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 Ibrahim Sani Shawai
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, has called for a peaceful, respectful and issue-based political campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that the interest of Gombe State must remain above personal and political differences.
Dr. Gwamna made the call in a press statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Sani Shawai, where he emphasized that his campaign would focus on solutions to the challenges facing the state rather than engaging in insults, personal attacks or divisive politics.
According to the APC governorship flag bearer, the people of Gombe State deserve a campaign centred on ideas, policies and practical programmes capable of improving their lives.
“From the very beginning, I made it clear that I will run an issues-based campaign. I have no interest in politics of insults, personal attacks, or needless distractions,” Dr. Gwamna stated.
He noted that the guiding philosophy of his campaign remains “Gombe Above All,” stressing that every policy and programme under his administration would be designed to promote unity, development and prosperity for all citizens.
Dr. Gwamna disclosed that his campaign would focus on critical sectors such as job creation, economic growth, youth and women empowerment, agriculture and livestock development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, investment and innovation.
He also urged the people of Gombe State to continue supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who is contesting for the Gombe Central Senatorial seat, as well as other APC candidates seeking election into the Senate and House of Representatives.
The APC candidate described the achievements of Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s administration as clear evidence of the party’s commitment to good governance and sustainable development in Gombe State.
“Our campaign is equally committed to consolidating the remarkable achievements of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya while introducing fresh ideas, innovative policies and strategic initiatives that will accelerate growth,” he said.
Dr. Gwamna further revealed that a comprehensive development blueprint for Gombe State would be unveiled once campaigns for governorship and State Assembly positions officially commence.
The blueprint, he explained, would be anchored on the principles of Continuity, Sustainability and Consolidation, aimed at building on the successes of the current administration while introducing practical solutions to create more opportunities, improve living standards and ensure that development reaches all parts of the state.
He expressed confidence that Gombe possesses the human and natural resources needed to emerge as one of Africa’s leading sub-national economies through visionary leadership, disciplined governance and collective efforts.
Dr. Gwamna therefore called on political actors, supporters and citizens across party lines to maintain peace and uphold the values of mutual respect throughout the electoral process.
Political observers say the APC candidate’s emphasis on issue-based politics could set a new tone for campaigns in Gombe State, where citizens are increasingly demanding policies and programmes that directly address their socio-economic needs.
The statement was signed by Ibrahim Sani Shawai, spokesperson to Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna.
By Our Political Reporter
The North West Zonal Chapter of the pro-All Progressives Congress (APC) movement, APC Akida, has elected its zonal executive council and pledged to mobilise support across the seven states of the North West for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the 2027 general elections.
The decision was reached at a strategic zonal meeting held in Kano, which brought together stakeholders, leaders and coordinators of the movement from Katsina, Jigawa, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Kano and Kebbi States.
Kano, regarded as a major political hub of the North West, hosted the inaugural zonal meeting, where members deliberated on the future of the APC in the region and strategies for consolidating grassroots support for the Tinubu-Shettima administration ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a resolution adopted at the end of the meeting, APC Akida reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the ideals and programmes of the APC, expanding its grassroots structure and mobilising support for what it described as the total victory of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket in 2027.
The movement also constituted a full zonal leadership structure mandated to coordinate its activities and mobilisation efforts across the seven states of the North West.
Newly Elected Zonal Executives
The elected officials are:
– Zonal Chairman: Alhaji Dahiru Aliyu — Katsina
– Deputy Zonal Chairman: Hon. AbdulAziz Salisu Danfaga — Jigawa
– Zonal Coordinator: Atiku Abubakar Faru — Zamfara
– Deputy Zonal Coordinator: Zayyanu Aliyu Magatakadda Wamakko — Sokoto
– Zonal Secretary: Bashir Malami — Zamfara
– Assistant Zonal Secretary: Hajiya Amina Lawal — Kaduna
– Zonal Treasurer: Dahiru Mani — Katsina
– Assistant Treasurer: Binta Sani — Katsina
– Financial Secretary: Yahaya Muhammad — Zamfara
– Deputy Financial Secretary: Abubakar Sardauna — Jigawa
– Organising Secretary: Alhaji Bala Usman — Kano
– Assistant Organising Secretary: Ahamad Baba
– Publicity Secretary: Dalhatu Musa Dadin Kowa — Katsina
– Public Relations Officer: Rabi’u Daushe — Kano
– PRO II: Binta Sani — Katsina
– Director of Media I: Salisu Zango
– Director of Media II: Husaini Sani Babangida — Kaduna
– Welfare Officer: Yahaya Bello — Kebbi
– Assistant Welfare Officer: Aisha Lawal — Jigawa
– Auditor: Mahmud Aminu Baura — Kano
– Legal Adviser: Bashir Mu’azu Jodi, Esq. — Sokoto
– Zonal Women Leader: Fatima Saleh Usman — Jigawa
– Deputy Zonal Women Leader: Fatima Musa — Kaduna
– Zonal Youth Leader: Alhaji Mukhtar Isa — Katsina
– Deputy Zonal Youth Leader: AbdurRahman Salihu — Kebbi
– Mobilisation Leader: Alhaji Ahmadu Dan’fulani Gobirawa — Kano
– Special Adviser: Hamza Umar Leko — Kano
– Liaising Officer: Victor Isa
– Ex-Officio I: Abubakar Dawaki — Kano
– Ex-Officio II: Muhammed Bello Dahiru — Kaduna
Speaking after the meeting, the leadership said the newly elected executives had been mandated to immediately commence grassroots mobilisation, political sensitisation and reconciliation efforts across the North West.
The group said the move was aimed at strengthening the APC’s grassroots structure, fostering unity among party supporters and building a formidable political network ahead of the 2027 general elections.
APC Akida further described the North West as a strategic political base for the APC and expressed confidence that its newly constituted zonal structure would help mobilise substantial support for President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in the region.
The movement said it would continue engaging stakeholders, party supporters and grassroots communities across the seven states as part of its campaign to consolidate support for the Tinubu-Shettima administration ahead of 2027.
By Our Political Reporter
The North West Zonal Chapter of the pro-All Progressives Congress (APC) movement, APC Akida, has elected its zonal executive council and pledged to mobilise support across the seven states of the North West for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the 2027 general elections.
The decision was reached at a strategic zonal meeting held in Kano, which brought together stakeholders, leaders and coordinators of the movement from Katsina, Jigawa, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Kano and Kebbi States.
Kano, regarded as a major political hub of the North West, hosted the inaugural zonal meeting, where members deliberated on the future of the APC in the region and strategies for consolidating grassroots support for the Tinubu-Shettima administration ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a resolution adopted at the end of the meeting, APC Akida reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the ideals and programmes of the APC, expanding its grassroots structure and mobilising support for what it described as the total victory of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket in 2027.
The movement also constituted a full zonal leadership structure mandated to coordinate its activities and mobilisation efforts across the seven states of the North West.
Newly Elected Zonal Executives
The elected officials are:
– Zonal Chairman: Alhaji Dahiru Aliyu — Katsina
– Deputy Zonal Chairman: Hon. AbdulAziz Salisu Danfaga — Jigawa
– Zonal Coordinator: Atiku Abubakar Faru — Zamfara
– Deputy Zonal Coordinator: Zayyanu Aliyu Magatakadda Wamakko — Sokoto
– Zonal Secretary: Bashir Malami — Zamfara
– Assistant Zonal Secretary: Hajiya Amina Lawal — Kaduna
– Zonal Treasurer: Dahiru Mani — Katsina
– Assistant Treasurer: Binta Sani — Katsina
– Financial Secretary: Yahaya Muhammad — Zamfara
– Deputy Financial Secretary: Abubakar Sardauna — Jigawa
– Organising Secretary: Alhaji Bala Usman — Kano
– Assistant Organising Secretary: Ahamad Baba
– Publicity Secretary: Dalhatu Musa Dadin Kowa — Katsina
– Public Relations Officer: Rabi’u Daushe — Kano
– PRO II: Binta Sani — Katsina
– Director of Media I: Salisu Zango
– Director of Media II: Husaini Sani Babangida — Kaduna
– Welfare Officer: Yahaya Bello — Kebbi
– Assistant Welfare Officer: Aisha Lawal — Jigawa
– Auditor: Mahmud Aminu Baura — Kano
– Legal Adviser: Bashir Mu’azu Jodi, Esq. — Sokoto
– Zonal Women Leader: Fatima Saleh Usman — Jigawa
– Deputy Zonal Women Leader: Fatima Musa — Kaduna
– Zonal Youth Leader: Alhaji Mukhtar Isa — Katsina
– Deputy Zonal Youth Leader: AbdurRahman Salihu — Kebbi
– Mobilisation Leader: Alhaji Ahmadu Dan’fulani Gobirawa — Kano
– Special Adviser: Hamza Umar Leko — Kano
– Liaising Officer: Victor Isa
– Ex-Officio I: Abubakar Dawaki — Kano
– Ex-Officio II: Muhammed Bello Dahiru — Kaduna
Speaking after the meeting, the leadership said the newly elected executives had been mandated to immediately commence grassroots mobilisation, political sensitisation and reconciliation efforts across the North West.
The group said the move was aimed at strengthening the APC’s grassroots structure, fostering unity among party supporters and building a formidable political network ahead of the 2027 general elections.
APC Akida further described the North West as a strategic political base for the APC and expressed confidence that its newly constituted zonal structure would help mobilise substantial support for President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in the region.
The movement said it would continue engaging stakeholders, party supporters and grassroots communities across the seven states as part of its campaign to consolidate support for the Tinubu-Shettima administration ahead of 2027.
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