The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state’s House of Assembly members. In a statement released on March 18, 2025, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, asserted that the President lacks the constitutional authority to unilaterally remove elected officials under the pretext of emergency rule. NBA Rejects Suspension of Elected Officials President Tinubu, during a national address, justified his actions by citing increasing political instability and pipeline vandalism in the state. However, the NBA argued that these issues do not meet the constitutional requirements for dissolving an elected government. Referencing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, the NBA outlined that while the President holds emergency powers, they do not extend to the suspension or removal of elected officials. The only constitutional procedure for removing a governor or deputy governor, the NBA emphasized, is through impeachment as stipulated in Section 188 of the Constitution. Similarly, the removal of lawmakers must follow electoral laws and due legal process. Tinubu’s Emergency Declaration Faces Legal Hurdles The NBA further highlighted that Tinubu’s emergency declaration requires approval from the National Assembly within two days (if in session) or ten days (if not in session). Until such approval is obtained, the suspension of Rivers State’s government officials remains legally void. Condemning the President’s decision as a “dangerous violation” of Nigeria’s democracy, the NBA warned that allowing the dissolution of an elected state government under emergency rule could establish a precedent for politically motivated takeovers in the future. NBA Urges National Assembly to Uphold Democracy The association called on the National Assembly to reject any attempt to ratify the unconstitutional suspension of Rivers State’s government. It also urged the judiciary, civil society organizations, and international observers to closely monitor the situation and ensure that democratic principles are upheld. Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the rule of law, the NBA emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy must be protected at all costs. The association insisted that all political disputes be resolved strictly through constitutional and legal mechanisms rather than executive orders. Nigerian Constitution READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has positioned himself as a key disruptor in the evolving political landscape, with a calculated plan to prevent President Bola Tinubu from securing a second term in 2027. His recent defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is already causing ripples within the opposition and power corridors in Abuja. El-Rufai’s Bold Entry into SDP Just two days after his switch to the SDP, El-Rufai’s supporters gathered at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, demanding the removal of Dr. Olu Agunloye as National Secretary. The protesters accused Agunloye of financial misconduct related to an alleged $6 billion fraud involving the Mambilla power project. The protests compelled Agunloye to petition the Inspector General of Police for protection. However, sources indicate that the push for his removal is being driven by El-Rufai’s allies, who view Agunloye’s past connections with Tinubu—and potentially his ethnic background—as an obstacle to their mission of blocking Tinubu’s second-term bid. The SDP Conundrum: A Tinubu Plan B? Beyond Agunloye’s controversy, speculation is mounting that Tinubu may have already secured a foothold in the SDP. Political analysts recall that before the 2022 APC presidential primary, there were unverified reports suggesting that Tinubu considered the SDP as a fallback option if he failed to secure the APC ticket. This raises concerns that El-Rufai’s new party may not be the opposition’s ultimate vehicle to counter Tinubu in 2027. Instead, it could be a temporary stop in a larger strategic maneuver. From Ally to Opponent: The Tinubu-El-Rufai Fallout Despite his instrumental role in rallying northern governors to back Tinubu during the APC primaries, El-Rufai’s relationship with the president has since soured. The turning point came when El-Rufai was reportedly poised to lead the government’s energy sector, only for his appointment to be blocked by the Senate due to unspecified “security concerns.” A Senate insider later revealed that there was no official security report against El-Rufai. Rather, Senate President Godswill Akpabio merely stated there was an issue flagged by the Department of State Services (DSS), without providing any formal documentation. This unconventional approach reinforced claims that Tinubu’s camp deliberately sidelined El-Rufai. El-Rufai’s 2027 Agenda: Not Running, But Mobilizing While El-Rufai has not declared any intention to contest in 2027, his primary objective appears to be mobilizing against Tinubu’s re-election. A close associate of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who also contested in the 2023 election, confirmed that El-Rufai’s focus is on ensuring that Tinubu’s presidency ends in one term. The Opposition Strategy: A Shifting Alliance? El-Rufai’s influence in northern political circles is undeniable. He played a crucial role in uniting northern APC governors behind Tinubu in 2022. Now, he is reportedly reaching out to some of those same governors in an effort to sway them away from supporting Tinubu’s re-election. Interestingly, El-Rufai, who was a vocal critic of Peter Obi during the 2023 elections, appears to be shifting his stance. His son, Bashir El-Rufai, recently tweeted about being misled by the APC regarding Obi’s political qualities—hinting at a potential alignment with the Labour Party leader in the coming years. SDP: A Divided Opposition Front? Despite the recent realignments, it remains uncertain whether the SDP will serve as the main opposition platform against Tinubu in 2027. The party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, recently declared his intent to run again in 2027, indicating possible internal divisions within the opposition ranks. A source close to the opposition movement downplayed the importance of specific party platforms, suggesting that the anti-Tinubu coalition is more focused on forming a winning alliance rather than rallying behind one political party or candidate. Conclusion: The Political Chessboard for 2027 With El-Rufai actively maneuvering behind the scenes, the race for 2027 is already shaping up to be a high-stakes battle. Whether his strategy will succeed in unseating Tinubu remains uncertain, but his disruptive influence is undeniably setting the stage for an intense political showdown. For an in-depth analysis of Nigeria’s shifting political landscape, visit Premium Times. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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NCWGG Plans to Challenge NLC’s February 4 Protest on Telecom Tariff Hike ABUJA – The Nigeria Citizen Watch for Good Governance (NCWGG) has declared its intention to mobilize against the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in response to the planned nationwide protest on February 4, 2025, against the recent telecommunications tariff increase. The group argues that the NLC’s opposition to the hike is counterproductive and could harm the country’s economic stability. NCWGG Supports Telecom Tariff Increase In a statement released on Thursday, Collins Eshiofeh Idowu, President of NCWGG, defended the decision by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to approve up to a 50% increase in telecom service charges. According to him, this adjustment is vital for sustaining the telecommunications sector, which is a major contributor to employment and economic growth. He criticized the NLC’s stance, stressing that the union had failed to consider the challenges telecom operators face, including rising operational costs. He warned that rejecting the price adjustment could destabilize the sector, leading to job losses and disruptions in communication services. “NLC’s Protest is an Economic Sabotage” – NCWGG The group strongly opposed the planned protest, describing it as unnecessary and harmful to Nigeria’s economic interests. “Did the Labour Congress consider the millions of jobs that rely on a stable telecom industry? What happens if telecom operators can no longer afford to sustain their services? If Nigerians are unable to make calls or access the internet, it would cripple economic activities,” the statement read. Furthermore, NCWGG accused the NLC of acting against the interests of Nigerians and the administration of President Bola Tinubu by failing to recognize the long-term benefits of the tariff adjustment. NCWGG Mobilizes Against NLC Protest Declaring its readiness to counter any anti-tariff demonstrations, NCWGG vowed to mobilize its members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The group maintained that allowing the tariff increase would help modernize Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure, meet the increasing demand for data services, and ensure high-quality, uninterrupted telecommunications for Nigerians. “This increase is necessary to protect the telecommunications industry, enhance service delivery, and drive economic progress. We will not allow economic instability to be created by uninformed protests,” NCWGG concluded. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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Improved Conditions for Northern Christians Under Tinubu’s Leadership The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the North, Rev. Yakubu Pam, has stated that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has significantly improved the situation of Christians in Northern Nigeria. According to Pam, cases of Christian persecution have notably declined since Tinubu took office in 2023. His statement follows recent commendations of the government’s efforts in fostering inclusive governance, a move that has been positively received by many Christian leaders in the region. Reduction in Persecution and Discriminatory Practices During an interview on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, Pam acknowledged that while persecution has not been completely eradicated, there has been a marked reduction in its frequency. He highlighted several key improvements under the current administration, including: “There’s still persecution of Christians going on. It is relatively better under this administration, but it is still ongoing. I’m not saying it has stopped, but it’s much better,” Pam stated. At a press conference held in Kaduna, the CAN chairman reiterated his concerns, emphasizing that although challenges remain, progress has been made in addressing issues such as land acquisition for church construction and the prevention of forced religious conversions. President Tinubu’s Inclusive Governance Despite initial concerns over Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim ticket, Pam acknowledged that the president has shown a reasonable level of inclusiveness in his governance approach. Following a meeting of the Northern CAN National Executive Committee (NEC) on Saturday, January 25, 2025, Pam stressed the importance of Christian representation in governance. “For me, the most important thing is an inclusive government. Even with the Muslim-Muslim ticket, we have seen reasonable inclusiveness,” he noted. However, he emphasized that Northern Christians should be considered for key political positions in the future. Specifically, he suggested that if President Tinubu decides to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima in 2027, a Northern Christian candidate should be given strong consideration. Conclusion While Christian persecution in Northern Nigeria has not been completely eradicated, Rev. Yakubu Pam’s remarks suggest that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has taken significant steps toward reducing discrimination and fostering inclusivity. As the country moves forward, many Northern Christians hope for continued improvements and greater political representation in the years to come. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The Northern Economic Development Forum has eased concerns raised by Northern governors over the new tax reform policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu, assuring that these reforms will benefit the northern region. Northern governors initially opposed the Tax Reform Bills, urging the National Assembly to reject them, arguing that the reforms might not align with the North’s interests. However, the development forum expressed confidence in the reform’s potential benefits, stating that the proposed tax laws aim to modernize and improve Nigeria’s tax system without adverse effects. President Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council recently introduced legislation to overhaul tax processes, unify revenue collection, and streamline financial obligations for both businesses and citizens. The Northern Economic Development Forum emphasized the importance of thoroughly understanding the proposed bills before opposing them. They announced plans for a comprehensive awareness campaign across the 19 northern states to rally support for the Tax Reform Bills, asserting that the reforms will drive progress in the North and benefit the entire country. In a statement signed by Dr. Mustapha Ibrahim Gusau, the forum explained critical elements of the four bills—the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act—highlighting that the reforms are intended to clear up misconceptions. READ ALSO: The forum clarified that the new tax policies are not designed to increase the number of taxes but rather to optimize current tax systems without adding complexity. It also stressed that: The Forum highlighted that these bills will harmonize tax laws, enhance efficiency, modernize the tax system, and strengthen coordination among revenue agencies. They are also expected to foster transparency, align with international standards, and expand the tax base. The forum called on Nigerians, particularly in the North, to support the reforms and avoid unnecessary alarm.
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The Nigerian government is under mounting pressure to dismiss charges against numerous minors amid growing concerns over the conditions of their detention. These minors were arrested due to their alleged involvement in protests against the rising cost of living. On Friday, a total of 76 individuals, including 30 minors aged between 14 and 17, were arraigned on multiple felony charges, such as treason, property destruction, public disturbance, and mutiny, according to the Associated Press. The sight of these young individuals fainting in court in Abuja has sparked significant outrage among politicians and civil society. Many of them have been held in detention for three months since their arrests in August. Footage from the court showed minors so weakened that they struggled to remain standing, with some collapsing from exhaustion and malnutrition. Former presidential candidate Peter Obi commented on the situation, highlighting the alarming conditions the minors are facing. Amnesty International condemned the detainment of these minors, describing it as “horrifying” and an aggressive attempt to stifle freedom of assembly in response to protests against hunger and corruption. In contrast, the Nigerian Inspector General of Police’s office denied any mistreatment of the detainees, asserting that medical assistance was provided. They emphasized that being underage does not exempt individuals from legal accountability, with police spokesperson Muyiwa Ogunjobi stating that anyone over the age of seven could face charges. The minors have been granted bail, and their attorneys indicated that the case is set to go to trial in January. On Sunday, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), a human rights organization in Nigeria, urged President Bola Tinubu to take action and release the minors within 48 hours. They argued that these children, along with other protesters, are being held solely for exercising their rights peacefully. SERAP also called for an investigation into the severe human rights violations affecting the minors and other protesters. Reports from Nigeria’s Punch news website indicated that the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi, has initiated steps to withdraw the charges against the minors. READ ALSO: Cardi B denies getting paid to endorse Kamala Harris for president Frustration over the ongoing cost-of-living crisis has triggered widespread protests in Nigeria in recent months. In August, at least 20 individuals were killed, and hundreds were arrested during a demonstration advocating for better job opportunities and living conditions for young people. We love to have you back, Kindly Subscribe to our Newsletter.
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The National Executive Council (NEC) has recommended withdrawing the four tax reform bills submitted to Parliament by President Bola Tinubu. This decision was made during a meeting at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, and included governors from all 36 states. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who spoke to reporters after the meeting, explained that the NEC called for the withdrawal to allow for broader consultations and to build consensus around the proposed reforms. The bills have sparked controversy, particularly with the Northern Governors Forum opposing them. These four bills were part of President Tinubu’s initiative to revamp Nigeria’s tax system. They aim to establish a central revenue service responsible for collecting all government revenues, including those currently managed by agencies like customs and the ports authority. Additionally, the bills propose allocating a larger share of VAT revenues to states, which has raised concerns among northern leaders who believe it could disadvantage their region. During the meeting, the NEC emphasized the importance of alignment among stakeholders regarding these reforms, acknowledging existing miscommunication. A spokesperson for President Tinubu previously stated that the proposed laws would not increase current tax rates but would instead streamline and enhance the existing tax framework. The reforms are designed to ensure a fairer distribution of tax responsibilities without adding to the burden on citizens, and they are not expected to lead to job losses. In fact, they aim to create new job opportunities by fostering a dynamic, growth-oriented economy. Currently, tax administration suffers from a lack of coordination among federal, state, and local authorities, which leads to confusion and inefficiency. The proposed laws aim to improve this situation by harmonizing revenue collection and management across all levels of government, without eliminating the functions of any existing agencies. READ ALSO: Wike: Unpainted taxis will not be permitted to pick up customers in Abuja. Regarding the controversial derivation-based VAT distribution model, the spokesperson stated that the new approach intends to create a fairer system. It considers the place of supply or consumption, ensuring that states in the Northern region that produce essential goods do not lose out due to VAT exemptions or consumption in other areas. The ongoing tax reform seeks to address the inequities in the current model for distributing VAT revenues. We Love To Have You Back. Pease kindly Provide Us With Your Email.
