News
Tinubu erred by removing Fubara, dep – Lawyers
Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa and Abeny Mohammed on Tuesday faulted the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The SANs described the declaration of emergency state as well as the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, as unconstitutional and undemocratic.
Following the political crisis in Rivers State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state and suspended Fubara, Odu and members of the state House of Assembly for a period of six months.
In a nationwide broadcast, the president nominated Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state.
Rivers State has been embroiled in a crisis since last year when the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and the governor fell out with each other.
The situation led to the alleged defection of 27 members of the state assembly loyal to Wike. The lawmakers subsequently lost their seats but were later reinstated by the Supreme Court.
Before declaring the state of emergency, Tinubu had, earlier yesterday, met with Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas as well as National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, service chiefs and heads of other security agencies at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
But a ranking senator said yesterday that the president meeting the leadership of the national assembly was not enough as there was the need for the input of other members
“Why the rush? Why putting a retired soldier to take over? It is wrong to encourage military incursion in politics in whatever guise.
What the president did amounts to error of judgement and it will escalate tension in the Niger Delta. It is illegal,” he said.
Lawyers speak
Adegboruwa (SAN) called on the president to rescind his decision to remove the elected government officials in Rivers State and allow democratic process to be applied in dealing with issues.
“The action of Mr President is premeditated and showed that he is biased,” Adegboruwa alleged.
“I don’t support the actions of the governor or the FCT minister, but the declaration has upended the democratic will of the people of Rivers State.“ The action of the president is unwarranted, undemocratic and uncalled for.”
Adegboruwa also questioned why Osun and Benue states, with issues of local government dispute and Lagos State where two speakers of the state assembly emerged in one day had not been met with a state of emergency.
Similarly, Abeny Mohammed said the action taken by the president was extreme and unconstitutional.
He stated: “The Rivers State governor was elected into office by the people in accordance with the constitution and can only be removed in accordance with the constitution.”
However, Dayo Akinlaja (SAN), said the matter was beyond legal analysis as the crisis in Rivers State was an “upshot of a political crisis.”
It’s political manipulation – Atiku
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday described the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State as political manipulation.
He accused the president of being a partisan actor in the crisis, saying “Anyone paying attention to the unfolding crisis knows that Bola Tinubu has been a vested partisan actor in the political turmoil engulfing Rivers.
“His blatant refusal — or calculated negligence — in preventing this escalation is nothing short of disgraceful,” Atiku said.
The presidential candidate of the PDP in the last election in a post on his verified Facebook page said, “Beyond the political scheming in Rivers, the brazen security breaches that led to the condemnable destruction of national infrastructure in the state land squarely on the president’s desk.
“Tinubu cannot evade responsibility for the chaos his administration has either enabled or failed to prevent.
“It is an unforgivable failure that under Tinubu’s watch, the Niger Delta has been thrown back into an era of violent unrest and instability — undoing the hard-won peace secured by the late President Umaru Yar’adua.
Years of progress have been recklessly erased in pursuit of selfish political calculations.
“If federal infrastructure in Rivers has been compromised, the president bears full responsibility.
Punishing the people of Rivers State just to serve the political gamesmanship between the governor and Tinubu’s enablers in the federal government is nothing less than an assault on democracy and must be condemned in the strongest terms.”
Why I declared state of emergency in Rivers – Tinubu
In his broadcast, the president said he was disturbed at the turn of events in the political crisis in the state.
He said, “With the crisis persisting, there is no way democratic governance, which we have all fought and worked for over the years can thrive in a way that will benefit the good people of the state.
“The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started with the good people of the state not being able to have access to the dividends of democracy.
”The president added, “Some militants had threatened fire and brimstone against their perceived enemy of the governor who has up till now not disowned them.
“Apart from that both the House and the governor have not been able to work together.
Both of them do not realise that they are in office to work together for the peace and good governance of the state.
“Latest security reports made available to me show that between yesterday and today there have been disturbing incidents of vandalisation of pipelines by some militants without the governor taking any action to curtail them.
I have, of course given stern order to the security agencies to ensure safety of lives of the good people of Rivers State and the oil pipelines.”
The president said based on the situation, he was invoking the provisions of Section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) “to declare a state of emergency on the state and that it takes effect from Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
“By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months,” he said.
Crime
DSS Cracks Down on Plateau Violence, Arms Recovery
The Department of State Services has recorded another breakthrough, arresting a man believed to be a major supplier of weapons to armed groups.
This comes Three months after arraigning suspects in the Yelwata and Plateau massacres.
In a significant breakthrough, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested Musa Abubakar, a suspected arms manufacturer, in a targeted raid on November 12th.
The operation took place at his workshop in Mista Ali, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The arrest followed weeks of meticulous surveillance and the gathering of credible intelligence.
According to investigators, Abubakar confessed to manufacturing and distributing high-caliber weapons and ammunition.
These weapons were allegedly supplied to groups responsible for the recent violent attacks in Plateau State and other northern states.
Authorities seized a cache of evidence during the raid, including components of improvised explosive devices, various chemicals, and equipment used in the manufacturing process.
The DSS is continuing its investigation, aiming to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the arms supply chain and bring them to justice.
News
JUST IN: Governor Mutfwang Disassociate Self From Motion Expelling Wike, Fayose, Anyanwu, others From the PDP
….Fintiri Abandons Convention after Wike’s Expulsion
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has formally distanced himself from the expulsion of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, Barr. Nyesom Wike; former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose; Samuel Anyanwu alongside other leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
In a press statement, Governor Mutfwang clarified that the subject was neither discussed by Governors Forum nor at NEC before the motion was presented. He emphasized that the proposal does not reflect his position on the matter.
Governor Mutfwang further noted that expelling the party leaders at this crucial time is not a strategic step toward resolving the internal challenges currently confronting the PDP.
He reiterated the need for unity, dialogue, and collective effort in rebuilding and repositioning the party.
News
UPDATE: Gov Fintiri rejects Wike’s expulsion from PDP
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has kicked against the decision to expel Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Ohibaba.com had reported earlier how Wike alongside Senator Samuel Anyanwu and ex-Governor Ayodele Fayose were expelled at the ongoing convention in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
Chief Olabode George, former National Vice Chairman of the party (South) moved the motion for the expulsion while Hon Samaila Burga, Chairman of the PDP in Bauchi, seconded it.
But in a statement issued after the decision was taken, Fintiri said he was not part of the action.
“I wish to categorically state that I dissociate myself from the position of expelling the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, @GovWike from PDP. I believe that this decision is not in the best interest of the party, and I will not be party to any attempt that could further plunge the PDP into unending crisis.
“As a faithful party member, my position is clear: I stand for the peace and stability of the PDP, and I will not support anything that could lead to its disintegration. I believe that peace and reconciliation are the only ways forward for our great party.
“I urge all stakeholders to work towards healing the divisions within the party and to strive for unity and cohesion. As a party man, I am committed to supporting efforts that promote peace, stability, and progress within the PDP.
“Let me reiterate that my position is guided by the desire for peace and reconciliation, and I will continue to work towards achieving this goal.
”Fintiri, one of the four governors attending the convention, is the Chairman of its Organising Committee, Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers). are the PDP governors who shunned the exercise.
Meanwhile, the motion for the expulsion reads:
THE EXPULSION OF THE FOLLOWING PERSONS FROM THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY FOR ANTI PARTY ACTIVITIES AND GROSS BREACHES OF THE PARTY’S CONSTITUTION IS PURSUANT TO ARTICLES 10 (6), 33(1),(2),(5) (J) & 58(1), (B),(C),(F),(I), (J) & (L) AND 59(1)(G) OF THE PDP CONSTITUTION 2017 (AS AMENDED).
1.H E.Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, CON,
2.H.E. Ayo Fayose
3.Senator Samuel Anyanwu,
4. Hon. Umar Bature;
5.Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN,
6.Mohammed Abdulrahman
7.Senator Mao Ohuabunwa
8.Hon. Austine Nwachukwu
9.Abraham Amah
10.George Turner;
11.Chief Dan Orbih
MOVED AT THE ELECTIVE NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY HELD AT IBADAN, OYO STATE ON THE 15TH AND 16TH NOVEMBER, 2025.
WHEREAS by Articles 33(2) (1), (2) (j) (n) & (r) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Constitution 2017 (as amended), the National Convention of the Party shall have supremacy in all matters pertaining to the Party and all officers and organs of the Party including matters of discipline of officers and members.
WHEREAS it is important to underscore the fundamental principles that a political party is a voluntary organization and members are expected to join it out of their volition as allowed by Section 40 of the Constitution of the FRN 1999 (as amended);.
WHEREAS one of such fundamental principles of the PDP Constitution is its supremacy over all members as stipulated in Article 2 of the PDP Constitution;
WHEREAS any member who is dissatisfied with the decision(s) of the party has the liberty to exit the party at any time and join another party of his or her choice; LET it also be placed on record that between 1999-2025, each of them has benefited from the Party in various ways especially Nyesom Wike who has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the party as evidenced below:
(i) He was elected for two terms as Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State between 1999-2003; 2003-2007;
(ii) He was appointed Chief of Staff to HE Rotimi Amaechi Governor of Rivers State elected on the platform of PDP between 2007-2011;
(iii) He was appointed Minister of State for Education by President Jonathan between July 14 2011-April 2011; and
(iv) He was elected for two terms as Governor, Rivers State between 2015-2023.
1. For the first time in the history of the 4th Republic, Nyesom Wike when he was the Governor of Rivers State stopped PDP, his political party from holding a State rally and or campaigns in Rivers State. On the contrary, he allowed other political parties especially APC to campaign in the state with his active support. Indeed, he did not just stop the party from holding the State’s rally and campaigns in Rivers State but he and his supporters molested, intimidated and freely assaulted supporters of the party who dared to campaign or hold meetings for the party contrary to Article 10(6) & 58 (1) (f),(h), (j) of the Constitution of the Party.
2. Nyesom Wike and the above named individuals openly campaigned against the PDP in their various states. For instance in Rivers State, Wike’s slogan was that he would tell his supporters who to vote for on Election Day. On the Election Day he told his supporters to vote for the presidential candidate of the APC. When President Tinubu won election in Rivers State he paid the former Governor a thank you visit for two days on May 3-4, 2024. President Tinubu in appreciation of Wike’s support for his victory also appointed him Minister of the FCT contrary to Article 10(6) & 58(1)(a), (b) & (f) of the Constitution of the Party.
3. On October 18, 2022 the former Governor was in Lagos State campaigning for the 2nd term bid of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu when PDP had a candidate for the same position in Lagos state in the person of Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adeniran (Jandor) contrary to Articles 10(6) & 58(f) of the Constitution of the Party.
4. Nyesom Wike directed 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly elected on the platform of PDP to defect to APC and has been supporting them to retain their seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly through various law suits sponsored by him in spite of the clear provisions Section 109 (1)(g) of the constitution of FRN 1999 contrary to Articles 10(6) & 58(1)(f) of the Constitution of Party.
5. On August 21, 2024 the former Governor who purports to be a member of the PDP in a widely published television interview boasted in a clear case of anti-party that he is supporting the 27 APC members to continue to remain in the House of Assembly obviously for the purpose of impeaching Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State contrary to Articles 10(6) & 58(1) (f) of the Constitution of the Party.
6. Nyesom Wike and the other individuals have severally openly declared that they will support President Tinubu of the APC in 2027 presidential election to be re-elected and to retain his seat. He said this when he met with Rivers Chapter of the APC on October 26, 2023 and on June 5, 2024 during the commissioning of projects in the FCT by the President contrary to Articles 10(6) & 58(1) (f)& (j) of the Constitution of the Party.
7. Nyesom Wike and the others individuals listed here have severally sang President Tinubu’s campaign song “On your mandate we shall stand” both privately and in the public between 2023-2024. He sang it on December 3, 2023; December 7, 2023; December 24, 2023.
These are all reported and hosted on the YouTube contrary to Articles 10(6) &. 58(1)(a), (b), (f) of the Constitution of the Party.
8. Nyesom Wike accepted the appointment to serve as a Minister of the FCT under President Tinubu elected on the platform of the APC as if the APC was running a government of national unity. This was done without the authorisation of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.
He was sworn in as Minister of FCT on August 16, 2024. The acceptance of the appointment of the Tinubu’s administration as the Minister of the FCT by the former Governor in the manner done tantamount to and is a clear confirmation of the unpretentious support of the Tinubu/APC’s administration in manner never done before in the political history of Nigeria contrary to Articles 10(6) & 58(1) (a), (b) & (f) of the Constitution of the Party.
9. On March 12, 2025, Nyesom Wike granted a widely publicised interview where he castigated, insulted and took to the cleaners the PDP’s NWC members calling all of them “stupid”. In the same interview he insulted the Governors elected on the platform of the party variously. Wike has also severely insulted PDP Board of Trustees Members contrary to Articles 10(4) & 58(1) (a), (b),(h), (i) (j) of the constitution of the Party.
10. On May 25, 2025 Nyesom Wike issued a public statement challenging the NWC and the Governors elected on the platform of the party for failing to retain Sen. Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the party and promised to fight the party. Indeed in the said statement personally authored and signed by him he was happy that INEC did not attend the North Central Zonal Congress which in his misinformed opinion has invalidated the results of the Congress contrary to Articles 10(4) & 58(1) (a), (b),(h), (i) (j) of the constitution of the Party.
11.The above individuals have directly and indirectly sponsored so many cases against the Party some of which are: Suit No.FHC/ABJ/CS/505/2025 Chief Dan Orbih & Ors. V INEC & Ors. and Suit NO. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/ 2025 between Hon. Austine Nwachukwu & Ors. V INEC & 8 Ors seeking to stop the 2025 Elective National Convention for no just cause contrary to Articles 58(1) (l) of the Constitution of the Party.
12. In both cases above all the individuals were in concert to stop this National Convention from holding. In short the decision of the court was basically based upon what the court called the admission of the National Secretary, National Organising Secretary and the National Legal Adviser which on their own amounts to serious and gross misconduct.
13.The above individuals in concert purportedly formed a parallel National Working Committee and Board of Trustees and locked down the National Headquarters of the Party contrary to the express provisions of Articles 10(6) & 58(1) (a),(b), (c), (f), (h), (i),(j) &(k) of the Party.
14.The party has completely lost its esteem, regard and respect in the eyes of the public on account of the despicable conducts of the above individuals contrary to Articles 58(1) (b) & (i) of the Constitution of the Party.
PRAYER.
It is our prayer that,
1.HE.Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, CON,
2.HE Ayo Fayose Senator Samuel Anyanwu,
3. Hon. Umar Bature;
4. Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN,
5. Mohammed Abdulrahman
6.Senator Mao Ohuabunwa8.Hon. Austine Nwachukwu
7.Abraham Amah
8. George Turner;
9. Chief Dan Orbihbe expelled from the PDP forthwith for the reasons outlined above in the interest of the Party and the protection of democracy in Nigeria.
MOTION MOVED BY CHIEF OLABODE GEORGE
MOTION SECONDED BY EDWARD PERCY MASHA
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