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Rivers: We acted in good faith to checkmate complete collapse-Presidency
The Presidency has dismissed claims that the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other political actors in Rivers State is a power grab, insisting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu acted decisively to prevent the state from descending into anarchy.
In a statement released on Sunday, March 23, 2025, Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, outlined the urgent need for intervention, stressing that waiting for the total collapse of governance before acting would have been reckless and irresponsible.
The crisis in Rivers State, stemming from a bitter power struggle between Governor Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, had crippled governance.
Despite Supreme Court rulings affirming constitutional governance, the feuding factions refused to back down. According to the Presidency, intelligence reports confirmed that militants in the creeks were primed to sabotage critical oil infrastructure, posing a direct threat to Nigeria’s economic security.
“Imagine a Rivers State where President Tinubu hesitated. The political standoff could have spiraled into violence, with attacks on lawmakers and the state’s vital oil infrastructure at risk. Schools and hospitals would shut down, investors would flee, and the human and economic toll would be catastrophic,” the statement read.
By March 18, the situation had deteriorated beyond political resolution, making Presidential intervention unavoidable.
Critics argue that the suspension of Governor Fubara and other political actors is an assault on democracy, but the Presidency insists that the move was a temporary reset, not a takeover.
“This is no power grab,” the statement emphasized. “The intervention is temporary, surgical, and aimed at restoring—not replacing—democratic institutions. The six-month suspension is designed to disarm warring factions and stabilize governance.”
It also pointed out the hypocrisy of some critics who remained silent on Fubara’s refusal to cooperate with the legislature, yet condemned the President’s move.
“Democracy cannot thrive amid lawlessness—anarchy is its antithesis,” Onanuga stated.
The Nigerian Constitution (Section 305) empowers the President to act when the nation faces a breakdown of law, order, and economic security—precisely the case in Rivers.
The Presidency referenced historical precedents, including past states of emergency in Plateau and Borno, as well as the doctrine of necessity, to justify Tinubu’s decisive action.
“The President’s oath demands that he must safeguard national stability, not watch idly as partisan strife strangles our democracy. Rivers is a vital economic artery, and any politically motivated disruption in its oil industry has nationwide consequences,” the statement asserted.
With the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (Rtd.) as Administrator of Rivers State, efforts are already underway to restore peace and resume democratic governance.
One of his first moves was meeting with traditional leaders to forge lasting solutions. The Presidency reassured Nigerians that the state of emergency would be lifted once stability is achieved, allowing elected officials to resume their duties.
Defending the President’s decision, the statement quoted 18th-century philosopher Edmund Burke: “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”
It concluded with a strong message to critics: “President Tinubu chose courage over complacency. His action prioritized Nigeria’s interests over political expediency, averting a deeper crisis. To those calling him a ‘tyrant,’ ask yourselves—what democracy prospers in chaos? The calm in Rivers today vindicates the President’s decision. He deserves commendation, not condemnation.”
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News
Sad! Man snuffs life out of his pregnant fiancée ,her 3-yr-old daughter days to wedding (Photos)
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
A man identified as Wealth Nnamdi has been declared wanted by the Edo State Police Command over the alleged murder of his pregnant fiancée, Osasu Loveth Isaac, and her three-year-old daughter, Miracle, in Benin City.
The incident occurred on Idiangbona Street in Ovbiogoe Community following a heated argument between the couple on March 16, 2025.
Neighbours said they were used to their frequent quarrels so did not suspect the altercation would end in tragedy.
A source in the community, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the couple had been together for over three years after Nnamdi moved in with Osasu and her daughter from a previous relationship.
Their traditional wedding had been fixed for March 29, 2025 while the church ceremony was scheduled for April 6.
“It is heartbreaking because she was excited about the wedding. She was already pregnant for him, and they had been living together. But on Sunday, they had a serious argument. We didn’t think much of it because they usually fought,” the source said.
“When the argument stopped, we thought they had settled. But after two days, a foul smell started coming from their room. That was when we called the police.”
Spokesperson of the command, CSP Moses Yamu, who confirmed the incident said officers from the Ekiadolor Division forced the door open after neighbours reported a disturbing odour.
“The Edo State Police Command has since commenced an investigation into the gruesome m3rder of a woman popularly known as ‘Mama Hallelujah’ and her three-year-old daughter, Miracle,” Yamu stated.
“On March 18, 2025, at about 8:30 pm, the Ekiadolor Division received a report from a concerned neighbour who complained of a strong odour coming from the deceased’s apartment.
“Upon arrival, officers discovered the room locked from the outside. When they forced it open, they found the decomposing bodies of the woman and her daughter. The woman had a deep cut on her head, suspected to have been inflicted with a machete, while the child was found lifeless on the bed.”
Yamu noted that preliminary investigations point to Nnamdi as the prime suspect, as he has been missing since the discovery.
“The suspect has gone into hiding, and the command is making all efforts to track him down and bring him to justice,” he added.
News
Annie Idibia Finally opens up On Divorce From Husband, 2face, says all battles can’t be fought in public
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Nigerian actress and reality star, Annie Macaulay has broken her silence following alleged divorce from singer, 2baba.
Some months ago, 2Baba, in a now-deleted Instagram post, announced his divorce from Annie.
He went further to announce his engagement to Natasha Osawaru, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly.
Reacting to the development, Annie gave reasons for her silence.
Her words, “Silence isn’t weakness it’s peace. Since my divorce from Innocent Idibia, I chose to step back, reflect, and heal away from the noise. The truth is, not everything needs to be explained, and not every battle is meant to be fought in public”.
“Love, pain, lessons, and growth all come with life’s journey. I have embraced mine with grace, focusing on myself, my children, and the future ahead. Sometimes, silence speaks louder than words”.
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Nigerian actress and reality star, Annie Macaulay has broken her silence following alleged divorce from singer, 2baba.
Some months ago, 2Baba, in a now-deleted Instagram post, announced his divorce from Annie.
He went further to announce his engagement to Natasha Osawaru, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly.
Reacting to the development, Annie gave reasons for her silence.
Her words, “Silence isn’t weakness it’s peace. Since my divorce from Innocent Idibia, I chose to step back, reflect, and heal away from the noise. The truth is, not everything needs to be explained, and not every battle is meant to be fought in public”.
“Love, pain, lessons, and growth all come with life’s journey. I have embraced mine with grace, focusing on myself, my children, and the future ahead. Sometimes, silence speaks louder than words”.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
President Bola Tinubu has announced the appointment of the Pro-Chancellor, Governing Council members, and Principal Officers of the new Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State.
“Senator Binta Garba has been appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of the Governing Council,” Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday.
The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu appoints governing council and principal officers of Federal University Iyin Ekiti; names new Pro-Chancellor for Federal University Otukpo.’
The Presidency described Garba as a seasoned politician, businesswoman and administrator who represented the Adamawa North Senatorial District in the Senate from 2015 to 2019 and served consecutively in the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2011.
Other members of the Governing Council are Prof. Joseph Sanya, Mr. Efe Emmanuel, Dr. Joyce Ogunyemi, and Dahiru Ruma.
The principal officers appointed for the university are Prof. James Aribisala as Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Oluwole Dada as Registrar, Mrs. Adeniyi Ajayi as Bursar, and Prof. Isaac Busayo as Librarian.
Tinubu acknowledged the commendable efforts of Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, in advocating for establishing the new university in Iyin Ekiti.
He encouraged the appointees to leverage their extensive leadership experience and commitment to steer the university toward academic excellence, innovative research, and development.
The new university will admit its first set of students in September 2025.
In addition, Tinubu also appointed Prof. Muhammed Audu as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State. He succeeds Ohieku Salami.
The Presidency described Audu as “a distinguished academic and administrator with vast experience in Nigeria’s university system.”
A Professor of Mathematics at the University of Jos, Audu previously served as Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, where he led transformative initiatives that enhanced academic and infrastructural development.
Sad! Man snuffs life out of his pregnant fiancée ,her 3-yr-old daughter days to wedding (Photos)
Annie Idibia Finally opens up On Divorce From Husband, 2face, says all battles can’t be fought in public
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