators under the aegis of the Take-It-Back Movement on Monday defied police warning and staged protests in Abuja, Lagos, Oyo, Rivers, among other states. Clad in their signature orange berets, the protesters began their rally in Lagos at the Ikeja Under Bridge, marching through major roads in the state capital while chanting solidarity songs, under the watchful eyes of police officers. The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) had earlier urged the movement to cancel its planned nationwide protest, describing the timing as “ill-conceived and mischievous.” However, in a swift response, activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore dismissed the police’s concerns, rejecting claims that the protest, scheduled for Monday, was intended to undermine the National Police Day celebration. The Take-It-Back movement protests are usually without any specific demands. The “Take It Back” movement has been active in organizing protests and making demands on various issues: The state of the Nigerian economy, the president’s declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State, among other issues. In Oyo, members of the Take-It-Back Movement protest held their peaceful demonstration in Ibadan, the state capital with security operatives on standby to ensure no breach of peace. Police Fire Teargas At Protesters The situation, however, turned awry in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, where police fired teargas at protesters at the Isaac Boro Park. “Nobody can tell us where not to gather, we are Rivers people,” the young demonstrators told the policemen who warned them not to hold the protest. Policemen gave the protesters a hot chase and beat up some of them including journalists reporting the event. The protesters had earlier told the policemen that they had informed the police command of their intention to stage the demonstration in a letter dated April 3, 2025. One of the protesters had told reporters that the “peaceful protest” was to express their grievances to the government. “We are not here for violence,” he had said. The demonstrator listed some of their grievances to include the repeal of the Cybercrime Act and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. “As it is, we have no government. This government in Rivers State is alien to our people; it is unconstitutional. We are here to demand that our governor comes back to office and lead us appropriately. We have a social contract with the governor and not the sole administrator. This is democracy,” he said. Like Rivers State, policemen dispersed protesters with tear gas in Abuja. The protesters, who gathered at the Maitama area of the nation’s capital to express their grievances on Monday morning, were dispersed with tear gas canisters which sent many scampering for safety. The protest, which is part of a nationwide demonstration spearheaded by the Take-It-Back Movement and other civil society organisations, began earlier in the day to draw attention to several national issues. According to the organisers, key among their concerns is the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act, the worsening economic hardship in the country, and the state of emergency imposed by President Bola Tinubu on Rivers State. | TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT; PROTEST; POLICE; TEAR GAS | CHANNELSTV | ||||
| VANGUARD | 9 APRIL 2025 | Jude Ezenwafo emerges as Anambra PDP governorship flag bearer as INEC timeline for party primaries elapses | Chief Jude Ezenwafo, an Abuja-based real estate developer, has emerged as the flag-bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the upcoming November 8, 2025, Anambra state governorship election. Leader of the PDP national committee mandated to conduct the party’s governorship primary, Col. Chijioke Onwubuya (rtd), declared Ezenwafor winner in the governorship primary election held on Tuesday at the Prof Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka. Ezenwafor contested for the PDP governorship ticket unopposed, as he was the only aspirant who purchased the party’s nomination form for the governorship primary election. A total of 853 delegates were 839 elected from the 21 local government chapters of the party in the state and 14 national delegates were accredited to participate in the election. Though Ezenwafor was the lone contestant, each delegate was issued a ballot paper to write the name of the candidate they voted for. The delegates cast their votes for local government, while the national delegates were the first to cast their ballots. | PDP; ANAMBRA; PRIMARIES; | VANGUARD | ||||
| CHANNELS TV | 10 APRIL 2025 | Labour Party Members meet with INEC, present Supreme Court judgment and ask to recognise Usman Nenadi as Chairman | Leaders of the opposition Labour Party on Wednesday marched to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, the nation’s capital. Led by the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, the members were received by INEC National Commissioner, Sam Olumekun. They asked the electoral body to recognise Nenadi Usman as the LP chairman, days after the Supreme Court set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja recognising Abure as the National Chairman of the LP. In a unanimous judgment last week, a five-member panel of the apex court held that the Court of Appeal lacked the jurisdiction to have pronounced Abure National Chairman of the LP, having earlier found that the substance of the case was about the party’s leadership. The court allowed the appeal filed by Senator Ester Usman, and one other and held that it was meritorious before subsequently proceeding to dismiss the cross-appeal filed by the Abure faction of the LP for being unmeritorious. Otti read out the Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgement as delivered by Justice Inyang Okoro. “Consequent upon the foregoing, the decisions of both higher court and the court below recognize Barrister Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the first respondent and hereby set aside and suit number FXC is hereby struck out for want of jurisdiction,” Otti said. Advertisement “In the same vein, the first respondent, that is labour party under Abure, being an offshoot of the same judgement of the court is hereby dismissed. Before I am done, may I admonish political parties and their members to endeavour to always abide by their constitutions, rules, regulations and guidelines to guide them in choosing their officers as well as candidates? “That way, incessant internal risks which always find their way to court should be reduced. If the constitution of a political party has prescribed duration for tenure of office of an officer such as this one, such officer should be humble enough to leave at the expiration of the tenure. “In the final analysis, I find this appeal to be meritorious and is hereby allowed. The party shall bear their respective cost, appeal allowed. This is signed by Honorable Justice John Inyang Okoro, Justice of the Supreme Court.” | LABOUR PARTY; INEC; SUPREME COURT | CHANNELSTV | ||||
| CHANNELS TV | 10 APRIL 2025 | RIVERS CRISIS: Sole Administrator shun judicial ruling, appoints 23 LG administrators, removes head of Rivers SIEC | The Rivers State Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) came under scathing criticisms on Wednesday following the sacking of the 23 local government caretakers and the head of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission. The caretakers were replaced with administrators in the 23 LGAS in the state, while the RSIEC chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.), was replaced by Dr Michael Odey. Odey will work with six members, four of whom are professors. This came less than 24 hours after a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt ordered Ibas to appear before it to justify why the court should not grant a motion seeking to stop him from appointing administrators for the 23 LGAs. Justice Adamu Muhammed issued the order on Tuesday in suit no. FHC/PH/CS/46/2025, filed by PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative, led by Courage Msirimovu, against the Sole Administrator. Ibas’s decision was contained in a special government announcement issued on Wednesday by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika. The statement read, “His Excellency, the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (retd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, has approved the appointments of Administrators for the 23 local government areas of Rivers State. “He has also approved the reconstitution of some boards of agencies, commissions, and parastatals, earlier suspended. All appointments take effect from Monday, the 7th of April 2025.” Last week, the sole administrator suspended all heads of ministries, departments and agencies in the state. In a separate development, Ibas also cancelled all pending procurement and tender processes carried out by ministries, departments and agencies in the state. He said the cancellation became necessary following the Supreme Court judgment and the absence of an appropriation law within the period. The sole administrator, according to a previous statement also issued by the SSG, directed all MDAs that carried out such tender processes for projects in their respective offices to refund such fees to the respective contractors immediately. Ibas also approved the appointment of chairmen and members of the civil service and local government service commission. Reacting to the appointments, Governor Siminilayi Fubara’s Special Adviser on Electronic Media, Jerry Omatsogunwa, described the development as impunity taken too far. Omatsogunwa said Ibas had become a lord unto himself by his actions, especially as a court had summoned him over the appointments. He expressed happiness that the National Assembly has faulted the planned budget preparation that the sole administrator talked about recently. The governor’s aide stated, “Well, we have seen impunity ‘pro-max’ in Rivers State, and I think the National Assembly had also said that the budget presentation that he said he was preparing will not stand because that is not the purpose for which he was sent here. “And the court has asked him not to do anything and to come and answer. You know the rest of the story; 23 names were released as administrators of the LGAs signed by him (Ibas). “So, for me, it is impunity taken too far. He is now a lord unto himself, and we cannot have that in a democratic setting. I think all well-meaning Rivers people must condemn such acts by the sole administrator, and it will not stand at the end of the day. “ The administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State include: 1. Mr Okroiyobi Animiete – Abua/Odual LGA 2. Mr Goodluck M. Ihenacho – Ahoada East LGA 3. Mr Promise Jacob – Ahoada West LGA 4. Dr Tamunotonye Peters – Akuku Toru LGA 5. Surveyor Atajit Francis – Andoni LGA 6. Barrister Ibiapuve Charles – Asari Toru LGA 7. Mr Kingsley N. Banigo – Bonny LGA 8. Dr Sokari Ibifuro Francis – Degema LGA 9. Dr Gloria Obo Dibiah – Eleme LGA 10. Barr Franklin P. Ajinwon – Emohua LGA 11. Dr Onyemachi S. Nwankwor – Etche LGA 12. Prof. Gospel G. Kpee – Gokana LGA 13. Mr Isaiah Christian Nobuawu – Ikwerre LGA 14. Dr Barinedum Nwibere – Khana LGA 15. Dr Clifford Ndu Walter – Obio Akpor LGA 16. Dr Chukwuma Aje – Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA 17. Eliel Owubokiri – Ogu/Bolo LGA 18. Mr Thompson Isodiki – Okrika LGA 19. Manager Ikechi Wala – Omuma LGA 20. Mr Fred Apiafi – Opobo /Nkoro LGA 21. Eletuuo Ihianacho – Oyigbo LGA 22. Dr Sam Kalagbor – Port Harcourt LGA 23. Mr Nuka O. S. Gbipah – Tai LGA | RIVERS; WIKE; LOCAL GOVT ADMINISTRATION | CHANNELSTV | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 10 APRIL 2025 | Natasha Vs Akpabio: Akpabio denies assasination allegation, asks Police to prosecute Natasha | Senate President Godswill Akpabio has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, following the allegations of assassination plot made against him by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, suspended Kogi Central senator. Recall that the female lawmaker had during her homecoming on April 1, accused the Senate President of plotting her assassination with the present and former governors of Kogi State, Usman Ododo and Yahaya Bello. Akpoti-Uduaghan while addressing her supporters in front of her residence in Kogi State said they had plot to kill her and make it look like members of her constituents committed the crime. However, in the petition dated April 3, Akpabio while denying the allegations, demanded that the Nigeria Police Force, investigate and prosecute Akpoti-Uduaghan for criminal defamation of character. The petition also copied to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations as a heinous lie and a deliberate attempt to tarnish his image. “I write to formally bring to your attention and seek immediate investigation and prosecution of a criminally defamatory and malicious statement made against me by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a suspended member of the Nigerian Senate on the 1st of April, 2025 and which was widely publicised on radio stations, televisions and newspapers, including the social media. “In the public outburst at Kogi State while addressing her audience, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan falsely alleged that I instructed the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to ‘assassinate her in Kogi State instead of Abuja’ with the intent of making it appear that her constituents were responsible for her death. “This statement is not only a heinous lie but a reckless and deliberate attempt to damage my reputation, endanger my life and security, and incite political unrest. “I categorically state that this allegation is entirely false, unfounded, and politically motivated. It is a calculated act of blackmail and character assassination, designed to portray me as a political villain, and the statement was made without any shred of truth or supporting evidence,” Akpabio stated. Akpabio said the Kogi lawmaker’s allegation is politically motivated with the purpose of inciting unrest and damage in reputation. “Her motive was clear, which was to incite the public, manipulate sentiments, and malign my person and office in the eyes of the Nigerian people and the international community. “The severity of this false allegation, and the fact that it has gained public traction, makes it necessary that law enforcement agencies treat it with the urgency it deserves,” the Senate President said. | SENATE; NATASHA; AKPABIO; POLICE | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 11 APRIL 2025 | NBA condemns impunity in Rivers State, relocates planned conference to Rivers State | The Nigerian Bar Association(NBA) has relocated its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Enugu. The decision was made after an emergency National Executive Council meeting, where members voted to investigate and consult on the venue change. The NBA, in a statement, strongly condemns the actions of Sole Administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas, stating that he operates with impunity, disregarding constitutional provisions, court decisions, and pending litigation. The association argued that the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State was a violation of the 1999 Constitution, specifically Sections 11 and 188, which pertain to the suspension of elected officials and democratic institutions. The NBA also criticised the National Assembly’s ratification of the state of emergency through a voice vote, claiming that this process falls short of the constitutional requirement of a two-thirds majority. NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN said, “The appointment of a Sole Administrator in Rivers State is unconstitutional,” the NBA president affirmed. “We are compelled to relocate the 2025 AGC to a state where constitutional democracy remains intact.” The NBA has chosen Enugu, known as the historic Coal City, as the new venue for the 2025 AGC. They expressed confidence that the city has the necessary infrastructure to host the conference. | NIGERIA BAR ASSOCIATION; RIVERS STATE; | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| THE CABLE | 14 APRIL 2025 | House of Reps express plans to inaugurate 19-member committee on Rivers emergency rule on April 15, name Ihonvbere as chairman | The house of representatives says it will inaugurate a 19-member ad hoc committee to oversee the emergency rule in Rivers state. In a statement on Sunday, Akin Rotimi, the spokesperson of the house, said the committee would be unveiled on April 15. “This follows the resolution of the National Assembly approving the Proclamation, with amendments, by His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, declaring a State of Emergency in Rivers State,” the statement reads. “The proclamation presented to the National Assembly by Mr. President was subjected to rigorous legislative consideration and duly amended to strengthen democratic safeguards and uphold the principles of checks and balances. | RIVERS CRISIS; HOUSE OF REPS; INVESTIGATION PANEL | CABLE | ||||
| THE CABLE | 14 APRIL 2025 | US court orders FBI, DEA to release records on Tinubu’s investigation as Presidency claims nothing new to reveal | A U.S. court in Washington, D.C. has ordered the FBI and the DEA to release records related to their investigations of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s possible involvement in drug trafficking. On April 8, Judge Beryl Howell ruled that both agencies must search for and share any non-confidential records, as required under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Background: In 2022 and 2023, Aaron Greenspan, an American who runs the website PlainSite, filed several FOIA requests to six U.S. government agencies. He wanted information about a heroin drug ring from the early 1990s and named four people linked to it: Tinubu, Lee Andrew Edwards, Mueez Akande, and Abiodun Agbele. Five agencies, including the FBI and DEA, refused to confirm or deny whether they had records, using what’s called a "Glomar response" (which means they neither confirm nor deny the existence of information). Greenspan challenged these responses in court, and the case focused on the responses from the FBI, DEA, and CIA about records related to Tinubu. The Court’s Decision: Judge Howell said the FBI and DEA were wrong to withhold information and that they must now search for and process the requested records. She said they failed to prove that Tinubu's privacy was at risk or that secrecy was necessary. Because the FBI and DEA had already admitted they had investigated Tinubu, she ruled that the public’s right to know outweighs privacy concerns in this case. However, the CIA was allowed to keep its records secret, as the court agreed that its refusal was justified. The judge gave all parties until May 2, 2025, to report back on the status of the case. | US COURT; FBI; TINUBU; DRUG TRAFFICKING | CABLE | ||||
| PUNCH | 14 APRIL 2025 | Crackdown on Freedom of Expression: Wole Soyinka berates NBC for baning Eedris Abdulkareem's new album "Tell Your Papa." | Veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s protest track, “Tell Your Papa,” has recorded a remarkable milestone despite being banned by the National Broadcasting Commission. The song, which criticises President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has gathered the attention of several Nigerians and has been making waves on social media. According to the statistics on YouTube, ‘Tell Your Papa’ has 22,754 views on YouTube with 1,200 likes and the video numbers have since skyrocketed to 82,138 views and 2,600 likes, on YouTube too, indicating a surge in popularity amid the controversy. On Spotify, the song has also reached a notable milestone with over 30,116 streams, indicating that Nigerians are still streaming the song despite the ban. The NBC sparked criticism after it banned “Tell Your Papa” from airplay on April 10. The commission cited a breach of broadcasting code, but, Eedris Abdulkareem responded by condemning the government for suppressing dissent and constructive criticism. He likened the ban to the censorship of his iconic hit “Jaga Jaga” in 2004, accusing the current administration of being “insensitive and vindictive”. Abdulkareem took to Instagram to express his views on the ban, stating, “It’s obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism is always deemed a big crime by the government.” The ban was also faulted by the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, which predicted that the ban would be counterproductive and make people want to stream it more. Similarly, in a statement on Sunday, Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka also condemned the NBC over the ban, describing it as a return to the culture of censorship and a threat to the right to free expression. In a statement issued from New York University, Abu Dhabi, on Sunday, Soyinka criticised the action and its wider implications, saying it echoed past attempts to stifle artistic and socio-political commentary in Nigeria. He expressed irony in suggesting that the ban did not go far enough, stating, “It is not only the allegedly offensive record that should be banned – the musician himself should be proscribed. Next, PMAN, or whatever musical association of which Abdulkareem is a member, should also go under the hammer.” The literary icon warned that such censorship was not only counterproductive but also dangerous to democratic development. Soyinka urged the relevant regulatory body to reverse what he described as a “petulant irrationality,” warning that any government that only tolerates praise-singers has already commenced a downhill slide into the abyss.” Soyinka noted that he had not listened to the banned song but stressed that the issue transcends content and concerns a fundamental democratic principle. “The ban is a boost to the artist’s nest egg, thanks to free governmental promotion. Mr. Abdulkareem must be currently warbling his merry way all the way to the bank. I envy him,” he added. Some fans have also reacted to the ban on the song. A fan on YouTube, Sheggzyunited, wrote, “Naija government, this is 2025, for goodness sake. There is no single lie in the song.” Asa Anthony also wrote, “They were too quick to ban it because the message was well passed. We mount on streaming platforms and social media.” A user on Instagram, directorjoelmatt, said, “Our government don’t like the truth.” | WOLE SOYINKA; MUSIC; NBC; | PUNCH | ||||
| CHANNELS TV | 14 APRIL 2025 | Counter Protests? Few days after women protest in Rivers against Fubara's removal, another group of women come out en masse in support of emergency rule. | The political crisis in Rivers has taken a new turn as a coalition of women groups stormed the streets of Port Harcourt in support of the emergency rule in the oil-rich state. Advertisement The women who were dressed in white marched from the Garrison Flyover to the Isaac Boro Cark and were seen carrying placards with inscriptions such as “State of Emergency is Constitutional”, “We Don’t Want Fubara,” among others. They were led by a former Commissioner for Social Welfare in Rivers, Ifeyinwa Aguma, who is an ally of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike. The protesters threw their weight behind Ibok-Ette Ibas, who President Bola Tinubu appointed as the administrator of the state. They urged him to continue his good work in the state. Monday’s protest is coming on the heels of last week’s women’s demonstration in favour of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who was suspended by Tinubu owing to the political crisis in the state. Last month, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, owing to the unending political crisis in the state. He suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the members of the House of Assembly for six months. Citing “security reports,” in the wake of two pipeline explosions in the state, Tinubu said the declaration of a state of emergency was “inevitably compelling”. “By this declaration,” Tinubu said, “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. He appointed Ibas to supervise the affairs of the state pending the resolution of the crisis in a move that has continued to sharply divide opinions across the country. But on Monday, the women protesters backed the president, describing his action as constitutional. The governors of the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), have, however, rejected the declaration and have headed to the court to challenge the imposition. | RIVERS STATE; PROTEST; FUBARA; WIKE; TINUBU | CHANNELSTV | ||||
| PUNCH | 14 APRIL 2025 | Rivers Crisis: Tinubu faces Supreme Court battle as PDP Governors challenge emergency rule in Rivers State | A major constitutional face-off is unfolding in Nigeria as President Bola Tinubu's decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspend its elected officials has sparked intense legal and political backlash. On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, citing instability and governance breakdown. In their place, he appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as a sole administrator to run the state's affairs for an initial period of six months. The National Assembly swiftly endorsed the decision via voice vote. This dramatic move has drawn sharp criticism from eleven PDP governors, who have now taken the matter to the Supreme Court, arguing that the President overstepped his constitutional powers. The governors—representing states such as Adamawa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Bayelsa, and others—have assembled a formidable legal team of 11 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and six other lawyers to challenge the proclamation. Their legal challenge centers on whether the President can lawfully suspend elected officials and install an unelected administrator under the guise of emergency rule. The suit (SC/CV/329/2025) questions the legality of the President’s actions under several sections of the 1999 Constitution, emphasizing that such powers, if allowed, could threaten the fabric of Nigeria’s federalism. In response, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) has initiated the Federal Government’s defense, with sources confirming that teams of lawyers are actively drafting legal submissions. Meanwhile, in a separate but related move, former House of Representatives member Farah Dagogo has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, also challenging the suspension of the governor and the legislative arm of the state. Due to difficulties in serving the defendants, the court granted a substituted service order, and the matter is now scheduled for hearing on May 12, 2025. As the legal battle unfolds, the House of Representatives is taking additional steps by establishing an ad-hoc committee to temporarily assume legislative oversight of Rivers State. According to House spokesman Akin Rotimi, this measure is to ensure constitutional checks and balances remain in place during the emergency period. The committee is chaired by House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, with the Minority Whip serving as deputy. Amid the legal and legislative storm, political tensions continue to simmer in Rivers State. Former Bayelsa Governor and sitting Senator Seriake Dickson visited Governor Fubara, praising his calm and peaceful demeanor during what he described as "unprecedented political turbulence." He called on the Ijaw people to maintain peace and avoid provocation, warning that the crisis, if not carefully managed, could destabilize the broader Niger Delta region. Breaking his silence, ex-militant leader Tompolo (Government Ekpemupolo) addressed concerns over his perceived silence on the matter. Speaking during his 54th birthday celebration in Warri, he assured the public that Governor Fubara will be reinstated and revealed that talks are ongoing between Fubara and his estranged political mentor, Nyesom Wike. Tompolo called for unity among the Ijaw people and urged continued support for President Tinubu, whom he described as a potential ally in the region’s quest for justice and development. The Supreme Court has yet to set a hearing date, but as legal, political, and regional actors weigh in, the battle over Rivers State is fast becoming a landmark test of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy and federal structure. | RIVERS CRISIS; TINUBU; WIKE; FUBARA; SUPREME COURT | PUNCH | ||||
| PUNCH | 15 APRIL 2025 | “We cannot guarantee your safety,” Governor Alia cautions Peter Obi ahead of planned visit to Benue State | The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has cancelled his scheduled visit to Benue State, citing a cautionary statement issued by the state government as the reason for shelving the trip. Obi, who was expected in Benue on Monday as part of a humanitarian outreach, expressed disappointment over the political undertones surrounding the visit, saying the move to halt his activities reflected a growing trend of politicising charitable efforts in the country. The Labour Party chieftain had planned courtesy visits and stops at internally displaced persons camps and health facilities in the state, but a statement from the state government warned against unscheduled visits, citing security concerns. In a statement titled “Notice regarding an unscheduled visit to Benue State”, Governor Hyacinth Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, declared that the government was unaware of Obi’s visit and could not guarantee his safety. “For anyone considering a visit to Benue State without the governor’s knowledge, it is imperative to reconsider such plans, as the safety and security of individuals in this regard cannot be guaranteed,” the statement read. The governor further warned that any individual or group intending to visit IDPs must obtain written permission from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, cautioning that unsanctioned visits could be construed as political gatherings. In response, Obi explained via a statement on X (formerly Twitter) that his visit, part of a two-day tour beginning in Plateau State, was purely humanitarian. While Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau warmly received him on April 13, Obi said he struggled to establish communication with Governor Alia ahead of the Benue leg of the tour. “Despite multiple attempts to reach him directly and through his aides, I received no confirmation. Eventually, while en route to Makurdi, a press statement was issued warning against the visit,” Obi revealed. He said the contents of the government’s statement mirrored his itinerary—details he had shared only with the governor’s ADC and local security operatives. “I was taken aback by the reaction, as my trip was aimed at supporting health and education initiatives and visiting displaced persons, not for political engagement,” he said. Obi emphasised his long-standing commitment to humanitarian work, both within and outside political office, and lamented the growing culture of resistance against efforts to support the vulnerable. “I have undertaken similar missions across the country and even outside it, including the Haiti earthquake response. My intention in Benue was to visit a school project, a nursing institution, and an IDP camp in Gboko,” he added. He insisted that his visit was purely humanitarian and devoid of any political motives. “I am forced to remind them, and all concerned, that the purpose of this journey is to support good causes in areas of critical development: health and health education, education and caring for our people in need,” he said. Obi emphasised his history of humanitarian work, stating, “This is what I have done in my private life for years before getting into politics and even while in politics, I have continued to do so.” He added that he had previously sought presidential clearance to travel abroad for similar reasons, including during the Haiti earthquake. “I intended to visit a school being built by the bishop in Gboko, a nursing school and an IDP camp, actions that reflect my genuine care for the welfare of our fellow citizens, and my continuous show of love, care and compassion to citizens who have been displaced. “May God help us as we rebuild our nation and aim to achieve a new Nigeria where we do not politicise everything but allow citizens to exist, and we all should live for the common good for less privileged Nigerians and those in need,” Obi wrote. | PUNCH | |||||
| THE CABLE | 16 APRIL 2025 | CBEX trading platform crashes, Nigerians in disarray as EFCC comforts them, “You will get your money back.” | The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says individuals who invested in the CBEX digital trading platform will get their money back. EFCC said it was already tracking the CBEX trading platform before the recent public outcry. According to several posts on X, the CBEX, which promised investors a 100 percent return on investment, began experiencing trouble last weekend as many could no longer withdraw their funds. On Monday, aggrieved ‘investors’ had reportedly looted the office of Smart Treasure (ST Team), an arm of the CBEX crypto trading platform, in the Oke Ado axis of Ibadan, Oyo state. Speaking on Channels TV’s Morning Brief on Wednesday, Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson of the EFCC, said the anti-graft agency has been receiving numerous calls from Nigerians seeking information and remedies regarding CBEX. He said before the recent outcry and calls, EFCC had profiled the platform and alerted Nigerians about potential ponzi schemes. “We were not waiting for Nigerians to call us before we started our work, of course, we have been working,” Oyewale said. “We were not beaten by what actually happened. Our dragnet is wide, our intelligence is very effective, and we were tracking that digital trading platform. “We were tracking it, we profiled quite a number of things concerning the platform. You will recall that March 11th this year, the executive chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, had call to instruct us to alert Nigerians.” The spokesperson recalled that about 58 ponzi scheme companies were listed by the commission in March for Nigerians to be wary of. “That shows that we are proactive and we have our hands on what is happening. So concerning this investigation, we were on it, it’s not that we didn’t know,” he said. “We’ve been alerting Nigerians about ways and means how to separate themselves from this kind of shenanigans. “Before the calls came, we were working, while the calls are coming, we are working; And even after the calls, we are still working. “The essential thing is that, of course, we are going to recall some of the things that Nigerians should be looking out for, you know, concerning this kind of investment schemes and all of that.” ‘INVESTORS WILL HAVE THEIR MONEY BACK’ Oyewale further assured investors that their money will be recovered, though it may take time. “No, it will be very irresponsible and unprofessional if the EFCC says that you have lost your money; there is nothing the commission can do about it,” the spokesperson said. “We are already working with Interpol and our international development agencies to ensure that these people are brought to book. “Investors are going to get their money back, and we are already working on that. Everything I’m saying is this kind of thing could have been averted. “Be it as it may, it was not averted, we are not going to throw our hands out helplessly and say that there’s nothing EFCC can do about it. “We are more responsible and professional than that. We have spread out our wings by talking to Interpol and the necessary agencies across the world to be able to bring all the actors to book, and investors will have their money back.” Oyewale said the investments might not be recovered in the short term, but EFCC will not allow investors to lose their money. | CABLE | |||||
| DAILY TRUST | 16 APRIL 2025 | House of Reps Panel on Rivers State of Emergency invite Sole Administrator to ascertain the true state of affairs in Rivers State | The Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State oversight, has invited the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) to appear before it on Thursday for an interactive session. This was contained in a statement issued by the Spokesman of the House, Akin Rotimi (Jnr), on Wednesday. Daily Trust reports that the 21-member committee chaired by the House Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, was inaugurated by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen on Tuesday. The committee was constituted by the House of Representatives following the resolution of the National Assembly approving the Presidential Proclamation of a State of Emergency in Rivers State. Rotimi in the statement said the invitation was issued by the committee at its Wednesday’s inaugural meeting, following the formal inauguration of the Committee by Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. He said the meeting provided a platform for members to deliberate on preliminary reports and developments emerging from Rivers State since the Sole Administrator assumed office. Rotimi said, “Pursuant to its constitutional mandate to exercise full legislative oversight in accordance with Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Committee resolved, among other matters, to invite Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, to appear before it for a comprehensive interactive session. “According to the Chairman of the Committee and House Leader, Hon. (Prof.) Julius Ihonvbere, OON: “This engagement is necessary to ascertain the true state of affairs in Rivers State and ensure that the House remains properly guided in the discharge of its oversight responsibilities in the public interest.” “The Sole Administrator is expected to appear before the Committee on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM, in Room 414, House of Representatives New Building, National Assembly Complex, Abuja. “A formal letter of invitation has been sent and acknowledged accordingly. This public announcement serves to reinforce transparency in the Committee’s proceedings. “The Committee reiterates its commitment to fulfilling its duties with diligence, transparency, and strict adherence to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” | DAILYTRUST | |||||
| THE CABLE | 16 APRIL 2025 | Rivers government threatens to sue NBA over N300m ‘gift’ | The Rivers state government has insisted that the N300 million paid to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) was for the hosting rights of the 2025 annual general conference (AGC). The state government, under the leadership of Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator, rejected the NBA’s description of the payment as a “gift”. In a statement issued on Tuesday by Hector Igbikiowubo, the senior special assistant on media to the Rivers sole administrator, the statement government threatened legal action against the association if the N300 million is not refunded. Last Friday, the NBA moved its 2025 annual general conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers, to Enugu. The association premised its decision on “constitutional violations” in Rivers following the emergency rule in the oil-rich state. President Bola Tinubu on March 18 declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing a protracted political crisis in the state. The president suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers; Ngozi Odu, his deputy; and all house of assembly members for six months. Tinubu also appointed Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the sole administrator for Rivers. Responding to the NBA’s decision, the state government asked the association to refund the N300 million allegedly paid for the hosting rights of the 2025 conference. The state government said if the NBA is truly anchored on principles, it should demonstrate it by returning the amount. Countering the state government’s comment, the NBA said the money it received was a “gift” and not the payment for conference’s hosting rights. The legal association said it did not sell the hosting rights for the conference. ‘RELOCATING CONFERENCE TO ENUGU UNETHICAL’ The Rivers government said the decision of the NBA to relocate its conference to Enugu state is “unethical and amounts to a breach of trust”. The government said an agreement was entered with NBA that the state would host the conference to “attract significant economic benefits”. “The Rivers State Government entered into this arrangement with the NBA in good faith, with the understanding that hosting the conference in the state would attract significant economic benefits to our state, positively and directly impact the businesses of our people,” the statement reads. “The NBA’s unilateral decision to relocate the AGC 2025 against our mutual understanding and subsequent decision to withhold the N300 million paid for the purpose of hosting the NBA AGC 2025 in Rivers State is unethical and amounts to a breach of trust. “Failure of the NBA to immediately refund the N300 million to the Rivers State Government, will compel the implementation of all legal means to recover the property of the good people of Rivers State.” The state government said it is willing to engage with professional bodies, including the NBA, but it will not “accommodate exploitation of our people”. | CABLE | |||||
| VANGUARD | 16 APRIL 2025 | Plateau, Benue killings: Gov Alia threatens, Tinubu gives Mutfwang marching orders as family of 8 wiped out | President Bola Tinubu has given marching orders to Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to summon the necessary political will to resolve the crisis in the state and establish enduring peace. Also yesterday, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State warned that he cannot guarantee the safety of any person or group coming to the state without his knowledge. The President’s order came as a family of eight was wiped out after no fewer than 52 persons were confirmed killed and property razed in a fresh Sunday night attack on Zike hamlet in Kimakpa community at Kwall district, Irigwe Chiefdom of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. This came as troops of the Nigerian army rescued 16 victims earlier kidnapped in the area. This is even as Christian leaders in Plateau State are planning a protest over unending killings in the state. Giving the order yesterday, the President also expressed profound sorrow over recent bloodshed in the state. A statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, stated that President Tinubu, who strongly condemned the violence, extended his sympathies to the governor, the state government and the people of Plateau State. In his call for harmony among the people of Plateau State, the President emphasised the importance of love and unity beyond religious and ethnic lines. He encouraged community, spiritual and political leaders within and beyond the state to unite and end the cycle of retaliatory attacks that had made life unbearable for affected communities. The statement read: “The ongoing violence between communities in Plateau State, rooted in misunderstandings between different ethnic and religious groups, must cease. | VANGUARD | |||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 17 APRIL 2025 | Tinubu inaugurates eight-man National Population And Housing Census Committee | President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated an eight-member high-level committee on the forthcoming national population and housing census. The committee, headed by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, has three weeks to turn in an interim report. The president, who was represented at the inauguration ceremony at the State House, Abuja on Wednesday, by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, said the census is crucial for national development, accurate planning, and effective decision-making in healthcare, education, security and economic planning. Nigeria’s last census, which was in 2006, nearly two decades ago, recorded a population of 140,431,790, with 71,345,488 males and 69,086,302 females. President Tinubu stressed the pivotal role of a technology-driven process in ensuring credible and verifiable results and the need for collaboration among all relevant agencies and stakeholders. Underscoring the critical financing factor in the exercise, the president enjoined the members to look at domestic and even international resources. According to President Tinubu, “Work with all relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. This ministry has to take charge of this because you cannot budget if you do not know how many we are. “We expect you will touch on the technology area because the census must be technology-driven. Things have changed since the last time that we conducted this exercise. The enumeration has to be technology-driven with biometrics and digitalisation.” In his remarks, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Bagudu, assured the president that the committee will deliver its report within the three-week deadline. The minister recalled President Tinubu’s advice to ministers during their retreat in 2003, urging them to think creatively and work with the resources available, even under harsh economic conditions. Bagudu noted that despite global economic challenges, Nigeria is making a steady progress under President Tinubu’s leadership, citing improved foreign exchange stability and a positive growth trajectory. He said the committee will recommend practical solutions, including strategies for mobilising domestic and international resources to fund the census. On his part, the Minister of Information, Muhammed Idris, also a committee member, emphasised that accurate data is critical for planning across all sectors, adding that a credible census is the foundation for such data. Also speaking, the National Population Commission (NPC) Chairman, Nasir Isa Kwarra, who will also serve as the committee’s secretary, said the commission has already begun preparations for the national population and housing census in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and other relevant stakeholders. According to him, the focus has been on identifying key requirements and laying the groundwork necessary for the president to make an informed decision on the actual conduct of the census. Kwarra assured Nigerians that the NPC remains committed to ensuring a credible, technology-driven enumeration that will support effective national planning and development. Other members of the eight-man committee include Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC); Principal Secretary to the President, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Operations (Office of the Chief of Staff). | NATIONAL CENSUS; HOUSING | THISDAYLIVE | ||||
| VANGUARD | 17 APRIL 2025 | Lagos State High Court nullifies Obasa’s removal as Lagos Assembly Speaker | Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court has declared the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly illegal and unconstitutional. Delivering judgment on Wednesday, the court nullified the proceedings and resolutions of the Assembly held on January 13, 2025, during which Obasa was ousted from office. Obasa had filed a suit challenging his removal, naming the House of Assembly and the newly appointed Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, as defendants. The suit, filed on February 12, 2025, through his counsel, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), argued that his removal was carried out while the Assembly was on recess and he was outside the country. He contended that the sitting during which he was removed was unlawfully convened, lacking proper authority or any formal delegation of power from the Speaker’s office. Obasa’s legal challenge was anchored on nine grounds, relying on provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Rules and Standing Orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly. The court’s ruling effectively reinstates Obasa as Speaker and renders null all decisions taken during the contested session. | LAGOS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY; LAGOS HIGH COURT; | VANGUARD | ||||
| CHANNELS TV | 17 APRIL 2025 | Plateau Killings: Governor Mutfwang bans night grazing In Plateau, restricts motorcycles | Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has announced a ban on night grazing and restricted the use of motorcycles across the state following incessant attacks. In a state broadcast on Wednesday, Mutfwang described the attacks as “coordinated acts of terror” aimed at displacing residents and undermining their right to exist peacefully on their ancestral lands. The governor also prohibited the transportation of cattle by vehicles after 7pm. He said the directives take immediate effect, with the restriction on motorcycle use in place from 7pm to 6am across the state until further notice. | PLATEAU; NIGHT GRAZING; INSECURITY | CHANNELSTV | ||||
| PREMIUM TIMES | 24 APRIL 2025 | Gov Oborevwori, deputy, commissioners defect to APC | Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, his deputy, Monday Onyeme, and his commissioners have defected from Nigeria’s main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Channels TV reported that Mr Oborevwori’s predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, who was the PDP vice presidential candidate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 general elections also defected to the ruling party along with his successor. Mr Okowa dumped the PDP about five months after he was detained by the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, over corruption allegations. Channels Television reported that their defection was announced at a press briefing on Wednesday in Asaba, the state capital. | DEFECTION; PDP; APC | PREMIUMTIMES | ||||
| CHANNELS TV | 24 APRIL 2025 | Rivers Administrator Ibas Attends First NEC Meeting | The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas is among state governors attending the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa Abuja. Ibas is making his debut appearance at the NEC meeting after his appointment as Sole Administrator for Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in March 2025. Vice President Kashim Shettima is presiding over the meeting which has in attendance many governors and some deputy governors from across the 36 states of the federation. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State who defected to the All Progressives Congress on Wednesday said the opening prayers on the directive of Vice President Shettima. Other governors spotted at the meeting include Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hycinth Alia, Kwara, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, Edo, Monday Okpebholo, Cross River, Bassey Otu among others. There were also a good number of Deputy Governors in attendance at the meeting. The Council observed a minute silence and offered a short prayer for the victims of killings in Plateau, Benue and Kwara states. Vice President Shettima prayed for the souls of the deceased persons to rest in peace and also extended condolences to their families. | RIVERS STATE; POLITICS; | CHANNELSTV | ||||