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Tinubu Declares State Of Emergency In Rivers; Sacks Fubara, Appoints Ibok Ibas 

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to restore the state to immediate constitutional democracy.  These orders include the immediate passing of an Appropriation Bill by the Rivers State House of Assembly which up till now has not been facilitated.

Some militants had threatened fire and brimstone against their perceived enemy of the governor who has up till now NOT disowned them.

Apart from that both the House and the governor have not been able to work together. Both of them do not realise that they are in office to work together for the peace and good governance of the state.

The latest security reports made available to me show that between yesterday and today there have been disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by some militant without the governor taking any action to curtail them. I have, of course given stern order to the security agencies to ensure safety of lives of the good people of Rivers State and the oil pipelines.

With all these and many more, no good and responsible President will standby and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the Constitution to address the situation in the state, which no doubt requires extraordinary measures to restore good governance, peace, order and security.

In the circumstance,  having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State having failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th  March, 2025 and I so do.

By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.

In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.

The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.

This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution. It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

Long live a united, peaceful, secure and democratic Rivers State in particular and the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a whole.

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Pope Francis Passes Away on Easter Monday at 88

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In a moment that has deeply moved Catholics and people around the world, Pope Francis [passed a✝️ay] on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His [transition] marks the end of a historic papacy defined by humility, reform, and an unwavering commitment to the marginalized.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history in 2013 as the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years. His leadership was marked by compassion, interfaith dialogue, care for the environment, and efforts to build a more inclusive Church.

Easter Monday, a day symbolic of renewal and hope in the Christian tradition, now carries a deeper poignancy. Tributes have poured in from global figures and millions of faithful around the world.

As the Vatican begins preparations for days of reflection and the selection of a new leader, Pope Francis leaves a legacy as a spiritual guide, a voice for justice, and a symbol of peace.

May he rest in eternal light.

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2027 Presidency: No Candidate Can Win Without Northern Support – Hakeem Baba-Ahmed

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Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, has emphasized that no presidential candidate can emerge victorious in the 2027 elections without the backing of the North.

Speaking on the political direction of the region, Baba-Ahmed stated, “In the next six months, the North will decide its stance. If the rest of the country aligns with us, great. If not, we’ll move forward on our own terms. One thing is certain — no one becomes Nigeria’s president without Northern support.”

He expressed deep concern about the nation’s current condition and called on Northerners to reject divisive and manipulative politicians ahead of the next general elections.

“We need a government that understands our challenges and is ready to fix them. After Buhari’s eight years, we became wiser. Now we are in a new administration, yet we’re still complaining. Is that all we do—cry?” he asked.

Recalling the impact of the Boko Haram crisis, Baba-Ahmed noted that it affected every Northern group — Muslims, Christians, Fulani, Baju, and others — and called for unity across the region.

“Before Buhari, Boko Haram was bombing mosques, churches, Abuja, and Lagos. That period demanded unity among Northerners. Today, no politician can just walk in and expect automatic Northern support. Who are you?” he asked pointedly.

He warned against further marginalization of the North, stressing that continuous neglect would not go unnoticed. “If the plan is to rig the elections, they should think again. It won’t end well for Nigeria. The North is paying attention. Elders, the masses, and interest groups are reaching their breaking point. The injustice must stop.”

Baba-Ahmed also encouraged Northerners to abandon identity-based politics, urging voters to prioritize competence and integrity.

“We’re done voting based on religion or ethnicity. That chapter is closed. All we want is the right leader — even if he drops from heaven — someone who will fix our problems,” he declared.

He concluded by affirming that the North had learned hard lessons from past choices and would approach the 2027 elections with greater discernment and resolve.

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Fubara Urges Rivers People to Embrace Unity, Support Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

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As Christians around the world celebrate Easter, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has called on residents to reflect on the season’s message of peace, unity, and renewal.

“Easter is a sacred time that calls us to reconciliation,” the governor said in his Easter message. “It is a season when the peace of Christ fills our hearts — healing wounds, restoring broken relationships, and offering hope to the weary.”

He emphasized the power of resurrection as a symbol of new beginnings, noting that through faith, shattered dreams can be restored, and adversity overcome.

“This season reminds us that no challenge — whether hardship, sorrow, or even death — can separate us from the love of God. In Christ, we are more than conquerors.”

Governor Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to providing quality governance for the people of Rivers State and urged them to continue supporting the national leadership.

“I urge the great people of Rivers to keep standing behind the Renewed Hope Agenda of our President, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” he stated. “Together, let’s look forward to a brighter, more prosperous future.”

He concluded with a call for unity: “We must never lose sight of our collective strength. The transformation we seek is possible if we remain united in purpose, guided by faith, and committed to progress.”

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