News Archives - Page 24 of 77

Bauchi Gov Sacks Women Affairs Commissioner

September 29, 2025 by admin

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has relieved Hajiya Zainab Baban-Takko, the state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, of her duties with immediate effect. The Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mr Mukhtar Gidado, disclosed this in a statement early Monday. According to him, the decision was a result of a minor change by the governor to the composition of the State Executive Council. “In that respect, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hajiya Zainab-Baban Takko, has been relieved of her appointment with immediate effect. “The governor thanks the Honourable Commissioner for her services to the State and wishes her success in her future endeavours,” said Gidado. The development comes shortly after Bauchi State Civil Service Commission dismissed two senior government officials for forgery. A statement issued by the Information and Public Relations Officer of the commission, Saleh Umar, and made available to PUNCH Online last Wednesday, said the offence contravened State Public Service Rule 0327 (ii, iii, and vi), which relates to forgery and falsification of official documents. The commission also dismissed an education officer on September 11, for gross misconduct involving sexual harassment.

OLUBADAN: “Your Suffering Has Yielded Progress, Growth – Tinubu Tells Nigerians, As Makinde Presents Instruments Of Office To Oba Ladoja •••Oba Ladoja Demands For Creation Of Ibadan State

September 26, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – THE President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has commended Nigerians for their resilience and patience in the face of recent economic and social challenges, assuring the nation that their sacrifices are not in vain and are already yielding progress and growth. Speaking on Friday at the coronation ceremony of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, held at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the President acknowledged the perseverance of citizens through difficult times, while promising better days ahead. “I know the times have been hard, but your suffering is not without purpose. The path we are on is already bearing fruits of progress, and I can assure you that we are laying a solid foundation for a brighter and more prosperous future,” Tinubu said. While addressing the large gathering of traditional rulers, political leaders, and citizens, the President paid tribute to Oba Rashidi Ladoja, describing him as “a monarch of wisdom, peace, and vision.” The president said Ladoja had faced many challenges as governor which led to his removal, adding that he was happy that the former governor was reinstated. “Let me salute the lucky Imperial Majesty, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja Arusa 1st. And all other traditional rulers.” “Today is an important occasion. I am happy to witness the history and your coronation. It is a great honor and moment of history that you ascend the throne of your forebears. It is my honor. “I take this opportunity to salute former governors, Donald Duke, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Gbenga Daniel.” “This moment is not for long speeches. To many of you here present today, I am honored.” “Kabiyesi Oba Rashidi Ladoja is not only a man of immense experience but one deeply loved by his people. His ascension to the throne marks a new era of hope and unity for Ibadanland.” “I have no doubt that under his leadership, Ibadan will witness even greater development,” Tinubu stated. He further reiterated his commitment to working with traditional institutions and state governments to ensure peace, security, and economic revitalisation across the country. Earlier in his remarks, Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, congratulated the newly installed monarch, pledging the full support of his administration to the Olubadan in delivering on his responsibilities. “This occasion is a reminder of our rich heritage and the stability of our traditional institution. Kabiyesi Ladoja is a symbol of continuity and progress.” “The Oyo State Government will stand firmly behind him in promoting peace and development across Ibadanland,” Makinde said. The governor also called on all residents and stakeholders in Ibadan to rally behind the new monarch, adding that unity among the people will fast-track the city’s socio-economic growth. In his acceptance speech, Oba Rashidi Ladoja expressed deep appreciation for development, highlighting the need for renewed commitment to Ibadan’s development. He also used the platform to make a passionate appeal for the creation of Ibadan State out of the present Oyo State for accelerated development. “Your Excellency, I have been inundated with calls by our people to inform you of our demand for Ibadan State, out of the present Oyo State, for accelerated development.” “It will gladden our hearts to see Ibadan State created with your maximum support, Mr. President,” the monarch said. Addressing issues of social concern, the Olubadan vowed to tackle the menace of street urchins (popularly known as area boys) within the city. “We are irrevocably committed to reducing the cases of area boys in Ibadan. Soon, we shall launch a multi-billion Naira Economic Development Programme to revive companies that once thrived here and create jobs for our youths.” Reflecting on his long journey to the throne, the monarch described it as a divine journey, not driven by power or wealth, but by destiny. “It is not by power, influence, connection, or money that we are where we are today. I thank God for guiding me from the starting line as Mogaji in 1992 to this point.” He pledged to be a father to all, irrespective of religion, tribe, or political affiliation, and called on all arms of traditional leadership in Ibadan to join hands in ensuring peace and development. “As Olubadan of Ibadanland, I pledge to promote peace, love, and unity among our diverse peoples. I shall not do it alone, I have the full backing of the Olubadan-in-Council, our local chiefs, and titleholders,” he added. The coronation event was graced by Senator Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, among others. Traditional rulers like the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi represented by Olori Ashley Ogunwusi and His Royal Highness Obalufe of Ife, Oba Adediwura, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, Soun of Ogbomosho, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Olaoye and the Oluwo of Iwo.

FG Declares Friday Public Holiday To Celebrate Eid-ul-Mawli

September 3, 2025 by admin

The Federal Government has declared Friday, September 5, 2025, as a public holiday to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Mawlid, the celebration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.. He urged Muslims to use the occasion to reflect deeply on the exemplary life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, describing him as a model of peace, love, patience, and tolerance. “On this occasion, I call on all Muslims to imbibe the Prophet’s virtues of love, humility, and selflessness. These values are essential in building a united and prosperous Nigeria,” the minister said. Dr. Tunji-Ojo also appealed to Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, security, and stability in the country, stressing that the government remained committed to overcoming national challenges. “As a people, we must stand together and support the government in its efforts to ensure security, economic growth, and sustainable development. Unity and cooperation are the bedrock of progress,” he added. Eid-ul-Mawlid is celebrated annually by Muslims around the world to honor the birth of Prophet Muhammad.

FG Orders Immediate Repairs of Damaged Shagamu-Benin Bridge

September 3, 2025 by admin

The Federal Ministry of Works has announced urgent intervention on the damaged deck of the Benin-bound section of the Shagamu-Benin carriageway, assuring road users of a swift and lasting solution. In a statement signed by Special Adviser (Media) to the Minister of Works, Uchenna Orji, on Tuesday, the ministry said it is actively following up on repairs and has dispatched a team of engineers to the site. “The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed immediate dispatch of a team of engineers to the location of the damaged bridge at the border of Edo and Ondo States of the Shagamu-Benin carriageway,” the statement said. According to the ministry, the affected bridge, which has a double carriageway, suffered a visible puncture on the Benin-bound side within one of its five spans. “In line with the proactive approach to interventions by the Renewed Hope administration of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu GCFR, urgent action has been initiated on the damaged section of the bridge, and it will take a maximum period of 45 days after concrete works for vehicular movement to resume on that section of the carriageway to allow the concrete to mature. It would be recalled that a similar incident occurred on one of the spans in the past, and it was repaired with dispatch,” the statement added. The ministry attributed the damage to age-related deterioration, noting that the Shagamu-Benin bridge was constructed in 1981. “The damage being noticed on the said bridge is age-related deterioration. Bridges are susceptible to having their structures undermined as a result of old age. The Shagamu-Benin bridge was built in 1981, and the bridge deck is ageing. The life span of a bridge can vary significantly based on several factors, including the materials used, environmental conditions, traffic loads, and maintenance practices. This overtime causes issues like punctures, cracks, corrosion, or structural weakness.” Umahi assured us that a permanent solution is underway, using full deck reconstruction using innovative engineering technology. “The Minister of Works assures that a permanent solution is underway for the Shagamu-Benin bridge, which is to remove the entire deck slab of the two sets of bridges in Ondo and Edo States, which are all within the same location, and rebuild the deck slab through innovative engineering technology. “He apologises to the road users for the inconveniences they have suffered or will suffer during the period of the rehabilitation work. He assures that the Federal Ministry of Works shall work with the Federal Road Safety personnel to maintain traffic on one carriageway of the bridge during the period of the rehabilitation to avoid motorists getting stuck in a traffic jam. He states that Mr. President is intervening on over 30 bridges’ rehabilitation nationwide in 2025 alone, and this rehabilitation will happen urgently.” He also acknowledged the individual who raised the alarm about the bridge damage, urging the public to appreciate the administration’s efforts in revamping Nigeria’s road infrastructure. “The Minister of Works thanks the content creator who raised the alarm on the damaged section of the bridge. He notes the content creator’s preconceptions over the modest efforts of the Renewed Hope administration to transform the road infrastructure and expand the transportation ecosystem to stimulate progressive national economic growth but urges him and others with such mindsets to know that the Renewed Hope agenda of revolutionising road infrastructure nationwide is on course and the mission of revitalising and strengthenening the inherited deteriorating federal road architecture is making significant progress across the board.” Umahi further reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s transport sector, describing the Renewed Hope projects as a catalyst for economic growth. “The minister reiterates the unwavering commitment of Mr. President in transforming Nigeria’s transport sector and positioning it for sustainable economic prosperity. His initiative to construct the Renewed Hope legacy projects in addition to the inherited ongoing road projects is a bold and broad vision to expand the nation’s road network, which is a catalyst for overall development, including healthcare, education, tourism, regional integration, industrialisation, and various other economic activities that will raise the nation’s human development index.

Nigeria Hits 2025 Revenue Target in August, Tinubu Announces

September 2, 2025 by admin

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday announced that Nigeria hit its 2025 revenue target in August, driven largely by proceeds from the non-oil sector. According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu disclosed this at the Presidential Villa while receiving founding members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change and The Buhari Organisation led by former Nasarawa State governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura. Tinubu said the feat underscored the impact of his administration’s economic reforms. “The economy is now stabilised. Nobody is trading pieces of paper for foreign exchange anymore. The economy is now predictable. You do not need to know the CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, to obtain foreign exchange or import goods,” the President said. Tinubu assured Nigerians that his Renewed Hope Agenda remained anchored on infrastructure renewal, improved health facilities, food sovereignty, and security. He disclosed that the federal government would establish agricultural mechanisation centres across all regions to boost cultivation, expand harvests, and create jobs. “What we need now is building the ship and the vessels for the export of our goods and creating more jobs for our people,” he added. The President also pledged to sustain and immortalise the legacies of former President Muhammadu Buhari, saying a Buhari House would be established while more former CPC members would be brought into government. Al-Makura, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, assured Tinubu of the group’s loyalty and support ahead of the 2027 elections. He commended the President for giving Buhari a befitting state burial, noting that his presence throughout the rites was both “comforting and reassuring.” Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, also lauded Tinubu for his statesmanship and accommodation of diverse political stakeholders. Nigeria has historically depended on crude oil for up to 70 per cent of government earnings and over 90 per cent of foreign exchange inflows. Repeated administrations promised to diversify the economy, but oil remained the dominant revenue source. The federal government approved a record N54.99 trillion budget, of which only N41 trillion was expected to come in as revenue, leaving a N13 trillion deficit to be filled largely through loans. Punch

Wike Slams N5m Fine, 7.5% Charge on FCT Land Defaulters

September 2, 2025 by admin

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has approved and imposed a N5m fine, payable within 30 days, for allottees and land title holders who have contravened the Land Use Act in the Federal Capital Territory. The minister also assented to a 7.5 per cent charge on the Assessed Capital Value of properties converted without the knowledge or express permission of the FCT Administration, payable within 30 days. Wike gave the approval after receiving the report of the committee set up to address the abuse of the Land Use Act in the FCT, in his office on Tuesday. The minister had inaugurated the committees on August 8, 2025, describing the issue of land abuse as “very important” in streamlining the activities of the FCT Administration on emerging land matters. Chairman of the Land Use and Purposes Clause Committee and Director of Development Control, Muktar Galadima, said the committee found that many properties on Ademola Adetokunbo Street, Aminu Kano Crescent, Yakubu Gowon Street, and Gana Street, among others, had been converted to residential, commercial or mixed usage, contravening the original agreements. He added that the total capital value of the said properties amounted to N1,037,478,716,500, while recommending various sanctions on the defaulting title holders, including sealing of property, removal of buildings and structures, revocation and withdrawal of titles, if they failed to pay the fines. “The Committee hereby recommends as follows: That, allottees/title holders of land and properties affected by the land use change/conversion, pay within thirty (30) days from the date of conveyance of approval, Land Use Conversion fee of 7.5% of the assessed Capital Value of the properties as contained in the Schedule/Valuation Report Sheet. “That, allottees/title holders of the land and properties affected by the land use change/conversion, in addition to payment of Land Use Conversion fee, pay statutory Right of Occupancy bills applicable for the new land use/purpose clause and as charged for the District; “That, where illegal/unapproved extension, merger and subdivision has been established, the allottee/title holder of the property… pay, within thirty (30) days from the date of conveyance of approval, extension/merger/subdivision fee of the extant 2.0% of the assessed Capital Value of the properties as contained in the Schedule/Valuation Report Sheet,” Galadima said. The minister, in his address, commended the committees for their work, stating that no defaulter would be allowed to go scot-free, as the administration was interested in raising money to carry out projects. “I’m not going to leave anybody to go free. We are looking for money to carry on projects. If you fall into our trap, it’s your business. “Or if you want us to take back our title, which we are not interested in taking back. We are trying to raise money for the FCT. But if you don’t want, we take back your title, we sell it, we will still raise money. You have to pay the penalty and pay for the conversion, they are two different things. “I’m aware that certain areas are designated for residential, and certain areas are designated for commercial. But people believing that they can do anything without approval from the government, some have changed residential to commercial, some have changed commercial to residential, and some have changed for all kinds of mixed uses. If you don’t sanction them, it will continue to be so,” Wike stated. Punch

300B Loan: Enough of Reckless Governance in Oyo State – Olaoluwa

August 31, 2025 by admin

The Atayese of Fiditi and President, Peter Olaoluwa Foundation, POF, Olaoluwa Peter Abidemi, popularly called OPA, has cautioned the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde to end his reckless governance. Olaoluwa, in a statement on Saturday and made available to journalists in Ibadan, described the recent loan approval by the state lawmakers as most unreasonable. OPA, a 2027 governorship aspirant, condemned Governor Seyi Makinde and the state House of Assembly following revelations by the lawmaker representing Saki West Local Government, Hon. Ibrahim Shittu, about the secret approval of a controversial N300 billion loan during an emergency sitting held amidst the Assembly’s ongoing recess. He described the administration of Governor Makinde as one who will give down in history of the state as most reckless and lack financial foresight who is bent on throwing the coming generations of Oyo State indigenes into eternal slavery through debt. He added that the leadership of the House of Assembly and its legislators have become willing tools in the hand ou unquestionable emperor holding sway in the state. “When one takes a critical look at the rate Oyo state government has made itself a loan collector with over N500 billion in debts between May 2019 and June 2025, one may be forced to ask if the lives of the good people of the state depends on the loan, despite increase in monthly revenue allocation from federal government. “Oyo State is highly geared. Therefore, the State is overtrading, biting more than what one can chew, which is not a good sign of the state of financial health of an Entity. “It’s not bad to borrow money in as much as the returns on what the loan is to be used for is greater than the cost of borrowing that fund, which is loan interest. “Since the government is not a profit making entity, hence accumulating a loan is not good since what the loan will be used for will not generate revenue to guarantee the repayment of the loan plus the interest.” The Chartered Accountant turned politician cautioned that such unreasonable borrowing poses a serious danger to the financial sustainability of Oyo State. Olaoluwa appealed to men and women of good conscience irrespective of religion, status, and political affinity to speak out with courage to condenn and demand accountability from the administration of Governor Makinde henceforth.

Nigerians to Pay $80 Duty On US shipments – NIPOST

August 29, 2025 by admin

Nigerians to Pay Duty On US shipments – NIPOST

The Nigerian Postal Service has announced that, with effect from August 29, 2025, all postal shipments from Nigeria to the United States, except letters and documents, will attract a mandatory prepaid customs duty of $80 or its naira equivalent. In a public notice to its customers on Friday, NIPOST explained that the new charges stem from a recent Executive Order signed by the Government of the United States of America suspending de minimis exemptions for all postal shipments globally. The directive, it said, was issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. “The Nigerian Postal Service wishes to inform our esteemed customers of a recent policy change by the Government of the United States of America, enacted through the Executive Order on ‘Suspending Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries’ under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act,” the notice read. According to NIPOST, the decision by Washington applies to all designated postal operators worldwide and is not limited to Nigeria. “This Executive Order applies to all postal operators and designated postal administrations worldwide, and the payment of the additional duty affects all global postal inflows into the United States, not just those from Nigeria,” it added. The agency said the new measure will have far-reaching implications for Nigerians sending parcels and goods to family, friends and business partners in the U.S It warned that global logistics operations were already adjusting to the policy, with airlines and cargo carriers adopting stricter protocols in handling shipments destined for America. “Global logistics operations are also being affected, as airline and cargo carriers adopt more cautious measures in handling U.S.-bound shipments. This may extend both transit and processing times, potentially resulting in delivery delays,” NIPOST stated. The notice further stated that all U.S.-bound items would undergo additional Customs checks on arrival. This, officials said, may compound waiting times for recipients. NIPOST, however, assured customers that it was actively working with international partners to cushion the impact. “NIPOST is actively engaging with the Universal Postal Union, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and our airline partners to minimise service disruptions and safeguard customer experience,” the agency said. The postal service reiterated its commitment to ensuring efficient and reliable service delivery despite what it described as a “global regulatory adjustment.” It added, “We reassure our customers that NIPOST remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient postal and courier services despite this global regulatory adjustment.” The PUNCH reports that the United States on Friday ended tariff exemptions on small packages entering the country from abroad, in a move that has sparked concern among small businesses and warnings of consumer price hikes. President Donald Trump’s administration cited the use of low-value shipments to evade tariffs and smuggle drugs in ending duty-free treatment for parcels valued at or under $800. Instead, packages will either be subject to the tariff level applicable to their country of origin or face a specific duty ranging from $80 to $200 per item. But exclusions for some personal items and gifts remain. Trump’s trade adviser, Peter Navarro, told reporters that closing this “loophole” helps restrict the flow of “narcotics and other dangerous and prohibited items” while bringing fresh tariff revenues. But the monthlong lead time Trump’s order provided has sparked a frenzy. Postal services, including in France, Germany, Italy, India, Australia and Japan, earlier said most US-bound packages would no longer be accepted.

FG Defends Passport Price Hike to N100,000, N200,000

August 29, 2025 by admin

The Federal Government, on Thursday, defended the upward review of Nigerian passport fees to N100,000 and N200,000, saying it was necessary to sustain quality, curb corruption, and ensure timely delivery of travel documents. The Nigeria Immigration Service, in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, ACI AS Akinlabi, on Thursday, announced that from September 1, 2025, applications made within Nigeria will attract new fees of N100,000 for the 32-page, five-year validity passport and N200,000 for the 64-page, 10-year validity passport. “The review which only affect Passport Application fees made in Nigeria, now set a new fee thresholds for 32-page with five-year validity at N100,000 and 64-page with 10-year validity at N200,000,” the statement read. The NIS, however, said Nigerians in the diaspora will continue to pay $150 for the 32-page, five-year passport and $230 for the 64-page, 10-year passport. It explained that the adjustment was aimed at maintaining the integrity of the document while making issuance processes more efficient. The increase comes barely a year after the Federal Government approved an earlier adjustment in August 2024, which raised the 32-page, five-year booklet from N35,000 to N50,000, and the 64-page, 10-year booklet from N70,000 to N100,000. At the time, the NIS said the hike was necessary to sustain the quality of the passport and improve service delivery. On Thursday, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, defended the new hike. Speaking in Abuja during the ministry’s mid-tenure performance retreat, Tunji-Ojo said the hike would ensure timely delivery of passport and eliminate corruption, He said, “Our target is very clear: within one week of enrolment, every Nigerian should have their passport in hand. Not just delivering quickly, but delivering quality passports that reflect our integrity as a nation,” he said. He noted that the new system was designed to eliminate long delays and extortion that once forced citizens to wait up to seven months or pay as much as N200,000 to fast-track processing. “The system that we inherited that had six months backlog which we were able to clear in two and a half weeks. Nigerians will apply for passports and wait endlessly, or be asked to pay hundreds of thousands of naira. “My own daughter had that bad experience. Even when I was chairman of the House Committee on NDDC, my daughter wanted passport, it was a problem. I had to pay hundreds of thousands to be able to get a passport for my daughter, a 12-year-old girl. That era is over,” Tunji-Ojo said. The minister disclosed that the centralised personalisation centre, the largest in Africa, would ensure faster processing and tighter security. “With this facility, we can print five times more passports than we currently need. Once you enrol, it doesn’t take us more than 24 hours to vet. Printing capacity is no longer our problem,” he explained. As part of the reforms, Tunji-Ojo announced that Passport Control Officers will no longer have the power to approve or delay applications. “Some PCOs had so much power that they could decide not to approve or not to print a passport until they were settled. That abuse of power ends now,” he declared. According to him, centralising the approval process would curb corruption and restore credibility to Nigeria’s travel documents. “We realised that the best way to cut corruption is to remove human contact to the barest minimum. Passport approval will no longer rest with PCOs. My responsibility is not for them to like me — it is to deliver efficiency. Let Nigerians be happy,” he said. He added that the reforms will also protect the integrity of Nigeria’s passport. “My responsibility is not just to make passports available, but to ensure that anybody carrying it is a Nigerian. If you are not a Nigerian, you cannot carry it. It’s about our national integrity.” Citing past abuses, he recalled how foreigners once procured Nigerian passports illegally. “In one incident, a Ugandan woman carrying a Nigerian passport was arrested at Lagos Airport after paying $1,000 to procure it. That cannot continue. Our passport must remain a true symbol of Nigerian identity,” the minister stressed.

Extending State of Emergency Beyond September 18 Deadline Will Trigger Unrest In Rivers – Bode George

August 28, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – One of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chieftains, Chief Bode George has warned that extension of emergency rule in River state beyond September 18 would trigger crisis among the people of the state, just as he also condemned the Emergency Rule declared in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, which suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for six months. President Bola Tinubu had invoked the emergency rule following political face-off between the governor and his predecessor- godfather, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The state lawmakers were divided to the stage of plotting impeachment of the governor. Commenting on the scenario, George said that the state of emergency was unwarranted in the first place. He likened the scenario to the crisis that led to the “Wetie” uprising in the Western Region, and the eventual Civil War of 1967 that ravaged the country for three years. Speaking on “Frontline”, a political programme of Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, the former Deputy National Chairman, South, of the party, warned the Federal Government against extending the emergency rule beyond September 18 if it does not want trouble to ensue in the state. He also warned the Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok- Eke Ibas, to tread softly on whatever action he takes, stressing that he would give account after he leaves office. He said, “We have refused to learn from history and we have continued to repeat the same mistake. Even the situation to create a State of Emergency is not in conformity, and it will be an issue for the next general election. If you just think you can wield your power, extraordinary power, without caution, they are telling us there are no rules in this country. Was there violence in Rivers state? Was there violence in Port- Harcourt or at the Bonny? Was there violence in Ekwere land? There was no violence. “They said there was explosion; who saw it? Who died? Who monitored the explosion? The governor resides in Port-Harcourt and you would have seen the humility and the absolute commitment to the Almighty principle demonstrated by him. He has been calm and I want to congratulate the whole people of Rivers that they did not revert to violence or any action that would have projected them as violent people. They were calm. So, why would you now go and impose state of emergency? Just like Fela Anikulapo sang many years ago, trouble dey sleep, yangan go wake am. Wetin you go find? Na palava you go get. “Now within that period,Extending State of Emergency Beyond September 18 Deadline Will Trigger Unrest In Rivers – Bode George a non-elective person is there. He was my junior in the Navy, and so I am advising him to be very cautious. How can a non-elective person run a local government election? On behalf of whom? At the same time, you are setting up certain board. Are you the elected person? You are just there like a spare tyre or a standby generator. It will soon become a national issue. You may be called back to come and explain yourself on some things you have done. “So, my advice to the young man is to be careful. This is civil rule where you need people to behave from zero to infinity. It is unlike in the Military. You need to work with people, no matter what. This is not like in the Military where you are cocooned with certain behaviour. So, he should treat softly”, Chief George, a member of the Board of Trustees of the party warned. On the possibility of President Bola Tinubu extending the emergency rule after September 18, the former Army General, Electronics and Computer Engineer, said, “Never, never! It will be a case of yanga dey sleep, wahala go wake am. The people will not accept because you are shortchanging them. They had an election and they had somebody elected. That young Administrator should just leave and go home. We are pleading because there would be a day after governance. How will you want to be remembered? This thing is not personal”, he said.