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Judge Steps Down From Natasha’s Case After Akpabio’s Petition
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has recused himself from a case involving suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Assigned to hear the suit, Justice Egwuatu announced his decision to step down on Tuesday. His withdrawal followed a petition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who questioned his impartiality. Although the case was set for hearing, the judge declined to proceed when the court clerk called it up. Instead, he stated that he would return the case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment. Earlier, on March 4, Justice Egwuatu had issued an interim order halting the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from taking disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was accused of violating Senate rules. He ruled that the process should be paused until the case was resolved. The judge also directed the defendants to justify within 72 hours why the court should not restrain them from proceeding against the senator without adhering to the 1999 Constitution, the Senate Standing Order 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act. Additionally, he permitted the senator to serve legal documents on the defendants through substituted means—either by delivering them to the Clerk of the National Assembly, pasting them at the National Assembly premises, or publishing them in two national newspapers. Despite the court’s order, the Senate Committee went ahead with its proceedings and suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. Later, upon the defendants’ request, Justice Egwuatu modified his ruling, removing the restriction that prevented the Senate from taking action while the case was ongoing. Meanwhile, Akpabio’s legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, challenged the court’s jurisdiction to intervene in Senate matters.
3/25/2025, 12:45:43 PM
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Rivers Sole Administrator Appoints SSG As Head Of Service Resigns
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has appointed Prof. Ibibia Worika, a seasoned legal expert and administrator, as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG). Announcing the appointment, which takes immediate effect, the administrator highlighted Worika’s impressive academic credentials, extensive experience, and policy expertise as key factors in the selection process. In a related move, the former naval chief appointed Iyingi Brown as the Permanent Secretary for Welfare in the Office of the Head of Service. Brown will also serve as the acting Head of Service pending a substantive appointment, following the resignation of George Nwaeke. The government expressed appreciation for Nwaeke’s service and wished him success in his future endeavors. Congratulating Brown on her new role, Ibas reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring peace and stability in Rivers State. The statement also emphasized Worika’s distinguished career in academia, international legal practice, and high-level policy advisory roles, positioning him to effectively support the administrator in fulfilling President Bola Tinubu’s mandate for the state. “Professor Worika’s wealth of experience in legal scholarship, public policy, and governance will be instrumental in driving the administration’s agenda. His appointment underscores our dedication to excellence in public service,” the statement read.
3/25/2025, 8:32:30 AM
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Fubara Distances Self From Militant Groups, Explosions
The suspended governor of Rivers State, Siminialayi Fubara, has dissociated himself from militant groups allegedly threatening the federal government over the state’s political crisis. In a statement issued on Monday in Port Harcourt by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara expressed regret over attempts to link him to such groups. He further noted that communities where explosions were reported have dismissed claims of attacks on oil facilities, asserting that the allegations were merely targeted at tarnishing his image. The statement read: “Virtually all the fake videos have been linked to alleged militant groups in the State, with the creators of such content trying very hard to connect them to supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. “Already, the communities where these incidents are alleged to have occurred have reacted, dismissing any claims of explosions on oil and gas facilities in their domains, and reassuring that all critical government assets within their areas are safe, secure and efficiently functioning. “For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has no link to any militant group, does not contemplate any such association, and has no reason to encourage any criminal group or elements, anywhere in the State or Niger Delta, to undertake any action inimical to the peace of the people or safety and security of oil and gas facilities, and by extension, the economy of the country. “The Governor had repeatedly made it clear at every public event that the peace of the State is paramount to him, and that he would pay any price to secure and sustain peace in the State, as it is only in an atmosphere of peace and security that governance and development can thrive.” Fubara in the statement warned against attacks on government critical infrastructures, urging criminals to steer off the state. He said: “Governor Fubara vehemently warns purveyors of violence and economic sabotage to steer clear of the state, and avoid any attempt to use his name or capitalise on the present political crisis to foment trouble in the State. “It is also important to warn bloggers and social media hirelings to stop, forthwith, their campaign to create an atmosphere of tension, chaos and anarchy in the State, as their fake reports and posts in the last couple of days have triggered enough wrong decisions that would not help the State move forward. “Security agencies should take note of these fake videos designed to misinform the people, and further paint the State in bad light, and take every necessary steps to contain them, and bring those behind them to book.”
3/24/2025, 10:28:59 AM
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IGP Warns Officers Against Illegal Detention
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has cautioned officers against unlawful detention, warning of serious “consequences” for such actions. In a statement by Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi, the IGP emphasized the legal detention limits outlined in sections 34 and 35 of the Nigerian Constitution, which uphold the rights to dignity and personal liberty. “The IGP cautions against any practices that may lead to unlawful or prolonged detentions, which can undermine public trust and confidence in the police, reiterating that any officer found violating these principles will face serious consequences,” the statement issued on Sunday read. “Calling for a culture of accountability within the Force, the IGP thereby encourages officers to uphold the highest standards of conduct in their interactions with the public.” According to the police chief, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) wants to build stronger relationships with the communities it serves and ensure that policing is done with integrity “The Nigeria Police Force is committed to ensuring that all individuals in custody are treated with respect and in accordance with the law,” the statement added. “The commitment of the current Police leadership to human rights reflects a broader vision of a police force that is not only effective in maintaining law and order but also dedicated to protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals.”
3/24/2025, 7:20:19 AM
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Rivers Emergency Rule: Fresh Tension As N’Delta Militants Reconvene, Plan Attack
A classified report revealing that militant leaders have regrouped in an undisclosed creek community to strategize and coordinate attacks on oil facilities has heightened tensions in the Niger Delta. The gathering occurred just days after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency last Tuesday, effectively suspending Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. While details remained unclear yesterday, a reliable source disclosed that the militants were engaging in extensive consultations to secure the full participation of various groups across the region. Commander Bibi Oduku, Commandant General of the Riverine Security (Coast-Guard of the Federation), confirmed the “high threats in the Niger Delta and the potential economic impact on Nigeria.” He urged President Tinubu to reconsider Fubara’s suspension. His words: “I urge President Bola Tinubu to carefully consider the suspension of the Rivers State governor because of the heightened tensions and threats in the Niger Delta. These threats pose a significant risk to the nation’s economy. “Militant groups are planning to attack federal government properties across Niger Delta states while miscreants may exploit the situation to engage in criminal activities. “This could lead to loss of life among innocent citizens and military personnel deployed for peacekeeping.” Commander Oduku, however, assured that “Riverine security officers are vigilant and ready to prevent unauthorized groups from engaging in illegal activities and will work closely with the Nigerian military and other security agencies to apprehend those involved in attacks on federal government properties.” Also, Captains Eric Foutoru and ThankGod Oprom, in charge of the Rivers and Delta States’ waterways, respectively, pledged their support to the military in calming the security situation in the states and the Niger Delta in general. Oduku recalled the statement of a former presidential amnesty boss, Brigadier General Paul T. Boroh, retd., who cautioned youths in the Niger Delta against allowing anger to dictate their actions. “President Tinubu is not a proponent of violence, so youths should refrain from unlawful acts that could harm lives and properties,’’ he said. He denounced the vandalism of oil pipelines in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, vowing that riverine security officers would apprehend and prosecute those responsible. The commandant-general urged residents of Rivers State and the Niger Delta to maintain peace and trust the legal process. Vanguard Newspaper
3/24/2025, 7:11:14 AM
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PDP Welcomes Over 2,000 New Members in Delta as Arenyeka Declares: “PDP Remains the Only Party With The Capacity To Mobilize The People
In a resounding show of strength and unity, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, on Saturday, received over 2,000 new members who defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other opposition parties, further consolidating the PDP’s grassroots dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections. The defectors, under the banner of the Delta Political Actualisation Network (DPAN) in Ughelli Urban, led by Comrade Fejiro Ishaka, alongside political heavyweight Alex Idu and his teeming supporters from Orogun, were officially received during the inauguration of the Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu Federal Constituency Forum at Oharisi Primary School, Ughelli. While receiving the new members, Delta State PDP Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, reaffirmed that the PDP remains the only truly people-oriented party with the structure, strength, and grassroots reach to mobilize the people at every level. “The PDP is not just a political party; it is a movement deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. In Delta State, we are never in doubt when it comes to election victories, because the PDP has continued to deliver on its promises and carry the people along in governance,” Chief Arenyeka declared. He emphasized that the party’s doors remain open to all progressive-minded individuals who are ready to join hands in advancing the development of the state, adding that the PDP is fully prepared and strategically positioned to reclaim and secure victories in all constituencies come 2027.
3/23/2025, 7:36:31 AM
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State Of Emergency: Akpabio Opens Up On Alleged $15,000 Bribe To Senators
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed claims that senators received a $15,000 bribe to support the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling the allegations a smear campaign against him. Addressing the circulating social media reports for the first time, Akpabio refuted accusations that he facilitated dollar payments for votes at his Maitama residence during a fast-breaking event with senators. According to *Saturday Vanguard*, the Senate President was alleged to have overseen the distribution of $5,000 on Tuesday and an additional $10,000 on Wednesday, just before the vote. However, speaking through his Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio dismissed the claims as baseless, attributing them to a campaign of hate and malice against him. “I am aware and it is true that since Senator Godswill Akpabio, the president of the Senate assumed that position he has been breaking fast. He did it last year, he did it this year, so why is it turning it into a rumour?” Asking why Akpabio would be giving out dollars to his colleagues, he continued: “On the issue of the dollars, he is giving the money for what? I am aware of the breaking of the fast but I can tell you I am not aware and it is not true of the dollars, whether $5,000 or $10,000, people are just conjuring it to be able to give flavour to their malice and hate campaign. “People are just conjuring the story of the $5,000, $10,000 to add flavour to their malice and hate campaign. He has been doing it. He did it last year, so why is this one associated with money,” Eyiboh asked?
3/22/2025, 7:54:05 AM
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Niger Delta Monarchs Back Pipeline Surveillance Contract Renewal
The Association of Niger Delta Monarchs of Nigeria (ANDMON) has pledged full support for the federal government’s renewal of the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL). The monarchs stated that the renewal is timely, given the urgent need for increased oil production, reduced theft, and better pipeline security in the region. At a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Friday focused on amnesty, pipeline surveillance, and energy security, ANDMON Chairman, King Frank Okurakpo, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for extending Tantita’s contract. He emphasized the company’s crucial role in combating pipeline vandalism and safeguarding vital oil infrastructure. King Okurakpo also lauded Tantita Security Services’ strategy of involving local communities in protecting oil assets, noting that this approach has significantly strengthened security across the Niger Delta. “Mr. President has consistently put measures in place to fast-track the development of the Niger Delta,” the monarch said. “A clear example is the appointment of our son, Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, a technocrat, grassroots mobilizer, and champion of development, as the head of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. This appointment has gladdened the hearts of our people, and the programme is already recording remarkable success across the region.” The traditional rulers also called on the federal government to increase budgetary allocations and ensure the prompt release of funds to maintain peace and support the empowerment of ex-agitators. They stressed that such actions would enhance economic growth and promote social stability in the region. Furthermore, the monarchs praised the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engineer Mele Kyari, for his leadership in transforming the NNPCL into a commercial entity and stabilizing fuel prices. They highlighted the recent reduction in the prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) as evidence of the company’s effective management.
3/21/2025, 3:22:56 PM
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