President Tinubu ends Rivers State emergency, Fubara to resume office

Politics

Breaking: Tinubu Ends State of Emergency in Rivers State [Full Speech]

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Published

1 day ago

September 17, 2025

BONA NAIJA

President Tinubu ends six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, clears Governor Fubara, Deputy Odu, and lawmakers to resume duties September 18.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the end of the state of emergency in Rivers State, six months after it was imposed over a political crisis.

In a national address on Tuesday, Tinubu said the measure, declared on March 18, 2025, was necessary to halt a “total paralysis of governance” following the breakdown of relations between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly.

The President confirmed that the emergency will expire at midnight today, allowing Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, Speaker Martins Amaewhule, and lawmakers to resume their duties on September 18.

Tinubu urged political leaders across the country to prioritize peace and cooperation, warning that democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere of “violence, anarchy, and insecurity.”

Read Full Speech

STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY, BOLA AHMED TINUBU, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, ON THE CESSATION OF THE STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE

My Fellow countrymen and, in particular, the good people of Rivers State.

I am happy to address you today on the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State. You will recall that on 18th March, 2025, I proclaimed a state of emergency in the state. In my proclamation address, I highlighted the reasons for the declaration. The summary of it for context is that there was a total paralysis of governance in Rivers State, which had led to the Governor of Rivers State and the House of Assembly being unable to work together. Critical economic assets of the State, including oil pipelines, were being vandalised.

The State House of Assembly was crisis-ridden, such that members of the House were divided into two groups. Four members worked with the Governor, while 27 members opposed the Governor. The latter group supported the Speaker. As a result, the Governor could not present any Appropriation Bill to the House, to enable him to access funds to run Rivers State’s affairs.

That serious constitutional impasse brought governance in the State to a standstill. Even the Supreme Court, in one of its judgments in a series of cases filed by the Executive and the Legislative arms of Rivers State against each other, held that there was no government in Rivers State. My intervention and that of other well-meaning Nigerians to resolve the conflict proved abortive as both sides stuck rigidly to their positions to the detriment of peace and development of the State.

It therefore became painfully inevitable that to arrest the drift towards anarchy in Rivers State, I was obligated to invoke the powers conferred on me by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to proclaim the state of emergency. The Offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and elected members of the State House of Assembly were suspended for six months in the first instance. The six months expire today, September 17th, 2025.

I thank the National Assembly, which, after critically evaluating the justification for the proclamation, took steps immediately, as required by the Constitution, to approve the declaration in the interest of peace and order in Rivers State. I also thank our traditional rulers and the good people of Rivers State for their support from the date of the declaration of the state of emergency until now.

I am not unaware that there were a few voices of dissent against the proclamation, which led to their instituting over 40 cases in the courts in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa, to invalidate the declaration. That is the way it should be in a democratic setting. Some cases are still pending in the courts as of today. But what needs to be said is that the power to declare a state of emergency is an inbuilt constitutional tool to address situations of actual or threatened breakdown of public order and public safety, which require extraordinary measures to return the State to peace, order and security. Considered objectively, we had reached that situation of total breakdown of public order and public safety in Rivers State, as shown in the judgment of the Supreme Court on the disputes between the Executive and the Legislative arm of Rivers State. It would have been a colossal failure on my part as President not to have made that proclamation.

As a stakeholder in democratic governance, I believe that the need for a harmonious existence and relationship between the executive and the legislature is key to a successful government, whether at the state or national level. The people who voted us into power expect to reap the fruits of democracy. However, that expectation will remain unrealizable in an atmosphere of violence, anarchy, and insecurity borne by misguided political activism and Machiavellian manipulations among the stakeholders.

I am happy today that, from the intelligence available to me, there is a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm on the part of all the stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance. This is undoubtedly a welcome development for me and a remarkable achievement for us. I therefore do not see why the state of emergency should exist a day longer than the six months I had pronounced at the beginning of it.

It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today. The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from 18 September 2025.

I take this opportunity to remind the Governors and the Houses of Assembly of all the States of our country to continue to appreciate that it is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. I implore all of you to let this realisation drive your actions at all times.

I thank you all.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
State House, Abuja
September 17, 2025

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2027: PDP clarifies zoning, says ticket open to all aspirants

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Politics

2027: PDP clarifies zoning, says ticket open to all aspirants

Published

2 days ago

September 16, 2025

Bona Naija

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has clarified that its zoning arrangement will not prevent aspirants from other regions from contesting the party’s presidential ticket in 2027.

PDP’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, stated on Arise Television’s Morning Show that while zoning remains an important tool for equity, it cannot override the Nigerian Constitution, which grants every citizen the right to seek elective office.

“Even if we zone our presidential candidate to the South, it will not stop anybody from any part of the country from showing interest. We cannot do things that will contradict the Constitution of Nigeria, which is the grand norm,” Ajibade explained.non grata’

The clarification confirmed the position long championed by technocrat and politician Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, whose movement has consistently argued that zoning must not be used to exclude competent leaders.

Reacting to the PDP’s pronouncement, the South West Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Alhaji Abass Olaniyi, described it as “a major victory for democracy and a vindication of Dr. Hashim’s ideological politics,” noting that the party had chosen fairness and inclusivity.

Olawepo-Hashim, a businessman-turned-politician, has gained recognition for his issue-based politics and efforts at bridging Nigeria’s North-South divide.

His rising influence, particularly in Osun State, has fueled speculation about a possible 2027 presidential bid.

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Lagos State

Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima (OmoBarca) Joins ADC, Declares House of Reps Ambition in Ajeromi-Ifelodun

Published

5 days ago

September 14, 2025

Bona Naija

Hon. Francis Chima (OmoBarca) Joins ADC, Declares House of Reps Bid

The political landscape of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency shifted on Saturday as Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima, popularly known as OmoBarca, officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and declared his ambition to contest for the House of Representatives seat in 2027.

The declaration ceremony, held in Ajeromi-Ifelodun, attracted a large turnout of party faithful, community leaders, and supporters. It was also graced by prominent ADC figures, including the party’s National Secretary, Hon. Rauf Aregbesola, and former Lagos governorship candidate, Hon. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour. Their presence highlighted the significance of OmoBarca’s entry into the party as ADC intensifies efforts to expand its influence in Lagos ahead of the next general elections.

OmoBarca’s Vision for Ajeromi-Ifelodun

In his address, OmoBarca emphasized that his ambition is rooted in service, pledging to deliver people-centered representation if elected.

“I am stepping into this race with the sole aim of empowering my people in Ajeromi-Ifelodun,” he said. “I want a constituency where youths have access to jobs and skills, women are supported in business, and children enjoy better education. That is the kind of representation I intend to bring to Abuja.”

He further appealed to his political opponents to prioritize fair competition over post-election disputes, stressing that electoral mandates should be respected.

“I want to win this election on the strength of the people’s support. I don’t want any contestant to drag me to court if I emerge victorious. Let us respect the mandate of the electorate and focus on building our communities together,” he added.

Hon. Francis Chima (OmoBarca) joins ADC, declares House of Reps ambition in Ajeromi-Ifelodun as party leaders rally support ahead of 2027 elections. — *Hon. Francis Chima (OmoBarca) Joins ADC*

ADC Leaders Back OmoBarca

Welcoming him to the party, Hon. Rauf Aregbesola described OmoBarca as a grassroots politician with a proven record of philanthropy and community service. He expressed confidence that OmoBarca’s candidacy would boost ADC’s chances in Ajeromi-Ifelodun, historically a battleground for dominant parties.

Hon. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour also commended OmoBarca’s consistency and passion for grassroots empowerment. He urged residents to rally behind the ADC candidate, stressing that credible representation at the National Assembly remains key to meaningful development.

Campaign Kickoff and Political Implications

The event also featured the inauguration of OmoBarca’s campaign team, with hundreds of supporters pledging loyalty to his candidacy. Party members hailed his defection as a “game-changer” with the potential to alter electoral dynamics in the constituency.

Political observers note that OmoBarca’s grassroots popularity, combined with national-level backing from the ADC, positions him as a formidable contender in one of Lagos State’s most politically vibrant constituencies.

As the 2027 general elections approach, his declaration sets the stage for a high-stakes contest that could reshape political alignments in Ajeromi-Ifelodun.

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Politics

INEC Disqualifies 157 Political Associations, Shortlists 14 for Screening

Published

1 week ago

September 11, 2025

Bona Naija

INEC Disqualifies 157 Groups, Shortlists 14 for Party Screening

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disqualified 157 associations seeking registration as political parties after failing to meet the initial requirements set by the commission.

INEC disclosed this in a statement on Thursday by its spokesperson, Sam Olumekun, noting that only 14 associations scaled the first stage of scrutiny and have been invited for further screening.

INEC Received 171 Applications

According to the commission, a total of 171 requests for registration were submitted by political associations across the country.

“Each request was assessed on the basis of its prima facie compliance with the provisions of Section 222 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Section 79 (1, 2 and 4) of the Electoral Act 2022, and Clause 2 (i and ii) of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022,” the statement said.

Olumekun added that decisions reached by the commission would be officially communicated to the respective associations within 24 hours.

Next Steps in the Screening Process

INEC said interim chairpersons and secretaries of the pre-qualified associations will attend a briefing at its headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, September 17, at 11 a.m.

The associations will also be required to upload key information to INEC’s online portal. Following this, the commission will conduct physical verification of their claims before making a final determination on whether they can be formally registered as political parties.

Olumekun emphasized that the registration of political parties remains an ongoing process under the law, and associations that meet all legal requirements will continue to be considered.

The 14 Pre-Qualified Associations

The associations that passed the first scrutiny include:

African Transformation Party (ATP)
All Democratic Alliance (ADA)
Advance Nigeria Congress (ANC)
Abundance Social Party (ASP)
African Alliance Party (AAP)
Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA)
Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA)
Grassroots Initiative Party (GRIP)
Green Future Party (GFP)
Liberation People’s Party (LPP)
National Democratic Party (NDP)
National Reform Party (NRP)
Patriotic Peoples Alliance (PPA)
Peoples Freedom Party (PFP)

Broader Implications

Political analysts say the commission’s decision reflects a tightening of compliance measures, ensuring that only associations that meet constitutional and electoral standards advance to full party status.

With Nigeria’s political landscape already crowded, the outcome of the verification process is expected to shape the country’s democratic space ahead of upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and the end-of-tenure FCT Area Council elections.

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Politics

INEC Endorses David Mark-Led ADC Leadership Team

Published

1 week ago

September 10, 2025

BONA NAIJA

INEC Confirms David Mark as ADC National Chairman

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognised the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking the conclusion of the party’s recent internal restructuring.

With the recognition, INEC formally acknowledged David Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary. Other officers now listed include Dr. Ibrahim Mani (National Treasurer), Akibu Dalhatu (National Financial Secretary), and Professor Oserheimen Aigberaodion Osunbor (National Legal Adviser).

The new leadership is expected to launch a nationwide reconciliation and mobilisation drive aimed at strengthening the ADC’s structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The transition process began on July 2 when outgoing National Chairman Ralph Nwosu announced the appointment of David Mark as interim chairman and Aregbesola as interim secretary. According to Nwosu, the previous leadership voluntarily stepped down to pave the way for fresh direction and renewal within the party.

However, the process was briefly stalled due to documentation lapses, with INEC records initially still listing Nwosu and Said Abdullahi as National Chairman and Secretary, alongside Kelvin Alagoa (Treasurer), Ifeyinwa Ntima (Financial Secretary), and Barr. Ujunwa Onwuasoeze (Legal Adviser).

INEC regulations require political parties to submit resolutions, verified signatures, and evidence of due process before leadership changes can be reflected in its official records. With the documentation now completed, the David Mark-led team is set to drive the ADC’s preparations for future electoral contests.

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Politics

Anambra 2025: Uche Ekwunife Fires Back at Governor Soludo Over Certificate Controversy (VIDEO)

Published

1 week ago

September 9, 2025

Bona Naija

Uche Ekwunife Fires Back at Governor Soludo Over Certificate Controversy

Deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, Senator Uche Ekwunife, has launched a blistering attack on Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, following allegations that her PhD certificate was obtained from an unaccredited university in the United States.

In a video circulating online, Ekwunife dismissed the governor’s claims, describing him as an “illiterate professor” and challenging him to seek legal redress if he doubts the authenticity of her academic qualifications.

“Go to Court if My PhD Is Fake”

“Go to court if you claim my PhD certificate is fake. It is evident that your professorship is just a department award,” Ekwunife said.

She further dared Governor Soludo to verify her degrees at the University of Calabar, where she obtained her first degree, and at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, where she bagged her Master’s, before questioning her doctorate.

Accuses Soludo of Failure in Governance

Turning to governance, Ekwunife accused Soludo of presiding over insecurity and decline in Anambra State. According to her, the state, once known for peace and commerce, has now become a place people flee from due to widespread violence.

“All the bushes in Anambra State are full of corpses. Anambra used to be a peaceful state. Every Thursday, traders used to come in to buy, but now people are running away from Anambra,” she said.

She further alleged that under Soludo’s watch, insecurity had claimed the lives of several citizens, including two members of the State House of Assembly.

Personal Attack on Governor

In a sharp personal jab, Ekwunife mocked Soludo as a “smelling professor,” urging him to use deodorant.

“Tell your wife to buy you some deodorant to help you stop smelling,” she said in the viral video, sparking strong reactions among political observers.

Governor Soludo had earlier alleged that Ekwunife’s PhD was awarded by an unrecognized university abroad. The heated exchange now adds to the rising political tension in Anambra ahead of the upcoming elections.

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