State Of Emergency In Rivers Sparks Tension As Lawyers, Opposition React

State of emergency in Rivers sparks tension as lawyers, opposition react. The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu has heightened tensions, with opposition figures and legal experts weighing in on the controversial move.

In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all House of Assembly members for six months, appointing Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as the state’s administrator.

The decision follows prolonged political unrest, stemming from the fallout between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

The crisis escalated on Monday when the Rivers Assembly, dominated by Wike’s loyalists, served an impeachment notice to Fubara. Hours later, suspected militants blew up a major oil pipeline, further deepening concerns over security.

Opposition leaders have condemned Tinubu’s move, with Labour Party spokesperson Obiora Ifoh calling it “a threat to democracy,” while PDP chieftain Dr. Adejor Anthony accused Tinubu of siding with Wike. The Obidient Movement’s Yunusa Tanko warned that the decision could spark further unrest.

State Of Emergency In Rivers

However, lawyer Mathew Abakpa defended Tinubu’s action, citing constitutional provisions for emergency rule amid threats to law and order.

Meanwhile, security forces have taken control of the Rivers Government House, and reports suggest protests are brewing in parts of the state in support of Fubara.

Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru Suspends 3 Commissioners Over Absenteeism

Ebonyi governor Francis Nwifuru suspends 3 commissioners over absenteeism. Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has suspended three commissioners for one month for failing to attend the state Executive Council (EXCO) meeting on March 17 without permission.

The affected officials are Solomon Azi (Grants and Donor Agencies), Victor Chukwu (Environment), and Ikeuwa Omebe (Rural Development).

Announcing the decision on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Jude Okpor, stated that the suspended commissioners would be stripped of all privileges associated with their positions for the duration of the suspension.

Governor Nwifuru also issued a stern warning against absenteeism and laxity among public servants, emphasizing the need for commitment to duty.

He further cautioned contractors handling state projects to adhere to their contractual agreements, warning that the government would take legal action to ensure compliance.

In addition, the state government approved the construction of staff quarters, a female hostel, and a health clinic at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) permanent orientation camp in Afikpo, as part of efforts to enhance infrastructure and support the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Francis Nwifuru

Okpor also revealed that the government honored the law team from Ebonyi State University (EBSU) that represented Nigeria at the 33rd Christof Heyns African Moot Court Competition in Kigali, Rwanda.

The team—Michael Agu-Ebeke, Cynthia Ibor, and their instructor, Dr. Chioma Iteshi—received the prestigious Ebonyi State Honours Award and a cash prize of N3 million each after emerging victorious against 68 Anglophone and 15 Francophone teams, marking a historic win for a Nigerian faculty of law in the competition’s 33-year history.

Oyo State Assembly Suspends Saki East LG Chairman Indefinitely

Oyo state assembly suspends Saki East LG chairman indefinitely. The House directed the LG vice-chairman, Rasaq Adeyemi, to take up the mantle of the council leadership in an acting capacity.

The Oyo State House of Assembly on Tuesday suspended the chairman of Saki East Local Government, Emmanuel Adedokun, over various allegations.

The allegations, ranging from party misconduct, lack of religious tolerance, and inappropriate funds allocation, arose from a petition by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders in the local government area (LGA).

The House announced the suspension during its plenary after deliberations on the petition submitted to it.

The petition demanded accountability on movable equipment like bulldozers and the 10 per cent supposedly being deducted from the salaries of political functionaries.

“We appreciate the gesture of Governor Seyi Makinde in his vision of bringing people from another party to boost membership of our party across the state.

“But, in our own case, the beneficiary of this gesture has come to maim and destroy the party to boost his own faction from the other divide he came from.

“The moveable equipment like the bulldozer in the local government has been taken away since he assumed office and has not been returned and without remitting any money to the coffers of the council.

“It is on the aforementioned that we are calling on your support to save our party from the hands of Mr Adedokun and the lives of our leaders and elders, who have suffered enough for the sustenance of the party PDP,” the petition read.

Oyo State Assembly

The House directed the LG vice-chairman,  Rasaq Adeyemi, to take up the mantle of the council leadership in an acting capacity.

It also said the secretary to the local government (SLG) should assume the position of vice-chairman in an acting capacity.

The House further directed its Standing Committee on Local Governments, Chieftaincy Matters and State Honours to investigate the allegations and report to the House appropriately.