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Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers, Suspends Governor Fubara
By Divine Perezide – March 18, 2025
In a dramatic turn of events, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State, citing prolonged political instability and governance paralysis. The announcement, made during a nationwide address on Tuesday evening, resulted in the immediate suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all 27 elected members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Legal Basis for the Declaration
President Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to justify his decision, emphasizing that the crisis in Rivers State had escalated beyond political resolution. He expressed deep concern over the prolonged tension in the state, particularly the unresolved dispute between Governor Fubara and political stakeholders.
“I feel greatly disturbed by the political crisis in Rivers. The state has been at a standstill, and the people have been deprived of good governance,” Tinubu stated during his address. “Fourteen months after Governor Fubara demolished the House of Assembly, it remains unbuilt. Many Nigerians have intervened, just as I did, but their efforts have been to no avail.”
He further explained that decisive action was necessary to prevent further deterioration of governance and security in the oil-rich state.
Appointment of State Administrator
To ensure governance continuity, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Retired) as the Administrator of Rivers State. The retired military officer is expected to restore stability, maintain law and order, and oversee administrative functions during the emergency period.
The appointment follows reports of increased security threats, including pipeline vandalism and explosions at oil facilities, particularly in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area and the Trans-Niger Pipeline operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). The federal government has cited these incidents as contributing factors to the emergency declaration.
Public Reactions and Political Implications
The declaration has sparked widespread debate across Nigeria, with many citizens and political analysts questioning the necessity and timing of the move. Some critics argue that the state of emergency is politically motivated, while others support the decision as a necessary step to restore order in Rivers State.
With the suspension of elected officials and the installation of an unelected administrator, concerns have been raised about the implications for democracy and governance in the state. The coming weeks will determine how this decision shapes Rivers State’s political landscape and whether it sets a precedent for federal intervention in state affairs.
Stay connected with Iduwini Voice for further developments on this unfolding situation.
- By Favour Bibaikefie
Labour Party’s former Presidential flag bearer, Mr. Peter Gregory Obi, has officially declared his intention to run for the presidency again in 2027. Speaking during a live interactive session on X Space last Sunday, Obi pledged to serve only one tenure in office if elected, aligning with the conditions of any national coalition formed to rescue the country.
His spokesman, Mr. Ibrahim Umar, followed up with a formal confirmation of Obi’s statement on Monday.
Obi clarified that his ambition is not driven by a desire for power but by a commitment to national transformation. He stated unequivocally: “If the coalition is one term, I will leave on May 28, 2031 – not even May 29. I am not desperate to be president. I am desperate to see Nigeria work.”
He underscored that any such coalition must be guided by principles of integrity, character, and accountability, rather than political compromise or personal ambition.
No Alliance With Atiku, Focus Remains on National Challenges
The former Anambra State Governor dismissed speculations of a potential Alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Obi stressed that his focus is not on political arrangements but on assembling a result-driven team capable of tackling the country’s pressing issues, particularly insecurity and economic hardship.
“If the coalition is not about stopping the killings in Benue, Zamfara, how to revive our economy, how to make our industries productive, how to put food on the tables of Nigerians, count me out,” he asserted.
Vision: Stabilising Nigeria Within Two Years
Obi expressed confidence in his ability to bring stability to Nigeria within two years of assuming office. He pledged to prioritize key sectors such as security, education, and poverty reduction. He also vowed to run a clean administration, assuring that his family would be kept out of government business and contracts.
“To bring order in governance, I will prioritise security, education and pulling people out of poverty,” he said.
Criticism of Tinubu’s Foreign Trip Amid Crisis
During the session, Obi took a critical stance on President Bola Tinubu’s recent trip to St. Lucia, describing it as disconnected from the nation’s current realities. He questioned the President’s leadership commitment amid ongoing security and economic challenges.
“You can’t build strong international relations when your domestic house is on fire. We’re losing lives in Niger, Benue, Zamfara and we’re gallivanting,” Obi lamented, adding that the President had not spent a single night outside Lagos in any Nigerian state since taking office.
No to Political Cross-Carpeting and Electoral Manipulation
Reaffirming his commitment to electoral reforms, Obi said he would champion credible elections and condemned the trend of elected politicians switching parties for personal gain.
He pledged a peaceful and transparent campaign, highlighting the importance of respecting voter decisions. He also restated his support for regional power rotation, noting his adherence to this principle while governing Anambra State.
In closing, Obi called for a compassionate and people-centered leadership approach, drawing from his own experiences of empathising with victims during crises in his home state.
With this declaration, Peter Obi sets the stage for what promises to be a defining moment in Nigeria’s 2027 electoral cycle.
Breaking
BREAKING: TINUBU SEEKS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY APPROVAL FOR US$21.5BN LOAN, NGN₦758BN DOMESTIC DEBT TO FUND KEY SECTORS
By: Favour Bibaikefie
Abuja – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the National Assembly’s approval to secure a new round of multi-billion-dollar foreign and domestic loans aimed at supporting critical sectors of Nigeria’s economy and addressing longstanding pension obligations.
In a detailed letter sent to both chambers of the National Assembly, the President sought approval for an external borrowing plan totalling US$21.5 billion, in addition to EUR€2.19 billion, PRC¥15 billion, and a EUR€65 million grant.
The request is part of the Federal government’s 2022 – 2024 borrowing framework intended to fund major development initiatives.
Additionally, President Tinubu is asking for legislative endorsement to raise NGN₦757.9 billion through domestic bonds. According to the Presidency, these funds will be directed primarily toward offering federal government pension liabilities, especially accrued pension rights under the Contributory Pension Scheme.
The proposed external loan, the government clarified, will be deployed across priority sectors including infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, job creation, water resources, and security. A statement from the Federal Ministry of Finance emphasized that the loan requests are consistent with Nigeria’s Midium-term Debt Strategy and will be responsibly managed to avoid placing undue burden on future administrations.
“This borrowing is not arbitrary, ” the statement said. “It is structured to support growth-driven projects across key economic areas and improve the living standards of Nigerians.”
Despite these assurances, critics and civil society groups have raised concerns over Nigeria’s growing public debt profile and the need for greater transparency, fiscal discipline, and measurable outcomes in loan utilization. Some have accused the government of pilling on debts without clear accountability mechanisms or demonstrable impact on productive sectors.
However, the government insists the borrowing will not increase Nigeria’s debt distress risk and that appropriate debt management strategies are in place.
The National Assembly is expected to deliberate on the requests in the coming days.
(c) IduwiniVoice
Assassination Fear: Islamic Republic of Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei Chooses 3 Successors, Skips His Own Son
The Islamic Republic of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly handpicked three potential successors in case he is killed during Israel’s ongoing military campaign — a revelation that signals unprecedented urgency inside Tehran’s highest ranks.
According to an investigative report by The New York Times on Saturday, the 86-year-old Supreme Leader, now operating from a fortified bunker, privately named three senior clerics to assume power should he die during the conflict.