News

You’re To Report To N’Assembly, Reps Tell Rivers Administrator

by

  The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas has reminded Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) that by the provision of the 1999 Constitution (As amended), he must report to the National Assembly in running the affairs of the oil-rich state. The Speaker gave the charge in Abuja on Tuesday while inaugurating the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State. Recall that on 18 March 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a six-month emergency rule in Rivers State, following the politicals crisis that pitched the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, against the State House of Assembly. Tinubu suspended both parties for an initial period of six months and appointed Ibas to oversee the running of the state as Sole Administrator; a decision that was approved and ratified by both chambers of the federal parliament. Inaugurating the 21-man committee on Tuesday, Speaker Abbas urged members to be guided by objectivity, warning that no room exists for bias and partisanship. He said, “It is paramount to note that the current administration in Rivers State is inherently temporary. With the suspension of the state Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, and the entire House of Assembly, a caretaker administration has been installed under the stewardship of Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd). “His role is strictly circumscribed, as he is charged with maintaining law and order and ensuring that the basic functions of governance are met only until full democratic governance is restored. “The administrator is required to operate with the highest levels of transparency and accountability, reporting directly to the National Assembly on all matters that pertain to the peace, order and good government of the state as prescribed by the constitution.” He recalled in the past the role played by previous assemblies, urging the panel to see their appointment as a call to service. “It is instructive to recall past instances where our nation has faced similar challenges. We witnessed state emergencies in Plateau State in 2004 and Ekiti State in 2006. Similarly, in 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States after a series of deadly attacks by terrorists and militant groups. “In those periods of dire security and governance challenges, the National Assembly assumed a vital role in upholding constitutional order. When state institutions were suspended, the intervention of the National Assembly ensured continuity in governance. Our actions today are grounded in Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which confers upon us the authority to make laws for any state whose elected legislative body is unable to perform its statutory functions. “It states that ‘At any time when any House of Assembly of a State is unable to perform its functions by reason of the situation prevailing in that State, the National Assembly may make such laws for the peace, order and good government of that State with respect to matters on which a House of Assembly may make laws as may appear to the National Assembly to be necessary or expedient until such time as the House of Assembly is able to resume its functions; and any such laws enacted by the National Assembly pursuant to this section shall have effect as if they were laws enacted by the House of Assembly of the State…’ ” He continued, “This Committee has a clear and non-partisan mandate. Its purpose is to monitor the implementation of federal directives and policies in Rivers State, ensure that the caretaker administration adheres to the law, and protect the public interest while facilitating the re-establishment of full democratic governance in the state. “The sensitivity and gravity of this assignment cannot be overemphasised. The state of emergency in Rivers State has generated widespread interest across the nation, and the eyes of all Nigerians are upon us as they await to see if the National Assembly can live up to the high expectations placed upon it. “Therefore, the task before this Committee is not routine; it is a mission of national significance that will serve as a litmus test for our commitment to democratic principles and constitutional governance. The importance of the assignment places a considerable burden on the Chairman and all members, as every action taken will be subject to national scrutiny. “In fulfilling your mandate, you must conduct your oversight in strict accordance with the Constitution and avoid all forms of partisanship or bias. It is imperative that you monitor every aspect of the caretaker administration’s conduct, scrutinise public expenditures, and ensure that all federal directives and policies are implemented as intended. Moreover, it is expected that you will regularly report your findings to this House in a transparent manner, enabling us to continuously assess the impact of the emergency measures and to take further legislative action if necessary. “Your work must actively support efforts to restore lasting peace and re-establish a fully functioning democratic system in Rivers State. You are called upon to interface with federal agencies, security institutions, and any reconciliation initiatives that may be established, fostering trust among all stakeholders in the process.” The Speaker insisted, “The National Assembly’s intervention in Rivers State is not an instrument of political vendetta but a constitutional necessity. It embodies our collective duty to safeguard peace, security, and the rule of law. We act not out of partisan interests but in the earnest service of a united and prosperous Nigeria. The eyes of all Nigerians are upon us, and it is incumbent upon this House, particularly on the Chairman and all members of this esteemed Committee, to rise to this historic challenge with courage, integrity, and determination.” Responding, House Leader and Chairman of the Committee, Prof Julius Ihonvbere pledged the readiness of the panel to deliver on the assignment. “This is probably the strongest ad-hoc committee ever set up since 2019. This will make our work a lot easier, and with the experience, exposure, dedication and commitment to unbiased dispositions on national issues, I assure you, on behalf of my colleagues in the ad hoc … Read more

Security Operatives Teargas Pro-Fubara Protesters In Rivers

by

  Security operatives on Monday fired tear gas at women protesting against the emergency rule in Rivers State and the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The protesters from Elleye and Engine in Ahead East Local Government Area, numbering about 200, condemned the appointment of a Sole Administrator in the state. As the women marched and chanted solidarity songs in support of Fubara, they displayed placards with various inscriptions while security operatives, including the police, tried to stop them from advancing. Some of the inscriptions on the placards reads, ‘Ibas leave us alone’,’Our democracy is threatened’, and among others. Following the refusal of the women to back down on the protest, operatives, including the police fired tear gas to dispatch the woman who ran helter-skelter. A viral video which later surfaced showed some of the women crying after inhaling the substance from the teargas canister, insisting that they want Governor Fubara to return to power. Some of the women sat on the ground and rained causes on the policeman, saying, “No Sim no Rivers State’. Details later… Punch

Court Dismisses Suit Against Oyo Monarch

by

  An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan, the state capital, has dismissed a suit contesting the nomination and installation of the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao. In his ruling on Monday, Justice K.A. Adedokun nullified the case for lack of jurisdiction. Four members of the Akinbola family who instituted the suit, contested the selection, appointment, and approval of Oba Alao as the Olugbon. Justice Adedokun held that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter, saying that the claimants had no locus standi to file the suit. He ruled that the case failed to include Surulere Local Government as the authority legally empowered to commence the selection process and approve the traditional ruler’s appointment, thus defective. Punch

GenCos Threaten Shutdown Over N4tn Electricity Debt

by

  The 23 power generation companies in Nigeria have warned that they can no longer guarantee a steady electricity supply due to the worsening liquidity crisis in the electricity market, with outstanding debts now exceeding N4tn. The firms, under the aegis of the Association of Power Generation Companies, raised the alarm in a statement issued on Monday and signed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Col. Sani Bello (retd.). They said the debt burden and operational constraints currently facing the companies could force an imminent shutdown of power plants if urgent interventions were not implemented. They warned that the continued non-payment for electricity generated and consumed on the national grid was pushing the Nigerian power sector towards a total collapse. The statement, titled ‘Over N4tn unpaid invoices threaten GenCos imminent shutdown’, lamented the lack of a clear financing plan from the Federal Government, alongside worsening fiscal and operational constraints within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry. They also accused the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc and other stakeholders of neglecting GenCos in the application of the NESI’s “waterfall arrangement”, which sees other service providers receive 100 per cent of their market invoices while GenCos get as little as 9 per cent to 11 per cent of what is due. The statement read, “The Power Generation Companies (“GenCos”) are constrained to issue this press release to draw the attention of the Federal Government and key stakeholders to the need to urgently address the issue of inadequate payment for electricity generated by them and consumed on the national grid, which is currently threatening the continued operation of their power generation plants. “Against the backdrop of the many challenges facing the power sector in Nigeria, the crises from cash liquidity are on the top burner and have reduced GenCos’ ability to continue to perform their obligations, thereby threatening to completely undermine the Electricity value chain. “In the light of the severity of the issues highlighted above, the GenCos are requesting that immediate and expedited action be taken to prevent national security challenges that may result from the failure of the GenCos to sustain steady generation of electricity for Nigerians.” Recall that in February, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed that the government owes electricity generation companies and electricity distribution companies over N4 trillion in electricity subsidies. Giving a breakdown, the minister said N2 trillion is owed to GenCos as legacy debt, while another N1.9 trillion is owed to them as part of the electricity subsidy for 2024, while DisCos are owed N450 billion for the 2024 electricity subsidy. Punch

Oborevwori Swears In New HoS

by

  The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Thursday, swore in Mrs Minnie Oseji as the new state Head of Service. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Oseji’s appointment followed the retirement of Mr Reginald Bayoko. The governor also inaugurated Mr Austin Igbine as Chairman, Board of Delta Printing and Publishing Company, Publishers of The Pointer Newspaper. The two ceremonies took place at the Government House, Asaba. In a speech, Oborevwori assured the people of his administration’s commitment to a sustainably safe and secure state. He said that security agencies in the state were making progress in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes through pre-emptive strikes and other combat operations. He acknowledged that the challenges were enormous but surmountable, adding that security agencies had been “up-and-doing to ensure our security and safety. The governor said, “As the Chief Security Officer of the state, I am aware of the several successes the security agencies have recorded – and keep making – in the fight against kidnapping and other forms of violent crimes through pre-emptive strikes and other combat operations. “Obviously, it would be counter-productive to avail the public of the measures the security agencies have put in place to reduce these violent crimes to the barest minimum. “But, please, be assured that they are unrelenting, and, as a government, we have continued to strengthen our partnership by providing them with the necessary tools and resources they need to be effective in their operations. “Finally, I urge all of us to play our part for enhanced peace and security in the state. “It is axiomatic that security is a shared responsibility.” He urged residents to cooperate and support the security agencies by promptly reporting any suspicious activities or persons to the relevant authorities. “Our law enforcement personnel are not clairvoyants, their success is largely dependent on the information they receive from the public. “So, if you see or hear something, please, say something. “Together, we can make our dream of a safe and secure Delta a reality,” he said. The governor congratulated the new HoS and lauded her predecessor “for his outstanding contributions to the state’s public service”. He described Oseji as “a quintessential civil servant, polite, dedicated, brilliant, and thorough”. According to him, she brings to her new office decades of exceptional stewardship, exemplary leadership, and undiluted passion for excellence. “Her strong work ethic, sincerity of purpose, and professionalism are, indeed, worthy of emulation, and my warm congratulations to her on her meritorious appointment,” he said. Oborevwori further charged Oseji to continue to reorient the workers to tackle the perennial problems of absenteeism, lateness, unethical conduct, sharp practices, and poor maintenance culture. He added, “This administration is determined to leave the legacy of an efficient, disciplined, and performance-driven civil service. “I am proud of the progress we have made so far. But some challenges remain. “Hence, it is important for civil servants to keep abreast with the policy direction of the government. “It is also incumbent on them to offer honest, impartial, and practical advice and provide all the relevant information that is required for the successful execution of the government’s programmes and projects. “The rank-and-file of the civil service are filled with qualified, intelligent people, but, unfortunately, the problems of attitude and orientation remain a constant challenge. “As government workers, public interest must always be above personal interest. “Also, building synergy and teamwork is critical to avoiding the ‘us and them’ mentality. “Remember, teamwork is what makes the team work.” The governor also congratulated Igbine on his appointment and urged him to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor. “It is my expectation that The Pointer will attain new heights in editorial quality, production excellence, improved advertising and marketing, bigger circulation, as well as enhanced digital operations under his leadership and direction,” he said. Responding, Oseji thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve and for entrusting her with the huge responsibility of ensuring integrity, professionalism and service excellence in the state’s civil service. She pledged to ensure the reorientation of the civil service on financial regulations and to key into the M.O.R.E. Agenda of the governor. She gave an assurance that no one would be left behind in the civil service under her watch. NAN

Assembly Intervenes In Ondo Poly Workers’ Salary Dispute

by

  The Ondo State House of Assembly on Thursday intervened in the crisis rocking the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, over unpaid salaries of the workers. Members of staff of RUGIPO on Tuesday protested against non-payment of six months’ salaries. The workers also accused the state government of failing to implement the national minimum wage. The workers are under the umbrella of the Non-Academic Staff Union and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics. Speaking at the plenary, the Speaker of the Assembly, Chief Olamide Oladiji, said the House had no option but to constitute an ad-hoc committee to investigate the protest. Oladiji said the committee had two weeks to thoroughly investigate and report its findings to the House. The Speaker, however, expressed concern over crises, adding that the polytechnic appeared to be the only state-owned institution frequently afflicted by salary crises, despite similar funding structures across institutions. The House, therefore, appointed Mr Steven Abitogun (Akure South 2/APC) as chairman of the committee with a mandate to find lasting solutions to the dispute. Meanwhile, the speaker announced a four-week recess from April 11 to May 15 to allow lawmakers to attend to pressing issues within their respective constituencies and observe the Easter celebration. Oladiji also thanked the members for their continuous support and cooperation since the beginning of the 10th Assembly. “ You may recall that the House had to cut short its earlier recess in December to attend to the screening and confirmation of commissioner-nominees sent by the state governor. “I sincerely thank you all for prioritising your constitutional responsibilities, especially in representing the interests of your constituents,” he said. NAN

Alleged Assassination Plot: Akpabio Petitions IG, Demands Natasha’s Prosecution

by

  Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, seeking an investigation into an alleged assassination plot made against him by suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. PUNCH Online reports that the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs petitioned the police boss in a letter dated April 3, 2025. In the petition, Akpabio denied the serious accusation and called for the prosecution of Akpoti-Uduaghan for criminal defamation. The petition, which was also copied to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, comes after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations on April 1, 2025.   Addressing her supporters during her homecoming in Kogi State, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of instructing former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and Governor Usman Ododo to assassinate her in Kogi State, claiming that the act was intended to make it appear that her constituents were responsible for her death. However, Akpabio categorically denied the accusation, calling it a “heinous lie” and a “reckless and deliberate attempt” to tarnish his reputation. The Senate President labelled the allegation as politically motivated, accusing Akpoti-Uduaghan of attempting to incite political unrest and damage his public image. He stressed that the allegation was made without any supporting evidence. The Senate President also highlighted the severe impact of the false allegation, especially given its widespread coverage across media platforms, including radio, television, and social media. Akpabio urged law enforcement agencies to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves. He said, “I write to formally bring to your attention and seek immediate investigation and prosecution of a criminally defamatory and malicious statement made against me by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a suspended member of the Nigerian Senate on the 1st of April, 2025 and which was widely publicised on radio stations, televisions and newspapers, including the social media. “In the public outburst at Kogi State while addressing her audience, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan falsely alleged that I instructed the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to ‘assassinate her in Kogi State instead of Abuja’ with the intent of making it appear that her constituents were responsible for her death. “This statement is not only a heinous lie but a reckless and deliberate attempt to damage my reputation, endanger my life and security, and incite political unrest. “I categorically state that this allegation is entirely false, unfounded, and politically motivated. It is a calculated act of blackmail and character assassination, designed to portray me as a political villain, and the statement was made without any shred of truth or supporting evidence.” Akpabio added that the statement was intended to manipulate public sentiment and malign his person and office. He emphasised the importance of holding public officeholders accountable for their actions, particularly when such statements are intended to destabilise democratic institutions and tarnish the image of elected officials. “Her motive was clear, which was to incite the public, manipulate sentiments, and malign my person and office in the eyes of the Nigerian people and the international community. “The severity of this false allegation, and the fact that it has gained public traction, makes it necessary that law enforcement agencies treat it with the urgency it deserves,” he added. Akpabio also called for the “immediate investigation into the false and inciting allegation” and the prosecution of “Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan under the relevant provisions of the law for criminal defamation, incitement, false accusation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.” Punch

FEC Orders Full Implementation Of Naira-For-Crude Deal

by

  The Federal Executive Council has officially directed the full implementation of the suspended Naira-for-Crude agreement with local refiners. The Ministry of Finance disclosed this on its official X handle titled “Update on the Crude and Refined Product Sales in Naira Initiative,” on Wednesday. Recall that the first phase of the six-month deal involving the Federal Government, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, and Dangote Petroleum Refinery ended March 31, 2025. It has not been renewed and the Dangote refinery has since stopped selling refined petroleum products in naira due to the non-renewal of the naira-for-crude deal. In a new update on Wednesday, the committee said the policy is not temporary but a long-term plan to cut Nigeria’s dependence on foreign exchange for petroleum. This came after a key meeting on Tuesday to review progress and tackle ongoing issues. It added that the initiative is not a temporary or time-bound intervention, but a key policy directive designed to support sustainable local refining, and bolster energy security. The statement read, “The Technical Sub-Committee on the Crude and Refined Product Sales in Naira initiative convened an update meeting on Tuesday to review progress and address ongoing implementation matters. “The stakeholders reaffirmed the government’s continued commitment to the full implementation of this strategic initiative, as directed by the Federal Executive Council. “Thus, the Crude and Refined Product Sales in Naira initiative is not a temporary or time-bound intervention, but a key policy directive designed to support sustainable local refining, bolster energy security, and reduce reliance on foreign exchange in the domestic petroleum market.” The policy, which mandates the transaction of crude oil and refined petroleum products in Naira, is aimed at strengthening the country’s economic sovereignty, enhancing local refining capacity, and stabilising the foreign exchange market by reducing the demand for dollars in domestic petroleum transactions. The ministry explained that this policy is structured to foster energy security and encourage investment in domestic refining infrastructure. While acknowledging that the transition involves complexities, the government admitted that existing challenges are being systematically addressed. “As with any major policy shift, the Committee acknowledges that implementation challenges may arise from time to time. “However, such issues are being actively addressed through coordinated efforts among all parties. The initiative remains in effect and will continue for as long as it aligns with the public interest and supports national economic objectives,” it noted. The statement added that the meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Implementation Committee, Hon. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; the Chairman of the Technical Sub-Committee and Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mr. Zacch Adedeji; the Chief Financial Officer of NNPC Limited, Mr. Dapo Segun; the Coordinator of NNPC Refineries; Management of NNPC Trading. Also present were representatives from Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian Ports Authority, Afreximbank, and the Secretary of the Committee, Hauwa Ibrahim. Punch

JUST IN: Ibas Appoints Administrators For 23 Rivers LGs

by

  Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) has approved the appointment of administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas of the state. This comes less that 24 hours after a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt reportedly restrained him from appointing administrators to oversea the affairs of the local government councils. The order was issued by Justice Adam Muhammed on Tuesday in suit no. FHC/PH/CS/46/2025 in the case filed by PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative led by Courage Msirimovu against the Sole Administrator in his official capacity. However, Ibas also approved the constitution of some boards of agencies, commissions and parastatals which he had earlier suspended. The approval was contained in a Special Government Announcement issued on Wednesday morning by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika. Though the names of the new appointees were not listed, the statement said the appointments takes immediate effect. It reads, “His Excellency The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, has approved the appointments of administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State. “He has also approved the reconstitution of some boards of agencies, commissions, and parastatals, earlier suspended. “All appointments take effect from Monday, the 7th of April 2025.” Recall that last week, the sole administrator had suspended all heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state with immediate effect. In a seperate development, Ibas also cancelled all pending procurement and tender processes carried out by Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state. He said the cancellation became necessary following the Supreme Court judgment and the absence of an appropriation law within the period. The sole administrator according to a previous statement also issued by the SSG, directed all MDAs that carried out such tender processes for projects in their respective offices to refund such fees to the respective contractors immediately. Punch  

Banana Island On Lockdown: Estate Gates Shut, Traffic Chaos Spreads To Lekki-Ajah Axis

by

  The gates of the Banana Island situated in the Ikoyi Area of Lagos State was on Tuesday shut for entry and exit. This shutdown has caused gridlock on the Lekki-Ajah axis and some other parts of Ikoyi. There are speculations that the shutdown was due to the proposed demolition of the Banana Club House. In a viral video on Tuesday, vehicles in their long queues were seen stranded in the estate, with some men manning the gate to the estate. As of the time of filing this report, there were contradictory claims on the government agencies responsible for the development. While some attributed it to agencies of the Federal Government, some others said agencies of the state government were responsible. Inquiring about the blockage, our correspondent, after citing a viral broadcast message that the estate gates had been locked from residents, reached out to the Lagos State Building Control Agency, which denied being in the area. The broadcast message which circulated on Tuesday read, “Lagos State Govt agency has just shut down Banana Island — disallowing residents and visitors from entering or leaving.” Another claim corroborating the message on X by a user identified as #Nothingispromised said, “We love suffering in this country. So because government officials dey Banana Island, no car fit go in or out of the estate until they are gone? They have successfully created another crazy traffic that will affect Lekki and part of Ikoyi.” Reacting, the spokesperson for LABSCA, Adu Ademuyiwa, noted that the claim that their officials are on the ground disrupting activities in the area is unfounded. He said, “It is not true. Our men are not there. And we have not stopped any residents or visitors from entering their estate on Banana Island. When the time for the demolition of the illegal buildings in the area would be done, we will communicate it appropriately to the public.” The PUNCH recently reports that the decision to demolish illegal structures on Banana Island would be followed by the government’s commitment to enforcing urban planning laws and ensuring public safety. According to the agency’s General Manager, Gbolahan Oki, LASBCA has carried out similar actions in other parts of the state, including Abule Egba, Iya Niba, and Iyana Isheri, where illegal buildings under high-tension lines were removed. The General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, Gbolahan Oki, made this known at a stakeholders’ meeting on Banana Island recently. He stated that structures found violating building codes, including those under high-tension power lines and within restricted shoreline areas, would be identified and subsequently demolished.  

Stay Informed. Stay Ahead

Get breaking news and top stories delivered to your inbox every morning.

You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.

Get the Morning Briefing

Tops stories from Nigeria delivered free to your inbox every day.

You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.

Your No 1 Trusted News Source 

Email info@citybuzz.com 

Web Citybuzznews.com

LEGAL

SECTIONS

©Copyright Citybuzz News. All rights reserved.