News

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.

Published

6 months ago

March 19, 2025

Charles Flames

169 Views

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 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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News

Court to Begin Hearing ADC Leadership Dispute on September 30

Published

1 hour ago

September 15, 2025

Charles Flames

6 Views

The Federal High Court in Abuja is set to commence hearings on September 30 in a case involving a leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The suit, filed by Nafiu Bala, a former ADC Deputy National Chairman, challenges the appointment of former Senate President David Mark as interim National Chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as interim National Secretary.

Respondents in the case include the ADC, Mark, Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu.

At Monday’s proceedings, plaintiff’s lawyer Michael Agber informed Justice Emeka Nwite that court documents had been served on Mark and Aregbesola through the ADC’s office. The ADC’s counsel, Shuaib Aruwan (SAN), clarified that he represents only the party, not the individual respondents.

Justice Nwite adjourned the hearing, directing that all respondents be properly served with court processes.

Earlier on September 4, the court denied Nafiu Bala’s request for an immediate injunction against Mark and Aregbesola but ordered that all parties be notified to respond.

Crime

Terrorists Kidnap 40 Worshippers During Dawn Prayers in Zamfara

Published

1 hour ago

September 15, 2025

Charles Flames

8 Views

About 40 worshippers were abducted by suspected terrorists at a mosque in Gidan Turbe village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, during early morning prayers.

The attack reportedly occurred around 5:30 a.m. when gunmen stormed the mosque, surrounded it, and took the worshippers hostage. The captors are said to have taken the victims into nearby forests around the Gohori axis in Tsafe LGA.

This incident has plunged the rural community into fear and despair, especially as local leaders and some armed groups had recently engaged in peace talks aimed at reducing violence during the farming season.

Efforts to obtain confirmation or comment from Zamfara Police authorities were unsuccessful.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent Yazid Abubakar, did not respond to calls or messages seeking information on the abduction.

News

JUST IN: FG Kicks Off Selection Process for Appointment of Five Permanent Secretaries

Published

3 hours ago

September 15, 2025

Charles Flames

16 Views

The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has initiated the process for appointing five new Permanent Secretaries, following the approval of President Bola Tinubu.

The vacancies include two positions created by the recent retirements of Permanent Secretaries from Imo State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as three zonal vacancies in the North-Central, North-East, and South-East, resulting from the establishment of new ministries.

Head of the Civil Service, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, announced the development in a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Eno Olotu. She noted that the process is structured to ensure transparency, merit, and credibility, in line with the administration’s commitment to good governance.

Eligible candidates must be serving civil servants on Grade Level 17, with a minimum of two years on the rank and no ongoing disciplinary issues, as confirmed by their respective Permanent Secretaries.

The selection process began with the compilation and screening of eligible candidates by a Committee of Permanent Secretaries, under the observation of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS). Candidates also completed asset declaration forms with the Code of Conduct Bureau, while clearances from the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS are ongoing.

The next phase, a written examination, will take place on September 15 at a designated Federal Government facility. Successful candidates will then proceed to an ICT proficiency test on September 17, followed by a final oral interview scheduled for September 19.

The interview panel will comprise serving and retired Permanent Secretaries, former Heads of Service, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, and representatives from the private sector. Anti-corruption agencies will also monitor the process.

Walson-Jack emphasized that the exercise reflects the government’s focus on professionalism, institutional strength, and enhanced service delivery within the civil service.

Since assuming office, President Bola Tinubu has appointed at least 26 Permanent Secretaries. Eight were sworn in during November 2023, another eight in June 2024, eight more in December 2024, and two additional appointments followed in March 2025.