Connect with us

News

S’South govs seeks immediate revasal of Rivers emergency rule

Published

on

By Francesca Hangeior

The South-South Governors’ Forum has called for the reversal of the state of emergency in Rivers State that was declared by President Bola Tinubu.

The statement issued on Thursday was signed by the Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State in Yenagoa, the state capital.

It reads , “To reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace, we propose the Rescission of the State of Emergency.”

Advertisement

The forum also called for dialogue as a path forward and encouraged all parties to remain calm, uphold peace and the constitution of the country.

“In the meantime, we encourage all parties to remain calm, uphold peace and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The time for dialogue is now,” the statement read.

The forum noted the six-month state of emergency and suspension of two democratic institutions as recognised the president’s constitutional duty to maintain law and order in the country as well as their mandate to secure peace and stability in their states.

Advertisement

The governors, however, pointed out that the situation in Rivers State does not satisfy the criteria for the declaration of a state of emergency as outlined in Section 305(3) of the constitution, as amended.

The forum also pointed out that the constitution detailed procedures for the removal of a governor and deputy governor and similarly for the members of the state House of Assembly.

According to the forum, the political crisis in Rivers State ought to be ideally resolved through legal and constitutional means rather than by executive fiat.

The statement read in part, “The South-South Governors’ Forum notes the six-month declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, a constituent part of our Forum, and the suspension of two democratic institutions.

Advertisement

“We recognise the President’s constitutional duty to maintain law and order throughout Nigeria, just as we are equally mandated to securing peace and stability in our states.

“However, the South-South Governors’ Forum expresses concern that the current political situation in Rivers State does not satisfy the criteria for declaring a state of emergency as outlined in Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended). This section suggests that such a declaration should be considered under specific conditions like war, external aggression, imminent invasion, breakdown of public order, existential threats to Nigeria, natural disasters, or other significant public dangers.

“It is also worth noting that the Constitution outlines specific procedures for the removal of a governor and deputy governor, as detailed in Section 188, and similar provisions exist for the removal of members of the House of Assembly and the dissolution of parliament. In the current situation, it appears that these guidelines might not have been fully considered.

“We believe that the political disputes in Rivers State between the Governor and the House of Assembly should, ideally, be resolved through legal and constitutional means, rather than by executive fiat.”

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Oko Orisan Community Stands In Solidarity With Mosadoluwa Of Harmony Gardens

Published

on

Condemns Misleading And Defamatory Attacks On Him

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Residents of Oko Orisan Community in Epe area of Lagos State have frowned at the malicious publication against the Chairman/CEO of Harmony Gardens and Estate Development Limited, Honourable (Alhaji) Saheed Audullahi Mosadoluwa aka Ibile.

They also demanded a retraction of what they described as a libelous statement against their benefactor, (Alhaji Mosadoluwa) which was published in Sahara Reporters on Wednesday March 19, 2025.

Advertisement

Reacting in a statement on Thursday, March 20, 2025, on behalf of Oko Orisan Community, Rev. (Mrs) Kemisola Oduntan denied the content of the report, titled: “Notorious Land Grabber Saheed ‘Ibile’ Mosadoluwa’s Injury Cover-Up Exposed As Medical Report Confirms Gunshot Wounds” and the innuendoes contained in it, published on Wednesday.

She said every allegation against Alhaji Mosadoluwa in the said publication was false and defamatory of his person and character.

The cleric described the misleading and malicious publication as a direct attack on the fundamental human rights of Alhaji Mosadoluwa which could cause him reputational damage, adding that it was callous for Sahara Reporters not to conduct its investigation properly before going to press, rather it chose to malign the integrity of a high profile Nigerian known for philanthropic and humanitarian gestures, who stands tall in taking the credit of keeping the record of impacting numerous lives positively in and outside the Epe community.

Investigations vividly revealed that the Naval Base in Oko Orisan and Majestic Bay Estate owned by Alhaji Audullahi Saheed Mosadoluwa had no land dispute whatsoever, despite the fact that they share boundaries. Checks further have it that the previous Naval officers deployed to that neighborhood for routine security have been living in peace and harmony with the entire Oju-Ota and Oko Orisan communities until the recent assassination attempt on Honourable Mosadoluwa and his son, a ugly incident which took place a few weeks back.

Advertisement

The statement reads in parts, “The malicious and misleading publication in Sahara Reporters on Wednesday March 19, 2025 against Honourable Saheed Audullahi Mosadoluwa was the height of junk journalism. The beauty of that noble profession is investigation and proper and unbiased balancing of stories with strict adherence to ethical considerations and guidelines. This is not the case in this instance, however Sahara Reporters chose to drag the name of a responsible and law abiding citizen known to our community in the mud with the intent to satisfy the bidding of its pay masters without recourse to what excellent journalism stands for. Worse still it came up with misleading medical records which in any way did not uphold the merit of the vicious, callous, and misleading reports captured in the news portal.

“We also task the DSS officials to query the purported medical document which Sahara Reporters published and also engage the officials of Ogba Magistrate Court on how sensitive and classified documents kept in trust and in their custody got leaked. Such actions are not only unjustifiable but also reflect the increasing hostility against such an affable and amiable employer of labour, a taxpayer, a man of high moral rectitude, highly decorous, disciplined and of flawless dignity, this is reprehensible and totally unacceptable. We also state unequivocally that there was no case of land-grabbing activities at all, in Oko Orisan Community as falsely published. What previously happened in the community was a clear case of assasination attempt which was foiled and the erring Naval officers and the assailants are already answering questions by the relevant authorities in accordance with the law of Nigeria.

“The foregoing publications, which are in fact untrue, baseless and misleading that said some bad eggs in Navy Uniform attempted to assassinate the owner of Majestic Bay, Oju-Ota in Oko Orisan but narrowly escaped with his son must be thoroughly investigated and not swept under the carpet. Enough of malicious, and defamatory publication by Sahara Reporters to impugn the reputation of Alhaji Mosadoluwa and Oko Orisan as a community, is a crass misadventure and will surely attract legal implications in due course. This is because the media is expected to uphold its hallmark which is truth and good conscience.

“Sahara Reporters ought to be aware that as a news and media platform, it is duty bound to disseminate only credible and factual information. Your publication, which is laced with falsehoods, specifically injures the reputation of our benefactor and as well lowered his reputation before right thinking members of the public. In the light of the foregoing, we demand the immediate retraction of the said publication of 19th March, 2025, an apology to be published on your media platform.

Advertisement

“Be advised that in the absence or failure to comply with the forgoing demands within 7 days of this statement, the community shall commence appropriate legal actions in court against your organization. Nigeria is governed by law, therefore no one should be seen to be above the law, peddling falsehoods or misrepresenting facts under any guise, including the media, especially Sahara Reporters.”

The community also called on all relevant stakeholders including the media to join them in condemning persistent media attacks on Alhaji Mosadoluwa, by Sahara Reporters and its ilk, while also emphasizing that such actions undermine the tenets of constitutional democracy and the principles of excellent journalism and propriety.

Continue Reading

News

Nigeria Congratulates Tunisia on Independence Anniversary

Published

on

 

By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Government of Nigeria has congratulated the Republic of Tunisia on the occasion of its Independence Anniversary.

In a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, conveyed his felicitations to his Tunisian counterpart, His Excellency Mohamed Ali Nafti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad.

Advertisement

The statement highlighted Tunisia’s resilience, unity, and determination in achieving and sustaining its sovereignty. Nigeria commended Tunisia’s strides in democratic governance, socio-economic development, and nation-building.

“As fellow members of the African Union and the broader international community, Nigeria and Tunisia share a commitment to fostering peace, stability, and sustainable development on the continent,” the statement read.

Tuggar expressed Nigeria’s desire to strengthen bilateral ties with Tunisia, particularly in trade, education, culture, and security.

He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s solidarity with Tunisia, and wished the North African country continued progress and prosperity, emphasizing the enduring friendship between both nations.

Advertisement

 

Continue Reading

News

Reps Advocate Stricter Regulations For Gaming

Published

on

 

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives is pushing for stricter regulation of online and remote gaming with a proposed Central Gaming Bill.

In his remarks Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, at a public hearing on the bill which seeks to replace the National Lottery Act of 2005 and its 2017 amendment stressed the need for a solid legal framework for Nigeria’s growing gaming industry.

Advertisement

Represented by Rep. Patrick Umoh, Chairman of the House Committee on Health Institutions, the Speaker explained that the bill aims to boost government revenue, promote responsible gaming, and align Nigeria’s gaming laws with global best practices.

The bill also introduces clear guidelines for online gaming operators, focusing on data protection, preventing underage gambling, and tackling money laundering.

Chairman of the House Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs, Rep. Chukwugozie Nwachukwu, noted that the public hearing allowed stakeholders to contribute ideas, ensuring the law benefits everyone.

He expressed optimism that their feedback would shape a law that fosters national development while protecting Nigerian gamers at home and abroad.

Advertisement

However, Director General of the Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board, Olajide Boladuro, questioned whether the National Assembly even has the power to legislate on the matter, referencing a Supreme Court ruling.

Meanwhile, key figures like Dr. Onwusoro Ihemelandu of the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Dr. Vincent Olatunji of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission praised the bill’s thoroughness but ssuggested that there should a dedicated ministry to regulate the gaming industry.

As discussions continue, the Central Gaming Bill aims to close regulatory loopholes, improve industry operations, and create a well-structured gaming environment in Nigeria.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News