Nigeria Needs More Than Critical National Information Infrastructure Order To Guarantee Telecom Safety- Experts

March 26, 2025

Some industry leaders have made it clear that Nigeria needs more than just Executive Order on the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) to ensure effective telecom infrastructure safety.
They insisted that operators need to resolve what they called “certain internal and standardisation issues.”
The leaders who met to identify important measures to secure telecommunications infrastructures in the country and ensure that investments in the telecoms space are protected, highlighted pressing issues such as infrastructure vandalism, unauthorized installations, and cable theft, even as they proposed actionable solutions to safeguard the country’s critical national infrastructure.
Speaking at the 7th Policy Implementation Assisted Forum (PIAFo) Summit on CNII implementation, held in Lagos, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, stressed the importance of proper infrastructure maintenance and installation to prevent vandalism and theft.
Adebayo noted the widespread issue of stolen manhole covers and poles, attributing the problem to poor maintenance practices.
“When properly installed, these components are difficult to remove. However, due to negligence, they are often left unsecured, making them easy targets for theft.”
Adebayo said that community resistance to infrastructure projects has significantly hindered progress, and specifically noted instances where local communities prevented trucks from accessing sites due to previous unaddressed damages caused by contractors.
“A diesel supplier was blocked from entering an estate because a previous contractor had damaged their property and failed to make repairs. This lack of accountability breeds distrust and delays crucial projects.”
He asked stakeholders to foster better relationships with communities to prevent such conflicts.
Another critical issue Adebayo identified was the unauthorized installation of infrastructure without government approval, leading to inadvertent damage during road construction projects.
“Government agencies often damage unregistered infrastructure simply because they were not documented in official records. Proper approvals and collaboration with authorities will ensure accountability and protection of critical infrastructure.”
He called for improved industry coordination to resolve these challenges internally before seeking external solutions that are promised by the CNII provisions.
President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Tony Emoekpere emphasised the need for standardisation and better coordination among stakeholders.
He pointed out that Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges go beyond technical issues, extending into environmental and moral concerns.
“We are dealing with a moral challenge. An engineer who switched from diesel to gas generators encountered a new problem—workers began stealing engine oil instead, as they could no longer siphon diesel. These issues require both technical and ethical solutions.”
Emoekpere argued that standardisation is the key to long-term sustainability.
“If infrastructure is deployed in a suboptimal manner, failure is inevitable. We need to establish proper standards that all stakeholders—government, private sector, and the public—can align with.”
He also emphasized that Nigeria has strong policies, such as local content policies, but implementation remains a major challenge.
“We must move beyond discussions and focus on actionable steps, follow-ups, and policy enforcement.”
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cedarview Communications Limited, Wale Owoeye, spoke on the
importance of addressing cable theft and vandalism
He lamented over the alarming rate of cable cuts, which disrupt network operations and drive up maintenance costs.
“Cable theft is a serious issue. Airtel representatives told me they experience a cable cut every six minutes. The assumption that all black cables contain valuable copper leads to reckless vandalism.”
To combat problem, Owoeye proposed three key approaches, including reorientation, enforcement, and proactive measures.
“We need to engage local communities in their native languages, educating them on the consequences of vandalism.”
He suggested that strict legal penalties, including long-term imprisonment, should be enforced to deter offenders.
He also emphasized the need for preventive strategies rather than reactive responses. “Prevention is always more effective and cost-efficient than restoration.”
Owoeye proposed the creation of a dedicated fund to support advocacy and awareness campaigns across Nigeria.
To demonstrate his commitment, he pledged to contribute N500,000 quarterly as a seed fund and encouraged other industry players to follow suit.
“This is like planting a seed. With collective effort, we can grow it into a sustainable solution for protecting Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure.”
The experts collectively emphasised that addressing these challenges requires collaboration among industry players, government agencies, and local communities.
They called for a concerted effort to enforce policies, engage stakeholders, and implement practical solutions that will ensure the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s telecommunication infrastructure.

Kogi Central: INEC Picks Hole In Petition To Recall Natasha

Greenbarge Reporters

March 25, 2025

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed the receipt of a petition from registered voters in Kogi Central Senatorial District seeking the recall of the Senator representing them, in the person of Natasha Akpoti-Udusghan.
At the end of its regular weekly meeting today, March 25, the electoral body confirmed recieving six bags of documents “said to be signatures collected from over half of the 474,554 registered voters spread across 902 Polling Units, in 57 Registration Areas (Wards) in the five Local Government Areas of Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi and Okene.
“The Commission’s immediate observation is that the registration of the petitioners did not provide their contact address(s), telephone number (s) and e-mail address(s) in the covering letter forwarding the petition through which they can be contacted as provided in Clause 1(f) of our Regulation and Guidelines. “The address given is “Okene, Kogi State,” which is not a definite location for contacting the petitioners. Only the telephone number of “the lead petitioner is provided as against the numbers of all the representatives of the petitioners.”
INEC however made it clear that the recall of a legislator is the prerogative right of registered voters in a constituency who sign a petition indicating loss of confidence in the legislator representing them.

Full text of the statement signed by Sam Olumekun, the
National Commissioner & Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee of the INEC goes thus:
PETITION FOR THE RECALL OF THE SENATOR REPRESENTING KOGI CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT
The Commission held its regular weekly meeting today, Tuesday 25th March 2025. Among other issues, the meeting discussed the petition for the recall of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The process of recall is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 as well as the Commission’s detailed Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024, available on our website. All petitions will be treated in strict compliance with the legal framework.
The petition from Kogi Central Senatorial District was accompanied by six bags of documents said to be signatures collected from over half of the 474,554 registered voters spread across 902 Polling Units in 57 Registration Areas (Wards) in the five Local Government Areas of Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi and Okene.
The Commission’s immediate observation is that the representatives of the petitioners did not provide their contact address, telephone number(s) and e-mail address(es) in the covering letter forwarding the petition through which they can be contacted as provided in Clause 1(f) of our Regulations and Guidelines. The address given is “Okene, Kogi State”, which is not a definite location for contacting the petitioners. Only the telephone number of “the lead petitioner” is provided as against the numbers of all the other representatives of the petitioners.
The Commission wishes to reiterate that the recall of a legislator is the prerogative of registered voters in a constituency who sign a petition indicating loss of confidence in the legislator representing them. Once the petition meets the requirements of submission, as contained in our regulations, the Commission shall commence the verification of the signatures in each Polling Unit in an open process restricted to registered voters that signed the petition only. The petitioners and the member whose recall is sought shall be at liberty to nominate agents to observe the verification, while interested observers and the media will also be accredited. At each Polling Unit, signatories to the petition shall be verified using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
Consequently, if the petitioners fully comply with the requirements of Clause 1(f) of the Regulations and Guidelines regarding the submission of their petition, the Commission will announce the next steps in line with the extant laws, regulations and guidelines. In the absence of a definite contact address, the Commission is making efforts to use other means to notify the representatives of the petitioners of the situation.
The Commission reassures the public that it will be guided by the legal framework for recall. The public should therefore discountenance any speculations and insinuations in the social media.
Sam Olumekun mni
National Commissioner & Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee
Tuesday 25th March 2025.

Yobe’s Leadership In Accountability In Governance, By Zarah Kasha

Greenbarge Reporters

March 23, 2025

Democracy as a leading form of government globally, thrives mainly on accountability and transparency which are sine-qua-non for good governance. It is a fact that notwithstanding the modest successes recorded, Nigerians are still far from experiencing good governance full blast, some 26 years after the country’s return to democracy.
However, the trend appears to be fast changing in Yobe State, a 34-year-old state where Mai Mala Buni holds sway as its executive governor. As one of the states with the least allocation and revenue generation, prudency plays a major role in its financial stability towards meeting the people’s expectations on good governance. And this feat has never gone unnoticed by professionals and experts who are on the trail of how states manage their funds.
Just last year, Yobe state made it to the top as the best in the 2023 Subnational Audit Efficacy(SAE) index report on accountability and transparency in public funds, put together by the Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI), an internationally recognised civil society group noted for tracking public accountability and transparency in the expenditure of public funds.
This was after emerging as the second best in 2022 with 63 per cent after Akwa Ibom which placed first position with 69 per cent.
And to demonstrate that the previous standings were no fluke, the state came top in the 2024 edition. The flagship research report rates Ekiti as second with 54%, and Adamawa (47%) as occupying the third position.
At the lower rung of the ladder are Ogun, Bayelsa, and Ebonyi states jointly placed 34th position with each coring 7%.
More than anything, the Index seeks to foster a culture of accountability in the public sector, ensuring good governance and effective resource utilisation for the overall benefit of the citizens.
The Index further goes to underscore the significance of regular audits, prompt implementation of recommendations, and collaboration among government entities to promote good governance.
In arriving at the verdict, the PLSI usually carries out an assessment process of some critical factors such as getting value for public funds, audit legal framework and operationalisation, annual activity report, publication of annual audit report, and performances.
The rest components are citizens’ account reports, civil societies and media participation reports, and monitoring and oversight functions of the legislative committee on public accounts.
The SAE PLSI assessment system is designed to assess the performance of Nigerian states on key aspects of public accountability and to initiate and implement audit reports by key stakeholders.
The SAE Survey figures reveal Yobe as being consistent in providing and maintaining quality services that are in line with public opinion, transparent and accountable policies, making it an outstanding example for other states in Nigeria.
The index marks Yobe as the first state to promote accountability among the people, ensuring efficient use of resources for the benefit of the people and the welfare of the people of the state.
Speaking at the launch of the report, the 5th in the series, in Abuja recently, the Director of PLSI, Olusegun Elemo, said: “Our SAE index is a technology that reflects the transformational nature and strengthens public trust, the success of Yobe State shows that it has given all other states a leg up in the management of financial and natural resources.”
“The SAE Index is a tool for driving reform and strengthening public trust. Yobe’s achievement shows that prioritising transparency in public financial management is possible and rewarding,” he further stated.
Elemo said the initiative was birthed in 2021 to evaluate states’ transparency and accountability in public fund management and policy implementation.
According to him, the 2024 report highlighted concerns over declining commitment to fiscal accountability following the end of the $1.5 billion World Bank-Assisted States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS) Programme (2018-2022).
The PLSI boss stated that while the 2021 assessment showed progress in public sector auditing due to legal reforms, subsequent evaluations revealed stagnation or decline, adding that the 2022 edition recorded an average score of 31.81%, which dropped to 30.58% in 2023 and declined to 29.47% in 2024.
Major highlights of the report showed that of the 36 states, only 4 have so far implemented financial autonomy for the Office of the Auditor-General, while 12 states activated legal provisions for administrative independence, limiting the effectiveness of public audit institutions.
Besides, the PLSI said no state produced a standard performance audit report on government programs or projects in 2023, just as 21 states failed to publish their 2023 audit reports online, as it was the previous years.
While stressing the need for governance to prioritise accountability, Elemo called on the state governors to strengthen relevant offices for financial and administrative independence.
It also urged greater collaboration among state governments, legislative houses, and auditors-general to improve transparency.
On methodology, the 2024 edition retained that used in 2023, with data from audit institutions, public accounts committees, accountant-general offices, civil society organizations, and the media, being put to use.
On the whole, the report dwelt on the need for enhanced auditors’ technical capacity to ensure public accessibility of audit reports, and promote citizen engagement in financial transparency efforts.
…‘Consequence of deliberate planning’
In a reaction, the state’s Auditor General, Alhaji Mai Aliyu Umar, attributed the success to the free hand provided to the audit by Governor Mai Mala Buni.
“The governor has provided us with very free hands to perform our duties and responsibilities without interference” he said.
Director General Media and Press Affairs to the Governor, Mamman Mohammed, said the governor is a firm believer in the independence of government sectors, agencies and officials.
“This independence has contributed immensely to the performance and successes of government and its agencies” Mamman said.
He described the feat as “certainly not unexpected given what His Excellency has been doing in the area of fiscal discipline.
This is not accidental, it is a consequence of deliberate planning targeted at good governance.
“This is a further demonstration of the Mai Mala Buni administration to ensure good governance and transparency in all ramifications. I mean, what else can I say?. He is a man who is conscious of his covenant, the social contract with the people of Yobe state.”
Let me recall for the record what the governor said when the state achieved the same feat last year: “The state government, through the Fiscal Responsibility Board, instituted reforms in public finance which have translated into worthy investments, accountability and transparency in government transactions.
“I am glad to say that our audit department and institutions like the Bureau for Public Procurement are independent and ensure transparency and accountability of government expenditure, which has placed the state above board.
“We will continue to strengthen these institutions to promote accountability and transparency in every expenditure of public funds.”
“Now, this was last year. And since then, the state government has upped its ante by ensuring further reforms and initiatives that resulted in its emergence in the 2024 Index Report. I can only tell you that the various initiatives have resulted in the right appropriation of resources in the area of infrastructure as well as human development for the good people of the state,” Mohammed added.
Wining it back-to-back, the Buni administration can’t afford to falter in the years ahead.
Analysts believe if Yobe, a frontline state gradually coming out of the wrecks of insurgency can do it, then other states won’t have any reason not to be up and doing.
Expectations are high from the citizenry, and like the PLSI said, “…Yobe’s achievement shows that prioritising transparency in public financial management is possible and rewarding.”.
It is hoped that Yobe will sustain the tempo and make itself the true model of fiscal discipline for others to emulate and follow.

Ex President Buhari Sympathises With Katsina Gov, Radda, Over Mum’s Death

Greenbarge Reporters

March 23, 2025

Former Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari has sympathised with the Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda over the death of his mother, Hajiya Safara’u Umaru Baribari.
In a message to the governor, the former president said: “ it is with profound sadness that I convey my deepest sympathies for the passing of your beloved mother, Hajiya Safara’u.
“No matter how big a person becomes, they need their mother. The thoughts and prayers of my family are with you and your family during this difficult period as we remember her life and service to women and the community at large.
“May Allah reward her good deeds, and her legacy an inspiration to her descendants and future generations. May Allah grant her Aljannatul Firdaus.”

Kogi Kicks Out AEDC As It Adopts Own Electricity Generation Masterplan

Greenbarge Reporters

March 23, 2025

Kogi State Government has kicked out Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) with the establishment of Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) to assume a regulatory oversight in the electricity sector.
Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that the government of Ahmed Usman Ododo has taken advantage of the amended Electricity Act 2023 to take full control of the state’s power sector, thereby reducing reliance on the regulatory and distribution framework of the old order in Nigeria.
It was learnt that as part of the reform, the state government has also established its own power distribution company, Kogi Electricity Distribution Limited (KEDL), a subsidiary company of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to oversee electricity distribution across the state.
With this development, Kogi State joins the rank of progressive states like Lagos, Enugu, Niger, Kano and others that have taken charge of their electricity generation and distribution.
The establishment of KEDL means that residents and businesses will no longer depend solely on electricity distribution networks outside the state.
A statement from the office of the Special Adviser to Governor Ododo on media, Ismailia Isa said that for years, unstable electricity has been a major hindrance to economic growth, forcing businesses to operate at a loss and leaving many communities without access to power.
It said that small-scale enterprises, including welders, frozen food vendors, and tailors, have been forced to rely on costly fuel-powered generators, severely cutting into their profits.
“Even scrap dealers, who contribute significantly to the recycling industry, have to transport materials as far as Kano for proper processing due to the lack of adequate power facilities in Kogi. “Governor Ododo understands these struggles as a player in the sector for many years, and through KERC, he is providing a solution that will empower businesses and create an environment for economic growth.
“Beyond improving power supply, this transition brings multiple economic benefits. “One of the most immediate advantages is job creation for youths. As Kogi expands its power infrastructure, thousands of direct and indirect jobs will be created, from engineers and technicians to administrative personnel and field workers.”

Yobe Beats Other States To Come First In 2024 Subnational Audit Efficacy Index

Greenbarge Reporters

March 20, 2025

The Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI), a civic organization promoting public accountability in Nigeria, has declared Yobe State as the best-performing state in its 2024 Subnational Audit Efficacy (SAE) Index.
The SAE Index, according to the Support Initiative, assesses the level of transparency and accountability in the management and utilization of public funds, as well as the implementation of public policies across Nigeria’s 36 states.
The edition of PLSI’s flagship research report, launched in Abuja today, March 20, ranked Yobe State again as the top performer among all the 36 States, scoring 73 percent.
Ekiti came second with 54 percent while Adamawa State scored 47 to secure 3rd positions.
At the lower end of the rankings, Ogun, Bayelsa, and Ebonyi states occupied the 34th place, each scoring 7 percent.
A statement by Yusuf Ali, Senior Special Assistant to the state Governor, Mai Mala Buni on Digital and Strategic Communications said that the latest ranking highlights Yobe State’s consistency in maintaining robust public audit practices and transparency mechanisms, setting a benchmark for other states in the Federation.
He said that the PLSI’s SAE Index evaluates states based on critical components of the public audit action cycle, including the submission, review, and implementation of audit reports by key stakeholders.
The spokesman said that the Index aims to foster a culture of accountability in the public sector, ensuring effective resource utilization for the benefit of citizens.
He quoted PLSI’s Executive Director, Olusegun Elemo as having commended Yobe State for its exemplary performance and encouraged other states to adopt similar measures to improve governance and accountability.
“The SAE Index is a tool for driving reform and strengthening public trust. Yobe’s achievement shows that prioritizing transparency in public financial management is possible and rewarding.”
Ali said that the SAE Index underscores the importance of regular audits, prompt implementation of recommendations, and collaboration among government entities to promote good governance.
“This marks another milestone for Yobe State in its pursuit of excellence in governance, reinforcing its position as a leader in public sector accountability in Nigeria.”

National Assembly Assumes Law Making Body For Rivers State In State-Of-Emergency

Greenbarge Reporters

March 20, 2025

The House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has adopted sections 11(4) and (5) of the Constitution, 1999 (As amended), which provides for the National Assembly to take over the lawmaking functions of a State House of Assembly if deemed necessary to restore order and governance in the state.
This was one of the amendments made to the State of emergency declared on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, which was forwarded to the House of Representatives and the Senate to ratify.
In confirming the presidential declaration at its plenary today, March 20, the House wanted a National Mediation Committee constituted, comprising eminent Nigerians, including representatives from the Federal Executive and Legislature, to facilitate dialogue and resolution during the emergency period.
It also wanted periodic review of the emergency rule within the initial six-month duration as declared by the President, with the possibility of early termination if peace is sufficiently restored.
The House unanimously approved the presidential declaration of State of emergency with voice vote by 243 Members present at plenary, in accordance with Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, (as amended).
It was preceded by extensive deliberations with key amendments introduced.
The House commenced today’s session with an executive session in line with Order 16 of the Standing Orders (Eleventh Edition), where the Speaker and Presiding Officer, Abbas Tajudeen, read the President’s communication on the proclamation.
At plenary, the House adopted a motion to stand down (suspend) all other business scheduled in the Order Paper for the day, allowing for robust deliberation on the President’s request after the House Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, briefed Members on the circumstances necessitating the emergency rule and rallied the House on the need to move Rivers State forward.
In a debate that took a multi-partisan dimension, some Members supported the State of Emergency, citing the necessity of deploying additional security resources to restore order and protect lives and property.
However, concerns were raised about the potential for abuse of power and implications for fundamental human rights, prompting calls for strict legislative oversight to ensure lawful implementation and adherence to the stated objectives.
After extensive deliberations, the House, unanimously ratified the amended proclamation via a voice vote, with no dissension recorded from the 243 Members present, representing two-thirds of the House membership.
The Reps spokesman, Akin Rotimi Jr. confirmed that the approval of the presidential proclamation of the State of emergency in Rivers State underscores the House’s commitment to constitutional governance, ensuring that emergency measures align with democratic principles and respect for the rule of law in the interest of the people of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.

Group Dismisses Underground Fireworks To Recall Suspended Senator Natasha

Greenbarge Reporters

March 19, 2025

Kogi Central sociocultural umbrella body, Ebira People’s Association (EPA) has dismissed the underground fireworks going on for the recall of the embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Udusghan, who is representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly.
Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper indicated that a group of people who call themselves Kogi Central stakeholders, have initiated the process of recalling Senator Natasha, who was suspended for six months on March 6, for alleged unruly behaviour in the Chamber.
In a statement today, March 19, reacting to such a move, the President of EPA, Dr. Godwin Oyibo asked the people in the Senatorial District to remain vigilant, united, and committed to the shared dream of building a great constituency where love and brotherliness reign supreme.
“We passionately appeal to all constituents to stand solidly behind our senator, who has proven herself to be a true and worthy representative of our constituency. We must avoid needless distractions at this period.”
Dr. Oyibo said that EPA is aware of”an attempt to initiate a recall process against our Distinguished Senator, Barrister Natasha Akpoti, from the National Assembly by some stakeholders in Kogi Central.
“Initially, we dismissed it as a rumor, but we have continued to receive calls and messages from concerned constituents of Kogi Central, both at home and in the diaspora, confirming the development.
“This situation is disturbing, not only because of its potential impact on the collective peace of our district, but also because it threatens the unity and cohesion that have pervaded our land in the recent times.
“We recall the oneness of our people during the last governorship election in 2023 when we were confronted with people who referred to us as common enemies. It is too soon to sacrifice that oneness.
“While EPA acknowledges the right of individuals to belong to different political persuasions, we need to stress that the issue at stake concerns our developmental interests.
“We must diligently consider the options available to us now and in the future.
“Our current senator has attracted development to Kogi Central, and we cannot deny her those achievements.
“Despite facing numerous challenges, Senator Natasha Akpoti has remained a steadfast advocate for our cause, delivering numerous projects and amenities that have significantly improved the lives of her constituents.
“We urge all constituents to exercise extreme caution and not be swayed by external interests seeking to disrupt our peace and progress.
“We must recognize that the rumored recall process is not only unnecessary but also potentially detrimental to our corporate interest and image. “It is crucial for us as a people to appreciate the fact that our collective cohesion could be threatened by such a move.”

BREAKING: Tinubu Declares State Of Emergency In Rivers State, Suspends Gov Fubara For 6 Months

Greenbarge Reporters

March 18, 2025

President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, relying on section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended.
“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.
“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.”
President Tinubu made the declaration in a nationwide broadcast today, March 18, having met with the Service Chiefs earlier in the day.

He said in the broadcast: “In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State having failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th March, 2025 and I so do.”
President Tinubu said that for the avoidance of doubt, “this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.
“The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.”

*Full text of President Tinubu’s broadcast:
Fellow Nigerians, I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State. Like many of you, I have watched with concern the development with the hope that the parties involved would allow good sense to prevail at the soonest, but all that hope burned out without any solution to the crisis.
With the crisis persisting, there is no way democratic governance, which we have all fought and worked for over the years, can thrive in a way that will redound to the benefit of the good people of the state. The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started, with the good people of the state not being able to have access to the dividends of democracy.
Also, it is public knowledge that the Governor of Rivers State for unjustifiable reasons, demolished the House of Assembly of the state as far back as 13th December 2023 and has, up until now, fourteen (14) months after, not rebuilt same. I have made personal interventions between the contending parties for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, but my efforts have been largely ignored by the parties to the crisis. I am also aware that many well-meaning Nigerians, Leaders of thought and Patriotic groups have also intervened at various times with the best of intentions to resolve the matter, but all their efforts were also to no avail. Still, I thank them.
On February 28, 2025, the supreme court, in a judgment in respect of about eight consolidated appeals concerning the political crisis in Rivers State, based on several grave unconstitutional acts and disregard of rule of law that have been committed by the Governor of Rivers State as shown by the evidence before it pronounced in very clear terms:
“a government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state under the 1999 Constitution as amended. In this case the head of the executive arm of the government has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him to govern without the legislature as a despot. As it is there is no government in Rivers State.”
The above pronouncement came after a catalogue of judicial findings of constitutional breaches against the Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Going Forward in their judgment, and having found and held that 27 members of the House who had allegedly defected “are still valid members of Rivers State House of Assembly and cannot be prevented from participating in the proceedings of that House by the 8th Respondent (that is, the Governor) in cohorts with four members”
The Supreme Court then made some orders to restore the state to immediate constitutional democracy. These orders include the immediate passing of an Appropriation Bill by the Rivers State House of Assembly which up till now has not been facilitated.
Some militants had threatened fire and brimstone against their perceived enemy of the governor who has up till now NOT disowned them.
Apart from that both the House and the governor have not been able to work together.
Both of them do not realise that they are in office to work together for the peace and good governance of the state.
The latest security reports made available to me show that between yesterday and today there have been disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by some militant without the governor taking any action to curtail them. I have, of course given stern order to the security agencies to ensure safety of lives of the good people of Rivers State and the oil pipelines.
With all these and many more, no good and responsible President will standby and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the Constitution to address the situation in the state, which no doubt requires extraordinary measures to restore good governance, peace, order and security.
In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State having failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th March, 2025 and I so do.
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.
In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.
The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.
This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution. It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.
Long live a united, peaceful, secure and democratic Rivers State in particular and the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a whole.

As NUJ Turns 70, Guild Of Interfaith Media Practitioners Reminds Journalists Of New World To Build

Greenbarge Reporters

March 18, 2025

Journalists in Nigeria have been reminded that the world now more than ever before, deserves understanding among peoples of various faiths, cultures and traditions.

“As journalists, we should go beyond the symbolism of these moments, but to deepen our togetherness by promoting religious harmony.”
The Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners (GIMP), in a statement by its Editorial Board Chairman, Muyiwa Akintunde, to felicitate with the NUJ as it celebrate its 70th anniversary, said that it is symbolic that the union’s anniversary coincides with the fasting periods of Muslims and Christians, which emphasises religious harmony.
The group commended journalists and media professionals in the country for their resilience in the face of all odds, and dedication to the ethics of the profession.
It advised journalists to continue to hold their heads high for their invaluable contributions to nation building, and holding operators in the public and private sectors accountable to the public they serve.
The Guild, which set out to promote peace, tolerance, harmony and acceptance of religious plurality among the various peoples of the world, also acknowledged the sacrifices media professionals had made in nation building over the past 70 years and more.
It remembered several journalists who paid the supreme price in the course of discharging their professional responsibilities and urged well meaning institutions and private individuals to support the dependents they left behind.
GIMP said that bodies like the NUJ, the Nigerian Guild of Editors and related organisations should explore partnerships that will better the welfare of media professionals.
Founded in Lagos on 15 March 1955, NUJ was in the forefront during Nigeria’s independence struggle. It became a platform for journalists to address issues of poor wages and working conditions, and eventually emerged as a trade union body registered under the labour laws.
Over the years, NUJ expanded its reach across the country with the establishment of state councils, zones and chapels in media organisations.

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