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New details have emerged regarding the sudden and indefinite postponement of the House of Representatives’ planned interactive session with the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, with indications pointing to a behind-the-scenes struggle between the Presidency and the legislature.
President Bola Tinubu had, on March 18, 2025, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, placing the administration of the state under Ibas, who, according to the President, is to report directly to the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
However, the House of Representatives, in its March 20 resolution approving the emergency rule, invoked Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, effectively granting the National Assembly oversight responsibilities over the state.
In line with this mandate, Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, on Tuesday, inaugurated a 21-member ad hoc committee chaired by Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, to oversee the Administrator’s activities.
Barely a day later, on Wednesday, the committee issued a summons for Ibas to appear before it on Thursday to account for his first month in office.
But in a surprising development, the House announced an indefinite postponement of the session just 24 hours after the summons were issued.
House spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi, disclosed the development in a statement but gave little to no reason for the move.
“In the spirit of transparent and effective oversight, the committee will promptly inform the public once the rescheduled date is confirmed,” Rotimi stated.
While the official communication cited the Administrator’s request as the reason for the postponement, sources within the National Assembly have hinted at deeper political undercurrents driving the decision.
The actions of the administrator since taking charge in Rivers State, particularly the dismantling of democratic structures have led to criticisms from stakeholders.
Among the controversial decisions taken under Ibas’ administration are the sacking of commissioners, top civil servants, political appointees, and caretaker chairmen across all 23 local government areas. The replacement of the chairman of the state’s electoral commission has also sparked concerns over alleged overreach.
A member of the House panel revealed that these actions were among the key issues the committee sought to address in its now-shelved engagement with Ibas.
Meanwhile, a senior legislative aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the Presidency may have raised objections to the House’s decision to directly oversee the Administrator.
“The Presidency actually asked the House to back down on the mission for the simple reason that the President has continued to insist on the Administrator reporting directly to the FEC, which is chaired by the President himself,” the source said.
The source added that if the National Assembly were to truly exercise oversight, the ad hoc committee should have included members from both chambers—a step the Senate reportedly declined to take after interpreting the President’s stance.
“The leadership of the Senate had rightly gauged President Tinubu’s body language concerning who oversees the affairs of the Rivers Administrator.
“That is why the Senate did not nominate any of its members into the panel to avoid potential clash with the Presidency,” the source explained.
The source added, “There is more to the indefinite postponement of the interactive session between the Reps panel and the Rivers Administrator than what is being served the public.
“The indefinite postponement, as announced by the House, may as well be ad infinitum. It’s a clever way of saying that Rivers is a no-go-area for the federal legislature.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that any individual seeking to join its ranks including Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), must publicly apologise for past derogatory remarks directed at President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other senior figures in the party.Nigerian cultural tours
This development comes amid growing speculation over Kwankwaso’s potential defection to the ruling party, with reports suggesting President Tinubu may be considering a role for him within his administration.
Speaking on the matter on Friday, Kano State APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas stressed that while the party remains open to new members, certain conditions must be met. Chief among them, he said, is a apology for past statements.
“We unequivocally call on all those prospective decampees who have earlier made derogatory statements against our leaders, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his deputy Senator Kashim Shettima, to offer a public apology as a sign of remorse, and respect for future relationships,” Abbas stated.
He further explained that the APC is actively engaged in efforts to receive decampees from across the political spectrum, and that the party had taken note of the rumours surrounding Kwankwaso’s potential entry.
Abbas said the APC remains Kwankwaso’s last political refuge as he has destroyed his relationships with all other political groupings in the country.
He further said ward chapters had already been instructed to begin the registration of decampees, regardless of their status.
“We have already directed our ward chapters to open registers for new decampees irrespective of their political and social status, in line with our party’s constitution.
“We advise all those desirous of joining our esteemed party to go to their respective wards and register.
“For the purpose of seeking any future party or elective position, any old or new entrants, shall be free to exercise their constitutional rights of voting or being voted for without any special preference,” he added.
Abbas also issued a warning to politicians who may view the APC as a cleansing place from corruption allegations.
“We are fully aware that some people are desperate to join the APC because they have scuttled their political goodwill and have become political lepers in the national scheme of things and are looking to the APC for political relevance.
“We are also aware that some politicians are trying to run away from accounting for their corrupt misdeeds both in government and party administration, and seeking for refuge in the APC to escape from the fangs of anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC.
“However, joining APC as a political party is not a panacea for escaping from their past sins,” he said.
He also declared that the APC would not condone the formation of cult-like political groups under its umbrella.
“For the avoidance of doubt, let me emphasize that the APC as a political party does not and will not encourage or promote the existence of cult-like associations in the name of political activities or groupings,” Abbas stated
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has opened on the position of the Nigerian Bar Association over the State of Emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State.
Wike while speaking during his media chat with journalists at his residence said the NBA’s stance on the State of Emergency proclamation by Tinubu was influenced by the N300 million gift from the state to the association.
Recall that the NBA and the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas have been having a running battle over the relocation of the association’s annual conference from the state.
The association had announced that it relocated the conference as a protest against the declaration of a state emergency in Rivers.
In his reaction to this, Ibas urged the leadership of the NBA to refund the N300 million given to it by the state.
However, the NBA said it would not refund the money as it was a gift and support towards its 2025 conference and not a hosting fee as claimed by Ibas.
Reacting to the debacle, Wike asked, “Now you said NBA, it’s unfortunate, now how will NBA say when you collected gift?
Continuing, the former Rivers State governor said, “When the president declared a state of emergency, you said oh it’s not correct until everybody now knew why you were doing what you were doing because the state gave you a gift of N300 million.
“A gift that was not appropriated, there was no appropriation, you took,”
Wike further described the action of the NBA and the state government under the leadership of Siminalayi Fubara concerning the controversial N300 million gift as illegal.
He said, “In my budget, I put a grant. I am allowed by law, can be appropriated. In this case, there was no appropriation.
“For the NBA to take an illegal gift, assuming that this thing didn’t come up now, did you know that they took a gift?”
Nigerian stand-up comedian, Seyi Law has said that he will never support Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State in his ambition to become Nigeria’s president.Nigerian cultural tours
Speaking on Teju Babyface show, Law said he would not be part of any political contest or ambition of the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate.
According to him, the mob activity of the Obidient Movement – the major supporters of Peter Obi – is the major reason he would not support the former governor.
Recall that in the 2023 presidential contest, Law was an avid supporter of Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Law said that the attack on his family, his daughter and his wife, by some suspected members of the Obidient Movement is unforgivable.
“The moment you cross that boundary from me to my children, mother, and wife, there is no forgiveness. That is why there is nothing on earth that Peter Obi can do that will make me support him.
“They attacked my children and my wife. As long as Peter Obi does not call them to order and he keeps denying that they are doing that, he will never get my support. Let Peter Obi wear the garment of Jesus Christ today, he will never get my support.
“Hate or love me, my personal way of life is between me and God. Any organisation that does not support free thinking is a cult. I do not feel down at all because when you talk too much, I swear to you,” Law said.
While stating that he is one individual who does not allow his anger to linger, the comedian stated that one thing he cannot tolerate is an attack on his immediate family.
“One of the good things that God has done for me is that my anger does not last long. Personal anger for me does not last long. The only place it lasts long is when you leave me and attack my children, mother, and wife,” he added.
Several persons have lost their lives in another terrible accident that occurred on Karu Bridge, inward Karu Site, Abuja on Friday.
DAILY POST reporter, who witnessed the tragic incident, observed that it was caused by a truck laden with cement which failed its brakes while descending the Kugbo hill.
It was gathered that the truck, after crushing about several vehicles and their occupants, attempted to escape but was intercepted around Karu Roundabout by commercial motorcyclists.
The accident came barely a month after a similar fatal accident occurred on the same Karu Bridge in March, when a Dangote trailer powered by CNG lost its brakes, crashed into several vehicles and claimed multiple lives.
More details to follow…
[DailyPost]
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has extended heartfelt Easter greetings to Christians across Nigeria, especially her constituents, as they mark the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In a statement issued by her Chief Press Secretary, Arogbonlo Isreal, in Abuja, the senator wished Nigerians a joyful celebration filled with love, laughter, and quality time with family and friends.
Reflecting on the significance of Easter, Akpoti-Uduaghan urged Christians to uphold the values of sacrifice, compassion, and kindness, which she said are vital for building a peaceful, loving, and united society.
She said: “As we commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, I extend my warmest Easter greetings to all Christians, particularly my constituents and fellow Nigerians.
“May this sacred occasion bring renewed hope, love, and peace to your lives and families.
“May the triumph of light over darkness, life over death, and love over hate be a source of inspiration and strength to all. Let us reflect on the values of sacrifice, compassion, and kindness that Easter embodies, and strive to build a society that reflects these ideals.
“I wish you a joyous Easter celebration, filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones. May the risen Christ fill your hearts with His peace and joy.”
[TheNation]
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda on Friday approved the appointment of the State Deputy Governor, Faruk Jobe as the head of the delegation, the Amiru – al-Hajj, 2025.
Other members include the Speaker, State House of Assembly, Nasiru Yahaya, Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Ishaq Dabai, Alhaji Shafi’u Duwan, Shehu Daura and Justice Kofar-Bai.
Others are, Alhaji Lawal Bakori, Sheikh Aminu Usman, Sheikh Naziru Kofar-Baru, Barrister Umar Abubakar and Alhaji Aliyu Hussaini while the Governor’s office is to provide the secretary.
The appointment letters were signed by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Abdullahi Faskari and made available to newsmen on Friday spelt out the terms of reference for the state delegation to monitor and supervise all operational activities both at home and in the Holy Land so as to ensure a successful Hajj.
“The delegation was to also ensure the safety, welfare and wellbeing of the State intending pilgrims while in Nigeria and in Saudi Arabia.
“Other terms of reference included ensuring a hitch-free airlift and return journey of all the State pilgrims and performing any other functions as are necessary for the success of the exercise.
“The Hajj delegation is expected to submit a comprehensive report to the Governor on completion of the Hajj exercise”, the statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the SSG, Abdullahi Yar’adua said.
The press statement further disclosed that the delegation would soon be inaugurated by Radda.
Meanwhile, Radda wished the delegation, the State Pilgrims Welfare Board and the intending pilgrims Allah’s guidance throughout the Hajj operations.
[Punch]
The International Monetary Fund, IMF, has said that Nigeria is still facing significant uncertainty in its economic outlook despite wide ranging reforms.
Concluding its 2025 Article IV Consultations with Nigeria’s public policy executives during the week, IMF’s team, led by Axel Schimmelpfennig, its mission chief for Nigeria, acknowledged that Nigeria has taken important steps to stabilize the economy, enhance resilience, and support growth.
They added that these reforms have put Nigeria in a better position to navigate the external environment.
However, they have concluded that the macroeconomic outlook is marked by significant uncertainty, adding that the elevated global risk sentiment and lower oil prices would impact the Nigerian economy.
They also concluded that gains have yet to benefit all Nigerians saying that poverty and food insecurity remain high.
They, therefore, recommended that macroeconomic policies need to further strengthen buffers and resilience, reduce inflation, and support private sector-led growth.
The final report of the consultations stated: “The Nigerian authorities have taken important steps to stabilize the economy, enhance resilience, and support growth.
‘‘The financing of the fiscal deficit by the central bank has ceased, costly fuel subsidies were removed, and the functioning of the foreign exchange market has improved.
‘‘Gains have yet to benefit all Nigerians as poverty and food insecurity remain high.
‘‘The outlook is marked by significant uncertainty. Elevated global risk sentiment and lower oil prices impact the Nigerian economy.
‘‘The reforms since 2023 have put the Nigerian economy in a better position to navigate this external environment. ‘‘Looking ahead, macroeconomic policies need to further strengthen buffers and resilience, while creating enabling conditions for private sector-led growth.
“The authorities communicated to the mission that they will implement the 2025 budget in a manner that is responsive to the decline in international oil prices. A neutral fiscal stance would support monetary policy to bring down inflation.
‘‘To safeguard key spending priorities, it is imperative that fiscal savings from the fuel subsidy removal are channeled to the budget.
‘‘In particular, adjustments should protect critical, growth-enhancing investment, while accelerating and broadening the delivery of cash transfers under the World Bank-supported program to provide relief to those experiencing food insecurity.
“A tight monetary policy stance is required to firmly guide inflation down. The Monetary Policy Committee’s data-dependent approach has served Nigeria well and will help navigate elevated macroeconomic uncertainty.
‘‘Announcing a disinflation path to serve as an intermediate target can help anchor inflation expectations.”
The IMF team had met with Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari, Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Yemi Cardoso, senior government and central bank officials, the Ministry of the Environment, the private sector, academia, labor unions, and civil society.
[Vanguard]
Osita Okechukwu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former director-general of the Voice of Nigeria, has refuted claims that the Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) bloc within the party intends to defect ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on ‘The Morning Show ‘ on Arise TV, Okechukwu emphasised that the CPC bloc remains committed to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s second term bid.
The CPC, originally a political party formed in 2009 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, played a key role in the merger that birthed the APC, ending the 16-year rule of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.
“We got the rumour that the CPC bloc of the APC is leaving the APC. So we said no; that our resolution, after the meeting we held, was that we have no need to leave the house, the APC.
“We toiled from 2004, after losing the 2003 presidential election, 2007, 2011, that germinated on 2013. That we cannot destroy the house we built.
“There was a merger that brought all tendencies in the country, all religion, all tribes into one umbrella tree; that we cannot destroy that.”
Okechukwu said Tinubu played a vital role in bringing the merger to fruition and deserved their loyalty.
“We said we cannot, in all good conscience and honesty, forget the critical role President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR played in getting the merger to fruition,” he said.
“He was one of the leaders that held a meeting with Buhari and told Buhari that ‘you are going to be the president. We are going to support you. You have 12 million vote bank, mostly from the northern part of the country. We are going to bring the supplement’.
“And immediately he said so, we resumed the last talks of February 2013 in the residence of Chief Tom Ikimi.”
Okechukwu said Tinubu’s role was instrumental during the tense APC presidential primary in 2014.
“And it was Asiwaju Bola Tinubu that gathered all the southern support base that gave Buhari victory at the presidential primaries, because that was a tense atmosphere,” he added.
“There were about five or six candidates — President Buhari, His Excellency Rabiu Kwankwaso, His Excellency Abubakar Atiku, Rochas Okorocha, Late Sam Nda-Isaiah.
“We said, when they split the votes of the north, what will happen? Asiwaju reassured us that his own delegation, spanning from Delta to the main southwest, that they are guaranteed. And that was fulfilled.”
Okechukwu said Tinubu remained supportive of Buhari throughout his presidency and deserves the same now.
He said the CPC bloc has created a mobilisation committee to reach Tinubu directly and communicate their concerns.
[TheCable]
The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin has said that there would be a landslide victory for President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Speaking at the party’s unity rally in Abuja on Thursday, April 18, Jibrin said he has confidence that Tinubu will be re-elected in the next presidential election of the country.
He said, “There will be a landslide victory for Tinubu in 2027. You can see the signs—many people are defecting to our party, and elections are a game of numbers. So there are clear signs that we will win a landslide, by the grace of God,” Jibrin stated.
He further called on party members and supporters of the APC to remain calm and patient with the policy implementation of the present administration.
Jibrin claiming that President Tinubu inherited numerous challenges upon assumption of office said there are better days ahead for Nigerians.Nigerian political art printsNigerian political art prints
While urging Nigerians to continue to support President Tinubu, the lawmaker assured that the APC would win the Federal Capital Territory.
He said, “We are going to win FCT landslide by the grace of God. We are going to make FCT proud, we are going to make APC proud, we are going to make Mr President happy, and we are going to make Nigerians happy.
“Let us continue to work together and give our full support to Mr President,” he added.
More...
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has alleged that a former vice president, Atiku Abubakar and other political leaders are seeking coalition for their selfish interests.
Wike while speaking during his media chat with journalists in Abuja said several political leaders are only interested in becoming the president of Nigeria.Nigerian cultural tours
Citing the crisis rocking his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Wike said it is unfortunate that leaders have shied away from seeking solutions to ending the crisis and challenges experienced by the PDP as an opposition party.
Wike said, “On the other part of those who are looking for a coalition, is for selfish interests, the likes of Atiku and other people, which coalition, with whom?
“Why not come in to repair your party, Everybody wants to become president of the country, nobody wants to say, look, let me build our party so that at the end of the day, our party will be in a formidable position as an opposition party to take over power.
“You don’t do that, the only thing you want to do is, let me find a way; how I will be the one and if that does not happed; then it’s to your tent oh Israel,” the former Rivers State governor said.
Wike also lamented about the mistakes of party leaders and aspiring presidents who insist on making the same mistakes repeatedly.
He said PDP politicians cannot keep complaining of being rigged out without attempting to adopt workable political strategies.
“Who rigged you out, you already rigged yourself out by causing crisis and this is what I’ve always said but because people are not sincere to themselves and People like me would not accept that,” he added.
A leader of the Afenifere group, Pa Reuben Fasoranti has said that he is satisfied with the actions and policies implemented by President Bola Tinubu in Nigeria.
Fasoranti commended the president for what he described as great strides that have surpassed his expectations.
Speaking when the First Lady, Remi Tinubu paid him a visit at his residence in Akure, the Ondo State capital, said the president has done well since assuming office in 2023.
“I am satisfied with what he is doing in Nigeria. Well done,” Fasoranti said.
Also commending the First Lady, the leader of the Yoruba socio-political group offered prayers for God’s continued guidance and grace for the president and his team
Shehu Sani, a former senator representing Kaduna Central, says northern Nigerians remained silent during the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari because they benefitted from a culture of nepotism and favouritism.Nigerian political art prints
Sani made the remark during Politics Today, a Channels Television on Thursday.
He said Buhari’s government gave priority to appointments from Katsina, the former president’s home state.Politics-themed apparel
Sani listed several top positions that were filled by individuals from Katsina, including the director-general of the State Security Service (SSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
His words: “The DG of SSS, Daura was from Katsina state, the DG of NIA, Rufai was from Katsina state, the MPA, my sister Hadiza, she’s from Katsina state, Director of Federal Mortgage Bank, Katsina state, SMEDAN, Katsina state, FRCN Katsina state, NIMET Katsina state, NIMASA Katsina state, Railway Corporation, Katsina state.
“All those things, you don’t talk of Chairman of federal civil service — about 30 of them — we don’t have time, I can state all of them. All from Katsina state.”
The former lawmaker said military and paramilitary appointments were also skewed in favour of the northern region.
He cited examples such as the comptroller general of immigration, comptroller general of customs, commandant general of civil defence, and chairman of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Sani said northern voices remained muted because the region was the primary beneficiary of the imbalance.
According to him, the same silence would not have occurred if the situation had been reversed.
He said many southerners are now vocal about perceived lopsidedness in President Bola Tinubu’s appointments, suggesting that northerners would have reacted similarly if roles were reversed
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said he is dissatisfied with the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, stating that he had hoped for the outright removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike made the remarks during a media parley held in Abuja on Friday, where he addressed ongoing political developments in his home state as well as in the FCT and the country in general.
It can be recalled that President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing growing political instability and rising security concerns. As part of the emergency measures, the president suspended Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly for six months.
To oversee governance during the interim, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as the sole administrator, a move which is still being criticized by many
Speaking at the media session, Wike revealed that he had pushed for the complete removal of Fubara from office.
“As a politician, I am not happy with the declaration of Emergency Rule in Rivers state. I wanted the outright removal of the governor. But for the interest of the state, the president did the right thing to prevent anarchy in the state,” Wike said.
He added, “The matter is in court but people must say the truth. The governor was gone. It is not in my place to make it good for the governor. As a politician, my business is not to make him comfortable and that is why there is power plane.”