WAFFI TV | Politics

PDP Claims Supreme Court Affirmed Udeh Okoye As National Secretary

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that the Supreme Court’s ruling on the disputed national secretary position confirms former National Youth Leader, Sunday Udeh-Okoye, as the legitimate party scribe. In a statement on Friday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, emphasized that the judgment upholds the principle that leadership decisions within political parties are internal affairs beyond judicial interference. He affirmed that Okoye’s selection as National Secretary aligns with party regulations. Ologunagba further explained that following Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s nomination as the PDP’s governorship candidate for the November 2023 Imo State election, the NWC, at its 576th meeting on October 11, 2023, instructed the South East Zonal Executive Committee to nominate a replacement. “Today’s judgment of the Supreme Court reaffirms the standing position of the Party and emphatically settles the emergence of Rt. Hon. SKE Udeh Okoye as the substantiative National Secretary of the PDP having been duly nominated, endorsed and ratified through the internal mechanism of the PDP statutory Organs and bodies in line with provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017),” the party said. “For clarity, the NWC at its 576th meeting held on the 11th of October, 2023, directed the South East Zonal Executive Committee to nominate a replacement for Senator Samuel Anyanwu upon Senator Anyanwu’s nomination as the governorship candidate of the PDP to contest the November 2023 Governorship election in Imo State. “Consequent upon the directive of the NWC, the South East Zonal Executive Committee at its meeting held on the 20th of October 2023 passed a resolution approving the emergence and forwarding of the name of Rt. Hon. SKE Udeh Okoye to the NWC as the National Secretary of the Party. “Accordingly, the NWC at its 577th meeting held on 7th of November 2023 pursuant to its powers under the PDP Constitution, duly received, deliberated upon, accepted and approved the emergence of Rt. Hon. SKE Udeh Okoye as the National Secretary of the Party, which appointment has also since been endorsed by relevant Organs and bodies of the PDP including the Board of Trustees (BoT), South East Zonal Caucus, the PDP Governors’ Forum and officially communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the general public.”

3/22/2025, 7:47:39 AM

Senator Ireti Kingibe Faults Voice Vote On Rivers Emergency Rule

Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has criticised the Senate’s use of a voice vote to approve President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. On Tuesday, the president imposed emergency rule on the oil-rich state, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers Assembly for an initial six-month period. On Thursday, both the 109-member Senate and the 360-member House of Representatives, largely controlled by the president’s party, endorsed the emergency rule through separate voice votes. However, in a statement on Friday, Kingibe argued that such a critical decision requires clear consensus, which cannot be accurately determined by a voice vote. Her statement reads, “As the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) elected on the platform of Labour Party, I, Ireti Kingibe, maintain a clear, firm and unequivocal stance on the recent declaration of emergency rule and the associated voting procedures conducted in the National Assembly. “I strongly oppose the use of voice voting for such critical, vital and constitutional issues. The Nigerian Constitution explicitly mandates that a state of emergency proclaimed by the President must be ratified by a “two-thirds majority of all the members of each House of the National Assembly.” “A two-thirds (2/3) majority is required for significant decisions like approving an emergency proclamation in the National Assembly, and this level of consensus CANNOT be accurately determined by a voice vote. “According to Section 305(2) & (6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), an emergency proclamation must receive the approval of at least two-thirds of all members of each House — the Senate and the House of Representatives. A voice vote, where members express agreement by saying “Aye” or “Nay,” CANNOT precisely measure the required two-thirds majority. “When a supermajority like two-thirds is needed, a recorded vote — whether through division voting, roll call, or electronic voting is necessary to ensure compliance with constitutional requirements. The Senate Standing Orders and House Rules generally mandate a roll call or electronic voting system to accurately determine numerical compliance for decisions of this magnitude. “A voice vote is insufficient for determining a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly for an emergency proclamation. A formal recorded vote is crucial to confirm the exact number of lawmakers in support. “As custodians of the Laws of the Land and specifically the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the National Assembly must jealously guard this role. They must ensure that the rule of Law prevails and remember their “raison d’etre” which is to oversight/guide the President’s decisions by confirming or rejecting when his choices are not allowed by law. “National Assembly members are the direct representatives of the people, the voice of the people. Without a roll call or electronic voting, the people haven’t spoken and therfore cannot, should not and will not take responsibility for the President’s decision, as constitutional required in matters of this magnitude.”

3/22/2025, 7:38:55 AM

BREAKING: Supreme Court Declares Anyanwu Authentic PDP National Secretary

The Supreme Court has overturned the judgments of both the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, which had removed Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). A five-member panel of the apex court ruled on Friday that the position of National Secretary falls under the internal affairs of the PDP and is not subject to judicial intervention. Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Jamilu Tukur struck out the trial court's October ruling and set aside the Court of Appeal's majority decision from December, which had upheld Anyanwu’s removal. Instead, the Supreme Court endorsed the minority judgment of Justice Ekanem, who had ruled that the trial court lacked jurisdiction over the matter. Furthermore, the court held that the plaintiff, Aniagu Emmanuel, lacked the legal standing to file the suit, as he failed to demonstrate how the appointment of the PDP National Secretary personally affected him.

3/21/2025, 10:37:01 AM

2027: Atiku, Fayemi, El Rufai Launch Coalition Against Tinubu

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and several members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have joined forces to oppose President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election. At an ongoing press conference, opposition leaders in attendance include Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi (represented by Yunusa Tanko), former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties Peter Ahmeh, and Alternative Convenor Segun Showunmi, among others. Apologies were announced on behalf of former governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, among others.

3/20/2025, 11:36:24 AM

S’South Govs Call For Rivers Emergency Rule Reversal

The South-South Governors’ Forum has demanded the reversal of the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu. In a statement released on Thursday, the forum’s chairman, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, signed the declaration in Yenagoa, the state capital. It reads , “To reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace, we propose the Rescission of the State of Emergency.” The forum also called for dialogue as a path forward and encouraged all parties to remain calm, uphold peace and the constitution of the country. “In the meantime, we encourage all parties to remain calm, uphold peace and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “The time for dialogue is now,” the statement read. The forum acknowledged the six-month state of emergency and the suspension of two democratic institutions, recognizing the president’s constitutional duty to uphold law and order, as well as their own mandate to ensure peace and stability in their states. However, the governors argued that the situation in Rivers State does not meet the conditions outlined in Section 305(3) of the constitution, as amended, for declaring a state of emergency. They also emphasized that the constitution clearly outlines procedures for the removal of a governor, deputy governor, and members of the state House of Assembly. According to the forum, the political crisis in Rivers State should be resolved through legal and constitutional means rather than executive intervention. The statement read in part, “The South-South Governors’ Forum notes the six-month declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, a constituent part of our Forum, and the suspension of two democratic institutions. “We recognise the President’s constitutional duty to maintain law and order throughout Nigeria, just as we are equally mandated to securing peace and stability in our states. “However, the South-South Governors’ Forum expresses concern that the current political situation in Rivers State does not satisfy the criteria for declaring a state of emergency as outlined in Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended). This section suggests that such a declaration should be considered under specific conditions like war, external aggression, imminent invasion, breakdown of public order, existential threats to Nigeria, natural disasters, or other significant public dangers. “It is also worth noting that the Constitution outlines specific procedures for the removal of a governor and deputy governor, as detailed in Section 188, and similar provisions exist for the removal of members of the House of Assembly and the dissolution of parliament. In the current situation, it appears that these guidelines might not have been fully considered. “We believe that the political disputes in Rivers State between the Governor and the House of Assembly should, ideally, be resolved through legal and constitutional means, rather than by executive fiat.”

3/20/2025, 9:37:05 AM

Rivers Crisis: No Justification For A State Of Emergency~ Dickson

Senator Seriake Dickson has fiercely condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing that it is unjustified and a threat to democracy. Speaking on PrimeTime with Arise TV, the former Bayelsa governor called the decision shocking and misguided. “As a committed democrat, I was shocked when the president’s proclamation was read, and I immediately released a statement to condemn it,” he stated. Dickson argued that while there are concerns in Rivers, they do not warrant such an extreme measure. He also cautioned that a state of emergency does not require the suspension of the governor, deputy, or state lawmakers. “I have been making calls to ensure this incident is not misinterpreted as an ethnic clash between the Ikwere and Ijaw people. Leaders across all divides must see it for what it is—a political issue,” he warned. The senator also expressed doubts over the level of consultation before the proclamation, stressing that it contradicts the principles of constitutional democracy. “The President knows the key actors, yet whatever step he took appears insufficient. Suspending elected officials is like igniting a nuclear bomb in a constitutional democracy,” he added. While acknowledging that Section 305 of the Constitution allows for a state of emergency, he questioned whether the legal conditions had been met. “Even if they are fulfilled, it does not automatically imply the suspension of the governor or lawmakers,” Dickson concluded.

3/20/2025, 7:33:23 AM

State Of Emergency Will Prevent Fubara’s Impeachment~ AGF, Fagbemi

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, described the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers as a “compromise” to avert the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu. Fagbemi made this statement on Wednesday while speaking to State House Correspondents after meeting with President Bola Tinubu. “Don’t forget there was a notice of impeachment from the House of Assembly. If that impeachment had been allowed to take its full course, then the governor would have lost entirely and completely. “So, in a way, if you say it’s a compromise, I will agree. “If the impeachment process had continued, in the end would have seen both the governor and the deputy governor out of office for the remainder of the four-year term,” he said.

3/19/2025, 5:21:53 PM

Reps End Plenary With No Mention Of Rivers Emergency Rule Declaration

The House of Representatives concluded its plenary on Wednesday without addressing the state of emergency in Rivers State. President Bola Tinubu had declared the emergency on Tuesday in response to the ongoing political crisis in the oil-rich South-South state. Many had anticipated that the matter would be discussed at the Green Chamber, but lawmakers did not raise the issue during the session. Before plenary began, however, two female lawmakers, Blessing Amadi from Rivers State and Marie Ebikake, engaged in a heated argument over the emergency declaration. Despite this, the session proceeded as scheduled, with lawmakers shifting their focus to the Federal Government’s conditional cash transfer program. Honourable Abass Adigun, who moved the motion, highlighted concerns over delayed payments. He noted that while nominees were promised N50,000 for three months starting in August 2024, some received payments late, while others had yet to be paid. The National Cash Transfer Office has also failed to address these delays.

3/19/2025, 2:35:05 PM

PDP Govs Demand Reversal Of Fubara’s Suspension, Say It’s Grievous Mistake

Governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have called on President Bola Tinubu to reverse the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The PDP Governors’ Forum condemned Fubara’s suspension, labeling it a “grievous mistake” and an “atrocious and retrograde decision.” On Tuesday night, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers due to the prolonged political crisis in the South-South state. He also suspended Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state assembly. To oversee the state, the president appointed retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as administrator. In a statement on Wednesday, Bauchi State Governor and PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman, Bala Mohammed, described the state of emergency as an “utter misgiving.” Mohammed said Tinubu’s “silence on the active role played” by Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), in the political crisis in Rivers was “golden and enabling”. “He (Wike) has become a law unto himself because he was playing out your script. Now we know. This is totally unstatemanly, biased, and divisive,” the statement reads. “We state categorically that this unwarranted but premeditated attack on Rivers State and the Peoples Democratic Party and other opposition parties is today, the greatest threat to democracy in our dear country, Nigeria and it is an ill wind that will blow no one any good. “It is a dangerous course of action that will not only endanger our hard-won democracy but will exacerbate the crises in the nation, deepen mistrust, elevate security threats, destroy the economy, and our national cohesion and stability. “The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in its response signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has already expressed grave concern about the purported suspension by the President of the Governor of Rivers State, the Deputy Governor, and the Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. “The NBA affirmed their commitment to upholding the Constitution, defending democratic governance, and ensuring that the rule of law prevails in Nigeria. “President is therefore called upon to listen to wise counsel and the voice of reason, as well as accept that he made grievous mistakes and acted in haste, and reverse this atrocious and retrograde decision before it is too late. “This authoritarian shenanigan is unacceptable and cannot stand.” Mohammed said the forum aligns with the NBA and would approach the court to interpret section 305 (3) of the constitution.

3/19/2025, 8:14:38 AM

Emergency Rule: Fubara Calls For Calm, Blames Lawmakers

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on the people of the state to stay calm amid the ongoing political crisis. In a statement personally signed and released to Waffi TV on Wednesday, Fubara emphasised that since taking office, his actions and decisions have been driven by his constitutional oath and a strong sense of duty. “I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history. Since assuming office as your governor, we have prioritised the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear state. “Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else. “This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned of their own volition. “Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgment immediately after we received the certified true copy of the judgment to return the state to normalcy,” he said. According to him, these steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity, and stability in the state. “Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress challenging. “Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people. “Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure, and peaceful under our watch. “At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive. We have always been resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process,” he averred.

3/19/2025, 7:01:44 AM

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