National
Rivers State Unity: Group Takes a Swipe at Abiye Sekibo over Plot to Destabilize it
A group under the aegis Rivers Democratic Vanguard says its attention has been drawn to a viral video where one-time Minister for Transportation, Dr Abiye Sekibo was seen whipping up ethnic divisions in a multi ethnic state.
The group said, “While addressing a group of people in Ogu/Bolo LGA under the guise of a thanksgiving program, Dr. Abiye who once served as the Secretary to the State Government under Dr Peter Odili decided to reenact they described as the “era of the already abolished Upland/ Riverine dichotomy” in the state.
A statement signed by the group’s President, Tamunotonye Ibiba and his Secretary, John Igwegbe alleged that Dr Abiye’s utterances aimed at triggering another round of communal crisis reminiscent of his time as the Secretary to the State Government.
Text of the statement reads: “We the members of the Rivers Democratic Vanguard wish to draw the attention of the relevant authorities to the plot to create unnecessary tension capable of throwing the state and the entire Niger Delta into crisis.
“The attempt to subvert the votes of Rivers State of diverse ethnic groups from the present Government of the day by alienating them while giving credence to only the Ijaw Ethnic group is akin to a civilian coup in broad day light and such a sinister and divisive plot shall be resisted as we will mobilise our people from other ethnic groups ie the Ogonis, the Orashis, the Ikwerres and Etche Ethnic nationalities to mention but a few who make up Rivers state.
“While it is the inalienable right of every group to assemble, we want to warn that no such assembly should be a smokescreen to cut out other groups and malign the person of the Honourable Minister of the FCT.
“When double faced individuals begin to play the ostrich, right thinking men only watch to see them meet their Waterloo.
Abiye Sekibo’s gradual descent is reminiscent of a persistent, colossal failure in Politics
“The recent grandstanding of Abiye at a Thanksgiving in Ogu/Bolo has again exposed his penchant for masquerading as a patriot.
“Those who know his disdainful past, know when he leads a “political orchestra”, those that follow the rhythm become victims of monumental disaster. No wonder his sojourn in politics has left a sore taste in the mouth. Sorrow and tears remain the trademark of this man as victims of his savagery never recover from his unquenchable appetite to remain the only cock that will crow.
“His gradual decline reflects a persistent and significant failure in the realm of politics. The former Secretary to the Rivers State Government who was dismissed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo as Minister for Transportation has remained incorrigible as recent events have shown.
“As a key figure overseeing security challenges in the state, he positioned himself as godfather to different militant groups vying for control of illicit proceeds of the Cawthorne channels. His recent declaration of war against the non-Ijaws of the state shows a lack of remorse for his past actions as the self-acclaimed Militant-in-Chief.
“Abiye’s strained relationship with the former Governor and now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike CON, GSSRS deteriorated during the the PDP Governorship primaries due to his opposition to Gov Fubara yet he now presents himself as the staunch supporter of Fubara’s Government, showcasing his chameleonic nature. This is simply the chemelonic character for which he has been known for.
“His unexpected shift to endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after tarnishing his image while supporting Atiku Abubakar raises questions about his motives and loyalty.
“Following his dismissal from the Ministry of Transportation on grounds of alleged corruption and fraud, Abiye’s repeated setbacks led him to consider running for office once again.
“After facing a series of political failures after his dismissal from the Ministry of Transportation, Abiye turned to a gubernatorial bid which also ended in defeat again.
“It was through the intervention of Chief Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in rehabilitating him as a politically displaced individual that Abiye regained some political relevance. However when his aspirations to succeed Wike was thwarted, he and his co-travellers aligned themselves with Atiku Abubakar.
“The moment his ambition to succeed Wike was stalled, he alongside his gangster group decided to pitch tent with Atiku Abubakar not because they had anything to offer but for their personal aggrandizement.
“The nebulous posturing of Abiye symbolizes an irredeemable situation encapsulating his current predicament. Therefore, resorting to ethnic rhetoric to revamp his tarnished political image only exhibits proclivity for violence.
“His assertion that the Ijaws had Ijaws had waited for 24 years to produce another Governor should elicit gratitude towards HE Chief Barr Nyesom Wike, without whom the achievement would not have been possible.
“It is absurd for someone indicted by the Honourable Justice Samuel Kayode Eso Jsc. Truth and Reconciliation Commission to persist in promoting ethnic divisions and violence years later without demonstrating tangible contributions to his community.
“Abiye suddenly found his diminishing voice under the auspices of a Governor who uses Absalom’s treacherous path to fight his father, King David.
“While he begs to return to his vomit in order to have his fingers dipped in the pie, Abiye Sekibo should boldly show where he ever campaigned for Gov Sim Fubara.
“As the saying goes, those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. Abiye’s deceitful ways have ensnared him in a web of his own making, rendering him a wandering soul without a clear purpose.
“It is our hope that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar now recognises the true nature of the individual he once relied on for support in Rivers State.
“Politicians must be cautious of associating with such a morally depraved figure whose rightful place lies outside the realm of respectable society.
“Ijaw people are yet to know the executioner of their two prominent sons. Until they are unmasked, no Ijaw son is more Ijaw than the other. Who killed Marshall Harry and A.K.Dikibo? How many Ijaw sons and daughters did Abiye Sekibo empower or raise as Minister of Transportation (Grade A Minister)? How many developmental projects did Abiye Sekibo attract to Ijaw land when he held sway? The time to answer these puzzles is now.
“Politics in Rivers State has gone beyond primordial sentiments because the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, HE Nyesom Wike promoted an all-inclusive government. Those who will try to reinvent ethnic sentiments in the governance of our dear state will be seen for who they are: serial betrayers and monstrous opportunists.
“We therefore call on all the people of our dear state across ethnic borders to remain calm even in the face of this provocation as we believe that the security agencies will nib the matter in the bud.”
The leadership of the 10th Senate has announced a shift in the date of its resumption. The earlier date for resumption was fixed for April 29, 2025.
However, the new date has been adjusted to May 6.
The announcement was contained in an internal memo dated April 20, 2025, addressed to all senators and signed by the Senate Clerk, Andrew Ogbonna Nwoba.
The postponement was hinged on the International Workers’ Day public holiday, which is celebrated on May 1 and for the lawmakers to take their time to attend to key constituency engagements.
The circular reads, “Distinguished Senators, I am directed to inform you that the resumption of plenary sittings of the Senate, earlier scheduled for Monday, 29th April 2025, has been rescheduled to Tuesday, 6th May 2025.
“This postponement is made to allow Distinguished Senators to stay with their constituents during the International Workers’ Day public holiday in the first week of May and to further enhance constituency engagements.
“Distinguished Senators are kindly requested to take note of this postponement while regretting any inconvenience the change might have caused.”
PUNCH Online reports that the Senate had on March 27 adjourned the plenary to allow lawmakers to observe the Easter and Eid-El-Fitr holidays.
National
Nigeria Enrolls 1 Million New Registrants in NIN Database as Digital ID Initiative Faces 2026 Deadline
Nigeria’s national digital identity campaign gained significant traction in March 2025, with the National Identification Number (NIN) enrolments reaching 118.4 million.
Recent data from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) indicates that one million Nigerians were added to the database last month, reflecting a renewed urgency in light of international funding and approaching targets.
This initiative is part of the World Bank-supported Digital Identity for National Development (ID4D) project, which aims to provide legal identities for all Nigerians. However, the country is still striving to meet its initial target of registering at least 148 million citizens by June 30, 2024, a deadline that has now been extended to June 30, 2026, due to a shortfall.
The total funding allocated for the ID4D initiative amounts to $430 million, provided by the World Bank, French Development Agency (AFD), and the European Investment Bank (EIB). The extension aims to facilitate the establishment of an inclusive and reliable digital ID system that enhances governance and access to public services.
Regionally, Lagos State leads in NIN registrations with 12.7 million enrolments, followed by Kano State with 10.4 million. Kaduna State ranks third with 6.9 million registrations.
Gender data from NIMC reveals that men dominate the enrolment figures, with 66.9 million (56.5%) registered, compared to 51.5 million women (43.5%).
Other states with notable NIN figures include Ogun (4.9 million), Oyo (4.5 million), Katsina (4 million), FCT (3.8 million), Rivers (3.5 million), Delta (3.2 million), and Jigawa (3.1 million).
Conversely, Bayelsa State has the lowest enrolment number at just 767,620, followed by other underperforming states such as Ebonyi (999,991), Ekiti (1.1 million), Cross River (1.4 million), and Taraba (1.7 million).
As the deadline approaches, authorities are under increasing pressure to enhance efforts, particularly in low-performing regions, to achieve universal digital identity coverage.
Christian leaders and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi have extended Easter felicitations to Nigerians, urging reflection, compassion, and collective action to address the nation’s pressing challenges, including insecurity, hunger, and political tensions.
In separate statements issued on Sunday in Abuja, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, and Obi emphasised the significance of Easter as a time for spiritual renewal and national introspection.
CAN: Easter Reflects Nigeria’s Faith and Resilience
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN President, described Easter as the “cornerstone of Christian faith,” symbolising Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for humanity’s redemption.
He noted that in Nigeria, Easter transcends religious observance, embodying a vibrant cultural celebration marked by colourful parades in Lagos and solemn processions in northern villages.
“Easter is a time when families gather, communities unite, and our rich cultural heritage is showcased through music, dance, and festive gatherings,” Okoh said.
He acknowledged the persecution faced by Christians in some regions, yet stressed the enduring spirit of Easter, which inspires resilience and unity.
Okoh urged Christians to engage in acts of kindness, promote interfaith dialogue, and work towards a just society.
“Let us reach out to neighbours of other faiths, fostering mutual respect and peaceful coexistence,” he added.
Kaigama: A Call to Address Insecurity, Hunger
Archbishop Kaigama struck a sombre tone, highlighting Nigeria’s escalating crises.
He mourned the recent killing of travellers in Uromi, Edo State, and ongoing violence in Plateau State’s Bokkos and Bassa areas, where communities have been devastated.
“These attacks underscore the urgent need for a sincere and coordinated response to insecurity,” he said.
Kaigama also decried the widespread hunger and economic hardship gripping the nation.
“Families struggle daily to put food on the table in a nation so richly blessed,” he lamented, calling for collaborative efforts to ensure no Nigerian goes hungry.
Expressing alarm over the rising kidnappings of clergy, Kaigama described such acts as a “blow to the conscience of the nation.”
He further addressed the political crisis in Rivers State, where a state of emergency was declared, cautioning against actions that could deepen divisions.
“No democracy can thrive without a culture of give and take,” he said, urging leaders to prioritise dialogue and the welfare of citizens.
Kaigama also condemned the “acrimonious political rhetoric” fuelling tensions, urging politicians to focus on governance rather than power struggles.
“Nigeria needs healing, not hostility,” he asserted, calling for accountability and protection for all Nigerians, regardless of tribe or faith.
Obi: Pray for Compassionate Leaders
Peter Obi, in a message signed by his spokesperson Ibrahim Umar, called on Nigerians to use Easter to pray for compassionate leaders who prioritise the people’s welfare. He described Easter as a celebration of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, offering a timely opportunity to seek leaders who emulate such selflessness.
“What is apparent in Nigeria today as insecurity and myriads of problems engulf the land is a visible abdication of responsibility by insensitive and indifferent leaders,” Obi said.
He stressed that Nigeria’s abundant natural and human capital should be harnessed to benefit the populace, lamenting the current leadership’s failure to do so.
**A Unified Call for Renewal**
The messages from CAN, Kaigama, and Obi converge on a shared theme: the need for reflection, compassion, and action to address Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges.
As Christians celebrate Easter, the leaders’ calls for unity, justice, and better governance resonate amid ongoing struggles with insecurity, economic hardship, and political division.