Alhaji Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, a former governorship aspirant in Zamfara State and a prominent member of the Bola Tinubu/Kashim Shettima Presidential Campaign Council 2023, has firmly rejected the growing calls for a state of emergency in the state. Speaking on behalf of the Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development, Shinkafi alleged that these calls are politically motivated and backed by unsuccessful politicians who are attempting to destabilize the current administration. Political Motives Behind Emergency Calls According to Shinkafi, the individuals pushing for emergency measures are doing so with the intention to grab power through unconstitutional means, driven by greed and desperation to loot state resources. “These expired politicians are hallucinating about power,” Shinkafi stated. “They have no regard for the Constitution and are attempting to mislead the public and disrupt progress in Zamfara.” Constitutional Misunderstanding and Democratic Norms Shinkafi emphasized that Nigeria’s Constitution clearly outlines the conditions required for removing an elected governor or imposing a state of emergency. He condemned any suggestion of appointing a sole administrator as an undemocratic practice. He further stated: “Zamfara does not qualify for any constitutional basis to impose a state of emergency. Calls for such action are merely attempts to overheat the polity and distract the public.” For reference, Nigeria’s constitutional guidelines regarding a state of emergency can be reviewed here. Support for Governor Dauda Lawal Shinkafi praised Governor Dauda Lawal’s leadership, highlighting improvements in security, economic activity, and infrastructure since he assumed office on May 29, 2023. “Governor Lawal has made remarkable strides in fighting banditry, supported by the President and our security forces,” Shinkafi noted. “Public safety has improved, and citizens now enjoy better services and a functioning economy.” Zamfara’s Progress under Lawal’s Administration The administration has also implemented the ₦70,000 minimum wage for civil servants and promised to address pending issues affecting senior civil service wages. These are key components of Governor Lawal’s Rescue Mission agenda, aimed at restoring dignity and prosperity to the people of Zamfara. If you’re curious about Governor Lawal’s Rescue Mission and governance strategy, check out our internal report: Governor Dauda Lawal’s Vision for a Secure and Prosperous Zamfara A Call for Political Maturity and Patriotism Shinkafi urged politicians in Zamfara to prioritize development and peace over politics, especially as the next general elections in 2027 are still years away. “This is not the time for politicking. It’s a time for unity, growth, and national interest,” he said. “Let’s build a better Zamfara and preserve our democracy.” Conclusion: Upholding Democracy and Rejecting Disruption Shinkafi’s firm stance reflects a broader call to uphold democratic values and protect constitutional integrity in Nigeria. He urges President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian public to ignore those seeking to undermine peace and progress in Zamfara State. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
PORT HARCOURT — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, has made it clear that he will not obstruct the Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule, from fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities. Speaking at a civic reception held in his honor at Abalama Town in the Kalabari Kingdom—an event organized by NEW Associates—Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, attributed the state’s ongoing political crisis to the actions of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo. Wike’s Response to Political Opposition Addressing a large crowd of supporters, Wike dismissed threats from certain individuals, emphasizing that their influence was exaggerated. “I heard some people saying I wouldn’t come here. Who are they? How many are they? Today’s event proves that all the noise on the radio does not reflect reality. If you are from Kalabari and the Ijaw nation and you are here welcoming me today, may God bless you. I will always stand by you and offer my support.” Clarification on Ijaw Minority Controversy Wike also refuted claims that he referred to the Ijaw people as a minority in Rivers State, stating that his words had been deliberately misconstrued. “Some people have twisted my statements to suit their agenda. What I said was that unity was crucial in our decision-making process. Without unity, selecting the governor would have been difficult. Chief Alabraba, along with OCJ Okocha, Sergeant Awuse, and Celestine Omehia, played key roles in those discussions. In fact, on the day of the primary election, the current governor initially refused to run and instead suggested that my Finance Commissioner, Isaac Kamalu, should be the candidate.” Assembly Salaries and Constitutional Authority Wike alleged that some of the governor’s advisers encouraged him to withhold the salaries and allowances of Assembly members for over a year, leading to financial difficulties for them and their families. “They told you to stop paying Assembly members’ salaries and allowances for over a year, leaving them struggling to feed their families or pay their children’s school fees. You rejoiced and believed those misleading you, thinking nothing would happen. But now, reality has set in. “I will not interfere with the Assembly’s work. They must be allowed to fulfill their constitutional duties. People who desire peace do not issue threats. “I previously warned that Assembly members would not lose their seats and that the actions taken against local government officials were unconstitutional. You don’t need to be a governor to recognize what is illegal. We fight through due process, not lawlessness.” Wike on Governance and Loyalty Wike emphasized that his concerns were never about financial gain but about loyalty and governance. “We simply said that Assembly members, local government chairmen, and National Assembly members worked tirelessly to make you governor—do not abandon them. But some people spread rumors that I was asking for money. Has the money come? Those who advised you to distribute funds, how far have they taken you? “Yesterday, I was labeled a bad person, a crook, and a criminal. But it was that same ‘bad man’ who defied the odds to make you governor. If I were against the Ijaw people, I wouldn’t have supported your candidacy. I believe in fairness and justice.” Advisers and the Role of Money in Politics Wike further criticized those surrounding the governor, calling them “natural ingrates” and warning that wealth alone cannot sustain political success. “If you are not ungrateful, you wouldn’t support what is happening. I advised the governor to govern peacefully and avoid unnecessary conflicts, but his advisers convinced him otherwise, telling him, ‘You are the governor, you have money.’ Yes, money is important, but it is not everything. These advisers have nothing meaningful to contribute. Now, look at the situation—how far?” Recognition from Kalabari Leaders The chairman of the occasion, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, commended Wike for his political wisdom and unwavering support for the Ijaw people. “Wike has worked tirelessly to resolve the political crisis in Rivers State, taking the matter to the Supreme Court. We hope peace will return to the state through these legal efforts. “We stand with you and believe in collaboration as a powerful tool for progress. Your contributions to Kalabari land will be remembered for generations.” Conclusion As the political landscape in Rivers State continues to evolve, Wike has reaffirmed his commitment to upholding constitutional processes and advocating for justice and fairness in governance. Read more about the political developments in Rivers State 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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…Petition Declared Invalid as Senator Fails to Appear Before Ethics Committee Abuja – The Nigerian Senate has ruled against a petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, dismissing the allegations of sexual harassment due to procedural flaws. During a Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions hearing on Wednesday, Chairman Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South) declared the petition null and void. He cited a violation of Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders, noting that Akpoti-Uduaghan personally signed the petition rather than securing an endorsement from a third party, which rendered it procedurally defective. Furthermore, Imasuen pointed out that the matters raised in the petition were already subject to court proceedings, making them sub judice and beyond the committee’s jurisdiction. Despite being scheduled to appear before the committee, Akpoti-Uduaghan was absent at the designated session. The hearing, set for 2:00 PM, commenced at 2:58 PM when the chairman arrived after waiting for both Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South). While Adaramodu arrived at 2:50 PM, Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to attend the meeting. The petition initially reached the Ethics Committee two weeks earlier following a plenary session incident involving Akpoti-Uduaghan. In response, Senate President Akpabio directed the committee to investigate the matter and submit findings within two weeks. During Senate discussions, Adaramodu highlighted that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public confrontation with the Senate President over seat allocation had negatively impacted the legislative body’s reputation. He also referenced her interview with Brekete Family on Human Rights Radio and TV, where she reiterated the allegations against Akpabio. Following these deliberations, the Senate upheld the Ethics Committee’s recommendation, officially discarding the petition as invalid. Senate Rules and Ethics Guidelines 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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The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) recently accused Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), of undermining the party with his comments during the Ede Day celebrations. Representing the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abass, at the event in Ede, Doguwa’s remarks were interpreted by some APC members as being overly complimentary towards Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration. This led to a public outcry and a demand for an investigation into his actions, as stated by Kola Olabisi, the Osun APC spokesperson. In response, Doguwa clarified his position on Tuesday, asserting that his comments had been taken out of context. He accused the media team of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun of twisting his remarks to create political tension. “My jokes were misinterpreted to undermine the APC. It’s unfortunate that innocent comments were weaponized for political gain,” he stated. Doguwa extended an apology to the Osun APC, reaffirming his loyalty to the party and expressing optimism about the APC reclaiming Osun State in the 2026 governorship election. “By God’s grace, PDP’s time in Osun is limited. The APC will return stronger in 2026. I deeply regret any misunderstanding my comments may have caused and ask my fellow party members to accept my apology,” Doguwa concluded. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
