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Rivers emergency rule: APC, opposition continue battle as PDP govs head for court

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the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum has said it will take legal action against the Federal Government.

President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; as well as members of the state House of Assembly for six months.

The President then appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) as the Sole Administrator of the state.

The PDP governors contended that the President’s actions were unconstitutional and threatened Nigeria’s democratic principles.

Seeking legal intervention, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, criticised the declaration of a state of emergency in the state, adding that the party’s governors’ forum would challenge the matter in court.

Makinde, in his bi-weekly newsletter— The Business of Governance (Issue 110)— noted that the suspension of democracy in the state was an illegal act that all well-meaning Nigerians must condemn.

The governor said, “I am glad that our great party, the PDP, is demonstrating the needed strength and leadership.

The PDP Governors’ Forum rose from an emergency meeting where we unanimously decided to challenge the actions of President Tinubu in a court of competent jurisdiction.

We cannot fold our hands and watch the democracy we built for almost three decades be trampled upon.

Seeking legal intervention, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, criticised the declaration of a state of emergency in the state, adding that the party’s governors’ forum would challenge the matter in court.

Makinde, in his bi-weekly newsletter— The Business of Governance (Issue 110)— noted that the suspension of democracy in the state was an illegal act that all well-meaning Nigerians must condemn.

The governor said, “I am glad that our great party, the PDP, is demonstrating the needed strength and leadership. The PDP Governors’ Forum rose from an emergency meeting where we unanimously decided to challenge the actions of President Tinubu in a court of competent jurisdiction.

We cannot fold our hands and watch the democracy we built for almost three decades be trampled upon.

“I stand today to say that the declaration of the state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of the executive and legislative arms of government by the presidency is an illegality that right-thinking members of society must oppose.

“Our democratic tenets must never be trifled with, no matter our personal feelings and loyalties. This is the time to take a stand for fairness, equity and justice.”

Makinde urged Nigerians to speak out whenever anything threatened the nation’s progress.

Showing support for the governors’ forum, the Deputy National Youth Leader of the party, Timothy Osadolor, said the state of emergency would be challenged in court.

Speaking on Saturday, Osadolor noted that President Tinubu was unmindful of the implications of his pronouncement.

The youth leader added that the court remained the last hope of the common man.

Osadolor said, “The President lacks the locus to suspend two elected arms of government; the legislature and executive in the state.

There is no place in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that gives such powers.

“Has the President forgotten that the office is guided by law? Although he has the right to declare a state of emergency, there is nowhere it is stated that he can suspend officials.

President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in the past, and the governors still held the forte in their states.

”Corroborating Osadolor, a sociopolitical group, Niger Delta Youth Council, expressed full support for the PDP Governors’ Forum in their resolve to challenge the state of emergency in court.

This was contained in a statement by the President of the NDYC, Bene Mamamu, on Friday.

He alleged that the state of emergency declared on Rivers by President Tinubu “is an expression of his bias and hatred for the Niger Delta region.

”Reverse emergency rule, Ijaw group tells Tinubu

Meanwhile, an advocacy group, Ijaw People’s Association, decried the state of emergency, describing it as a “desecration of democracy” and “desperation taken too far”.

The IPA called on the President to show that he was a democrat by reversing the decision in the interest of peace and proper development to take place.

The President of the group, Patrick Ebikebuno, stated this while speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt.

Ebikebuno noted that the declaration was disturbing for the Ijaw nation, including people of the ethnic group in Ondo, Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa states.

He emphasised the peaceful nature of the Ijaw people, stating, “We are gentle in character and very accommodating.

”The South-South Governors’ Forum had earlier called for the reversal of the state of emergency in Rivers State.

This was in a statement signed by the Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, in Yenagoa, the state capital.

According to the forum, the political crisis in Rivers State ought to be ideally resolved through legal and constitutional means rather than by executive fiat.

Meanwhile, the Government of Cross River State distanced itself from the position of the South-South Governors’ Forum’s to reject the emergency rule in Rivers.

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From 10-16 to 8-hour Workday, The Story of Worker’s Day May 1

Nigeria adopted nationally on May 1, 1981, after Kano State first declared it in 1980

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Called International Workers’ Day, Labour Day, or May Day , the origin traces back to the 19th-century labour movement and one key event that shaped the development was the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, 1886.

The 2026 theme according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), is “Ensuring a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment” – focusing on mental health, stress, and work-life balance .

Nigeria adopted nationally on May 1, 1981, after Kano State first declared it in 1980.

Industrial Revolution conditions

At that time, factory workers often worked 10-16 hour days in unsafe conditions for low pay.

As a result, Labour unions began pushing for an 8-hour workday.

The 8-hour movement

On April 21, 1856, Australian workers in Victoria did a mass stoppage for the 8-hour day .

In the US, the Federation of Organized Trades and Labour Unions declared May 1, 1886 as the day the 8-hour workday would start

May 1, 1886 strikes

Between 300,000-500,000 US workers went on strike across the country. Chicago was the centre, with about 40,000 protesters.

Haymarket Affair, May 3-4, 1886

May 3: Police fired on striking workers at McCormick Harvesting Machine Company, killing at least two

May 4: At a protest in Haymarket Square, someone threw a bomb at police. It killed 7 officers and at least 4 civilians. Eight anarchists were arrested and convicted. Four were hanged.

May 1 becomes International Workers’ Day

In 1889, the International Socialist Congress in Paris chose May 1 to commemorate Haymarket and call for annual demonstrations for the 8-hour day.

By 1904, it was made mandatory for workers’ groups to stop work on May 1.

Why May 1 spread globally

Europe

Traditional spring festival of May Day merged with labour demonstrations-

India

First celebrated in Chennai in 1923. May 1 became a national holiday to recognise workers’ rights.

It’s also Maharashtra Day & Gujarat Day-

Nigeria Adopted nationally on May 1, 1981, after Kano State first declared it in 1980

Philippines

First Labour Day was May 1, 1903, when the first workers’ union protested

Purpose

Honours workers’ contributions and pushes for fair wages, safe conditions, and the 8-hour day-

Public holiday

Not everywhere

The US & Canada celebrate Labour Day on the first Monday in September instead.

How Workers’ Day Is Celebrated in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Workers’ Day is more than a ceremonial gathering. It serves as a structured platform for engagement between labour unions and the government authorities.

Each year, workers use the occasion to highlight issues affecting their welfare, including wages, working conditions, unemployment and the rising cost of living.

Organised labour bodies such as the Nigeria Labour Congress, and the Trade Union Congress coordinate nationwide activities.

Their addresses during May Day celebrations often reflect the economic realities of the time, making the event a barometer for the state of the workforce.

Beyond formal speeches, the day reinforces the relevance of collective bargaining.

It reminds both workers and policymakers that labour rights are not static but require continuous negotiation and protection.

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Contractor Dies in Egbin Power Plant ‘s Accident

It was learned that the contractor, a diver engaged for underwater work inside the plant’s lagoon-based pump house, died after an accident during maintenance activities.

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Image: Egbin Power Plc

The board and management of Egbin Power Plc expressed deep sorrow for the loss of a contractor following an industrial accident during underwater maintenance operations at the plant in Lagos State.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, led to the shutdown of operations at parts of the facility and the disconnection of the plant from the national grid.

It was learned that the contractor, a diver engaged for underwater work inside the plant’s lagoon-based pump house, died after an accident during maintenance activities.

The diver was working inside the lagoon water pump system when a pump reportedly came on unexpectedly, trapping him in the impeller and leading to his death.

Following the incident, operations in the affected section of the plant were suspended as safety protocols were activated, eventually resulting in a broader shutdown of the plant.

The management of the company confirmed the incident, expressing sadness over the demise of the contractor.

Egbin Power Plc is Nigeria’s largest electricity generation plant with an installed capacity of 1,320MW.

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President Tinubu Designates Joseph Tegbe New Minister of Power

Mr Tegbe’s experience includes significant engagements within the power sector, particularly in regulatory and institutional reform involving agencies such as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET).

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Mr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Minister of Power, subject to confirmation by the Senate.

The nomination has been transmitted to the Senate for screening and confirmation in accordance with the Constitution.

The nomination follows the resignation of the former Minister, Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down from office to pursue elective office.

Mr Tegbe, from Oyo State, is a fiscal and economic reform expert with over 35 years of experience spanning the public and private sectors.

He is a former Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa, where he led wide-ranging initiatives in fiscal policy reform, institutional transformation, and governance.

He has also advised key government institutions and private sector organisations on strategic reforms, regulatory frameworks, and investment structuring.

He is at present the Director General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), where he is responsible for strengthening bilateral development cooperation between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.

The NCSP also coordinates engagements with public sector stakeholders to advance economic and social development in line with FOCAC objectives.

Mr Tegbe’s experience includes significant engagements within the power sector, particularly in regulatory and institutional reform involving agencies such as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET).

His nomination is expected to strengthen further ongoing efforts to reform the power sector, enhance grid stability, and attract sustainable investment in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The President expects the Minister-Designate, upon confirmation, to bring his extensive expertise to bear to advance critical reforms and deliver improved outcomes for Nigerians in the power sector.

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