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.

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.
News
Kogi govt demolishes bandits’ camps, arrests injured two bandits
In a major operation, the combined security forces, led by the State Security Adviser, Cdr Jerry Omodara (rtd), demolished and set ablaze bandits’ camps and hideouts in Aherin-Bunu community, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Areas.

The Kogi State Government, led by Governor Ahmed Ododo, has intensified its crackdown on banditry and other criminal activities in the state.
In a major operation, the combined security forces, led by the State Security Adviser, Cdr Jerry Omodara (rtd), demolished and set ablaze bandits’ camps and hideouts in Aherin-Bunu community, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Areas.
Speaking to journalists at the location on Thursday, Omodara said two wounded bandits and their fake doctors were apprehended in a settlement in Aherin-Bunu community, Kabba-Bunu LGA.
Omodara said acting on intelligence information, the security agencies, arrested two wounded bandits who were receiving treatment from local doctors in the settlements.

•State Security Adviser, Cdr Jerry Omodara (rtd).
The doctors, who were treating the bandits, were also apprehended.
According to Omodara, the bandits had sustained gunshot injuries in a previous encounter with security forces.
Following the arrest, Governor Ododo directed that the bandits’ camps and settlements be wiped out.
Acting on the governor’s directive, the combined security forces demolished the camps, including a makeshift clinic, and destroyed the bandits’ farmland and farm produce”.
Omodara emphasised that the security agencies have saturated the state, making it difficult for bandits to hide.
He warned that anyone caught perpetrating, abetting, or collaborating with criminals would be dealt with, regardless of their status or identity.
“We received intelligence that two bandits were receiving treatment in a settlement in Aherin-Bunu community in Kabba-Bunu LGA.
“We swiftly deployed security personnel and arrested the two wounded bandits.
The Governor directed that any house used for treating bandits should be demolished.
We’re arresting fake doctors treating them and warning that anyone perpetrating, abetting, or collaborating with criminals will be dealt with, regardless of their status.
“We will not accept that and we are not going to allow it,” Omodara said.
Omodara stressed that the operation is part of the Kogi State Government’s ongoing onslaught against banditry and other criminal activities, which is yielding unprecedented results.
“Gov. Ahmed Ododo reiterated his commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property in the state,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the combined security forces, led by Omodara, demolished and torched the bandits’ camps, farmlands, and produce in the major crackdown operation on Thursday.
News
NMA: Kanu fit to Stand Terrorism Trial

A medical panel appointed by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has concluded that Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is medically fit to stand trial on terrorism-related charges.
The panel’s findings were submitted to the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday by the prosecution team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adegboyega Awomolo. Portions of the report were read in open court, revealing that the ailments Kanu had complained of were not life-threatening and did not impair his ability to participate in legal proceedings.
The medical panel was constituted by the court following conflicting health reports submitted by Kanu’s personal physician and the Department of State Services (DSS), where he is currently being held. Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, appointed the independent panel to objectively assess Kanu’s health and resolve the dispute.
Following the panel’s submission, Justice Omotosho ruled that the trial will proceed without further delay. He scheduled six consecutive days, beginning October 23, for Kanu to present and conclude his defence.
In a related development, the court granted a request by Kanu’s lead defence counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), for a private consultation with his client. The defence team had expressed concerns that their previous discussions were potentially monitored by the DSS, thereby infringing on attorney-client privilege.
Justice Omotosho ordered that the private meeting be held inside the courtroom on October 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with only Kanu and his legal representatives present. The trial will resume the following day.
The court’s rulings mark a significant turn in the high-profile case, which has drawn widespread attention both within and outside Nigeria. Kanu faces multiple charges including terrorism, secession, and incitement, all of which he has denied.
News
BREAKING: Senate Confirms Prof. Amupitan as New INEC Chairman

The Nigerian Senate on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following a rigorous screening session held in the Senate Chamber.
The confirmation came after the upper legislative chamber convened as a Committee of the Whole, where Professor Amupitan was subjected to an extensive question-and-answer session. Lawmakers across party lines took turns interrogating the nominee on a range of national issues, particularly around electoral reforms, voter education, and the independence of the electoral body.
Professor Amupitan, a respected legal scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), provided detailed responses to the lawmakers’ questions, emphasizing his commitment to transparency, neutrality, and strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
After the screening exercise, the nominee was asked to “take a bow” — a traditional Senate practice signifying the conclusion of the confirmation hearing — and exited the chamber alongside his entourage. Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured that the outcome of the screening would be formally communicated to him.
Following Amupitan’s departure, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion to reinstate all floor privileges that had been earlier suspended to facilitate the screening. The motion was promptly seconded by the Senate Minority Leader and received unanimous approval through a voice vote.
The final confirmation of the nominee was subsequently put to a voice vote by the Senate President. With no dissenting voices, the appointment was officially ratified.
“The nomination of Joash Ojo Amupitan for appointment as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission is hereby confirmed,” Senate President Akpabio declared.
Professor Amupitan’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the country’s electoral body, as preparations begin for upcoming off-cycle elections and broader electoral reforms. His tenure is expected to usher in a new chapter in INEC’s leadership, with stakeholders hoping for greater credibility, independence, and innovation in Nigeria’s electoral system.
-
Sports2 days ago
Super Eagles set for Gabon clash in World Cup play-offs
-
International2 days ago
Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga dies in India
-
News3 days ago
Tinubu Sends Amupitan’s Name to Senate for INEC Chair Confirmation
-
Politics3 days ago
Another Defection Boosts APC to Two-Thirds Majority in Nigerian Senate
-
News3 days ago
Ejiro Umukoro Emerges Regional Winner at the Young Adult Literature Prize 2025
-
Politics2 days ago
Enugu governor Peter Mbah joins APC
-
News14 hours ago
BREAKING: Senate Confirms Prof. Amupitan as New INEC Chairman
-
News2 days ago
G-24: Nigeria takes over leadership, promises global economic reforms