As tensions rise over the Rivers State political crisis, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has condemned the Supreme Court ruling, warning of potential instability in the oil-rich Niger Delta. INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday, criticized the judgment for overlooking the historical and political contributions of the Ijaw people to Rivers State’s governance. He cautioned that any attempt to undermine Governor Siminalayi Fubara could have serious consequences for national peace and economic stability. Highlighting the state's political evolution, the INC stressed the Ijaw people's long-standing role in shaping its leadership. According to Prof. Okaba, “In 1999, an Ijaw leader, Chief Marshall Harry, was instrumental in securing the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for Dr Peter Odili, despite a formidable challenge from Sergeant Awuse. Harry further ensured Odili’s victory against a Kalabari opponent, Chief Ebenezer Isokariari of the All Peoples Party (APP). “In 2003, the INC recalled that when Marshall Harry backed Sergeant Awuse’s governorship ambition, it was not Awuse but Harry himself who was assassinated, marking a painful loss for the Ijaw people. By 2007, Ijaw leaders such as Soboma George and Farrah Dagogo played a decisive role in securing victory for Sir Celestine Omehia, while Prince Igodo, a Kalabari-Ijaw warlord, was killed during Omehia’s swearing-in to prevent security breaches.”. He went on to recall that “in 2011, when Rotimi Amaechi sought to nominate Pastor Tonye Cole as a minister, Dame Patience Jonathan, the wife of then-President Goodluck Jonathan, ensured that Nyesom Wike took the slot instead”. The INC lamented that despite these consistent sacrifices by the Ijaw people, an Ikwerre political elite now seeks to frustrate the first riverine governor in decades. The body stated that the Ijaw people would defend Governor Fubara “with every pint of blood in their veins”, emphasising that they would not stand by and allow their long-awaited tenure to be truncated. Prof. Okaba warned that despite the INC’s relentless efforts to maintain peace in the Niger Delta—contributing to increased oil production and national revenue—the same resources are now being used to marginalize the Ijaw people. He emphasized that this pattern of exclusion extends beyond Rivers State to Ondo, Edo, Delta, and Akwa Ibom, where Ijaws continue to face political sidelining. Directly addressing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the INC cautioned that the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State should not be dismissed as mere politicking. Prof. Okaba reaffirmed that the Ijaw people, with a global population exceeding 40 million, would not stand by and allow their political relevance to be undermined. He further stated that while it enjoins Governor Fubara to, in the spirit of sportsmanship, work with all duly constituted arms of government in the state, “if Governor Fubara’s tenure is truncated by the Amaewhule-led Assembly or anybody else, the INC cannot guarantee the sustenance of the current peace in the Niger Delta, nor the continued rise in oil production”—a veiled warning of potential disruptions in the region’s petroleum industry”. With the INC’s unwavering position, tensions in Rivers State could escalate further if urgent measures are not taken to resolve the crisis peacefully. All eyes are now on President Tinubu and other national leaders to handle the situation with caution and prevent instability in the oil-rich region. As the political standoff intensifies, one thing is certain—the Ijaw National Congress has taken a definitive stand, warning that “any further attempts to sideline Governor Fubara may come at a heavy cost.”

Jubilation filled the riverine communities of Ogulagha Kingdom in the Niger Delta on Monday as Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) officially inaugurated the refurbished and upgraded Sologha Ekpemukpolo JAMB Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre. Stakeholders praised the initiative as a significant boost to educational infrastructure in Delta State’s riverine areas. As part of its corporate social responsibility, TSSNL equipped the centre with 250 new HP laptops, Starlink internet services, and a solar inverter system for uninterrupted power supply. Originally donated by Shell Petroleum Development Company in 2012 as an ICT hub, the facility has now been fully upgraded into a JAMB-accredited CBT centre. Victor Isereke, who has been involved with the centre since its inception, highlighted the improvements during the event. “Tantita has renovated the entire facility, painted it, and replaced all the computer systems with 250 brand-new computers. They also built toilet facilities, provided Starlink internet services, and installed a solar inverter system to reduce dependence on diesel,” he said. The transformation of the centre into a JAMB-accredited CBT facility began in 2021, championed by Julius Pondi, the lawmaker representing Burutu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Understanding the difficulties faced by students in riverine areas—who previously had to travel long distances to the hinterlands for exams—Pondi advocated for a local JAMB centre. Despite initial resistance due to its remote location, his persistence secured approval, paving the way for necessary upgrades to meet JAMB’s standards. Represented by his Senior Legislative Aide, Tonkiri Apu, Pondi expressed gratitude to TSSNL and commended the initiative. “Upgrading the Ogulagha JAMB Centre to an international standard makes education more accessible to our people in rural areas. Our students no longer need to cross the high sea to write JAMB; now, they can do it at their doorstep,” he said.

Former Abia State Governor and Senator for Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, on Monday dismissed the possibility of an Igbo presidency through Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Instead, the former Senate Chief Whip endorsed President Bola Tinubu to serve a full eight-year term, expressing confidence in Tinubu’s ability to revive the economy and drive national transformation. Kalu made these remarks as a guest on Channels Television’s *Politics Today* on Monday. He also emphasized that any candidate representing the South East must be widely acceptable to all Nigerians. He said, “I am not going to discuss anything about the Igbo presidency. But I still tell you there is a need for it. “(However) the Igbo must present an acceptable candidate to all Nigerians. No one zone can make a president. President Tinubu was not elected by the Yoruba. He was elected by all Nigerians.”

The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has extended the deadline for submitting memoranda on the creation of additional states and local governments in Nigeria. The new deadline is now March 26, 2025, instead of the previously announced March 5, 2025. This extension, announced in a circular signed by Deputy Speaker and Committee Chairman Benjamin Okezie Kalu, was released in Abuja by the Speaker’s Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu. The deputy speaker explained that the decision was in response to public requests for more time, reaffirming the committee’s commitment to constitutional compliance. The committee reminded proponents of state and local government creation that submissions must adhere to Section 8(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). This provision requires a request supported by at least a two-thirds majority of representatives from the affected area, including the Senate, House of Representatives, State House of Assembly, and local government councils. Additionally, Section 8(3) mandates that votes by State Houses of Assembly and referendum results be forwarded to the National Assembly for further legislative action. Submissions must be in triplicate and delivered to the Committee Secretariat, Room H331, House of Representatives, White House, National Assembly Complex, Abuja. Soft copies should also be emailed to info@hccr.gov.ng. Further inquiries should be directed to the committee clerk, Wali Shehu. Only proposals meeting the specified guidelines will be considered.

Amid rising tension over his looming impeachment, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that he is prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect the state from anti-democratic forces. Speaking boldly, Fubara stressed the importance of prioritizing Rivers State’s interests, stating that he would not hesitate to “pay the supreme price, if necessary.” Despite persistent opposition to his administration, the governor maintained that governance remains on course and assured that “victory is certain for the state.” Acknowledging the disappointment of many Rivers residents following the Supreme Court’s recent judgment, he urged them to stay resilient, as greater challenges lie ahead. Fubara made these remarks on Monday while inaugurating the newly reconstructed Rivers State Government House Staff Quarters along Forces Avenue, Old GRA, Port Harcourt. “I assure you that I will lead you with honour, I will lead you with respect, and I will lead you with integrity, knowing that when I leave here, I would have questions to answer, if I am called upon 20 – 30 years from today. I want to be proud to defend my position. So, I thank you and assure you that I will not disappoint you.” Governor Fubara, however, emphasized that no matter how much the adversaries have tried to fool the State, “the time has fully come for Rivers people to take their destinies in their hands”. The Governor, who clarified that he has never subscribed to violence or asking people to indulge in lawless acts, warned that his administration will not look away when haters of the State struggle to unleash violence in the State. “No matter how we’ve been fooled in this State, it has gotten to a point when the people have to decide to take their destinies in their hands. “Since I don’t subscribe to violence, when the time comes for us to take a decision, I will lead the course for that decision. Let me say it again: I am not scared of anything, the worst that will happen is for me to leave the office. Am I leaving the earth? Is it going to stop me from existing? “So, I am not even bothered about that. But the right thing must be done, and must be said when the opportunity is given to us. Let me thank everyone, more especially our youths. Be strong, don’t be perturbed. I assure you, at the right time, you will hear from us.”

Mudashiru Obasa has been reinstated as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly following the resignation of Mojisola Meranda. Obasa was impeached in January over corruption allegations and was immediately succeeded by Meranda, who made history as the assembly’s first female Speaker. Meranda held the position for 49 days before stepping down on Monday, March 3, 2025, amid a leadership crisis triggered by Obasa’s impeachment. Following her resignation, Obasa was reinstated as Speaker. In his address after reclaiming the role, he expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their loyalty to the party. “We want to assure Lagosians that we have resolved and determined to serve their interest and protect their interest always. Our major responsibility is to represent them and what we have been doing. “What is happening here today shows that the Lagos State House of Assembly is capable and is a House of integrity. It is a house that internal mechanism to resolve in the interest of the institution and our party. “Today is not the day for speech making but to celebrate my colleagues and thank them for all they’ve been doing. I am sure we will continue to work together in peace, love and harmony,” he said.