Less than a week after a major explosion rocked the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana LGA of Rivers State, another blast has reportedly occurred at the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru LGA. The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a grassroots NGO with deep networks in the Niger Delta, confirmed the incident on Sunday. In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, YEAC revealed that its youth volunteers reported an early morning explosion at the Soku oil facility, operated by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited. According to the statement: “An explosion accompanied by fireballs was heard and seen in the sky from the facility area, which is difficult to reach. The fire is still ongoing as of the time of this report.” The cause of the latest explosion remains unclear, with speculations ranging from equipment failure to sabotage or a deliberate attack. This marks the third explosion at oil facilities in Rivers State within a week. The first occurred in Ogoni, while the second took place in Oga/Egbema/Ndoni LGA—an incident referenced by President Bola Tinubu in his March 18 nationwide address, during which he declared a six-month state of emergency in the state. In response to the escalating crisis, the President suspended the Rivers State House of Assembly, Deputy Governor, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing the governor’s alleged failure to protect vital oil infrastructure. This decision followed a viral video in which some youths issued threats over Fubara’s possible impeachment. YEAC-Nigeria has called for an urgent investigation into the Soku explosion. The group urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to determine the cause.

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.

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has stated that it cannot take a stance on President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing its role in fostering unified policies and driving sustainable socioeconomic growth. In a statement on Saturday, NGF Director General Abdulateef Shittu emphasized that taking sides on divisive partisan matters, regardless of the framing, reflects a flawed grasp of history. Rivers State has faced political turmoil for nearly two years, with former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Sim Fubara, locked in a power struggle that has stalled governance. In response, Tinubu declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, suspending Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all state House of Assembly members for six months. Retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas was appointed as the sole administrator. The NGF urged the public and media to exercise patience, expressing confidence that appropriate platforms and crisis management efforts would resolve the situation. It stated, “The Forum wishes to clarify that it is an umbrella body for subnational governments to promote unified policy positions and collaborate with relevant stakeholders in pursuit of sustainable socioeconomic growth and the well-being of the people. “As a technical and policy hub comprising governors elected on different platforms, the body elects to steer clear of taking positions that may alienate members with varying political interests. “In whatever language it is written, taking positions on contentious partisan issues would mean a poor sense of history —just a few years after the Forum survived a fundamental division following political differences among its members. “Regardless, the Forum is reputed for its bold positions on governance and general policy matters of profound consequences, such as wages, taxes, education, and universal healthcare, among others.”

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.”

The Delta State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday, March 20, 2025, held a crucial interactive meeting with political aides to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at the party’s secretariat in Asaba. The meeting, presided over by the State PDP Chairman, Chief Solomon Areyenka(JP) and members of the State Working Committee, focused on strengthening party unity and addressing key political matters affecting the state. During the session, Chief Sunny Ogu, an Executive Assistant (EA) to the Governor, moved a motion for a vote of confidence in Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, citing his unwavering commitment to good governance, infrastructural development, and inclusive leadership in Delta State. The motion was seconded by Chief Sakpaide, (EA) to the governor and was unanimously adopted by all present. Chief Ogu highlighted the governor’s strides in critical sectors, including road construction, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and job creation under the M.O.R.E. agenda. He commended Oborevwori’s open-door policy, which has ensured that political appointees, party members, and the general public have a voice in governance. The PDP Chairman, in his remarks, praised Governor Oborevwori for maintaining the party’s stronghold in Delta State, emphasizing that his leadership has continued to unite the PDP family and strengthen grassroots mobilization. He urged political aides to remain committed to the party’s vision and work harmoniously with the governor to achieve set objectives. The Senior Political Adviser to the Governor, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, also lauded the governor’s people-oriented leadership, assuring the party of continued dedication to ensuring the success of the administration. The interactive session ended with a renewed commitment by political aides to support the governor’s administration and the PDP’s mission in Delta State, with more engagements planned to enhance collaboration between government functionaries and party leadership.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert regarding falsified Oxycontin 80mg (oxycodone hydrochloride) found in an unregulated market in Switzerland. The alert, numbered 07/2025, was published on NAFDAC’s website on Thursday. According to the agency, the counterfeit medication was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by its genuine manufacturer, MUNDIPHARMA, in February. NAFDAC explained that the falsified product mimicked the authentic OXYCONTIN 80mg authorized for sale in Poland. Genuine OXYCONTIN, which contains oxycodone hydrochloride, is a semi-synthetic opioid prescribed for moderate to severe pain relief. Laboratory tests conducted by the Drug Information Centre in Zurich, Switzerland, revealed that the counterfeit tablets contained no oxycodone. Instead, WHO and DIZ’s drug-checking service identified a synthetic opioid, likely a nitazene compound. Nitazene derivatives, such as metonitazene, isotonitazene, and fluonitazene, are highly potent synthetic opioids primarily used in research due to their strong addictive potential and severe side effects. NAFDAC warned that these substances could be hundreds of times stronger than oxycodone, significantly increasing the risk of overdose. The agency emphasized that there is limited information on their risks, toxicity, side effects, and long-term health impacts. “The identified product in this alert is confirmed as falsified on the basis that it deliberately/fraudulently misrepresented its identity, composition, or source. “The falsified product imitates OXYCONTIN 80mg manufactured and marketed by MUNDIPHARMA in the Polish market. MUNDIPHARMA has confirmed that the product was falsified and was not produced by their company. “This falsified product has been found to contain undeclared nitazene compounds, which pose a significant risk due to the high likelihood of adverse events, even in small doses. Nitazenes produce similar effects to other opioids. “Their high potency carries a high risk of overdose and death. Using nitazene derivatives has been linked to several deaths. “Mixing them with other depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines can be very dangerous, leading to severe effects like respiratory depression, low blood pressure, coma, or even death,” NAFDAC said. NAFDAC cautioned that the falsified Oxycontin 80mg poses a significant danger, particularly to individuals with substance use disorders who may mistakenly believe it to be a safe and quality-assured medication. The agency identified visible discrepancies in the counterfeit product, including incorrect placement of the batch and expiry dates. Unlike the genuine OXYCONTIN, where these details appear on the back of the blister strip, the falsified version displays them on the front. Additionally, in the counterfeit product, the expiry date is positioned on the left and the batch number on the right—opposite to the correct format in authentic OXYCONTIN. To curb the circulation of the falsified product, NAFDAC has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and remove any counterfeit versions found in their respective areas across Nigeria. The agency urged importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and consumers to exercise caution throughout the supply chain to prevent the importation, distribution, sale, and use of falsified OXYCONTIN tablets. NAFDAC emphasized that all medical products and devices should only be obtained from authorized or licensed suppliers. It also advised thorough verification of product authenticity and physical condition before use. Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report any suspected cases of substandard or falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office. Reports can also be made by calling 0800-162-3322 or via email.