News

RIVERS CRISIS: Reps Mandate Sole Administrator to Report to NASS, Not FEC

Published

2 days ago

March 20, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

…review, approve state of emergency

By Gloria Ikibah

A total of 243 members of the House of Representatives have endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s request for a state of emergency in Rivers State. As part of the decision, Governor Similayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state assembly have been suspended, while a sole administrator has been appointed for an initial six-month period.

The lawmakers emphasised that the appointed sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, will report directly to the National Assembly rather than the Federal Executive Council.

The approval followed a voice vote during Thursday plenary session, conducted in line with House Standing Order 1, 2 (1), which outlines that members may vote via voice, signature in a register, or electronic voting.

Naijablitznews.com reports that the House, upon resumption of plenary, went into an executive session to deliberate on the government’s official gazette declaring the emergency in Rivers State.

According to Order 16 (3) of the House Standing Rules, the Speaker is required to brief members on the circumstances leading to the emergency declaration and provide necessary documents. Following this briefing, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read the President’s letter on the House floor, after which it swiftly passed the first and second readings.

During a session of the Committee of the Whole, the House made three key recommendations:

A national reconciliation committee should be established to restore peace in Rivers State.
The National Assembly should assume legislative functions of the Rivers State Assembly for the duration of the emergency.
The President retains the discretion to lift the emergency at any point within the six-month period.

Leading the debate, House Leader Julius Ihonvbere criticized South-South leaders for failing to intervene early in the crisis. He argued that their inaction contributed to the situation’s escalation, stressing that lawmakers must prioritize stability in the region.

Ihonvbere also defended the President’s decision, stating that the intervention aims to create a framework for Rivers State’s progress while safeguarding the interests of its people.

He said: “We stand on the precipice of history.There is no doubting the fact that we have our definitions of democracy, of social, state of emergency.

“We have our own biases, I have mine. But on this issue, let us all step on the precipice and assist them to have a better population. let’s begin to work from the ground up to create the processes, the conversations, the negotiations that are necessary. To bring sustainable, credible, lasting, inclusive peace to Rivers state.

He called for constructive conversations and negotiations, encouraging fellow leaders to work towards sustainable and lasting peace.

“Let us all step on the precipice and assist them to have a better population.

Also speaking on the letter, former Deputy Speaker of the House, Idris Wase said “if I am to speak my mind, I am not going to disobey this very, very decisive decision. I want to believe that Nigeria must move forward.

Rep. Fredrick Agbedi, member representing Sagbaama/Ekeremor federal constituency of Bayelsa State, urged the speaker to announce the number present to form a quorum and ensure that the proceedings be carried out with integrity according to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

“Our constitution has prescribed what and what to do. It is in the integrity and interest of this house, Mr. Speaker, for you to announce the quorum as we are sitting.So that Nigerians will know that we are not circumventing the constitution.

“So Mr. Speaker, honorable colleagues, this is not about either supporting or opposing what Mr. President has said. But because of your impeccable leadership, the kind of leadership you have given to us in this house, and the kind of leadership that Nigerians have come to believe in, Mr. Speaker, it is good enough and I urge you that we comply strictly with the constitution by first transparently announcing the quorum as it is now for us to go into this debate”, he said.

In response to their request, the Speaker, Rep Tajudeen Abbas who presided over plenary insisted that there was an attendance register which will be used to determine number of members present on the floor.

Former Deputy Speaker, Rep. Idris Wase, encouraged members to support the request.

“If I am to speak my mind, I am not going to disobey this very, very decisive decision. I want to believe that Nigeria must move forward.We are not yet at the point of voting. So the point of voting, we are already being raised, but we get to the point of voting. That’s the way it was made”.

Speaking also Rep. Philip Agbese,(APC- Benue) noted that the ongoing crisis in River State, acknowledging that the declaration of a state of emergency was necessary.

He noted that the Nigerian parliament has a history of providing solutions to national challenges, particularly during times of crisis.

Agbese therefore recommended the that a national committee comprising executive members, parliamentarians, and eminent leaders be constitution to ensure peace and prevent future conflict in the state.

He said “One of our major achievements in this house has always been to provide solutions to problems as far as the continent is concerned. We are all aware of the challenges that face us today, the state of our democracy, and we are here as a people, as representatives of Nigerians, to provide solutions and ensure that our democracy works.

“Recommendations made in the proclamation by Mr. President that in the wake of this house, that we play with it in a way and manner that will help to build our democracy and make Nigeria a better place.

“My recommendation is that, as we have seen in time past, when this country was at a point of crisis, when national committees were settled, and we have also seen in time past even when there was no constitutional provision, the doctrine of decency was invoked to give life back to the country.

“It is in that way that he says that the emergency has been declared in the state, not because Mr. President hates any of the groups involved, but because Mr. President wants something better for our country. So, I want to recommend that a national committee be settled to comprise of the executive, members of the parliament, and eminent leaders, like we have seen in the past”, he stated.

Rep. Etanabene Benedict, member representing Okpe/Sapele federal constituency, stated that the ultimate goal must be to restore peace in Rivers State. He supported President Tinubu’s decision, but expressed concerns over certain constitutional provisions.

He said: “Section 305 of the Constitution cannot be read in isolation of Section 11, subsection 4, he argued that the sole administrator appointed in River State should report to the National Assembly rather than the Federal Executive Council.

“The ultimate goal is to have peace in River State.We must embrace that idea of the government and indeed as pushed forward by Mr. President. However, Section 305 of the Constitution of the United States I do not want to go into academic debates on what Section 305 is about.

“However, Section 305 cannot be read in isolation of Section 11, subsection 4 of the Constitution. And that deals with, if you permit me to read, that at any time when any House of Assembly of a State is unable to perform its function, 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 in which a House of Assembly may make laws as may appear to the National Assembly on and on.

“But the bottom line here is listen to Mr. President’s proclamation where he said that the sole administrator will be reporting to the Federal Executive Council. I disagree with that position and insist that the provision of Section 11.4 of the Constitution should take precedence over that”.

The lawmakers through a voice vote adopted and approved the requests and recommendations made.

News

Naira appreciates in parallel market

Published

2 hours ago

March 22, 2025

Admin

The naira appreciated N1,580 per dollar in the parallel market, compared to N1,582 on Thursday.

However, the Naira depreciated to N1,538 per dollar in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM).

Data published by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, showed that the indicative exchange rate for the naira rose to N1,538 per dollar from N1,536 per dollar Thursday, indicating N2 depreciation for the naira.

Consequently, the margin between the parallel market and NFEM rate narrowed to N42 per dollar from N46 per dollar on Thursday.

However, in their Weekly Financial Market outlook for next week, analysts at CowryAsset Management Limited projected mixed performance for the naira as demand pressure deepened.

“Looking ahead, we anticipate a mixed outlook for the Naira as demand pressures for the greenback intensify, with foreign exchange, FX, users and speculators continuing to exploit arbitrage opportunities.

“ Nevertheless, we expect the CBN to sustain its weekly interventions in an effort to stabilise the local currency.”

News

Presidency defends Fubara suspension

Published

2 hours ago

March 22, 2025

Admin

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, has defended the suspension of Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, clarifying that the action was necessary and in line with the President’s constitutional responsibilities.

In a statement on Friday, March 21, Dare emphasised that Fubara’s suspension should not be confused with removal from office.

He further explained that Tinubu’s decision to intervene came in response to the ongoing political and security turmoil in the State, which had escalated to a point where presidential action was imperative.

Dare stated that the President’s intervention was a moral and legal obligation, mandated by the Constitution during times of crisis.

The statement reads in part: “In the case of Rivers state, turmoil and crisis had taken over. The rival stakeholders could not see their way toward resolution. Something had to be done before all became undone.

“In this case, President Tinubu stepped up as was his moral and legal obligation to do. In this case, the Constitution, the blueprint of our democracy spells out the options before the President in dire and emergency circumstances.

“The declaration of a state of emergency on Rivers state for 6-months is well within the stated powers of the President. This is settled by the very wording of the constitution itself and backed by judicial precedents. President Tinubu has not being overbearing.

“Since the declaration was made Nigerians have heard legal and political opinions and analyses of different shades. This discourse is healthy for our democracy but cannot substitute for the rule of law and the proper interpretation of our constitution.

“The frenzy by opponents of the President has hit a high pitch. They have placed themselves in opposition to what the law says about the powers and authority of the President because they have previously placed themselves in political opposition to the President.

“The powers conferred on the President in this instance and the will to use it when the situation warrants are the difference between an indecisive leader and a courageous, committed one.

“The Supreme Court understands this and is very careful in instances such as this.”

News

SAD! Popular Nigerian actress dies + photo

Published

2 hours ago

March 22, 2025

Admin

Popular Nollywood actress, Nkechi Nweje, is dead.

The actress, widely known for her motherly roles in numerous Nigerian films, died on March 21, 2025, after a brief illness.

Nweje, who was respected for her versatility and depth on screen, gained fame through her roles in movies such as Ikwo the Fighter, My Family, and Back from Congo.

Her ability to embody characters with grace and authenticity earned her admiration from fans and colleagues in the Nigerian movie industry.

Beyond her successful career, Nkechi Nweje was a dedicated family woman.

She was married to Dr. Azubuike Nweje, and the couple had six children, including their daughters Adaora Onyeka Nweje and Oma Nweje.

The news of her passing has sent shockwaves across Nollywood, with many actors and filmmakers expressing shock and sadness over her sudden demise.

Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes from fans and colleagues, who have described her as a talented, humble, and hardworking actress who left a lasting mark on the industry.

May her soul rest in peace.