News
Tinubu seeks Reps approval on the state of emergency on Rivers
The Spokesman for the House of Representatives, Rep. Akin Rotimi (APC-Ekitit state) has said the House of Representatives will on Wednesday, debate the state of emergency declared on Rivers by President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement on Tuesday, Rotimi said that President Bola Tinubu had officially written the house of his decision in line with section 305 of the Constitution.
“Mr. President’s formal letter, informing the House of Representatives of his decision and seeking approval in line with Section 305 of the Constitution, has been transmitted.
“It will be read during plenary tomorrow, Wednesday, March 19, and further legislative action debated and decided,” he said.
Following the lingering political unrest between the Executive and the Legislature in Rivers, Tinubu, in a live broadcast on Tuesday, declared a state of emergency on the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the President suspended Gov. Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu and all elected lawmakers of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
NAN reports that Tinubu appointed the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, as the Sole Administrator of Rivers while the judiciary continued operations.
Following the influence of the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike on the political face off, many stakeholders had threatened to embark on mass protests while others had commenced vandalising public property like oil pipelines.
Rotimi, however, said that the National Assembly was duly consulted before the declaration of state of emergency by the President.
He said that the leadership of the National Assembly met with the President and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu among other security chiefs ahead of the broadcast. (NAN)
By Abubakar Yunusa
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the political controversies surrounding the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, do not interfere with his administration.
The group’s call follows the recent suspension of Rivers State Governor and his deputy by President Tinubu.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the CNG warned that Wike’s political manoeuvres were not representative of the will of the people of Rivers State or the broader Niger Delta region.
“We urge President Tinubu to recognise that Wike’s actions reflect the ambitions of an individual more focused on personal gain than the collective good.
“It is crucial for the President to uphold democratic principles and the rule of law, rather than being influenced by a self-serving politician,” Charanchi stated.
The CNG described the challenge posed by Wike’s assertiveness as a key test for Tinubu’s leadership. By promoting unity and collaboration, the group argued, the President could mitigate Wike’s influence while fostering a more cohesive political environment.
“The world awaits decisive actions that will demonstrate Tinubu’s commitment to good governance and the broader aspirations of Nigerians,” the statement added.
The coalition also urged stakeholders, including civil society organisations, political leaders, and the public, to prioritise peace, unity, and democratic governance.
It emphasised the importance of dialogue over violence in resolving political tensions.
“This crisis should serve as a wake-up call for all of us to prioritise dialogue and constructive engagement over conflict and division,” the CNG said.
The group further cautioned the President against the risks of associating too closely with Wike, whom they accused of opportunistic politics that could threaten national stability.
“We must not allow the reckless ambitions of one individual to push the country towards instability. We are ready to support any initiative aimed at restoring peace and promoting the welfare of all Nigerians,” the statement read.
The CNG highlighted the broader implications of the political unrest, warning that it could jeopardise both national security and economic stability.
“The actions of a single individual should not dictate the trajectory of an entire region or influence national policies,” the group said.
The statement also referenced historical concerns, recalling Wike’s role in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
The CNG alleged that Wike’s political strategies contributed to the challenges that led to Jonathan’s electoral defeat.
“President Tinubu must remain vigilant, especially given the wave of public scrutiny and negative commentary that has followed the declaration of emergency in Rivers State,” the coalition advised.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) have stated that the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, and the Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan, in Kaduna State has given them hope in president Tinubu’s administration.
The group made this known in a statement on Tuesday, signed by its Chairman, Isaac Abrak, and issued to journalists in Kaduna.
According to the NCYP, the widespread jubilation in Southern Kaduna following the appointment of Bishop Matthew Kukah as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the university, Prof. Qurix Williams Barnabas as Vice-Chancellor, and Dr. Haruna Abubakar Shehu as Chief Medical Director of the FMC, Kafanchan, confirms their belief in Tinubu’s leadership.
“Today, we stand proud as Southern Kaduna, a predominantly Christian region, rejoices over these landmark achievements brought about by President Tinubu’s visionary leadership,” the statement read.
The group described these appointments and the establishment of the institutions as a demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to fairness, equity, and inclusive governance, despite the region not overwhelmingly supporting him in the last election.
“We express our profound gratitude to God for granting us the foresight to recognize that the Tinubu/Shettima ticket was the right leadership Nigeria needed at such a critical time. We also appreciate Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for his role in ensuring the realization of these projects,” the statement added.
The NCYP further commended Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, Hon. Amos Gwamna, and other National Assembly members for their efforts in advocating for the institutions.
The group also called for continued peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims in Kaduna State, urging all citizens to embrace religious tolerance to ensure the full benefits of these institutions are realized.
PUNCH reports that the NCYP’s statement reflects a growing shift in political dynamics in Northern Nigeria, particularly among Christian communities that initially opposed Tinubu’s ticket. The recognition of his government’s inclusivity could potentially boost his support base in the region ahead of future elections.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), Mr. Samuel Tabara, on Monday, inaugurated the newly elected executives of the Union’s youth wing, urging them to foster teamwork for the advancement of the region.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the SOKAPU head office in Kaduna, was administered by Barr. Desmond Tabakwot. Tabara expressed satisfaction that the prolonged crisis within the youth wing had been resolved after several months of uncertainty.
Newly Inaugurated Executives:
1. Solomon Simon – National Coordinator
2. Prince Agmada Tanko – Deputy Coordinator
3. Alhassan Aruwa – Secretary General
4. Nano Kurmi – Assistant Secretary
5. Elisha Samuel – Treasurer
6. Isah Anjadick Emmanuel – Public Relations Officer (PRO)
7. Dabo Gabriel – Financial Secretary
Addressing the new leadership, Tabara emphasized the importance of adhering to the Union’s constitution.
“The constitution is the foundation upon which we shall serve our people,” he stated. “Avoid direct dealings with the Board of Trustees (BoT) as it constitutes a serious breach and could lead to disorderliness. Your activities must always be approved by the President and the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of SOKAPU.”
In his remarks, the newly sworn-in National Coordinator, Comrade Solomon Simon, expressed gratitude to the National President for facilitating the inauguration.
“We appreciate your leadership and the efforts you have made to reposition SOKAPU. On behalf of my team, we pledge our loyalty and commitment to working towards a better Southern Kaduna,” Simon stated.
The youth wing had been embroiled in a leadership crisis since 2022, leading to the formation of a Caretaker Committee in 2024 to oversee fresh elections. Despite challenges, the committee, led by Comrade Joseph John Auta, successfully concluded its mandate, paving the way for the new leadership.
“All disputes among the youth have been amicably resolved, with a communique signed by all stakeholders in the interest of SOKAPU and the Southern Kaduna people,” Simon added.