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Emergency rule will restore sanity in Rivers – Oyo lawmaker

A member of the House of Representatives, Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, has expressed support for the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.

The lawmaker representing Ogbomoso North, South and Orire Federal Constituency described it “as a necessary step to restore order amid the escalating political crisis in the state.”

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Alao-Akala said, “The declaration of emergency rule in Rivers is in order, considering the current state of affairs in the state. It is important that we do everything possible to restore sanity and protect the interests of the people.

“The political crisis in that state has worsened in recent weeks, with tensions rising between key political stakeholders. This has led to concerns about a breakdown in law and order, prompting the Federal Government to consider the emergency rule as a last resort to contain the situation.”

The Chairman of the House Committee on Youth in Parliament stated that emergency rule should not be viewed as a long-term solution to the political crisis in the state.

He, however, asserted that it is the best course of action to prevent anarchy and safeguard residents from political fallout.

“The Youth in Parliament stands for democracy and good governance. However, when democracy is threatened by internal wranglings, it is the duty of the authorities to step in and restore stability. The people of Rivers deserve peace, and if emergency rule is what will guarantee that, then it is justified,” he stressed.

PUNCH Online reports that President Bola Tinubu had, on Tuesday, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, as well as members of the House of State House of Assembly for six months.

The President then appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (retd) as the Sole Administrator for the state.

Deputy speaker calls for overhaul of varsity curricula

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called for overhauling of outdated curricula in Nigerian Universities.

Kalu, while delivering his convocation lecture to mark the 37th convocation and 50th anniversary of the University Of Calabar on Thursday, revealed that with the use of Artificial Intelligence, most Nigerian courses are becoming obsolete and cannot be linked to problem-solving in line with modern realities.

The lawmaker emphasized that Nigerian Universities must rise up to its challenges and prioritise the introduction of tech skills such as cyber security, artificial intelligence, and data analysis.

He said, “The challenge beyond us is clear, our universities must go beyond theory to practical impact, bringing the gown into the town and now into cyberspace where knowledge is applied.”

“Universities should stop teaching students courses and curriculums that cannot transform them into problem solvers. There is so much emphasis on CGPA, and it is not based on GPA, it is based on problem-solving.

“Outdated teaching methods fail to empower students for future challenges. The true major of education is its true impact on the town. How many university projects directly tackle local challenges like health care, water access, food security or transportation? Our research should move away from theories and offer tangible solutions while graduates must be equipped to address real issues from policy refinements to policy transportation.

“Law faculties must adopt blockchains. Engineering students should embrace robotics when the gown mirrors the town’s needs, and productivity follows when we bridge the gap between academia and society university can drive national progress while contributing to global knowledge.

“We must translate theories into problem-solving, we should leverage technology and reform our curriculum. ”

Benjamin called on impactful learning on the path of University lecturers to students whom he described as future leaders who would shape the country’s policies, decisions, and laws in years ahead.

Constituents insist on Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall, cite ‘international embarrassment

Ebira indigenes have condemned claims that the recall process against the lawmaker representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was not backed by the majority of the electorate in the district.

The indigenes, drawn from the five local government areas of Kogi Central, reiterated their commitment to the recall, stating that the embarrassment caused by the embattled senator had taken an “international dimension.”

This position was contained in a statement on Thursday, jointly signed by the President and Secretary of the Kogi Central Elites Forum, Alhaji Ibrahim Ibrahim and Prince Akerejola Johnson of Ogori/Magongo LGA, respectively.

The constituents urged Nigerians to dismiss what they described as “deliberate mischief” by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s camp, which suggested that people were deceived into supporting the recall exercise.

“No one is sponsoring this recall. Our people are largely united on this cause. From the history of Ebiras, you know we cannot be deceived. What she has done has been mainly propaganda. Even some of us that supported her on social media then are no longer with her. We cannot trade the integrity of the state and Nigeria for a Senator’s selfish, juvenile tendencies.

“A matter as simple as not taking an assigned seat in the Senate should not be one that would warrant a ‘sexual harassment’ national embarrassment of this nature, especially where all evidence point to blackmail. This is not who we are as Ebiras,” the statement read.

Addressing concerns about the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) stance on the recall process, the group clarified that the electoral body’s role had been misrepresented.

INEC has no official role until after this signature collection phase. We are the ones that are doing the recall, the petitioners. We have to ensure that the required threshold is met before formally presenting it for verification. This is where INEC comes in,” they explained.

They urged the public to disregard “mischievous interpretations” of the recall process, stressing that politicians would always frame events to suit their interests.

“For us as Ebira people, we are determined to bring Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan back home. While she is at home, she may learn the rudiments of representing her constituents better.

“Ordinarily, we would never have allowed anyone to intimidate our daughter if she was on her right. But in this particular instance, she disrespected the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which has clear rules and went on to introduce slants that have never been heard of in the history of the Senate.

“We investigated and we know the truth. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan should come home and learn the art of law-making. It is not about content creation like many people have said,” the statement concluded.

The National Assembly has been engulfed in controversy following allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio after Akpoti-Uduaghan was penalized for refusing to adhere to Senate rules.

Court restrains PDP, Damagum, others from expelling Anyanwu

Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has restrained the Peoples Democratic Party, its acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and members of the National Disciplinary Committee led by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Ikimi from expelling Senator Samuel Anyanwu from the party.

Justice Y. Halilu, in an order dated March 20, and exclusively obtained by The PUNCH on Friday, issued the directive after hearing Motion Ex-parte M/3951/2025, filed on March 17, 2025, along with an affidavit of urgency. The court also listened to the arguments of Anyanwu’s counsel, K.C. O Njemanze, and M. L. Young-Arney.

As reported exclusively by The PUNCH on March 13, the National Disciplinary Committee, led by the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, recommended the expulsion of Senator Samuel Anyanwu, a loyalist of ex-Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, from the PDP.

In a letter signed by Ikimi on March 10 and received by the PDP acting National Chairman on March 11, the NDC stated that, despite being given an opportunity, Anyanwu failed to deny or defend himself against the petition filed by the Young Generation Caucus.

Ikimi committee’s report read in part “Having listened to the petitioners and the evidence led, including the oral testimonies of Hon. Afolabi Adekanbi and Dr Alex Adum, we find that the respondent, Senator Samuel Anyawu, was engaged in anti-party activities contrary to the provisions of Article 58 (1)(f) of the PDP Constitution 2017 and conduct likely to disrupt the peaceful, lawful and efficient conduct of the business of the party contrary to provisions of Article 58(1)(h) of the PDP Constitution 2017, by inviting security agents and other persons and thugs to interfere in the ordinary business of the party at the Headquarters of the party, at Wadata Plaza, Plot 1970, Michael Opara Street, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja., particularly 29th January and 1st February 2025.

“The NDC recommends to the National Executive Committee of the PDP as follows: Expulsion of the Respondent i.e. Senator Samuel Anyawu, as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party.”

Consequently, the High Court in Abuja issued an interim injunction, restraining Damagum, the PDP, Ikimi, and other disciplinary committee members from accepting, acting on, or implementing the National Disciplinary Committee’s findings, decision, or recommendations until the Motion on Notice for an Interlocutory Injunction is heard and decided.

The order read in part, “An Order of Interim Injunction restraining the Damagum and PDP their officers, agents and or servants from in whatsoever manner accepting, acting on, implementing and or giving effect to the findings, decision and or recommendation of the National Disciplinary Committee of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (headed by the Ikimi with Senator Abdullahi Idris Uka, Eyitayo Jegede SAN as members) made on 10th March, 2025 pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction, is hereby granted.

“An order of interim injunction restraining the Damagum and PDP, including the National Disciplinary Committee of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, their officers, agents and or servants howsoever or whatsoever manner from suspending and or expelling the Anyanwu as a member of the Peoples’ Democratic Party or taking actions or steps adverse or prejudicial to or likely to be adverse or prejudicial to the Anyanwu’s membership of the Peoples’ Democratic Party pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction, is hereby granted.”

The motion on notice has been adjourned for hearing on April 7.

Emefiele’s trial: Court declines EFCC’s attempt to add new evidence

By Deborah Musa

The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, refused to allow the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to include additional proof of evidence against the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.

Justice Hamza Muazu refused allowing the prosecution while delivering ruling in a motion filed by Emefiele through his legal team, led by Mathew Burkaa (SAN).

Emefiele, in the charge marked FCT/HC/CR/577/2023, is facing trial for alleged procurement fraud brought against him by the EFCC.

When the case was called, Justice Muazu stated he would proceed directly to deliver his ruling on the defendant’s application.

Emefiele had in an application, opposed the EFCC’s attempt to introduce fresh evidence more than 365 days after the charges against him were filed.

The EFCC filed the additional proof of evidence on October 15, 2024, seeking to bring two witnesses, Tommy John and Ifeanyi Omeke, whose extrajudicial statements were made in August 2024, concerning charges filed against the defendant in August 2023.

In his ruling, Justice Muazu noted that the EFCC had earlier, on February 12, 2024, filed additional proof of evidence to accommodate the testimonies of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, and Bamayi Haruna Mairiga.

He highlighted that the charges against Emefiele were initially filed on August 14, 2023, and his plea was taken on November 16, 2023.

Justice Muazu held that the EFCC’s actions resembled a denial of fair trial because the defendant had not been confronted with the new evidence during the investigation, as required by law. He described the EFCC’s actions as “trial by ambush” and akin to “fishing for evidence” in a trial that commenced on November 28, 2023.

The judge ruled that allowing the additional proof of evidence after several amendments to the charges would prejudice the defendant, thereby breaching his right to a fair hearing.

He emphasized that, under the law, charges should be filed upon the completion of investigations and the establishment of a prima facie case. In this instance, he observed, the contrary was evident.

Justice Muazu, however, declined to strike out the charges entirely, as both parties had already joined issues, and the trial was nearing completion.

The judge maintained that justice would best be served if the trial were concluded on its merits and a final judgment delivered.

Additionally, Justice Muazu refused to expunge the evidence of Boss Mustapha and Bamayi Haruna Mairiga from court records, as requested by Emefiele.

The defendant had argued that the evidence violated Section 36(2) of the 1999 Constitution on fair hearing, citing that the witnesses’ statements were introduced long after the trial commenced without prior confrontation.

Justice Muazu fixed June 3 for the continuation of the trial.

Okpebholo distances self from S-South govs’ stance on Rivers emergency rule

By Adeyinka Adedipe

The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpehbolo on Thursday disassociated himself from a statement by South-South governors opposing the emergency rule declared in Rivers State.

In a statement by Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, said that the step taken by the President Bola Tinubu is based on his understanding of the issue.

The statement read, “The position by the governors of the South-South, opposing the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, did not get the nod of Governor Monday Okpebholo, who was neither consulted nor informed.

“While Governor Monday Okpebholo acknowledges the right of other Governors in the South-South geopolitical zone to take a position, he, however dissociates himself from any statement that opposes the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.

“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, understands the issues at stake.

“Governor Okpebholo supports actions so far taken by President Tinubu that will bring lasting solutions and peace to Rivers State and the South-South geopolitical zone.”

VIDEO: A’Ibom gov gifts bizwoman ₦5m after emotional pitch

By Anine Juliet Oghale

A young businesswoman in Akwa Ibom State was emotionally overwhelmed after Governor Umo Eno generously supported her dry food production business with ₦5 million.

The touching moment occurred when the woman approached the governor, seeking assistance for her cassava powder and banana product business. She explained that she currently operates from her home due to the lack of a shop.

The video went viral on social media, with many Nigerians praising the governor and the woman’s preparedness.

Click here to watch video

Again Bandits attack Benue community

By John Charles

No fewer than five people have been killed after bandits invaded two communities in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

Locals claimed that two soldiers were among the casualties, but security agencies are yet to confirm this.

According to residents, the affected communities, Mgbaigbe and Mbaitye, were attacked on Wednesday by gunmen who stormed the area in a coordinated assault.

The attackers were said to have ambushed a military surveillance team in the area, allegedly killing two soldiers in the process.

Several villages in Turan land, including Moon, Mbaikyor, Mbadura, Kumakwagh, and Yaav, have suffered repeated attacks in recent times, forcing residents to flee to Jato-Acka, where they are now taking refuge.

President General of Mdzough U Tiv Worldwide, Retired Comptroller of Prisons, Iorbee Ihagh, confirmed the attack to our correspondent on Thursday, urging residents to defend themselves against the bandits.

“These attackers, who are Fulani herdsmen, are gradually taking over Benue. If they succeed in capturing Jato-Acka, the headquarters of Turan, then the entire Tiv nation is in danger. Jato-Acka is the ancestral home of the Tiv people, just as Ile-Ife is to the Yoruba,” Ihagh said.

He commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his developmental strides but urged him to step up efforts to secure lives and property in the state.

Ihagh also called on the Tiv people to revive their traditional defence mechanisms.

“In the 19th century, our ancestors defeated the Fulani during the jihad war using poisonous arrows. I am calling on our people to go back to their traditional ways and defend themselves. Enough of running away,” he declared.

Confirming the incident, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Joe Har, said efforts were ongoing to verify the casualties.

“Yes, I heard about the attack in Kwande, but I cannot confirm the number of casualties because I have been unable to reach the military commandant in the area due to poor communication networks,” he said.

When contacted, the spokesman for the Benue State Police Command, Catherine Anene, neither confirmed nor denied the incident.

“We have officers managing the crisis in Kwande,” she said.

The attack adds to the wave of violent incidents that have plagued Benue communities in recent times, with residents calling for urgent government intervention.

Emergency rule: Tinubu welcomes NASS approval, says Rivers crisis threatened economic gains

By Stephen Angbulu

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday lauded the National Assembly for its decisive and patriotic ratification of the State of Emergency proclamation in Rivers State.

He said the move is a critical step to restoring stability after a protracted political crisis that paralysed governance in the oil-rich state and endangered national economic security for over 15 months.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the President’s reaction in a statement he signed Thursday titled, ‘President Tinubu salutes National Assembly for patriotic stand on Rivers State emergency proclamation.’

The President specifically commended the National Assembly’s leadership—Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, other principal officers and members—for “prioritising the security and welfare of Rivers State people above partisan interests and other considerations,” the statement read.

He further acknowledged the lawmakers’ diligent review of classified security briefings, underscoring the urgent need for intervention to prevent further escalation.

“The crisis in Rivers State was at a perilous tipping point, threatening the security of vital oil and gas installations and undermining the national economy and the significant progress we have made in the reforms initiated since our administration commenced in May 2023,” Tinubu remarked.

He continued, “As I detailed in my address to the nation on 18 March, the near-total collapse of governance, threats to federal economic assets, and the risk of widespread violence left no room for hesitation.

“This emergency measure is a lifeline to safeguard livelihoods, secure critical infrastructure, and restore democratic accountability.”

The President affirmed that the six-month emergency will empower the newly-appointed Sole Administrator to stabilise Rivers State, address systemic breakdowns, and facilitate dialogue among conflicting parties.

Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the National Assembly to advance peace, economic resilience, and equitable development across Nigeria.

“Today’s decision exemplifies what our nation can achieve when unity of purpose and patriotism guide the action of leaders.

“We remain steadfast in pursuing a safer, more prosperous Nigeria—one where every citizen’s potential is safeguarded and nurtured,” said the president.

He thanked all Nigerians for their understanding and urged all stakeholders to support the restoration of peace in Rivers State.

BREAKING: Rivers sole administrator arrives Govt House, holds security meeting

By Dennis Naku

The Sole Administrator for River State, Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (retd.), has arrived in the state to resume duties.

Ibas arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport at about 11:25 am on Thursday and was received by top officials and security personnel.

The sole administrator, accompanied by the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju and the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 16, immediately proceeded to Government House, Port Harcourt afterwards.

Ibas has already arrived at the Government House and was conducted around by some government officials.

He is currently in a closed-door meeting with senior security officers, Federal Government delegation and state government officials.

He was sworn in on Wednesday by President Bola Tinubu.