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Afri Reporters Online News, Abuja (2025)

20/03/2025

NORTHERN SENATORS REJECT WIKE’S LOBBYING AHEAD OF SENATE DECISION ON RIVERS STATE.
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ABUJA – Northern senators have reportedly turned down an appeal from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, ahead of the Senate's decision on President Bola Tinubu’s proposed state of emergency in Rivers State.

Wike, who was accompanied by Senators Philip Aduda and Sandy Onor, had a closed-door meeting with some northern senators last night, seeking their support. However, sources familiar with the discussions said many of the lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with the state of affairs in the country and Wike’s approach within the Tinubu administration.

Notably, key northern figures such as Senator Ali Ndume and former Senate President Ahmed Lawan reportedly boycotted the meeting. A senator present at the discussion allegedly advised Wike to focus on his duties in Abuja rather than fueling political tensions in Rivers State. The lawmaker also urged the FCT Minister to counsel President Tinubu on addressing pressing national issues, including the internal challenges within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Further reports indicate that Wike’s team had previously reached out to several other senators in a bid to secure the required two-thirds majority support for the proposed emergency declaration in Rivers State.

Meanwhile, the Senate, during its plenary session yesterday, postponed deliberations on the Rivers State emergency motion to today.

More details to follow.

~Legit.ng

20/03/2025

Community Leader Ikoro Congratulates Senator Orji Uzor Kalu on Completion of Alayi Road Project.
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A community leader, Chief Eugene Orji Ikoro, has congratulated the Chief Whip of the Senate and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, for successfully completing the reconstruction of the second phase of the Amaoku-Amakwu Road in Akolifu Alayi, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.

In a statement on Thursday, Chief Ikoro praised the senator for his selfless service and unwavering commitment to the development of his constituency.

“Your dedication and commitment to our constituency are a shining example of effective representation. Your ability to attract developmental projects to our area is a clear demonstration of your influence and capacity to deliver on your promises.”

He further commended the senator for ensuring the successful completion of the second phase of the Amaoku-Amakwu Road, emphasizing its significance to the community.

“This vital road, which begins at Afia Ozara junction and connects to the major Ugwueke road, has brought significant improvements to our community. It has enhanced transportation, facilitated economic growth, and greatly improved the overall well-being of our people.”

Expressing gratitude on behalf of the community, Chief Ikoro acknowledged Senator Kalu’s contributions to infrastructure development.

“Thank you for being a beacon of hope and a true champion of our people. I wish you tremendous success, advancement, and immeasurable achievements in your future endeavors. My people and I are indeed very proud of you, Your Excellency.”

The strategic road project, which was originally initiated a few years ago by Senator Kalu, was constructed in phases. The first phase extended from Afia Ozara junction to Amakwu, while the recently completed second phase stretches from Amakwu to Olum Stream Amaoku, linking the major Ugwueke Road.

According to Chief Ikoro, the people of Amakwu, Amaoku, and Alayi are deeply grateful for the senator’s continued commitment to infrastructural development.

“The community wholeheartedly appreciates this new phase of work on the road. They commend you for a job well done and look forward to the additional projects you have promised. They assure you of their unwavering support and pray for God’s continued protection and favor upon your life.”

In conclusion, Chief Ikoro reaffirmed his appreciation for Senator Kalu’s efforts in representing the Abia North Senatorial District.

“I join my people in expressing my heartfelt appreciation for your outstanding work. Your tireless efforts to bring development to our community are truly commendable.”

Credit PUO

20/03/2025

DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE: A VIOLATION OF DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES THAT MUST BE REJECTED BY THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY - A CALL TO RESTORE CONSTITUTIONAL ORDER!!!

The ongoing political struggle for control over Rivers State and its vast resources reached a critical and alarming point yesterday with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's proclamation of a state of emergency. While many Nigerians expressed shock at this drastic move, it comes as no surprise to those of us who have closely followed the unfolding power dynamics. This action appears to be a calculated political manoeuvre designed to appease a powerful political godfather, rather than a genuine response to any constitutional crisis.

For those well-versed in Nigeria’s constitutional framework, this development was a foreseeable outcome - an undemocratic last resort. A proper interpretation of Section 305 (3)(a-g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) clearly exposes the political motivation behind this decision. Rivers State does not meet any of the stipulated conditions required to justify such an extreme measure.

The suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly is not only an outright attack on constitutional democracy but also a blatant deviation from the legal provisions governing emergency declarations. In simple terms, this is nothing short of a coup against democratic institutions. Sadly, the National Assembly, which should serve as a check on executive overreach, has become the weakest and most compromised legislative body in Nigeria’s democratic history.

In my previous live broadcast, I emphasized that President Tinubu’s invocation of Section 305 was a fundamental error and an abuse of executive power. The Constitution outlines specific conditions under which a state of emergency may be declared, including:

(a) the Federation is at war;

(b) the Federation is in imminent danger of invasion or involvement in a state of war;

(c) there is actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof to such extent as to require extraordinary measures to restore peace and security;

(d) there is a clear and present danger of an actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof requiring extraordinary measures to avert such danger;

(e) there is an occurrence or imminent danger, or the occurrence of any disaster or natural calamity, affecting the community or a section of the community in the Federation;

(f) there is any other public danger which clearly constitutes a threat to the existence of the Federation; or

(g) the President receives a request to do so in accordance with the provisions of subsection (4) of this section.

None of these conditions exist in Rivers State. There is no war, no large-scale unrest, and no imminent security threat warranting such drastic action. Therefore, the President’s decision is unconstitutional and an overreach of executive power.

It is now incumbent upon both the Legislature and the Judiciary to act decisively in defence of democracy. The National Assembly must reject this illegal declaration and reassert its constitutional authority. If it fails in its duty, the Judiciary - Nigeria’s last hope for justice - must step in to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the nation's democratic integrity.

I commend the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) under the leadership of Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, for its prompt intervention. This is a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy. We must not allow constitutional violations to stand unchecked. The world is watching, and the credibility of our institutions is on the line.

Let wisdom, justice, and the rule of law prevail.

Sir Ifeanyi C. Ejiofor, Esq. (KSC)
March 19, 2025

20/03/2025

STATEMENT BY THE SOUTH-SOUTH GOVERNORS' FORUM ON THE DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

A PATH FORWARD

6. To reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace, we propose the Rescission of the State of Emergency.

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

8.The moment for dialogue is now.

Signed:

His Excellency Sen. Douye Diri
Governor, Bayelsa State and Chairman, South-South Governors’ Forum

20/03/2025

UPDATE: The Tinubu-led Federal Government should restore elected officials in Rivers State.
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There are things that are so clearly wrong that the justifications summoned in their defence fall flat. The decision of Mr. President to suspend the elected officials of the Rivers State Government is one of those. Our country’s Constitution does not support it precisely because it is dangerous to our system of democratic federalism for an elected president to assume and exercise powers to suspend elected officials at the State level. The responsibilities of a president are heavy and extensive, but they are constrained by the Constitution and the law and certainly do not include firing persons who were elected.

The security issues cited in the President’s speech surely deserve the most serious attention and sustained efforts to contain the threats and preserve vital national infrastructure. That is a duty that we ought to vigorously support the security agencies to successfully discharge. A state of emergency could surely have been proclaimed to grant the relevant security agencies the extraordinary powers and necessary resources to enable them to address the problem. Extending the provisions of such an emergency regime to include the dismantling of democratic structures is a wanton aggression against democratic tenets and the rule of law. The Supreme Court has conclusively declared the suspension of elected officials unlawful in the Dariye vs.Attorney General of the Federation.

It is my view that Mr. President should review this decision and return to the path of constitutionalism and the rule of law. As an opposition figure, Senator Bola Tinubu had made his voice heard against the decision of then President Goodluck Jonathan to declare a state of emergency in the North-East, even when that decision did not extend to the suspension of elected officials and institutions. A similar reconsideration is warranted in this case to contain the damage done to the people of Rivers State, and restore the Federal Government to compliance with the Constitution.

Let us not keep silent while the slippery slope of replicating the events of emergency rule in the old Western Region in 1962 unfold before our very eyes. I appeal to all patriots and voices of reason to join in calling an end to this gross violation of the Constitution and disrespect for the rule of law.

Signed

Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai CON

20/03/2025

Charles Ogbu wrote;

TINUBU AND THE RIVERS GAMBLE

Make no mistakes, this whole shenanigan is all about grabbing the resources of the oil rich and economically viable River State to fund the greed of one man, Bola Ahmed Tinubu At this stage, even the loquacious Nyesom Wike and his minions at the state Assembly have since become mere pawn in the game.

Check recent history: Every govt from Goodluck Jonathan down to Muhammadu Buhari has always sought to control Rivers state. Jonathan used this same Wike to fight Amechi over the control of the state. At some point, Amechi as a sitting governor was even stopped from accessing his own govt house. During Buhari regime, with Rotimi Chibuike Amechi as the pawn, it was so brazenly blatant that during the 2019 elections, soldiers from HQ Nigerian Army were seen openly carrying ballot boxes and fighting with brave rivers women who vehemently and successfully resisted them. The videos are still online.

Tinubu, being a hardened street man with his peculiar kind of past and history, has no room for middle ground when it comes to taking what he wants. He doesn’t even care about your so-called constitution or due process. (Read this again. Slowly, this time). And this is why even without waiting for the Godswill Akpabio led bunch of spineless morally-bankrupt integrity-challenged KEPT MEN in the Nigerian Senate and House of Reps to stamp his so-called emergency declaration in rivers, he has gone ahead to swear in his self appointed SOLE ADMINISTRATOR with a promise to quickly release to him the seized rivers monthly allocation, the same allocation the completely captured Supreme Court said should be seized until governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara re-present the 2025 budget to the house of Assembly.

You wouldn’t release allocation to the duly elected governor because the budget hasn’t been presented and passed by the legislature but you are willing to release the same allocation to a Sole Administrator who will rule the state with a loaded gun and in the complete absence of the Legislature and the executive branch. Make it make sense!!!!! Don’t bother because you can’t.

But I blame Tinubu not. This is happening because the people of Niger Delta in general and River state in particular including their so called Activists and freedom fighters/Militants have allowed their own greed to disunite them, making it impossible for them to act as one even in matters of EXISTENTIAL nature such as this.

As of today, Nigeria depends on oil for over 50% of her revenue. The 2025 budget CANNOT be funded without oil revenue. And all these oil are in the Niger Delta. With the peculiar topography of that region, NO MILITARY IN THE ENTIRE WORLD CAN SUCCESSFULLY SECURE THE PIPELINES IN THAT REGION BY THE USE OF BRUTE FORCE. Obasanjo - a military man - tried this and failed which was why his successor the good man Yar’adua of blessed memory initiated the Amnesty program to stop the militants from blowing pipelines. Buhari, another military man, came in and driven by raw hate for jonathan and his people, his first action was to cancel the amnesty program and fight the militants but he failed woefully at that when the Creek boys responded in kind by crippling the entire oil production which saw Nigeria, for the very first time, experience recession TWICE under Buhari, forcing the gap-toothed Daura-born ex-soldier to toe the path of peace and restore the Amnesty Program and even make peace with one of the militant leaders, Tompolo.

Who then is Tinubu - a mere thug - to succeed in this tomfoolery if not that the people of that region has been conquered by their own greed?

— Charles Ogbu 🖊️

20/03/2025

Gaius Chibueze: The 37-Year-Old Leading the Call for Ndi Igbo to Invest in Igboland.
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There’s a new wave of change sweeping across Igboland, and at the heart of it is Gaius Chibueze, popularly known as Bitcoin Chief. He isn’t just a successful entrepreneur; he is a man on a mission—to awaken the economic consciousness of Ndi Igbo and inspire them to invest in their homeland.

Often called Aka Oma Ji Ego (a good hand with wealth) and Aka Oma N’edozie Obodo (a good hand that builds communities), Gaius has become a symbol of what is possible when Ndi Igbo channel their resources back home.

From Humble Beginnings to a Global Visionary

Born and raised in Enugu South, Enugu State, Gaius started his career as a Senior Special Adviser at the National Assembly in Abuja, where he worked closely with Senator John Owan Enoh. It was during this time, in 2011, that he first heard about Bitcoin—a new digital currency that most people dismissed as a passing trend.

But Gaius saw something different. He took a bold step and bought his first Bitcoin at just $35, becoming the first known African to invest in cryptocurrency. That single decision changed the course of his life and set him on the path to becoming one of Africa’s leading voices in blockchain technology and digital wealth creation.

Building an Empire Rooted in Igboland

While many successful entrepreneurs set up businesses far from home, Gaius believes in building where his roots are. Through Eastside Ventures, he has created a business empire spanning media, agriculture, real estate, transportation, technology, and fintech—all headquartered in Igboland.

His projects include:

✅ Voice of The East – The biggest Igbo culture media platform, preserving and celebrating Igbo heritage.

✅ Ohanaeze Farms & BETANỤ Meat Processing – The largest fenced livestock farm in the Southeast, boosting food production.

✅ Ikemba City Estate – A modern real estate project shaping the future of housing in Igboland.

✅ Tech City Africa – A $10 million tech hub designed to be Africa’s Silicon Valley.

✅ Onye Ije Motors – A transport company connecting Igbo communities across Nigeria.

✅ Eastside Music – A platform empowering Igbo musicians to shine globally.

✅ TradeHouse – A Bitcoin-backed platform making crypto trading easier for Africans.

MAIGA: The Movement to Rebuild Ala Igbo

For Gaius, success isn’t just about personal wealth—it’s about using that wealth to uplift others. This is why he started MAIGA (Make Ala Igbo Great Again), a movement calling on Ndi Igbo to stop enriching other regions and start investing in their own land.

He reminds us of the golden era of Dr. Michael Okpara, when Eastern Nigeria was one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, ahead of Singapore and Malaysia. His message is simple:

“We will build the Ala Igbo of our dreams through economic power and ethnic prosperity—not through guns, not through violence, but through investment, innovation, and unity.”

He believes in the philosophy of “Build Locally, Export Globally”—creating world-class products and services from Igboland that can compete anywhere in the world.

A Blueprint for Igbo Economic Independence

Gaius Chibueze is also the author of Economic Biafra: The Way Forward for Ndi Igbo, where he outlines a clear roadmap for Igbo economic self-reliance. He argues that:

🔹 Investment, not agitation, is the key to Igbo progress.

🔹 Technology, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure are the true pillars of prosperity.

🔹 Ndi Igbo must unite in business to reclaim their economic dominance.

Leading by Example

Unlike many entrepreneurs who invest elsewhere and only visit Igboland during Christmas, Gaius has placed all his major businesses in the Southeast. He believes that if just 10% of Igbo investments from other parts of Nigeria and the world were redirected home, Igboland would experience unprecedented economic growth.

Through MAIGA, Voice of the East, Ohanaeze Farms, and Tech City Africa, he is not just talking about development—he is actively building it.

The Future of Ala Igbo Starts Now

At just 37 years old, Gaius Chibueze is proving that one person’s vision can ignite a movement. He has become a beacon of hope, reminding Ndi Igbo that their future is in their hands.

With leaders like him, the dream of a prosperous Ala Igbo is no longer a distant hope—it is a reality being built today.

20/03/2025

Tricycle Operator in Aba Returns Forgotten N2 Million, Earns Public Praise.
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A tricycle operator in Aba, Mr. Emmanuel Obodoezie, has been widely commended for his integrity after returning N2.04 million to a trader who forgot the money in his vehicle.

The incident occurred on Wednesday at the Ariaria International Market area. Obodoezie explained that he had picked up a female passenger along Power Line Road and dropped her off at the Free Zone area.

She paid a fare of N250 instead of N300, but he accepted it without complaint. Unaware that she had left a bag in his tricycle, he continued his journey.

According to him, due to the poor road conditions, his tricycle tilted from side to side, causing the bag to fall out. Bystanders alerted him, and upon stopping, someone picked up the bag and discovered it contained a large sum of money.

Obodoezie said the individual attempted to take some cash, but he intervened and prevented anyone from tampering with it. Instead, he kept the money safe and went in search of the owner.

Meanwhile, the owner of the money, Mrs. Chika Aloysius-Iwu, was already retracing her steps in search of the tricycle operator.

She recounted that she had been on her way to the bank when she forgot the bag on the tricycle’s seat. Remembering the driver’s face but not his exact location, she returned to the spot where she had alighted, hoping to find him.

Upon seeing her, Obodoezie recognized her immediately and informed her that he had been looking for her as well. He then took her to the person he had entrusted the money to, ensuring its safe return. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Aloysius-Iwu expressed her appreciation, praying for divine blessings upon him and his family.

Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Ariaria T-Line, Mr. Emmanuel Njoku, popularly known as Ose, expressed amazement at such an act of honesty, especially in today’s economic climate. He described Obodoezie as a God-fearing man who deserved recognition and encouragement. He further called on the government and well-meaning Nigerians to reward such exemplary behavior.

19/03/2025

“Mistake of 2023 Won’t Happen Again” — Abia North Leaders Back Tinubu, Kalu For Re-election In 2027
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Leaders of Abia North Senatorial District, under the umbrella of the Abia North Peace Foundation (ANPF), have declared their total support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the lawmaker representing Abia North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu in the next general elections.

The group emphasised that the zone would not repeat the mistakes of 2023 where it failed to deliver for the president, vowing to deliver a massive vote for both leaders.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Chief Nnanna Ukaegbu, the leader of ANPF in a chat with newsmen in Umuahia on Wednesday, stated that Abia North remains confident in the leadership of President Tinubu and Senator Kalu, citing their developmental strides as key reasons for their endorsement.

“We have seen the leadership capacity of President Bola Tinubu and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. They have shown commitment to the development of Abia North, and we will do everything within our power to re-elect them,” Ukaegbu said.

The leaders also appreciated President Tinubu for prioritizing Abia North in his administration, particularly through the numerous projects he allocated to the zone, facilitated by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

Furthermore, they specifically commended Senator Kalu for his ongoing construction of over 80 schools across Abia North and for facilitating key road projects in Ohafia, Arochukwu, Bende, Isuikwuato, and Umunneochi communities.

Some of the notable roads facilitated by Senator Kalu include: Ndi Orieke Ohafia Road, Amannagwu Arochukwu Road, Amakwu Amaoku Road, Alayi Road, Okai Item Road, Ozu Item Road, and many more ongoing projects across Abia North.

“Through the efforts of Senator Kalu, President Tinubu has ensured that critical infrastructure projects are coming to Abia North. We are benefiting from his administration, and we must reciprocate this support at the polls,” Ukaegbu added.

19/03/2025

BREAKING: ISWAP Terrorists Release Gruesome Video Of Sect Members Executing Three Nigerian Soldiers In Yobe

19/03/2025

Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN addresses the press on state of emergency in Rivers State.

19/03/2025

Senator Natasha Akpoti's recall process is currently ongoing in Kogi Central.

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