Politics
Nigeria’s Political Stakeholders Condemn Tinubu’s State of Emergency in Rivers, Call for Immediate Reversal
By Our Correspondent
In a strong rebuke of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, a coalition of political stakeholders and leaders from across Nigeria has described the move as unconstitutional, urging its immediate reversal.
At a joint press conference held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Abuja, the group condemned what they termed an “illegal suspension” of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly. The stakeholders argued that Tinubu’s proclamation was an attempt to subvert democracy and impose federal control over a duly elected state government.
A Dangerous Precedent
The political crisis in Rivers State, which has been brewing for months, intensified following a recent Supreme Court ruling on the legitimacy of the state’s legislative assembly. The stakeholders noted that rather than allowing the ruling to be implemented through constitutional means, the federal government had resorted to what they described as an unlawful power grab.
“Ordinarily, all parties involved would have been expected to follow laid-down procedures, motivated by good faith, to quickly implement the judgment of the highest court of the land,” the group stated. “Governor Fubara has shown a willingness to abide by the ruling despite provocations from opposing quarters.”
They accused the president of taking sides in the political battle, using the instrument of state power to undermine the will of Rivers people.
Constitutional Violations Highlighted
The coalition laid out a detailed argument on why the emergency rule in Rivers State was illegal, citing multiple violations of the 1999 Constitution.
1. Unlawful Removal of Elected Officials
The group emphasized that the president has no constitutional power to remove a governor, deputy governor, or state assembly. Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution outlines a clear process for impeachment, which must be initiated and carried out by the state legislature—not through executive fiat.
2. Misuse of Section 305 on Emergency Rule
They argued that while the president can declare a state of emergency under Section 305, it does not grant him the power to suspend elected officials or dissolve democratic structures.
“The Constitution is clear: a state of emergency can only be declared in extreme situations that threaten national security, such as war, natural disasters, or a total breakdown of law and order. None of these conditions exist in Rivers State,” they stated.
3. Lack of National Assembly Approval
The constitution mandates that any emergency proclamation must be approved by a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly within a specified time frame. The group warned lawmakers against endorsing what they described as an illegal act.
“If this illegal action is presented before the National Assembly, we call on patriotic Senators and Representatives to reject it outright. The legislature must not be used as a rubber stamp to legitimize an unconstitutional power grab,” they declared.
4. Ignoring Legal Alternatives
The stakeholders pointed out that the Constitution provides alternative mechanisms for resolving political disputes within a state. Under Section 11, the National Assembly can assume legislative powers if a State Assembly is unable to function. However, even in such cases, the executive leadership of the state remains intact.
“If the issue was the dysfunction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the president could have encouraged the National Assembly to intervene. But even under such an intervention, the governor and deputy governor cannot be removed,” they asserted.
A Manufactured Crisis for Political Control
The group described the emergency rule as a calculated move to weaken Governor Fubara’s administration and strengthen federal control over Rivers State, a vital economic hub due to its oil wealth.
They dismissed claims that the move was to curb pipeline vandalism, arguing that security agencies under the federal government already have full control over such matters.
“If security breaches are the concern, the first question should be: Who controls the police, the military, and the DSS? The Governor or the President?” they asked rhetorically.
Demands and Call to Action
In response to what they described as an attack on democracy, the stakeholders issued a series of demands:
1. Immediate Reversal – President Tinubu must revoke the proclamation and reinstate all suspended officials.
2. Legislative Resistance – The National Assembly must reject any attempt to approve the emergency rule.
3. Judicial Intervention – The courts must act swiftly to strike down the declaration as unconstitutional.
4. Mass Action – Nigerians, civil society groups, and political leaders must stand firm against the erosion of democratic principles.
They warned that if this move is allowed to stand, it would set a dangerous precedent where any governor could be arbitrarily removed under the guise of emergency rule.
A Threat to National Stability
The coalition concluded by cautioning the federal government against escalating political tensions in the Niger Delta, emphasizing that a peaceful Rivers State is crucial to national economic stability.
“The federal government should not manufacture crises that could destabilize Nigeria’s economic lifeline,” they warned.
As the political standoff continues, all eyes are now on the National Assembly, the judiciary, and the people of Rivers State to determine the next phase of the unfolding constitutional battle.
By Our Political Reporter
The Gombe APC Councillor Aspirants Forum has announced plans to hold a gathering aimed at demonstrating its support and solidarity with a candidate ahead of the forthcoming political activities in the state.
The event, scheduled for Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 3:30 p.m., will take place at the Educational Resources Centre, Tashan Dukku, Gombe State.
According to the invitation notice issued by the Gombe APC Councillor Aspirants Forum (GOCAF-2020/2026), the gathering is being organised to demonstrate the forum’s support and unity among APC councillor aspirants.
The organisers said the event will also provide an opportunity to present the activities, contributions and plans of the forum towards strengthening the All Progressives Congress (APC) and contributing to what they described as the success of the party.
The invitation specifically describes the programme as “A Gathering in Support of Candidate”, although the name of the candidate is obscured on the copy of the invitation available for publication.
The forum said the gathering is expected to bring together members and stakeholders associated with the APC councillorship aspirants’ platform to discuss issues concerning the party and its grassroots structures.
The development comes as political activities and preparations for the 2027 general elections continue to intensify across Gombe State and other parts of Nigeria. Recent reporting has also documented increased political activity involving major parties in Gombe ahead of the 2027 elections.
The organisers invited members, supporters and other relevant stakeholders to attend the gathering, which they said would provide an avenue to showcase the forum’s activities and its contribution to the development of the APC.
The invitation listed the contact numbers 08062863525, 09116706265 and 08031107293 for further enquiries.
Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Venue: Educational Resources Centre, Tashan Dukku, Gombe State.
By Our Political Correspondent
The Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) in Gombe State has unveiled a 21-member campaign structure for its governorship campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The structure, described in the document as the “Approved Structure of the Alliance for Progressive Movement (APM) Gombe State Gubernatorial Campaign Team,” is headed by the Director-General, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Jibrin of Akko Local Government Area.
The campaign structure was formally approved and endorsed by the party’s Gombe State governorship candidate, Dr. Lamela L. Silas, according to the document.
The development comes as the APM continues to strengthen its organisational structure in the state ahead of the 2027 governorship election. Dr. Silas and Alhaji Wadaji Umar Lawan were unveiled as the party’s governorship and deputy governorship candidates respectively in August 2026.
Under the approved structure, Hon. Jethro Usman of Billiri will serve as Deputy Director-General, while Alhaji Sani Bappah Nafada is designated Assistant Coordinator North.
Mallam Baba Sama Kuri of Yamaltu-Deba will serve as Assistant Coordinator Central, while Hon. Garba Abubakar of Billiri will coordinate the Southern Senatorial District.
The position of General Secretary goes to Alhaji Hassan Dawaki of Dukku, with Hon. Abdullahi Muhammad of Yamaltu-Deba serving as Assistant General Secretary.
Other members include Hon. Baba Manu Kwami, Financial Secretary; Dr. Muhammad Basuna Lano, Treasurer; and Hon. Gaddafi Haruna, Director of Contact and Mobilisation.
Hon. Zakari Kwapondi of Kaltungo was named Assistant Director of Contact and Mobilisation.
In the media and communications arm, Hussaini Sani Babangida of Gombe was appointed Director of Media and Publicity, while Abubakar Abdullahi of Akko was named Director of Social Media.
The structure also names Isah Muhammad Lasdon as Youth Leader, with Yohana Peter Lalapido serving as Assistant Youth Leader.
The women’s wing is headed by Haj. Aishatu Yakubu Tula of Kaltungo as Women Leader, while Binta Maikudi Shamaki of Gombe was appointed Assistant Women Leader.
For organisational affairs, Comr. Abdullahi Batari of Balanga was appointed Organising Secretary, with Alhaji Muhammad Manu Isa of Funakaye as Assistant Organising Secretary.
The legal department comprises San. Luka Haruna of Akko as Legal Officer and Barr. Sa’idu Muhammad Wade of Yamaltu-Deba as Assistant Legal Officer.
Full APM Gombe Campaign Structure
1. Director-General (DG): Rt. Hon. Yusuf Jibrin — Akko
2. Deputy Director-General (DDG): Hon. Jethro Usman — Billiri
3. Assistant Coordinator North: Alh. Sani Bappah Nafada — Nafada
4. Assistant Coordinator Central: Mallam Baba Sama Kuri — Yamaltu-Deba
5. Assistant Coordinator South: Hon. Garba Abubakar — Billiri
6. General Secretary: Alh. Hassan Dawaki — Dukku
7. Assistant General Secretary: Hon. Abdullahi Muhammad — Yamaltu-Deba
8. Financial Secretary: Hon. Baba Manu Kwami — Kwami
9. Treasurer: Dr. Muhammad Basuna Lano — Yamaltu-Deba
10. Director, Contact & Mobilisation: Hon. Gaddafi Haruna — Gombe
11. Assistant Director, Contact & Mobilisation: Hon. Zakari Kwapondi — Kaltungo
12. Director, Media & Publicity: Hussaini Sani Babangida — Gombe
13. Director, Social Media: Abubakar Abdullahi — Akko
14. Youth Leader: Isah Muhammad Lasdon — Gombe
15. Assistant Youth Leader: Yohana Peter Lalapido — Shongom
16. Women Leader: Haj. Aishatu Yakubu Tula — Kaltungo
17. Assistant Women Leader: Binta Maikudi Shamaki — Gombe
18. Organising Secretary: Comr. Abdullahi Batari — Balanga
19. Assistant Organising Secretary: Alh. Muhammad Manu Isa — Funakaye
20. Legal Officer: San. Luka Haruna — Akko
21. Assistant Legal Officer: Barr. Sa’idu Muhammad Wade — Yamaltu-Deba
The composition gives representation to several local government areas and assigns responsibilities across coordination, administration, mobilisation, media, youth, women, organisation and legal affairs.
The APM has in recent weeks also engaged its national leadership in Abuja, with Dr. Silas and his running mate discussing party development, election planning and strengthening the party’s grassroots organisation in Gombe.
The newly released campaign structure is therefore expected to serve as an organisational framework for coordinating the party’s activities across the state as preparations for the 2027 governorship election continue.
The document lists the appointments as formally approved and endorsed by Dr. Lamela L. Silas.
Willies Ugo, Gombe
A socio-political group, Forward Nigeria, has kicked off its political advocacy campaign with a call on Northern Nigeria political stakeholders to respect the gentleman power shift arrangement between the North and South.
Co-Convener of the group, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, who is also the Kano State Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, made the call at the formal unveiling of the group held at Barcelona Hotel Abuja, over the weekend.
Membership of Forward Nigeria cuts across all parts of Nigeria and Comrade Ibrahim Waiya said the group is of the view that since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999, the North-South power rotation has been maintained between the two regions with a view to fostering national unity and even development across the country.
The group is therefore urging political stakeholders in the North to respect the principle of power rotation and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to complete the eight-year presidential tenure before the North seeks to reclaim power.
According to Comrade Waiya, returning the presidency to the North after only one term would undermine the principle of power rotation and risk reopening sectional tensions that have historically shaped Nigeria’s presidential politics.
Waiya argued that the North should not seek to claim presidency in 2027 after only four years of the current administration, insisting that allowing Tinubu to complete the eight years would provide political continuity and give his Government time to consolidate its policies, programmes and projects initiated for the overall progress and developmentof Nigeria.
He urged Northern political stakeholders to place the broader principle of national balance above immediate electoral calculations saying, “Nigerians should focus on governance and development rather than allowing the 2027 contest to revive sectional divisions”.
Waiya said, “the Tinubu administration inherited enormous economic and security challenges in 2023 and had since introduced measures which, were putting the country on a different trajectory”.
He cited Local Government autonomy, increased financial resources accruing to sub-national Governments and moves towards establishing State police structures as reforms that could strengthen governance and security.
Waiya disclosed that Kano State had already established a State Police implementation committee, which he added could contribute to job creation and improved security when fully implemented.
Waiya described “Nigeria Forward” as a bridge between policy and people as well as a platform for bottom to top citizens engagement insisting that the NF was not owned by any particular political party but has been dedicated to all Nigerians.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology and co-convener of the movement, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, said the Federal Government’s reforms were designed to move Nigeria from infrastructure and connectivity to production, jobs and prosperity.
He said Nigeria’s development story, particularly in the North, should not be reduced to political slogans, urging citizens to examine what was being built, where projects were located, the problems they were solving and who stood to benefit.
Tochukwu Udeh said infrastructure should be judged by its practical impact, noting that roads should connect farmers to markets while railways should reduce the cost of transporting goods. He identified energy and digital connectivity as important to expanding opportunities for young Nigerians.
He described the administration’s development trajectory as “reform to infrastructure, infrastructure to connectivity, connectivity to production, production to jobs and jobs to prosperity,” and called on Nigerians to support Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 to consolidate the reforms.
He urged Nigeria Forward members to make evidence, inclusiveness, innovation and national unity the foundation of their activities, saying the platform’s message of “Together We Move Nigeria Forward” should translate into a commitment to service, citizenship and national development.
End
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