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Senate Endorses Emergency Rule in Rivers State
Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Ameachi during the screen of minister by the Senate of the National Assembly in Abuja. 22 October 2015 (Photo by next24online/NurPhoto) (Photo by NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
By Divine Perezide
The Nigerian Senate has officially approved President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, solidifying the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara for six months.
The decision was reached on Thursday after a closed-door session that lasted over an hour. Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the announcement, stating that the legislative body relied on Orders 133, 134, 135, and 136 to deliberate on the matter.
Prior to the approval, Akpabio disclosed that President Tinubu had sent a formal letter to the Senate, detailing his decision to suspend the Rivers State Governor, Deputy Governor, and State House of Assembly members for the duration of the emergency rule.
Tinubu’s Letter to the Senate
Reading the letter at plenary, Akpabio quoted the President as saying:
“In compliance with the provisions of Section 305, Subsection 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, I hereby forward, for the consideration of the Senate, copies of the official Gazette of the State of Emergency Proclamation 2025.”
The letter outlined key aspects of the emergency rule, including:
The formal declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The immediate suspension of the Governor, his Deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly. The appointment of Vice-Admiral Iboete Iba (rtd) as the Administrator of the state, tasked with governing in accordance with presidential directives.
President Tinubu expressed his confidence in the Senate’s swift consideration of the matter, concluding his letter with:
“While I look forward to the expeditious consideration of the Senate, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
Senate’s Deliberations and Final Decision
Following the reading of the letter, Akpabio promptly committed it to the “Committee of the Whole Senate” for immediate passage. However, Senator Seriake Dickson of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), representing Bayelsa West, raised a procedural point under Order 133, advocating for a closed-door session before further deliberations.
Despite the concerns raised, the Senate proceeded with approving the emergency rule, marking a significant political development in Rivers State. The decision now paves the way for Vice-Admiral Iboete Iba (rtd) to assume leadership, overseeing the state’s affairs under the directives issued by the Presidency.
As tensions continue to rise, political analysts and stakeholders are closely monitoring the implications of this suspension, particularly how it will affect governance, security, and democratic processes in Rivers State.
By: Favour Bibaikefie
A tragic road accident involving Nigerian-British boxing star Anthony Joshua has reportedly claimed two lives in Ogun State, sparking concern across the country.
The incident occurred on Monday around the Makun axis of the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s most heavily trafficked highways. Preliminary information indicates that a vehicle conveying the former heavyweight world champion was involved in a collision with another car, though the exact cause of the crash remains unclear.
Eyewitnesses said emergency responders and security personnel arrived at the scene shortly after the incident to manage traffic and assist victims. Two occupants of the other vehicle were confirmed dead, while details about injuries are still emeraina.
Eyewitnesses said emergency responders and security personnel arrived at the scene shortly after the incident to manage traffic and assist victims. Two occupants of the other vehicle were confirmed dead, while details about injuries are still emerging.
Sources close to the development said Joshua survived the accident, but officials are yet to release a comprehensive statement on his condition or the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
Authorities have commenced investigations to determine the cause of the collision, as motorists were advised to exercise caution while plying the expressway.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has long been notorious for road accidents, often linked to speeding, congestion, and poor visibility, renewing calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and improved road safety measures.
By: Doubra Stanley
ABUJA, Nigeria – December 26, 2025
The United States military launched coordinated airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in northwest Nigeria on Thursday, confirming a significant escalation in international counter-terrorism cooperation.
President Donald Trump announced the operation, saying U.S. forces had carried out “powerful and deadly” strikes against militants linked to Islamic State in Sokoto State.
According to official statements, the strikes were ordered at the direction of the U.S. Commander-in-Chief and carried out with the support of Nigerian authorities, CBS News reported.
The U.S. Department of War released video footage showing munitions being launched toward militant positions, underscoring Washington’s commitment to confronting extremist groups in West Africa. U.S. Africa Command, which oversees American military operations on the continent, said the initial assessment pointed to the death of several ISIS fighters, Fox News reported.
In a social media post, President Trump framed the strikes as part of a broader effort to halt attacks on vulnerable communities, particularly in areas where extremist violence has surged.
Nigerian officials described the operation as part of ongoing security cooperation, emphasizing shared intelligence and strategic planning to counter persistent threats from extremist factions.
The operation marks one of the most visible U.S. military actions in Nigeria in 2025, reflecting deepening ties between Abuja and Washington in addressing the complex security landscape marked by Islamist insurgencies and criminal violence. Nigerian authorities reiterated that the fight against terrorism transcends religious lines, stressing that violent groups have targeted both Christian and Muslim communities in recent years, Reuters added.
Security analysts say the strikes may signal further foreign involvement in countering extremist networks in the region, even as Nigerian forces continue domestic operations against multiple militant groups.
© IduwiniVoice
By: Divine Perezide
As the countdown begins for the forthcoming Ijaw Media Conference Volume 2, the organizers, Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has announced that the President of Egbema Brotherhood, Alaowei Promise Lawuru, has accepted the role of Guest of Honour come December 2025.
IPF had earlier announced the second edition of its annual event, with the Christined “Safeguarding Niger Delta’s Natural Resources for Future Generations.”
Chief Lawuru, the young Ijaw businessman and politician, received a delegation of the Central Working Committee led by Pastor Arex Akemotubo last Monday, where the invitation was extended to him.
Akemotubo explained that this year’s theme was chosen out of concern for the growing strain on the region’s land and waters. The Publisher of WaffiTV stressed that the forum wants to strengthen public understanding, support honest reporting, and encourage leaders to protect the resources of the Niger Delta for generations to come, adding that Lawuru’s antecedence of service to humanity and unwavering commitment to community development made him a natural choice for the role.
Chief Lawuru welcomed the invitation and spoke warmly about the need for shared responsibility among stakeholders and groups such the IPF. He commended the Forum for using media to defend the region’s interests and promised full support for the conference.
Lawuru further urged other stakeholders across the Ijaw nation to throw their weight behind efforts that safeguard the resources and environment of Ijaw nation in particular and the larger Niger Delta region.
As the train continues to galvanise leaders across the region, IduwiniVoice can report that the who is who in the Niger Delta from business to political sphere are marked to be in attendance.
IduwiniVoice