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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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President Tinubu Leaves for 20th summit of the G20 Leaders

The G20 Summit, scheduled from Saturday, November 22 to Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, will bring together leaders from the world’s top 20 economies, including representatives of the European Union, African Union, and global financial institutions.

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“President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Wednesday for a two-nation visit to Johannesburg, South Africa and Luanda, Angola.

This was disclosed in a statement released on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

“President Tinubu’s first stop is Johannesburg, where he will attend the 20th summit of the G20 Leaders. After the summit, he will proceed to Angola for the AU-EU summit,” it stated.

The statement added that President Cyril Ramaphosa, the South African leader and current G20 President, invited Tinubu to participate in this year’s edition, while President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil extended a similar invitation during his tenure in 2024.

The G20 Summit, scheduled from Saturday, November 22 to Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, will bring together leaders from the world’s top 20 economies, including representatives of the European Union, African Union, and global financial institutions.

The theme of the summit, “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” will guide discussions across three plenary sessions.

“Inclusive and Sustainable Growth; Leaving No One Behind: Building our economies, the role of trade, Financing for development and the Debt burden.“A Resilient World: the G20’s Contribution to Disaster Risk Reduction; Climate Change; Just Energy Transitions; Food Systems.“A fair and Just Future for All: Critical Minerals; Decent Work; Artificial Intelligence,” the statement noted.

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SGF Akume’s Tributes to Dan Agbese

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The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. Dr. George Akume has expressed sadness over the demise of veteran journalist, Mr. Dan Agbese.

In a statement on Tuesday by Terrence Kuanum Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Akume lamented that Agbese left the stage at a critical time, noting that his fatherly role and vast experience would be missed.

Senator Akume said that, as a member of the pioneer trailblazers in the media industry who stood firm in defiance to iron-fist grip of military rule, championing the pathway for the restoration of democracy, his passing has created a huge vacuum that would be difficult to fill.

“His death was a monumental national loss. Dan Agbese was a fine gentleman to the core.

He was a man of strong conviction with unimpeachable character, and unwavering determination to achieve great goals against all odds. His perchance for justice, equity and fairness set him apart from the rest.” Sen. Akume stated.

The SGF added that, late Agbese’s sharp prose and decades-long contribution to journalism, that culminated into shaping modern investigative reporting and commentary on the socio-political landscape of Nigeria would be greatly missed by all.”

” Dan Agbese was a doyen of journalism and merchant of biting satire. He was such a versatile, bold and confident writer whose quill dripped brutal frankness.

A mentor and father that professionally refined his mentees and turned them into masters of the pen craft,” he added.

Senator George Akume admonishes the Agbese family, his friends and colleagues in the media industry to take solace in the exemplary and impactful lifestyle that he lived, and pray God for a repose of his soul.

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JUST IN: Wike, Govs Makinde, Bala Clash at PDP Secretariat (Images / Video)

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….. As PDP Leaders Accuse Police of Not Showing Neutrality in Crisis

There was a showdown at the PDP National Secretariat on Tuesday as governors of Bauchi and Oyo states have clashed with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike with both parties attempting to take over the National secretariat of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party in the Wuse Zone 5 District of Abuja.

It was discovered that security operatives loyal to the FCT Minister and Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed embarked in a free for all or who would take possession of the PDP National Secretariat with a rainfall of teargas pumped around the vicinity by both parties.

While Governor Seyo stormed the venue with the newly elected National Secretary, Taofeek Arapaja, Nyesom Wike stayed put with Samuel Anyanwu, the embattled National Secretary of the party who insists his tenure is still in place till December 8, 2025.

Party leaders are now expressing worry over the development accusing the Police of not being neutral in the leadership crisis facing the Peoples Democratic Party.

Watch video below:

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