Category: Politics

Bayelsa, Delta Govs Inaction Could Backfire – Tietie warns amid Rivers crisis

Emporium Reporters

Six days after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, the decision continue to stir controversy, with critics decrying it as an attack on democracy and an unconstitutional overreach.   Amid the growing backlash, socio-political critic and lawyer, Frank Tietie, has faulted the inaction of Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for not taking legal action to challenge the declaration at the Supreme Court.   Tietie, the Executive Director of Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER), warned via…

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah sworn in as Namibia’s first female President, pledges economic growth

Emporium Reporters

Namibia made history on Friday as Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as the country’s first female president. Her inauguration, attended by several African heads of state, mark a new chapter in Namibia’s political landscape while extending the ruling party’s 35-year grip on power. At 72, Nandi-Ndaitwah become one of the few women to lead an African nation. Her victory came despite a strong challenge from the opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), which secured 25.5% of the presidential vote. In her first address as President, Nandi-Ndaitwah pledged to focus on…

APC applauds National Assembly’s swift approval of Emergency Rule in Rivers State

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended the National Assembly for its swift approval of President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, described the decision as a patriotic move to safeguard peace and security in the oil-rich state.   In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC praised the 10th Assembly for prioritizing national interest over partisanship, particularly acknowledging the opposition caucus for supporting the emergency measures.   “The President is committed to ensuring peace, maintaining law and order, protecting…

NNPC debunks Port Harcourt refinery explosion rumor, assures public of safety

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has dismissed reports of an explosion at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) in Rivers State, urged the public and media to disregard the misinformation.   In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye, clarified that the incident in question was a controlled flare operation, which has since been fully contained.   “There is no danger or health hazard to staff, the surrounding communities, or the environment,” the statement assured.   The…

Senator Ipinsagba’s 18-Month Scorecard: Transforming Ondo North with Developmental Strides

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac, Abuja   Senator Emmanuel Olajide Ipinsagba, representing Ondo North Senatorial District and serving as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement, has showcased his achievements over the past 18 months. During an interactive session with selected journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the APC chieftain highlighted key developmental projects and initiatives that have positively impacted his constituents.   Within his first three months in office, Senator Ipinsagba initiated three signature projects across the six local government areas in Ondo North. These included a state-of-the-art cottage hospital…

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…

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…

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…

Reps members Jallo Hussaini, Adamu Tanko dump PDP for APC amid political realignments

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Two members of the House of Representatives have defected from the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing dissatisfaction with their former party’s leadership and confidence in the APC-led administration. The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, announced their defections during plenary on Tuesday, marking another shift in the National Assembly’s political dynamics. Hon. Jallo Hussaini Mohammed, who represents Igabi Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, and Hon. Adamu Tanko, representing Gurara/Suleja/Tafa Federal Constituency in Niger State, officially declared their move to the…

NPC DG Dan’Agundi Flags Off 4-Day Capacity Building Programme for Research Officers

Abubakar Yusuf

In a strategic move to enhance staff efficiency and productivity, the Director-General of the National Productivity Centre (NPC), Dr. Baffa Babba Dan’Agundi, has declared open a four-day capacity-building programme for research officers. The training aims to strengthen their knowledge, skills, and competencies in utilizing productivity tools and techniques.   The programme, which commenced on March 17, 2025, at the Anti-Corruption Academy in Keffi, is themed “Basic Productivity Improvement Tools and Techniques.”   While declaring the training open, Dr. Dan’Agundi reaffirmed the NPC’s commitment to driving the national productivity movement, monitoring…