“In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the governor and deputy governor of Rivers State having failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by Section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th March 2025 and I so do.” –President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

If there is anybody I do not expect to commit constitutional infractions, it is our dear President Bola Tinubu. From 1990 or thereabout, he bestrode Nigeria’s political scene like a colossus. He was elected to the Nigerian Senate under the Babangida endless transition programme, which terminated on August 28, 1993. After Gen. Sani Abacha took over the reins of government sequel to the palace coup that led to the ouster of Chief Ernest Shonekan as head of the Interim National Government on November 17, 1993, Tinubu and likeminded democrats teamed up to form the National Democratic Coalition, better known as NADECO. They demanded immediate de-annulment of the June 12 presidential election and a return to civil rule. Tinubu had to flee abroad after Abacha’s goons were all out for the NADECO members and he only returned in 1998, after Abacha died, to participate in the birth of this Fourth Republic.

Though he started as a federal lawmaker, Bola Tinnubu was in 1999 elected as governor of Lagos and re-elected in 2003, the only Alliance for Democracy governor to survive Obasanjo’s People’s Democratic Party onslaught to take over the six states in South-West Nigeria. He became the last man standing among the six Alliance for Democracy governors elected in 1999. Since he left the office of governor in 2007, he has birthed many political godchildren. All his successors in Lagos State were his anointed candidates. Tinubu was so influential in South-West politics to the extent that he was said to be instrumental to the emergence of Governors Rauf Aregebesola and Gboyega Oyetola in Osun State, Governor Kayode Fayemi in Ekiti State, Governor Abiola Ajimobi in Oyo State, Governor Dapo Abiodun in Ogun State and even the immediate past Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, to mention a few.

Someone with that kind of democratic credential is expected to hold the Constitution in high esteem and maintain fidelity to the rule of law. It is on record that he fought for local government autonomy way back in 2002 when he engaged in a titanic legal battle against former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who seized the federal allocation meant for the 20 Lagos State Local Government Councils after his (Tinubu’s) government created additional 37 local council development areas. Tinubu won at the Supreme Court and the seized funds were eventually released by Obasanjo’s government.

Given his sound political sagacity and pedigree, I did not expect President Tinubu to commit the gaffe he did when he declared a state of emergency in Rivers State last week, Tuesday, March 18, 2025.  Yes, the political crisis in Rivers State indeed started in September 2023 after the Rivers State House of Assembly mooted the impeachment of Governor Siminalaye Fubara. The governor’s camp fought back by allegedly committing arson on the State Assembly, leading to the eventual demolition of the Assembly complex, thereby frustrating the impeachment move. The President indeed mediated in the political crisis in December 2023, which led to an eight-point resolution. While the governor largely fulfilled his side of the agreement by reabsorbing the nine commissioners who resigned from his cabinet and withdrew the cases filled in court, the camp of the lawmakers, under the guidance of their godfather, the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, continually made things difficult for the governor.

Fubara is not blameless in the political crisis, as his failure to represent the 2024 budget as well as withholding the salaries and allowances of the 27 lawmakers of Rivers State is provocative. His conduct in the October 5, 2024, local government election and encouragement of the defection of his loyalists to participate in that election under another political party, the Action People’s Party, smacks of anti-party since he belongs to the Peoples Democratic Party. Perhaps the Rivers State political crisis would not have festered if the 27 state lawmakers who openly claimed to have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress had been manly enough to consummate their defection by registering at their various wards. Yes, they were alleged to have sworn to affidavits at an Abuja Federal High Court, but in the eye of the law, a membership registration card is the sole proof that matters most.

In any event, the Rivers political crisis is a godfather versus godson clash and unless former Governor Wike and the incumbent Fubara are brought to the negotiation table by an impartial panel of arbitrators and mediators, the crisis will linger despite the state of emergency. Wike has consistently maintained that Fubara wanted to wrestle his political structure from him and that is the remote cause of the roforofo fight.

Not a few political pundits have referred to Fubara as a betrayal and traitor. However, it is in the nature and character of politics for the godfather to be betrayed by the godson. It happened in Anambra between Chief Chris Uba and Dr Chris Ngige; it happened in Oyo State between Chief Lamidi Adedibu and Governor Rashidi Ladoja. It is currently happening between former Governor Nasir El-Rufai and the incumbent Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, while not forgetting the ongoing political imbroglio between the Secretary to the Federal Government, Senator George Akume and the current Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia. Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was alleged to have backstabbed Tinubu by contesting against him for the All Progressives Congress presidential ticket in 2022.

President Tinubu goofed by blaming Fubara solely for the Rivers State political crisis and by declaring a state of emergency whereby he suspended the elected governor, deputy governor and lawmakers. Section 305 of the Constitution did not give the President such powers. The grounds for the removal of a governor have been explicitly stated in Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution.

The President was one-sided when he failed to openly or privately reprimand or caution the FCT minister for his unguarded incendiary rhetoric on Governor Fubara and his Ijaw ethnic group. While it is true that Section 305 vested the President the power to declare a state of emergency, it is contemplated that extra measures will be deployed to maintain law and order. This is why since October 1962, when the first state of emergency was declared in the Western Region, down to 2002, when another SoE was declared in Ekiti State and Plateau in 2004, it is only the one former President Goodluck Jonathan declared in 2013 in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe that cannot be faulted, as democratic institutions were not affected.

How different is what President Tinubu did from what the Supreme Court frowned at in its February 28, 2025, judgement on Rivers State when it said, “A government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state under the 1999 Constitution as amended.” Can a government be said to exist when two out of the three arms of government have been suspended?

Sole administratorship is unknown to democracy. Rather than hastily declaring a state of emergency, President Tinubu should have adopted the method he used to resolve the Lagos State House of Assembly leadership crisis when he sent an emissary made up of Chief Bisi Akande and Aremo Olusegun Osoba, both former governors, to mediate in the crisis. Thereafter, he invited the 40 lawmakers to his office in Abuja and had another round of dialogue with them. The President should have likewise raised a panel of impartial mediators to weigh in and resolve the political crisis in Rivers and thereafter have tête-à-tête with the FCT minister and his estranged godson, Fubara. I do hope proper mediation will happen before the expiration of the six months, as any further elongation of the SoE will be deemed an attempt at state capture ahead of the 2027 general elections.

No doubt, the political crisis that President Bola Tinubu caused by proclaiming a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspending Governor Siminalaye Fubara, his Deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the belligerent pro-Wike Rivers State House of Assembly has come to a head.

The state of emergency was preceded by the mind-game between Governor Fubara and the 27 legislators, who were reinstated into the State House of Assembly by a Supreme Court judgement and the Trans-Niger Pipeline that was blown up in Gokana, Rivers State.

Maybe Governor Fubara should not have demolished the State House of Assembly complex at a time that he was still finding his feet. If those elder statesmen who were goading him on indeed had any clout, they should have asked President Tinubu to rein in Nyesom Wike, his Minister of Federal Capital Territory.

Maybe he could have made haste more slowly and not presented his budget proposal to a four-man House of Assembly that lacked the mandatory one-third quorum. The reinstatement of Speaker Martins Amaewhule-led 27 legislators, whom everyone thought had decamped to All Progressives Congress, upset his applecart.

However, signs that things could get worse, as the President sided with his newfound political ally, the garrulous Wike, are in the report of a fire at the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited’s flow station at Cawthorne Channel.

This economic sabotage may have been carried out by individuals who may not be too happy with the seeming victory of garrulous Wike in the impasse that has become the lot of the beleaguered people of Rivers State.

The Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, did not help matters by speculating that Governor Fubara probably instigated those attacks. That speculation is probably now resting after the governor publicly distanced himself from the violent act.

Governor Fubara, who had resolved to work with the reinstated legislators, invited them to a peace meeting. They rejected his overture but required him to present the 2025 budget bill to them within 48 hours. Twice, he wrote them, stating his intention to present the budget bill.

Twice, he reportedly received an embarrassing rebuff. Once, he was even locked out and prevented from entering the premises of the Assembly, which thereafter adjourned sine die without warning. Things got to stalemate proportions when the House invoked Section 48 of the Nigerian Constitution to impeach the governor.

Unconfirmed sources claim that he reached out to Wike, who was rumoured to have demanded that he hand over the local government structure and forgo a 2027 reelection bid. Maybe the quest to gain Rivers State, the ultimate political pawn, in 2027, possibly informed President Tinubu’s choice of the state of emergency.

Of course, the President can argue that his past interventions did not yield the desired outcome and that the state of emergency was a timely device that prevented the impeachment. If President Tinubu had asked Wike to rein in his men in the House of Assembly, maybe there would not be a state of emergency.

Astute statesmanship would have gotten a better result, and thus make the arrogant insinuation by Fagbemi that Governor Fubara was probably saved from the impeachment Sword of Damocles absolutely unnecessary.

It is not enough to say that the President consulted (some faceless stakeholders) before taking the state of emergency option. It would not have been necessary if he had leaned enough on Wike and his collaborators in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Those who argue that the President cannot proclaim a state of emergency are not aware of Section 305 of the Constitution, which merely requires the affirmation of a two-thirds majority of members of the two chambers of the National Assembly after they have received the gazetted proclamation, as prescribed by the Constitution.

But the Constitution is silent on the fate of the governor, his deputy and state legislators during a state of emergency, which Section 305(3) of the Constitution prescribes when the “Federation is at war; in danger of invasion…; there is a breakdown of public order and public safety…; clear and present danger…; any other public danger…; (and if) the President receives a request from… the governor of a state.”

Did Fagbemi recommend Section 45 that appropriates citizens’ fundamental human rights “in the interest of national defence, public safety, public order, public morality, or public health”, during a “period of emergency”, enabled by “proclamation of emergency declared by the President… under Section 305 of the Constitution”, to the President?

Or, Section 11(1), which says, “The National Assembly may make laws for the Federation or any part thereof, with respect to maintenance and securing of public safety and public order and providing, maintaining and securing of (assets)… as may be designated by the National Assembly as essential supplies (like crude and refined petroleum) and services.”

This is reflected in what appears to be the riot act read by the administrator, Vice Marshal Ibok-Ete Ibas, to anyone who may be minded to cause any form of economic, political or violent sabotage in Rivers State.

Or, Section 11(4,5), which says, “At any time when any House of Assembly of a State is unable to perform its functions… the National Assembly may make such laws for the peace, order and good government of that State with respect to matters on which a House of Assembly may make laws as may appear to the National Assembly to be necessary or expedient until… the House of Assembly is able to resume its functions;…

“Provided that nothing in this section shall be construed as conferring on the National Assembly power to remove the governor or the deputy governor of the state from office. (And)… a House of Assembly shall not be deemed to be unable to perform its functions so long as (it) can hold a meeting and transact business.”

Or Emergency Powers in Section 65 of Nigeria’s rested 1960 Constitution, which says, “Parliament may… make such laws for Nigeria or any part thereof with respect to matters not included in the Exclusive Legislative Lists as may appear to Parliament to be necessary or expedient for the purpose of maintaining or securing peace, order and good government during any period of emergency…

“(Where) ‘period of emergency’ means any period during which- (a) the Federation is at war; (b) there is… a resolution passed by (the)… Parliament declaring that a state of public emergency exists; or (c) there is… a resolution… supported by… not less than two-thirds of all the members of the House declaring that democratic institutions in Nigeria are threatened by subversion…”

Except for a “doctrine of necessity”, to secure Rivers State’s hydrocarbon resources, these do not enable the President to remove elected officials, though a state of emergency without control will be meaningless.

But the President should not have returned Nigeria to the military “Egypt” by appointing a military administrator, even if he is retired. That is untidy semiotics for a democracy wrested from the claws of the military.

President Tinubu, who swatted a gnat with a sledgehammer, must find a way to quickly return River State to the status quo. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s constitutional lawyers must lead the way to test this strange development in court.

As for winning Rivers State in 2027, “The people will decide,” to quote retired Commodore Olabode George, former governor of Ondo State.

The construction of Phase 2B of the access road to the Second Niger Bridge has officially commenced, marking a significant step in enhancing transportation infrastructure and regional connectivity in the Southeast. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, was represented at the groundbreaking ceremony by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, while the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, personally attended the event at Ogbunike (33 Nkwelle Junction) along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

The Second Niger Bridge, inaugurated in 2023, has greatly improved travel between the Southeast and other parts of the country, but its full benefits have been hindered by incomplete access roads. The newly launched Phase 2B construction aims to address this by delivering a 17.5km dual carriageway with seven bridges and modern infrastructure, including security cameras. The road will stretch from the Umunya/Ogbunike axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, passing through the Old Enugu Road Interchange, Ogidi, Nkpor-Umuoji Road Interchange, to the Asaba-Igbuzor Road Interchange and Valley Bridge.

The ceremony began with Igwe Awkuzu, the closest traditional ruler to the venue, offering prayers over the kola nut, invoking blessings for the successful execution of the project.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi commended Governor Soludo for his exceptional leadership and transformative achievements in multiple sectors. He praised Soludo’s commitment to road infrastructure, pointing out that Anambra currently has 18 ongoing federal road projects, including the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, which has been split between MTN and another company for effective execution.

Beyond road projects, Umahi acknowledged Soludo’s accomplishments in security, education, healthcare, and fiscal management, emphasizing his role in constructing a befitting Anambra Government House. He described Soludo as a strong ally of President Tinubu, stating that their partnership has been instrumental in advancing development in Anambra and the Southeast.

Umahi assured that payments for the project would be tied to work progress, with 30 percent of the contract sum already disbursed. He urged local communities along the route to support the project and avoid disruptions. He also reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to the Southeast, citing key appointments such as the Chief of Naval Staff and the Minister of Works as proof of the administration’s dedication to the region.

Governor Soludo, in his address, said the Second Niger Bridge would remain incomplete until the entire 35km access road was fully constructed. While acknowledging previous setbacks, he thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and expressed optimism that, with Umahi as Minister of Works, the project would be completed as planned. He urged community leaders, PGs, and traditional rulers to ensure that local youths do not obstruct construction activities, emphasizing that cooperation is essential for a smooth execution process.

Governor Soludo further highlighted the importance of sustained federal-state collaboration in infrastructure development, revealing that Anambra had already invested over N150 billion in federal roads. He stressed that the dualization of key roads was critical to preventing future congestion and ensuring long-term economic growth in the region.

The event also carried political undertones, as Hon. Chinwe Gwacgam, representing Oyi and Ayamelum Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, called on the federal government to support Soludo’s re-election in 2025, arguing that his continued leadership would guarantee sustained development in Anambra. He further suggested that in 2027, Soludo would reciprocate the gesture, hinting at broader political realignments.

The contractor, CGC Nigeria Limited, represented by General Manager Gius Cheng, pledged to complete the project on schedule and in line with the highest quality standards.

With construction now officially underway, the initiative is set to transform interstate transportation, ease traffic congestion, and boost economic activities across Anambra and Delta states. The project reinforces the federal government’s commitment to infrastructure development and the economic integration of the Southeast with the rest of Nigeria.

One of Britain’s most innovative and adventurous publishers Peepal Tree Press based in Leeds, has announced its purchase of the right to re-publish Jamaican-Nigerian author Lindsay Barrett’s ground-breaking novel, Song for Mumu, which was first published in 1967.

According to the company’s managers the title was always on the list of novels it wanted to republish, and they are delighted to have at last managed to contact the author in Nigeria to agree to a new edition. Peepal Tree’s managing editor, Jeremy Poynting says that he, “has long admired Song for Mumu as a work of intense poetic imagination which finds new ways of exploring fundamental aspects of Caribbean reality: its histories of pain and suffering, the breach from Africa, the tensions between city and country and ways of subverting the dominance of the plantation and Eurocentric culture.

In the Caribbean Modern Classics series, it joins the work of Wilson Harris and Denis Williams in breaking out from what Harris called the ‘novel of manners’ a dominant trend of conventional realism in the Caribbean novel” Peepal Tree Press is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary since its founding in 1985. Since that time, it has published almost 500 titles. Its focus is on what George Lamming called the Caribbean nation, wherever it is in the world, though it is also concerned with Black British writing which draws on different heritages. Its output is roughly balanced between fiction, poetry and non-fiction, including creative genres such as memoirs and academic titles in the humanities focused on publishing the work of new writers and sustaining subsequent writing careers but also on recuperating important books from the past. In 2009, Peepal Tree launched its Caribbean Modern Classics series, now with over fifty titles.

Several of its authors have won major international awards.

The Commission held its regular weekly meeting today, Tuesday 25th March 2025. Among other issues, the meeting discussed the petition for the recall of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.

The process of recall is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 as well as the Commission’s detailed Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024, available on our website. All petitions will be treated in strict compliance with the legal framework.

The petition from Kogi Central Senatorial District was accompanied by six bags of documents said to be signatures collected from over half of the 474,554 registered voters spread across 902 Polling Units in 57 Registration Areas (Wards) in the five Local Government Areas of Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi and Okene. 

The Commission's immediate observation is that the representatives of the petitioners did not provide their contact address, telephone number(s) and e-mail address(es) in the covering letter forwarding the petition through which they can be contacted as provided in Clause 1(f) of our Regulations and Guidelines. The address given is "Okene, Kogi State", which is not a definite location for contacting the petitioners. Only the telephone number of "the lead petitioner" is provided as against the numbers of all the other representatives of the petitioners.

The Commission wishes to reiterate that the recall of a legislator is the prerogative of registered voters in a constituency who sign a petition indicating loss of confidence in the legislator representing them. Once the petition meets the requirements of submission, as contained in our regulations, the Commission shall commence the verification of the signatures in each Polling Unit in an open process restricted to registered voters that signed the petition only. The petitioners and the member whose recall is sought shall be at liberty to nominate agents to observe the verification, while interested observers and the media will also be accredited. At each Polling Unit, signatories to the petition shall be verified using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

Consequently, if the petitioners fully comply with the requirements of Clause 1(f) of the Regulations and Guidelines regarding the submission of their petition, the Commission will announce the next steps in line with the extant laws, regulations and guidelines. In the absence of a definite contact address, the Commission is making efforts to use other means to notify the representatives of the petitioners of the situation.

The Commission reassures the public that it will be guided by the legal framework for recall. The public should therefore discountenance any speculations and insinuations in the social media.

Sam Olumekun mni 

National Commissioner & Chairman

Information and Voter Education Committee 

The Kingdom of Bahrain has officially opened applications for its Golden Residency Visa in 2025, offering a pathway for foreign nationals to live and work in the country with enhanced privileges.

The move is part of Bahrain’s efforts to attract skilled professionals, investors, and long-term residents.

According to the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior, the Golden Residency Visa provides opportunities for various categories of individuals, including entrepreneurs, property owners, skilled workers, retirees, and foreign residents with strong ties to Bahrain.

Golden residency visa eligibility criteria

The Golden Residency Visa is available to a range of foreign nationals under specific conditions.

• Retirees must have a minimum monthly income of BD 4,000, while property owners must invest at least BD 200,000 in real estate.
• Skilled professionals, including academics, athletes, and entrepreneurs, may be eligible if nominated by a government agency. Additionally, long-term residents who have worked in Bahrain for five years with an average salary of BD 2,000 are eligible.
• Applicants must meet other requirements, including valid health insurance and medical checks confirming they are free from contagious diseases.

The application process requires submission of various documents, including proof of income, property ownership, or professional achievements, depending on the applicant’s category.

Work permit for golden residency visa holders

In addition to the residency visa, Golden Visa holders are also eligible to apply for a work permit in Bahrain. This work permit, which is issued by the Nationality, Passport, and Residence Affairs, allows holders to engage in employment while living in Bahrain.

• To obtain a work permit, applicants must meet certain conditions, such as holding a valid Golden Visa and ensuring that their commercial register has no offenses.
• The work permit process includes a few key requirements, such as submitting a termination form if the applicant’s current employment status is pending renewal. A work permit is valid for one year, with fees set at BD 172, covering both the work permit and basic health fees.

An additional BD 5 administrative fee is charged to the monthly invoice of the commercial register. The work permit application is processed within 10 working days.

Documents and application process

To apply for the Golden Residency Visa and work permit, applicants must provide various documents, including a valid passport, health insurance certificate, and proof of income or property ownership.

Retirees must also submit a pension statement, while entrepreneurs and talented professionals must provide certificates related to their achievements.

The Golden Residency Visa application costs BD 4, while the residency issuance fee is BD 300. Work permits, as mentioned, have their own set of fees and processing times, with applications typically completed in about 10 working days.

Service providers and additional support

The Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture is responsible for processing Golden Residency Visa and work permit applications. The Ministry offers an eService website for applicants to submit their applications and track progress.

Additional assistance is available through the Ministry’s Service Centers, providing guidance and support throughout the application process.

The introduction of the Golden Residency Visa, along with the associated work permit options, is expected to strengthen Bahrain’s position as a destination for foreign talent and investment. The initiative aligns with Bahrain’s broader goals of economic diversification and long-term growth.

[Nairametrics]

Nigerian music sensation David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido has declared that his type of wealth is not obtainable through investment but the blessings from God.

Davido who is the son of Nigerian billionaire businessman, Dr Deji Adeleke, made this claim in a video recently shared on social media.

In the Video, Davido was seen in Adelekes’ new luxurious jet with socialite Cubana Chief Priest.

Speaking in Pidgin English, Davido declared, “This type of wealth no be by investment, Na God gats bless you.”

In agreement with Davido, Cubana Chief Priest stated, “Inside private jets, private jets dey.”

[Leadership]

The Supreme Court has dismissed claims that Justice Emmanuel Agim accompanied the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to the recent convocation ceremony of the University of Calabar (UNICAL).

The clarification came after mixed reactions trailed a photo where Justice Agim was seated beside Wike, who was also honoured at the event.

Justice Agim read the recent lead judgement of the Supreme Court on the political crisis in Rivers State.

The February 28 judgement informed the declaration of the state of emergency in the state by President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking on the reactions that trailed pictures from the UNICAL convocation, the Supreme Court, in a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Information and Public Relations of the court, Dr Festus Akande, said Justice Agim attended the convocation as an honouree not as an escort of any government official.

The statement reads: “In light of the reports circulating on social media and other news platforms, we wish to clarify the circumstances surrounding the attendance of Hon. Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim of the Supreme Court of Nigeria at the convocation ceremony of the University of Calabar on Saturday, 22nd March 2025.

“It has come to our attention that misleading information has emerged, suggesting that Hon. Justice Emmanuel Agim accompanied the Hon. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, to the ceremony. We hereby dispel this false narrative.

“Hon. Justice Agim attended the convocation as an esteemed honouree and an alumnus of the institution, whom the Governing Council had found worthy to be conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law (Doctor Honoris Causa).

“He was recognised for his significant contributions to the legal profession, which is a reflection of his commitment to justice, integrity, and the rule of law, serving as a model for aspiring legal professionals and students alike.

“Hon. Justice Agim was scheduled to attend the burial ceremony of Hon. Justice Stanley Alagoa alongside other Hon. Justices of the Supreme Court in Bayelsa State but sought permission to go for the convocation ceremony.

“We wish to emphasize that Justice Emmanuel Agim’s participation at the ceremony was independent and not as an official representative of any government ministry or department, let alone accompanying any serving or retired government official. Any insinuation to the contrary is not only inaccurate but undermines the judicial independence that is crucial to our democracy.

“We encourage the public and media to verify information through credible sources before sharing or publishing to prevent the spread of misinformation.”

[DailyTrust]

The organised labour has warned that it may be forced to take decisive action that could disrupt national economic activities if the state of emergency declared in Rivers State is not reversed within a reasonable timeframe.

The threat was issued in a statement jointly signed by the Rivers State chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Alex Agwanwor, state chairperson of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Ikechukwu Onyefuru and chairperson of the Joint Negotiation Council, JNC, Chuku Emecheta.

The labour unions raised concerns about the legality, economic impact and consequences of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.

They described the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of the elected governor, Siminalayi Fubara, deputy governor, Ngozi Odu and House of Assembly members as premature and baseless.

The union leaders insisted that the people of Rivers State freely elected these officials, and any attempt to remove them outside constitutional processes undermines democracy.

According to the labour leaders, such actions must be reversed to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system.

They highlighted the immediate hardship the state of emergency has caused for local government workers, many of whom have yet to receive their salaries.

The statement noted that withholding workers’ wages has exposed them to avoidable economic suffering, particularly at a time when the cost of living is already high.

The organised labour warned that the state of emergency could have devastating economic consequences, emphasising Rivers State’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy and the Niger Delta region.

It said with the nation already grappling with inflation, naira devaluation, high exchange rates, rising unemployment and skyrocketing living costs, further instability in Rivers State could worsen the situation nationwide.

The statement also pointed out that the political uncertainty caused by the state of emergency has driven away potential investors who had expressed interest in the state’s economic initiative.

“This loss of investment is damaging the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) and will have long-term consequences for economic development and employment opportunities in the region.

“While we acknowledge the need for maintaining law and order, such actions must be carried out within the framework of the Nigerian Constitution. Suspending elected officials and allegedly disrupting salary payments for workers violate fundamental rights and could worsen security and economic challenges.

“Let the Federal Government prioritize the safety and welfare of citizens over political interests. Any governance approach that sacrifices workers’ well-being for political maneuvers would only heighten tensions and resistance,” organized labour said.

[DailyPost]