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Tag: Emergency rule

  • Wike, Fubara absent as Rivers sole administrator, Ibas holds thanksgiving service as emergency rule nears end

    Wike, Fubara absent as Rivers sole administrator, Ibas holds thanksgiving service as emergency rule nears end

    With barely a week left before the expiration of the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State, sole administrator vice admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) and his wife Theresa held a thanksgiving service to mark the end of his six-month emergency rule.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that service which took place on Sunday at the Ecumenical Centre, Abonnima Wharf, Port Harcourt was attended by vice admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), his wife Theresa, permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, heads of security and paramilitary agencies, traditional rulers, board members and captains of industry.

    Conspicuously absent at the thanksgiving service were the suspended governor, Sim Fubara and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

    On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu had declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers state to prevent the outbreak of a political crisis.

    The declaration led to the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the state’s House Assembly.

  • Senate sets up committee to oversee emergency rule in Rivers

    Senate sets up committee to oversee emergency rule in Rivers

    The Senate has set up an 18-member committee to oversee the implementation of emergency rule in Rivers, following the suspension of democratic government in the state.

    President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, made the announcement at the resumption of sitting on Tuesday after the Easter recess.

    Akpabio stressed the need for having a committee like that of the House of Representatives to oversight the functions of the Sole Administrator and the Rivers State Government under emergency rule.

    He named the chairman of the committee as the Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, and the Deputy Minority Whip, Sen. Rufai Hanga.

    Other members are: Sen. Adamu Aliero (PDP- Kebbi), Sen. Osita Izunaso (APC-Imo), Sen. Osita Ngwu (PDP-Enugu), Sen. Kaka Shehu (APC-Borno), Sen. Aminu Abbas (PDP-Adamawa) and Sen. Adetokunbo Abiru (APC-Lagos).

    Sen. Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC-Ondo), Sen. Sani Musa (APC-Niger), Sen. Simon Lalong (APC-Plateau), Sen. Asuquo Ekpeyong (APC-Cross River), Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) are also members.

    The remaining members are: Sen. Ireti Kingibe (LP-FCT), Sen. Onyekachi Nwaenboyi (APC-Ebonyi), Sen. Idiat Adebule (APC-Lagos), Sen. Ede Dafinone (APC-Delta) and Sen. Mohamed Maidori (APC-Jigawa), while Mr Charles Bala will serve as the Clerk/Secretary of the committee.

    “If there is need to review, it will be after further consultations with our colleagues. But in the meantime, they have to get to work immediately,” Akpabio.

  • Defending the Supreme Court of Nigeria on the Rivers State emergency rule case – By Monday Ubani

    Defending the Supreme Court of Nigeria on the Rivers State emergency rule case – By Monday Ubani

    The recent criticism by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) accusing the Supreme Court Justices of “cowardice” and deliberate delay in adjudicating the constitutional challenge to the Rivers State emergency rule is not only untrue, but fails to appreciate the fundamental principles of judicial process and constitutional adjudication.

    First, it must be emphasized that cases bordering on the interpretation of the Constitution, especially matters involving the declaration of a State of Emergency, the removal of an elected Governor, and the dissolution of a State legislature, are grave constitutional questions.

    The Supreme Court, conscious of its sacred duty, must ensure that due process is meticulously followed, including proper service of processes, filing of necessary responses by all parties, amicus briefs where necessary, and procedural compliance before constituting a panel and fixing a hearing date.

    Rushing such a profound matter for hearing without completing these procedural steps would defeat the ends of justice, embarrass the court, and potentially render any decision liable to unnecessary public criticism.

    Second, the Supreme Court, as the apex court, does not take instructions or pressure from political or civil society groups on when to hear a matter. The independence of the judiciary means that the Court must manage its docket free from external influence, including media sensationalism.

    Constitutional adjudication is not an exercise in activism; it requires careful, dispassionate, and detached analysis, insulated from the political tension swirling around the Rivers crisis. This grave constitutional matter requires appropriate and careful procedural steps to avoid backlash.

    Third, the Supreme Court handles a heavy caseload, including election petitions, constitutional references, final appeals from lower courts, and urgent interlocutory applications.

    The fact that a date has not yet been fixed barely a month after filing does not necessarily indicate bias, cowardice, or conspiracy. Complex matters sometimes require preliminary conferences, exchange of briefs, filing of counter-claims, and interlocutory motions, which must be resolved before substantive hearing dates are set.

    Fourth, it is important for stakeholders like HURIWA to avoid dragging the judiciary into political controversies. Allegations that the Court is trying to “pressure” governors to defect to APC or to endorse any political figure are wild, unsubstantiated, and deeply injurious to the institution of the judiciary.

    Without clear evidence, such accusations amount to reckless undermining of public confidence in the judiciary, which is itself a threat to constitutional democracy.

    Finally, the Supreme Court Justices are experienced jurists who understand their constitutional responsibilities and can not be casually accused of conspiratorial indifference without verifiable proof.

    Rather than condemning the Supreme Court unfairly, HURIWA and other stakeholders should exercise patience and trust in the judicial process.

    If there are real concerns about delay, the proper channel would be an application for accelerated hearing, not a public campaign to malign the apex court.

    The integrity, dignity, and independence of the judiciary must be preserved if Nigeria’s constitutional democracy is to survive.

  • Gov Alia to TInubu: “Save us from blood suckers, we don’t need state of emergency ‘

    Gov Alia to TInubu: “Save us from blood suckers, we don’t need state of emergency ‘

    Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has declared that their headache is not Emergency Rule but full support from the Federal Government.

    Alia stated this when he was featured on national tv program on Wednesday.

    He explained that the insecurity in Benue is not beyond his control, noting that he can handle the situation, but needs more help from the FG to end the crisis.

    He stated that his government can stop the killings happening in the state, but they need more support to chase out the armed herders attacking communities.

    He said, “What we need is emergency help for now. We need absolute support. The Federal Government is supported. They sent two armoured tanks that came in. Our situation had changed.

    “We had a better narrative, but what we need to do is to get our people back home, to drive out the invaders, the armed invaders who have brought in people who do not even speak the Nigerian languages we speak.

    “Let them move back to wherever they came from and allow us farmers to go back to our ancestral land. Calling for any emergency does not occur here.”

    He however, rejected the idea that the security issue in the state was too much for him to manage.

    He noted that the number of local governments under attack has dropped from 17 to six since he took office.

    He said this shows that his administration can handle the violence and destruction caused by killer herders, many of whom, he believes, are not even Nigerians.

    He stated, “We couldn’t have trimmed it from 17 local governments in the front lines of the attacks to nine and then now to six, which means we have the capability to do this, but we need help. And that is a fact.”

  • Emergency Rule: Abbas inaugurates 21-member panel

    Emergency Rule: Abbas inaugurates 21-member panel

    The house of representatives has inaugurated a 21-member ad hoc committee to oversee the emergency rule in Rivers state.

    Speaking while inaugurating the committee on Tuesday, Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, said the move indicates the parliament’s “dedication to transparent governance and the rule of law in our country”. 

    On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the Rivers, citing a political crisis.

    He also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers assembly for a period of six months.

    The president appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.

    Shortly after his appointment, Ibas suspended all political officeholders appointed by Fubara.

    During the Monday’s event, Abbas, who expressed support for the state of emergency, recalled how similar measures were implemented under previous administrations, particularly during Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure, when some serving governors were suspended.

    “This decisive action was taken out of genuine patriotism and a deep concern for the security and welfare of both the people of Rivers State and our country as a whole,” he said.

    “The President’s extraordinary actions were not taken lightly. They reflect a profound sense of duty and responsibility and a recognition that when democratic institutions falter, decisive action is necessary to protect the interests of the nation. This same sense of duty underpins our proceedings today.”

    Abbas said when a state of emergency was declared in some states in the past, the intervention of the national assembly ensured continuity in governance.

    He cited section 11(4) of the 1999 constitution, saying it confers on the parliament the authority to make laws for any state in which its legislature is unable to perform its statutory functions. It states that:

    “It is paramount to note that the current administration in Rivers state is inherently temporary,” Abbas said.

    Abbas said Ibas’ role is “strictly circumscribed”, adding that he is charged with maintaining law and order and ensuring that the basic functions of governance are met only until full democratic governance is restored.

    “The administrator is required to operate with the highest levels of transparency and accountability, reporting directly to the national assembly on all matters that pertain to the peace, order and good government of the State as prescribed by the constitution,” Abbas added.

    He said the duty of the committee is to monitor the implementation of federal directives and policies in Rivers state, ensure that the caretaker administration adheres to the law, and protect the public interest while facilitating the re-establishment of full democratic governance in the state.

    “The members of this committee have been selected with meticulous care by the house leadership based on their integrity, experience, and steadfast dedication to the national interest,” Abbas said.

    The speaker asked members of the committee to carry out the assignment with the “highest standards of professionalism, impartiality, and diligence”.

    “In fulfilling your mandate, you must conduct your oversight in strict accordance with the constitution and avoid all forms of partisanship or bias,” he told the panel members,” he said.

    “It is imperative that you monitor every aspect of the caretaker administration’s conduct, scrutinise public expenditures, and ensure that all federal directives and policies are implemented as intended.

    “Moreover, it is expected that you will regularly report your findings to this house in a transparent manner, enabling us to continuously assess the impact of the emergency measures and to take further legislative action if necessary.

    “Beyond mere oversight, your work must actively support efforts to restore lasting peace and re-establish a fully functioning democratic system in Rivers state.

    “You are called upon to interface with federal agencies, security institutions, and any reconciliation initiatives that may be established, fostering trust among all stakeholders in the process.”

    Abbas added that the committee members must be conscientious, forthright and astute in the assignment.

  • Rivers emergency rule: Tinubu acted in national interest – TDF

    Rivers emergency rule: Tinubu acted in national interest – TDF

    A pro-democracy group, the Democratic Front (TDF) on Wednesday defended President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of State of Emergency in Rivers.

    This is contained in a statement by Malam Danjuma Muhammad, TDF Chairman.

    The TDF described the action as a bold move to prevent a total breakdown of law and order following protracted political rancour between the Executive and Legislative arms of government.

    “We recall that less than a week before the presidential proclamation, the President hosted the leadership of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) in Abuja where he advised on quick implementation of the Supreme Court Judgement that recognised the 27 members of the State Assembly.

    “Subsequently, The Democratic Front issued a statement after the event on the need to heed President Tinubu’s advice in obeying the Supreme Court Judgement, and also explore the window of reconciliation which was initiated by the President over a year ago.

    “Unfortunately, PANDEF was not able to strike any reasonable compromise with the parties in the dispute, which has paralysed the administration of the state with severe consequences on economic development in nearly two years,” said the group.

    TDF stated that it was evident that both parties in the political dispute were not prepared to work together in the interest of the state.

    It said no responsible government would condone lawlessness and look away from the theatre of a contrived balance of terror, as evident in the bombing of pipelines.

    “We also welcome the unanimous approval of the State of Emergency by both chambers of the National Assembly, because we believe that President Tinubu acted in the interest of peace and security of residents of the state,” continued TDF.

    It urged all the parties in the conflict to see the six months of the emergency rule as another opportunity to seek a peaceful end to their differences.

  • Why NBA faults state of emergency in Rivers – Wike

    Why NBA faults state of emergency in Rivers – Wike

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has faulted the Nigeria Bar Association’s (NBA) stand that the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers by President Bola Tinubu was unconstitutional and illegal.

    Wike alleged that the NBA discredited Tinubu’s decision because the Rivers Government had promised to host their annual general conference.

    The minister stated this when officials of the Body of Benchers, led by its Chairman, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), visited him in Abuja on Friday.

    He added that the association did not support the declaration of the state of emergency because there would be no money to give to the NBA for the conference.

    “What kind of hypocrisy is this?” he queried.

    The minister called on the Body of Benchers to call the NBA to order over the association’s unnecessary criticism of the judiciary.

    He said that the body should not sit and watch, while the NBA and its members destroy the legal profession.

    He said that some of the members of NBA, often, without reading a judgement, go on national television to condemn the judgment and criticise the judges.

    He said that such actions have continued with no sanction.

    “If you don’t discipline somebody, nobody will learn any lesson.

    “We shall no longer allow our profession to be pulled down. I cannot believe, as a lawyer, that you make a contribution to help the legal profession, and you will be criticised by your fellow lawyers.

    “Sir, time has come that we need to say look, enough is enough. We cannot continue to discourage our judges and justices. It is not done anywhere.

    “I have never seen where members of a profession are the ones that are bent on bringing the profession down,” he said.

    The minister also accused the NBA of describing any support rendered by the executive arm of government to the judicial arm, as a bribe.

    Wike recalled that, when NBA was building its National Secretariat, the leadership wrote to the executive for support, adding that nobody saw that as a bribe.

    “I was the only one who contributed to the NBA to build the National Secretariat. The NBA didn’t see it as a bribe.

    “When you contribute to the Body of Benchers, it is a bribe, but when you contribute to NBA it is not a bribe, they will take it.

    “The same NBA will rely on state governments to sponsor their activities, but when the state government supports the judiciary it is bribery,” he added.

    Wike said that the constant taunting of judges and justices had made them to avoid attending social gatherings or going to church or mosque for fear of molestation.

    He added that judges could no longer shake people’s hands freely because lawyers would accuse them of collecting bribes.

    “It has gotten to the stage that our Judges are so scared of going to a mosque or church or even  greeting somebody they know because of fear of bribery.

    “They run away from shaking people’s hands because they will start accusing them of collecting bride. This must stop,” he said.

  • APC chairman explains necessity for emergency rule in Rivers

    APC chairman explains necessity for emergency rule in Rivers

    Mr Tony Okocha, Chairman Rivers All Progressives Congress (APC), says the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers by President Bola Tinubu saved the state from situations of anarchy.

    Okocha said that the situation in Rivers was moving towards a state of lawlessness with non-state actors brandishing sophisticated weapons before the declaration.

    While speaking on Thursday in Abuja, he said FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, contrary to speculations, was also involved in brokering peace in the state.

    He said that the President had made efforts to resolve the political crisis before the declaration of the emergency, but to no avail.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu had declared a six months state of emergency on Rivers, citing political instability and troubling security reports.

    Tinubu said that security reports revealed pipeline vandalism by militants, with no intervention from the state government.

    The President subsequently appointed retired Vice-Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator to oversee Rivers’ affairs during the emergency.

    Okocha, citing the supreme court judgment ahead of the declaration, said that Rivers as the court ruled, had no government prior to it.

    “The governor jettisoned 27 lawmakers and was dealing with only three lawmakers and withheld the finances of the State Assembly which was abnormal.

    “Pulling down the State Assembly under the guise of renovating it following structural defect without a prior notice was an afront on democracy.

    “Before the declaration of the emergency, Rivers was heading towards anarchy as non-state actors were seen brandishing sophisticated weapons,” Okocha said.

    He said that it was a good thing that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had gone to the supreme Court to challenge the declaration, adding that it would enrich the country’ jurisprudence.

    The Rivers APC chairman said that the emergency declared on the state was a necessary evil to restore normalcy to it.

    “Security intelligence has been beefed up in Rivers since the state of emergency was declared in the state.

    “With the emergency declared, people like us who are in the opposition in the state could now move around,” Okocha said.

  • No reasons for emergency rule in Benue – Gov. Alia

    No reasons for emergency rule in Benue – Gov. Alia

    The Benue State Government says there is no reason for people to call for the declaration of emergency rule in the state.

    Mr Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Hyacinth Alia, said this in a statement, on Monday in Makurdi.

    Kula, who was reacting to the press briefing by the Centre for Judicial Integrity (CJI), said that the governor was in total control of the state.

    He said that those calling for a state of emergency were not in touch with the happenings in the state, as there was no reason for such calls.

    The CPS also warned those fanning embers of hate and mischief to steer clear of the state, as Benue people would not be persuaded by unjustifiable allegations or political maneuvers.

    “Furthermore, the call for a “state of emergency” in Benue State is not purely vexatious but also a flagrant display of political opportunism.

    “It is evident that these irritated political operatives are sponsored by unscrupulous factions, desperate and eager to capitalise on any situation for their advantage.

    “Their motives are clear: to undermine a state that is presently going through effective governance and progress under Gov. Alia’s leadership.

    ”There is no unrest in Benue State. Gov. Hyacinth Alia is fully in charge and control of the state.” he said.

    Kula refuted the allegations that Gov. Alia was involved in buying off members of the judiciary.

    He challenged the Centre for Judicial Integrity (CJI) to produce their evidence publicly or face the consequences of their thoughtless denunciations.

    “This latest smear campaign is nothing other than a forlorn attempt by disgruntled political elements in Abuja to sabotage the integrity of a governor, who has persistently sided with the principles of justice and governance.” Kula said.

    He said the state was witnessing transformational governance that prioritised the people’s welfare and well-being.

    “Gov. Alia is fixated on shaping the narrative around governance in the state, demystifying the process, and insuring that the government works for the people.

    “The inhabitants of Benue are happy and supportive of their governor, praying daily for his prosperity and the advanced progress of the state.

    “Gov. Alia has no wealth to corrupt anyone, specifically not an esteemed institution like the judiciary. His responsibility is to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.

    “Finally, we appeal to all forces involved in this smear campaign to reflect on their activities and examine the damage they wreak on the democratic process.

    “The people of Benue deserve better than the disruptive ploys and fabricated allegations that threaten their progress.” he said.

  • Makinde throws heavy weight behind Fubara, opposes emergency declaration in Rivers

    Makinde throws heavy weight behind Fubara, opposes emergency declaration in Rivers

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has disapproved of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers.

    Makinde, in his biweekly newsletter, ‘The Business of Governance’, published on Thursday evening, described the president’s act as illegal.

    President Tinubu had on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers, suspending Gov. Similayi Fubara.

    The governor’s deputy, Ngozi Odu and the House of Assembly were suspended alongside Fubara for six months.

    Subsequently, the president appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas as the sole administrator of the state.

    According to Makinde, all well-meaning Nigerians must condemn the suspension of the executive and legislative arms of government.

    “This is the time to take a stand for fairness, equity and justice.

    “Our democratic tenets must never be trifled with, no matter our personal feelings and loyalties.

    “As our democracy grows and unfolds, we must also be willing to speak up when we see anything that threatens our development as a nation.

    “We must choose to stand up for what is right, even if it means standing alone,” Makinde said.

    The governor, however, commended the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for demonstrating the needed strength and leadership through its stand on the matter.

    According to him, the PDP Governors’ Forum has unanimously decided to challenge the president’s actions in a court of competent jurisdiction.