LAGOS—Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has voiced concerns that the ongoing political developments in Rivers State and the Senate’s handling of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio could threaten the stability of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. He warned that similar events in the past led to the downfall of Nigeria’s First and Second Republics. George, speaking in Lagos, criticized the Nigerian government for what he termed as unconstitutional actions, including the controversial voice vote used to approve President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers. He also condemned efforts to recall Natasha from the Senate, calling the situation shameful and indicative of deeper flaws in Nigeria’s democracy. In his remarks, George drew parallels to past political crises, stating, “Today, we are seeing the same mistakes that led to the collapse of our earlier republics, now being repeated by the APC-led government. The unconstitutional decisions, including the handling of the Rivers State crisis and the treatment of Natasha, are not just harmful to Nigeria’s democratic institutions, but they also bring international disgrace.” He further criticized the deployment of security forces to protect a deposed speaker in Lagos while security was withdrawn from the elected speaker, and the National Assembly’s rubber-stamp approval of the state of emergency in Rivers without the required two-thirds majority. Manipulation of Political Processes One of the most contentious issues raised by George was the Senate’s handling of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Natasha’s allegations have sparked a political battle, with George accusing the Senate of partisan misconduct, further eroding public trust. He pointed out the lack of an independent investigation into Natasha’s claims, instead opting for punitive actions against her, including her suspension. “There is a serious risk that these actions are part of a political conspiracy to recall Natasha using the machinery of state. The attempt to manipulate the political process, such as the unsubstantiated gathering of signatures at the INEC office, is a gross injustice,” George said. He also warned that such actions signal a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s future. “This is not democracy, it’s a clear case of manipulation. We are heading toward a very dangerous path,” George added, referring to the government’s interference in the Kogi State and Bayelsa State political situations. Global Embarrassment and Growing Tensions While George condemned these actions as threats to Nigeria’s democracy, he also emphasized the international embarrassment caused by these moves. The global community has been closely watching Nigeria’s political developments, with criticism coming from various quarters, including from notable figures like Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who recently warned that democracy in Nigeria was under threat. Looking ahead, George expressed his concern that these tensions could escalate as the 2027 elections approach. He warned that, with rising insecurity, corruption, and economic challenges, the government’s focus should be on resolving these issues rather than engaging in political conflicts. Conclusion: A Call for Accountability and Transparency George concluded his statements with a call for accountability and transparency in the country’s political system, urging the government to respect democratic norms and uphold the integrity of the electoral process. He also called on Nigerians to resist attempts to manipulate the democratic process, stressing that the country’s future depends on the actions taken today. For more information on the political climate in Nigeria and the challenges facing its democracy, you can read this insightful article from The Guardian on the state of Nigerian democracy here. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria’s South-South region have urged the Judiciary to nullify President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State, describing it as unconstitutional and an overreach of executive power. This appeal follows the National Assembly’s ratification of the President’s decision. In a joint statement released over the weekend and endorsed by more than 16 CSOs across the region, the organizations condemned Tinubu’s proclamation, asserting that it undermines democratic principles and the rule of law. They argued that the President’s invocation of Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution lacked justification and was an outright violation of constitutional provisions. Violation of Section 305 of the Constitution According to the CSOs, Section 305 outlines specific conditions for declaring a state of emergency, including severe threats to national security, public safety, or the state’s existence. However, they insisted that none of these conditions were present in Rivers State, making the Federal Government’s action an excessive use of authority. Rather than pursuing a peaceful and democratic resolution to the political tensions in Rivers State, they accused the Federal Government of adopting an authoritarian stance that threatens constitutional governance. Legislative Complicity and Democratic Concerns The statement further criticized the National Assembly’s role in approving the proclamation. The CSOs highlighted procedural irregularities, such as the Senate’s use of a voice vote and the House of Representatives’ refusal to conduct a headcount, as clear breaches of the constitutional mandate that requires a two-thirds majority from both chambers to validate such a declaration. “We emphasize that the Nigerian Constitution does not authorize the President to remove an elected governor or dissolve a state legislature under any circumstances. If this unconstitutional move is not overturned, it will set a dangerous precedent, threatening democratic governance in other states,” the CSOs stated. Call for Judicial Intervention and Global Awareness The groups are urging the Judiciary to uphold constitutional law by annulling the state of emergency. Additionally, they demand the immediate reinstatement of Governor Sim Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly. Furthermore, they are calling on Nigerians and the international community to condemn this violation of democratic governance and resist any attempts to undermine Nigeria’s constitutional order For further insights into Nigeria’s constitutional provisions on states of emergency, refer to Nigeria’s Constitution and State of Emergency 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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Godswill Akpabio Addresses Alleged Bribery Scandal Senate President Godswill Akpabio has refuted allegations claiming he offered a $15,000 bribe to senators to support the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. He dismissed the claims as a deliberate misinformation campaign aimed at tarnishing his reputation. Akpabio Reacts to Bribery Accusations Speaking on the widespread rumors circulating on social media, Akpabio categorically denied hosting a secret meeting at his Maitama residence, where he was alleged to have distributed cash incentives to lawmakers. According to reports by Saturday Vanguard, the Senate President was accused of overseeing cash distributions in two phases—$5,000 on Tuesday and an additional $10,000 on Wednesday, just before the crucial vote on the emergency declaration. However, Akpabio, through his Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, strongly dismissed these claims, stating: “Since Senator Godswill Akpabio assumed office, he has routinely hosted breaking-of-fast events. He did so last year and again this year, so why is this gathering now linked to bribery?” Debunking the Allegations Further questioning the rationale behind the accusations, Eyiboh added: “Why would Akpabio be distributing dollars? He has been hosting such events even before now, so why is this particular gathering associated with bribery? People are fabricating this narrative to fuel their malicious campaign.” Despite the controversy, both the Senate and the House of Representatives unanimously passed the motion endorsing the state of emergency in Rivers State through a voice vote on Thursday. For further insights into government proceedings and legislative updates, visit the official website of the Nigerian Senate here. (https://www.senate.gov.ng) 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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ABUJA – The Nigerian Senate has officially approved President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation imposing a six-month emergency rule on Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State. The resolution was reached on Thursday following a closed-door session lasting over an hour. Senate’s Decision on Rivers State Emergency Rule Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the approval after deliberations based on Senate Orders 133, 134, 135, and 136. Prior to this, Akpabio read aloud a formal letter from President Tinubu detailing the emergency measure. The letter, in compliance with Section 305, Subsection 2 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), outlined key aspects of the proclamation: The letter further urged the Senate to expedite action on the confirmation process. Legislative Actions and Reactions Following the reading of the proclamation, Senate President Akpabio directed that the matter be immediately referred to the entire Senate Committee for urgent consideration and passage. Meanwhile, Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) raised a motion under Senate Order 133, calling for a closed-door discussion on the development. Implications of the Emergency Rule The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is expected to impact governance, security, and administrative processes significantly. With the governor and state legislators suspended, Vice-Admiral Iboete Iba is set to take over as the state’s administrator, pending further directives from the presidency. External Source for Verification For a more in-depth analysis of emergency rule declarations in Nigeria, refer to this article by Premium Times Stay tuned for updates as this developing situation unfolds. 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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Article: Governor Siminalayi Fubara has vacated the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt, along with his family and security team, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state. Reports confirm that Fubara left the government residence on Wednesday morning, a day after his suspension alongside Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The suspension, announced during a national broadcast by President Tinubu, is set to last for an initial period of six months. In his address, President Tinubu stated: “By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.” As part of the emergency directives, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator responsible for overseeing governance in Rivers State until stability is restored. Mixed Reactions to the Emergency Rule The emergency rule in Rivers State has triggered nationwide debates, with opinions sharply divided. While some view it as a necessary step to restore order, others argue that it represents an excessive use of executive power, undermining democratic principles. According to political analysts, the suspension of an elected governor and lawmakers raises concerns about the balance of power and the federal government’s role in state affairs. A reputable political affairs journal, Premium Times, highlights the constitutional implications of the decision, questioning whether it aligns with Nigeria’s democratic framework. Political Implications and Future Prospects The unfolding situation in Rivers State could set a precedent for federal interventions in state governance. Political stakeholders are calling for a legal review of the emergency rule, with some advocating for the restoration of the state’s duly elected government. As tensions rise, citizens and observers alike await further developments, particularly regarding the legal and constitutional challenges that may arise in response to the state of emergency. Read more on the constitutional debate surrounding the emergency rule 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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In an unprecedented move, Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, a key oil-producing region, leading to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state’s lawmakers for six months. This decision follows escalating political tensions and increased pipeline vandalism affecting Nigeria’s oil output. Emergency Declared Over Political Crisis and Pipeline Vandalism The crisis in Rivers State has been intensifying for months due to a power struggle between the incumbent governor and state legislators, many of whom are loyal to his predecessor. This week, lawmakers initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara, accusing him of constitutional violations, including irregularities in the state budget presentation and the composition of the legislative chamber. Amidst these tensions, reports surfaced of multiple acts of pipeline vandalism, including an explosion on the Trans-Niger Pipeline, which contributes significantly to Nigeria’s crude oil exports. President Tinubu, in a national address, cited the governor’s failure to prevent these incidents as a key reason for imposing emergency rule. Military Administrator Appointed to Govern Rivers State Following the suspension of the governor and legislators, President Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, as the military administrator of Rivers State. The judiciary will continue to function, ensuring the state maintains legal and institutional operations. Military trucks were swiftly deployed to the Rivers State Government House to enforce the emergency directives. Legal Concerns and Historical Context The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticized the president’s decision, arguing that suspending elected officials is unconstitutional. NBA President Afam Osigwe stated, “A declaration of emergency does not automatically dissolve or suspend elected state governments.” This move marks the first state of emergency declaration in Nigeria in over a decade. The last such declaration was in 2013 under President Goodluck Jonathan in the northeastern states of Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe, during the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency. However, at that time, state governors remained in office. Implications for Nigeria’s Democracy and Oil Sector The suspension of elected officials has sparked concerns over democratic governance in Nigeria, a country with a history of military rule. Additionally, the escalating crisis in Rivers State threatens the stability of Nigeria’s oil sector, which is critical to the nation’s economy. For more updates on Nigeria’s political developments and the impact on the oil sector, visit BBC News. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
