The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as “unconstitutional and reckless.”
Obi accused Tinubu of disregarding rule of law and showing a dangerous willingness to trample on democracy.
“The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is not just reckless—it is a clear attempt to return us to a state of nature and tighten its grip on power at all costs.
“It has plunged us back into a state of lawlessness, hugely undoing the progress we have made in these 26 years of democratic journey.
“It is a degrading back door imposition of martial rule on a strategic part of the federation with all the implied negatives,” Obi said in a statement on Wednesday via X.
Obi asserted that the political situation in Rivers does not justify the emergency rule and the suspension of Governor Siminlayi Fubara, his deputy and state lawmakers, adding that the action is also a biased interpretation of section 305(1) of the 1999 constitution.
He said, “A state of emergency does not mean an elected Governor can be removed unilaterally. This decision does not align with democratic norms or good governance. Instead, it appears to be a predetermined action serving specific interests rather than the collective good of the people of Rivers State and Nigeria.
“This action constitutes an unconstitutional overreach, setting a dangerous precedent that threatens democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. If left unchecked, it could foster a culture of impunity.
“Having already been grappling with non-adherence to electoral qualifications, rules, and massive rigging, adding arbitrary removal of elected officials will push us to a state of nature and anarchy.”
Obi, therefore, appealed to the National Assembly and all stakeholders not to allow the emergence rule to stand, saying that the action will deepens the culture of impunity and threatens democracy.
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has expressed his strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
In a statement on Tuesday issued by the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Matawalle stated that this decisive action is vital for restoring stability to the state’s turbulent political landscape.
He asserted that the emergency rule is a necessary measure to address the ongoing political crisis, which has hindered the delivery of democratic governance and the welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Reflecting on the President’s address regarding the state of emergency, the minister acknowledged the gravity of the political crisis in Rivers State and the urgent need for intervention.
Matawalle highlighted the unfortunate demolition of the House of Assembly by the state governor, which has left the state without a functioning legislature for over fourteen months.
The statement added, “This action has contributed to the ongoing political impasse and the inability of the government to effectively serve the people.”
The minister also noted the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, which reaffirmed the constitutional necessity of a functioning legislature and condemned the governor’s actions as unconstitutional.
Matawalle further expressed concern over recent reports of vandalism and threats from militants, underscoring the need for a unified effort to restore peace and security.
He reiterated that the Federal Government is committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens and the protection of vital infrastructure in Rivers State.
It added, “In light of the current situation, the Nigerian Military is on high alert to safeguard government infrastructure and ensure the security of the citizens.
“Any attempts to attack government facilities or disrupt public order will be met with a resolute response from security forces.”
He, therefore, urged all stakeholders to embrace this opportunity for renewed governance and cooperation and expressed hope that the state of emergency will pave the way for a peaceful and democratic Rivers State, benefitting all its residents.
President Bola Tinubu has named Admiral Ibokette Ibas, an administrator for Rivers State.
Ibas was appointed after Tinubu announced the suspension of the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu for six months.
Prior to his appointment, he was the 22nd Chief of the Naval Staff, a position he held until 2021.
Below are things to know about the new administrator:
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (CFR, psc+ GSS AM ndc MSc) was born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, Nigeria.
He enlisted in the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of the 26 Regular Course on June 20, 1979, and was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant on January 1, 1983.
Ibas began his primary education at Nko Primary School and later completed it at Big Qua Primary School, Calabar, in 1971.
He proceeded to Hope Waddell Training Institute, Calabar, from 1972 to 1976, before attending the School of Basic Studies, Ogoja, between 1977 and 1979.
He furthered his education at the Nigerian Defence Academy and later obtained a master’s degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
He completed the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course at INS Venduruthy, India, between 1983 and 1984, and underwent Primary Pilot Training at the 301 Primary Flying Training School, Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna, between 1986 and 1987.
In 1990, he attended the Junior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, and later participated in the Amphibious Warfare Course at the United States Marine Corps University, Quantico, Virginia, in 1992.
He also specialised in Underwater Warfare at NNS Quorra in 1994 and completed the Senior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, in 1997. Additionally, he attended the National Defence Course at the National Defence College, Islamabad, Pakistan, in 2005.
As a midshipman, he was posted on board NNS Ruwan Yaro, NNS Obuma, and NNS Aradu. After his commission, he served as a watchkeeping officer on NNS Ayam and NNS Ekpe.
Between 1993 and 1996, he was the executive officer of NNS Siri, NNS Ekun, and NNS Ambe. He also served as the commanding officer of the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School from 1997 to 1998 and later led the Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, from 1998 to 2000.
His staff appointments included serving as a directing staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, from 2000 to 2002, and later as deputy commandant in 2014.
He was the naval provost marshal between 2003 and 2004 and served as the principal staff officer to the Chief of Naval Staff from 2004 to 2005.
Between 2006 and 2009, he was the commander of the Naval Air Base, Ojo, and later the chief staff officer at the Naval Training Command, Lagos, from 2010 to 2011.
He held several other key positions, including chief of administration at the Naval Headquarters (2011–2012), Navy Secretary (2012–2013), and flag officer commanding Western Naval Command (2013–2014). In 2014, he was appointed chief of logistics and subsequently became the GMD/CEO of Nigerian Navy Holdings Limited.
On July 13, 2015, Ibas was appointed as the 22nd Chief of the Naval Staff, a position he held until 2021. Following his retirement from the Navy, he remained an influential figure in national security and maritime affairs.
On March 18, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibas as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state. His role involves overseeing governance and restoring order in the state amid political instability.
Suni Williams(L) and Butch Wilmore enroute to the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41 Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara, File)
NASA astronauts, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who were left stranded in space for months due to technical issues, have finally returned to earth.
The duo landed safely on Wednesday as SpaceX’s Dragon Freedom capsule splashed down off the coast of Florida, ending a mission that was supposed to last just eight days but stretched to nine months.
NASA confirmed their return on Wednesday in a post on X, saying, “Home sweet home. NASA’s SpaceX #Crew9 touched down at Johnson Space Center’s Ellington Field in Houston at 11:19 pm CDT, March 18, after their @Space_Station mission and successful splashdown earlier this afternoon.”
PUNCH Online reports that Williams and Wilmore had travelled to the International Space Station in June 2024 aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft for its first crewed test flight.
However, the capsule suffered multiple technical failures and was deemed too unsafe for their return.
By September, NASA decided to send the faulty Starliner back to Earth empty, leaving the astronauts without a ride home.
They were later assigned seats on a SpaceX capsule, but since it was part of a six-month mission, they had to wait until now to return.
Despite being described as “stranded,” NASA maintained that the astronauts were safe throughout, as emergency spacecraft remained docked at the ISS.
BBC reports that during their extended stay, Williams and Wilmore carried out research experiments and spacewalks, with Williams setting a new record for the most time spent outside the space station by a female astronaut.
NASA officials praised the astronauts for their patience and adaptability.
“It is awesome to have crew 9 home, just a beautiful landing,” said deputy associate administrator for NASA’s Space Operations, Joel Montalbano.
The astronauts’ return journey took 17 hours. Upon landing, they were assisted onto stretchers, a routine step after long-duration space missions due to the effects of microgravity on the body.
They were then taken to the Johnson Space Center in Houston for medical checks.
Experts say prolonged time in space weakens muscles, reduces bone density, and affects blood circulation, requiring astronauts to undergo extensive rehabilitation upon their return.
“Your body feels great, it feels like a holiday.
“Your heart is having an easy time, your muscles and bones are having an easy time. You’re floating around the space station in this wonderful zero-gravity environment.
“But you must keep up the exercise regime. Because you’re staying fit in space, not for space itself, but for when you return back to the punishing gravity environment of Earth.
“Those first two or three days back on Earth can be really punishing,” British astronaut Tim Peake told BBC.
Ghana’s President John Mahama’s verified X account was hacked for 48 hours, with cybercriminals using it to promote a fraudulent cryptocurrency project, his spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday.
The breach, which began on Saturday, was first noticed on Sunday when the compromised account started posting endorsements for Solanafrica, falsely claiming to be “led by Ghana’s President John Mahama to make payments across Africa free using the Solana blockchain.”
The hackers urged Mahama’s followers to invest in the scheme, claiming it was an initiative to revolutionise financial transactions on the continent.
The fraudulent posts were deleted after the President’s team noticed the breach, but the account continued sharing crypto-related content, including hints about the launch of a new memecoin.
“The President’s X account was compromised, and we have taken action to regain control,” spokesman Kwakye Ofosu told AFP on Tuesday.
“The account has now been fully restored, and we urge the public to disregard any suspicious cryptocurrency-related posts from the handle.”
The breach highlights growing concerns over the rise of crypto-related scams in Africa, where digital assets have gained popularity, but regulatory oversight remains weak.
Scammers frequently hijack verified accounts to push fake investment opportunities.
“My team has restored my account, working with the X support team. Thank you for your enquiries and offers to assist,” Mahama posted on the X account on Tuesday.
In July 2023, South African opposition leader Julius Malema’s X account was hacked and used to promote a fraudulent token project. Similarly, in 2022, Nigerian businessman Tony Elumelu’s account was compromised, flooding his timeline with bogus crypto giveaways.
Cybersecurity experts warn that high-profile figures must tighten security measures to prevent such breaches.
“Prominent personalities, especially those in government, need to implement stringent backend security checks,” said Abubakar Issaka, a cybersecurity expert at Ghana’s Centre for Cyberwatch and Data Protection.
“Two-factor authentication alone is no longer enough. They must also monitor log-in activities, limit third-party app access, and have a dedicated team ensuring 24/7 surveillance of their accounts to detect and neutralise any suspicious activity before it escalates,” he told AFP.
Solana has gained traction in Africa due to its lower transaction fees compared to Bitcoin and Ethereum, and scammers have increasingly used its name to swindle investors.
Ofosu said authorities had taken necessary steps to prevent further misuse of Mahama’s account.
The Rivers State Government has debunked social media reports that former President, Olusegun Obasanjo and a delegation of the Pan Niger Delta Forum paid a visit to the state governor, Similarlyi Fubara, last Sunday.
The state government said the claim was malicious from those trying to cause chaos and lawlessness in the state, describing it as fake news.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Nelson Chukwudi, in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Chukwudi said the claims do not deserve a response but for the impression it may create in the minds of the public, insisting that neither Obasanjo nor a delegation by PANDEF visited the state Government House.
The statement read, “Our attention has been drawn to a malicious post circulating on social media, claiming that a delegation of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum paid a Solidarity Visit on Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, in Government House on Sunday, March 16, 2025. There is also another planted by some people bent on causing chaos and anarchy in the State, alleging that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, paid a visit to the Governor in Government House, Port Harcourt.
“Ordinarily, we would not have responded to these spurious claims and obvious fake news on social media, but for the erroneous impression they may create on the minds of gullible and unsuspecting members of the public, and indeed, well-meaning Rivers people. For that reason, let it be clarified that there was no such visit by any delegation of PANDEF to Governor Fubara on the said date, neither did Chief Obasanjo visit him as claimed by our detractors.
“So, whatever the purveyors of the vexatious narratives are pushing on social media are only the imagination of enemies of the state, who do not want peace, good governance and even development that the present administration has been working hard to bequeath to the present and future generations. The governor has made it abundantly clear that he would comply and implement, to the fullest, the judgment of the Supreme Court on the political crisis in the State.
“He has already initiated processes to ensure that orders of the apex court are implemented, but the Rivers State House of Assembly has refused to cooperate with the governor to facilitate the resolution of all issues raised by the court. As stated earlier, the governor is ready any day, any time to do the needful to ensure the resolution of the issues and smooth functioning of all arms of government in the state.”
The Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists has stated that Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings’ acquisition of the entire equity holding in the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria is a testament to Nigerian companies’ ability to manage and operate large-scale oil and gas assets.
In a statement signed by NAPE president,
Mr. Johnbosco Uche and made available to PUNCH Online on Tuesday, NAPE emphasised the importance of indigenous ownership in strengthening Nigeria’s energy landscape.
PUNCH Online reports that Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings successfully completed the landmark transaction between itself and Shell for the acquisition of the entire equity holding in the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria.
“The successful completion of this divestment is a testament to the maturity and capability of Nigerian companies to manage and operate large-scale oil and gas assets.
“It reinforces our long-standing advocacy for enhanced local content participation, which is critical for capacity development, energy security, and sustainable production growth.
“At NAPE, we have consistently championed policies and initiatives that drive responsible exploration and production to combat energy poverty and ensure economic stability for millions of Nigerians,” Uche said
According to him, the landmark share sale deal transfers Shell’s 30 per cent stake in 18 Oil Mining Leases within the SPDC Joint Venture to indigenous ownership, marking a new era for Nigeria’s upstream sector.
He said, “The acquisition by Renaissance marks a pivotal step in deepening local capacity-building, fostering indigenous technical expertise, and maximising in-country value retention.
“Additionally, it aligns with Nigeria’s strategic objective to optimise hydrocarbon resources while driving revenue generation and economic diversification.”
Uche also said the transaction signals a positive trajectory for Nigeria’s energy sector and reflects growing investor confidence.
“NAPE remains committed to fostering strategic collaboration among government, investors, and industry stakeholders to ensure a resilient, innovative, and sustainable energy sector that secures Nigeria’s long-term prosperity,” the statement read.
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested a 30-year-old woman, Hauwa Sani, for allegedly smuggling ammunition concealed in a palm oil container.
The police also apprehended a syndicate transporting hard drugs meant for criminals operating in Yobe State.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
He noted that the arrests were made by the Force Intelligence Department-Special Tactical Squad during separate operations.
According to the statement, Sani was intercepted along the Keffi-Abuja Expressway on December 23, 2024, while carrying 124 rounds of live ammunition of different calibres hidden inside a five-litre container of palm oil.
She allegedly confessed that one Nasiru of Daura had instructed her to deliver the ammunition to Katsina State.
The police said further investigations were ongoing.
In another operation on February 1, 2025, the FID-STS operatives arrested three suspects—50-year-old Alhaji Usman Yahaya, 27-year-old Joseph Matthew, and 25-year-old Solomon Bala—residents of Potiskum, Yobe State.
They were caught transporting 30 cartons of codeine syrup and other hard drugs allegedly meant for supply to bandits, Boko Haram insurgents, and kidnappers operating in Yobe and neighbouring countries.
The police also busted an arms smuggling ring on February 3, 2025, arresting three suspects—Yusuf Dantani, 24; Usman Labaran, 32; and Musa Mohammed, 23—who were found in possession of 10 AK-47 rifles.
Upon interrogation, the suspects reportedly admitted to dealing in arms and said they had received nearly N4 million for their last batch of weapons.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to dismantling criminal enterprises and ensuring the safety of citizens. We urge the public to support our efforts by providing timely and accurate information that can aid in crime prevention and detection,” the statement added.
The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has officially written to the state House of Assembly, notifying it of its new majority status.
The letter was read by the Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, during the plenary on Tuesday in Benin.
The letter, personally addressed to the Speaker, was titled: ‘Notification of APC majority status in the Edo State House of Assembly.’
In part, the letter stated: “We write to inform you that APC has achieved majority status in the House following the defection of several members from the PDP and LP.
“Hon. Bright Iyamu of Orhionmwon II, Hon. Richard Edosa of Oredo West, Hon. Chief Sunday Ojiezele of Esan South East and Hon. Roland Okogbe from Akoko-Edo are now APC members.
“At the appropriate time, we will notify your office of the consequential effects resulting from this change in the House.
Agbebaku confirmed that the letter was received from the APC secretariat, clarifying that APC now holds the majority in the assembly.
Agbebaku wished the defectors well in their political journeys, adding that he would await another letter from the APC regarding the nomination of principal officers.
“Distinguished members, as you heard, the letter confirms the APC now holds the majority in the House. We await further letters of nomination of their principal officers,” he said
The four defecting lawmakers joined the APC from various parties, including the PDP and Labour Party, bringing the number of the APC lawmakers to 13, while the PDP now has 11.
