Day: March 19, 2025

Rivers State: Why Tinubu’s administration resort to state of emergency ? By Abba Dukawa

Emporium Reporters

The political crisis began in December 2023, when Governor Siminalayi Fubara ordered the demolition of the state House of Assembly complex, which remains unrebuilt to this day. This act has effectively paralyzed the legislative arm, disrupting the state’s system of checks and balances.   The Supreme Court highlighted the severity of this situation on February 28, 2025, emphasizing the absence of a functional government in Rivers State and the executive’s role in collapsing the legislative arm, thereby creating a governance void   Additionally, recent reports indicate that militants have been…

Edo Govt accuses PDP of spreading misinformation on $10 million Newspaper Fund

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Edo State Government has criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for allegedly distorting facts regarding Governor Monday Okpebholo’s recent statements on state finances.   In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, the government accused the PDP’s caretaker committee and its spokesperson, Chris Nehikhare, of misrepresenting the Governor’s remarks. The government clarified that Okpebholo was referring to the alleged misappropriation of $10 million by former Governor Godwin Obaseki through The Observer Newspaper ahead of the 2024 governorship election, rather than the procurement of…

Gov Okpebholo completes Remedial Work on 55km Benin-Iruekpen Federal Road

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has completed remedial works on the 55-kilometer Benin-Iruekpen federal road, easing movement for motorists and enhancing economic activities in the state.   During an inspection tour of the expressway, covering Aduwawa, Obadan junction, Ugha, Okhuo, and Obagie, the governor expressed satisfaction with the quality of work delivered by the contractor. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to road infrastructure, regardless of whether they fall under federal or state jurisdiction.   “You can see what my administration has done in terms of fixing federal roads in…

Rivers Crisis: AGF says emergency rule averted Fubara’s impeachment

Emporium Reporters

Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has defended the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, stating that it was a necessary compromise to prevent the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.   Speaking to State House Correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, Fagbemi explained that the move was intended to stabilize governance in the state amid heightened political tensions.   Fagbemi recalled that the Rivers State House of Assembly had initiated…

Niger Govt orders civil servants to refund excess february salaries or face sanctions

Emporium Reporters

The Niger State Government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has directed civil servants who received multiple salary payments in February 2025 to refund the excess funds or risk penalties. According to a statement jointly signed by Comrade Idris A. Lafene, NLC State Chairman, and Comrade Ibrahim Gana, TUC State Chairman, affected workers must return the overpaid amounts to the government’s salary account by the end of March 2025. The directive mandated civil servants to include their name and control number in…

Gov Fubara addresses Rivers People ,as President Tinubu declares State of Emergency

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a moment of political uncertainty, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has addressed the people of Rivers State, reaffirming his commitment to peace and governance despite the challenges posed by the ongoing crisis. His speech come shortly before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the worsening political standoff between the executive and the Rivers State House of Assembly.   Governor Fubara, in his address, expressed frustration over the actions of the Assembly, accused its members of frustrating peace efforts despite his compliance with the Supreme…

Senate advances bill to enhance Articulated Vehicle Safety

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac, Abuja   The Nigerian Senate has passed for second reading a bill seeking to regulate the movement and safety of articulated vehicles on the nation’s roads to curb frequent accidents and fatalities. The bill, titled Articulated Vehicle Safety Regulation Bill, was sponsored by Senator Hussaini Babangida Uba (Jigawa North-West). In his lead debate, he emphasized the need for stricter regulations to ensure the roadworthiness of articulated vehicles, particularly petroleum tankers, in line with the Nigerian Constitution. Key provisions of the bill include mandatory six-month vehicle inspections, enforcement…