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BREAKING: Tinubu Swears-in Ibas as Rivers Sole Administrator ▪︎It’s a truncation of democracy in Rivers- Amaechi

The suspension of two key democratically elected arms of Government in Rivers State by Mr. President evidently violates our Constitution, even within the scope and interpretation of Section 305 that the President cited in his broadcast.

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Politicians across divides should speak up; rise to halt our nation’s descent into totalitarianism. State Governors and Legislators should speak up now. 

President Bola Tinubu has sworn-in the sole administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (RTD.), into office for the next six months.

Rt. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, a former Governor of the state, said : “Unequivocally, I condemn the rather brazen and unilaterally reckless suspension and removal of the Governor of Rivers State, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” Tinubu swore Ibas into office at about 03:00 pm at the State House, Abuja.

The brief ceremony was witnessed by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila., the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.

On Tuesday, Tinubu in a national broadcast declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. Ibas served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Rotimi Amaechi, who was governor of oil-rich Rivers State, from 2007 to 2015 and earlier, as speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007, pointed out that with this singular move, Mr President has technically suspended and truncated democracy in Rivers State.

He said :” This clearly violates our Constitution, the same Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that Mr. President swore to uphold.Section 188 of the Nigeria Constitution, clearly stipulates how a State Governor can be removed from office. And it does not include a fiat declaration, decree or promulgation by Mr. President.

Therefore, he cannot appropriate such powers to himself.A democratically elected State Governor cannot be removed from office by a proclamation of Mr. President.

The suspension of two key democratically elected arms of Government in Rivers State by Mr. President evidently violates our Constitution, even within the scope and interpretation of Section 305 that the President cited in his broadcast.

The unlawful suspension of elected democratic institutions in my dear Rivers State points to a brazen attempt at power grab in the State by forces and persons who do not have such Constitutional powers. 

The unfolding events in Rivers State in the past months, points to a clear orchestrated plot by some persons to unconstitutionally perpetrate and impose themselves on the people.

At this inauspicious moment in our nation’s trajectory, all people of goodwill and conscience should rise to oppose this audacious violation of our Constitution and rape of our democracy.

Mr President must be made to know and understand in unmistakable terms that this illegality cannot stand.

Politicians across divides should speak up; rise to halt our nation’s descent into totalitarianism. State Governors and Legislators should speak up now. 

I urge the National Assembly to reject this illegality. As a former State Governor and Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum(NGF),

I am not unaware of the role elected Governors in the country can play to halt this descent and reverse the unlawful actions of Mr. President.

I commend the Governors that have spoken against the unlawful suspension. The suspension is a very dangerous affront on Nigeria’s Constitution and democracy.

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Nigerian Press Urges FG, NASS to Act Swiftly Against ‘Big Tech Threat’

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Major Nigerian media and journalism organizations have issued a strong call to the Federal Government (FG) and the National Assembly (NASS) to take immediate legislative and regulatory action against what they describe as an existential threat posed by Big Tech companies to the country’s information sovereignty and media industry.

In a joint statement released recently, leading press bodies—including key associations representing publishers, editors, and journalists—warned that unchecked dominance by global technology giants such as Google, Meta, and others is eroding Nigeria’s control over its digital information ecosystem.

They highlighted how these platforms dominate digital advertising revenue, divert traffic from traditional news sources, and increasingly use Nigerian-generated content to train artificial intelligence models without fair compensation or permission.

The groups emphasized that the situation risks surrendering Nigeria’s information sovereignty to foreign entities, potentially undermining national security, cultural values, and the economic viability of local media houses.

They pointed to declining revenues for publishers, with some facing up to 90% drops in traffic due to AI-generated summaries and algorithmic changes on search and social platforms.

The press bodies urged lawmakers to enact robust regulations, including frameworks for content remuneration, data usage restrictions, algorithmic transparency, and mechanisms to ensure fair competition in the digital space.

They called for urgent collaboration between the executive and legislature to address these challenges before irreversible damage occurs to Nigeria’s media landscape and democratic discourse.

This appeal comes amid broader global debates on Big Tech accountability and follows Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its digital economy governance, including recent pushes toward comprehensive AI and data regulations.

Stakeholders view the statement as a pivotal moment for protecting indigenous media in an era of rapid technological disruption.

The Federal Government and National Assembly have yet to issue an official response, but the call aligns with growing concerns over digital monopolies and their impact on developing economies.

Media experts anticipate intensified discussions in the coming weeks as Nigeria navigates its position in the global tech landscape.

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US sends troops to Nigeria

The top commander made the confirmation during a press briefing, yesterday, but did not provide further details about the size and scope of their mission.

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The general in charge of the U.S. command for Africa (AFRICOM), General Dagvin Anderson, confirmed that United States has sent troops to Nigeria.

The top commander made the confirmation during a press briefing, yesterday, but did not provide further details about the size and scope of their mission.

He emphasised that the decision to send troops to Nigeria was after both countries agreed that more needed to be done to combat the terrorist threat in West Africa.

“That has led to increased collaboration between our nations to include a small US team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States,” General Anderson said.

According to Reuters, Nigeria’s Defense Minister, Christopher Musa, confirmed that a team was working in Nigeria but did not provide further details.

The development is the first acknowledgment of U.S. forces on the ground since US airstrikes targeting terrorists in Nigeria’s North-West on Christmas Day, 2025.

President Donald Trump, who announced that he ordered the airstrikes on what he described as Islamic State targets, had said there could be more U.S. military action in Nigeria.

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How To Treat Snake Bites

Snake bite is not a home -treatable condition; only hospital treatment can saves life.

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Snake bite is not a home -treatable condition; only hospital treatment can saves life.

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