March Top Scoops In Nigeria

BY- EGUNGWU CHUKWUKA BENJAMIN

✓ Rivers: President Tinubu's State Of Emergency Declaration Sparks Controversy

March has been a chaotic month with very dramatic news stories. The feud between FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, appears to be a complex one.

Following the feud, on 18th March, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended the state governor, his deputy, and members of the state assembly for six months. He appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired Chief Naval Officer, as the sole administrator of the state.

The federal government's decision was hinged on Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, claiming that the prolonged political instability, constitutional breaches, and security threats were reasons for taking the extraordinary decision to address the crisis between the two parties concerned.

The above action by the federal government raised concerns about whether the president actually took the right step, as many people took to the media to express their diverse opinions on the trending issue. 

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, While in a chat with Channels Television news presenter, Seun Okinbaloye, stated that the constitution never stipulated or suggested the removal of any elected president, governor, legislator, or other elected person. He emphasized that Nigeria is not under military rule, which permits the appointment of a military administrator to govern any part of the federation.

Femi Falana further revealed that Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution gives the president the power to declare a state of emergency, either at the request of the governor of the state or its initiative. This is done to restore peace and order when they have been broken down. He further stated that what happened in the state was a martial law, which is a temporary or extreme measure where the military takes control of the government.

In a similar manner, on 18th March, the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), expressed it's opinion through a press statement, condemning President Bola Tinubu's suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected government officials in the state. The NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, stated that the constitution does not give the president the power to remove any elected governor under the guise of a state of emergency. He urged the federal government to reverse the suspension and adhere strictly to the constitution.

Former President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, during his speech at the 2025 Annual colloquium on promoting social change and development which was held in Abuja, criticized the suspension of the elected persons in the state, saying it could mar the country's image internationally. He referred to the action as an abuse of power and urged Nigerians to remain calm and push for the right actions to be taken in government.

Meanwhile on Tuesday, 25th March, it was reported by national dailies that the state head of service, Dr. George Nwaeke, resigned from his position. This happened one week after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state. Though no good reason was given for Dr. Nwaeke's resignation, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers, appreciated him for the services rendered during his short tenure.

Following the resignation, Dr. Mrs. Iyingi Brown was appointed as the acting Head of Service, and Professor Ibibia Worila was appointed as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG). The case continues to take new twists, as the crisis seems complex, and capable of leading to prolonged resolution, might escalate to violence if not handled properly and even lead to "brain rot" for people following or consuming the news updates.

It is clear that only two factors can lead to the failure of adherence to the constitution by the federal government: either the constitution is not well-defined. The ambiguity of the constitution might lead to it's misinterpretation, or that the individuals in power intentionally take actions considering only their personal interests, thereby neglecting what the constitution stipulated.

It is normal for the federal government to back up their decisions with claims that it was necessary to take such action to restore order in the state. However, it is essential to note that in a democratic rule, the rule of law is expected to be observed. It is glaring that the whole feud and power tussle was fueled by the clamour to have full control in decision-making in the state for personal gains.

So, what's the way out? If the interpretation of the constitution is the significant issue, then let the constitution be reviewed to provide clear guidance on actions and decisions to be taken. This will ensure that all individuals concerned act within the bounds of the law, promoting the rule of law and preventing abuse of power or office. It is essential that the federal government balances its judgment and abides by the law while trying to restore order in the state.

• Other developments in the news

• 6 PDP Governors Sue: Six governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) filed a suit against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Attorney-General of the Federation, challenging the constitutionality of the state of emergency declaration in the State. The governors filed the suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja on 25th March, 2025 .

• Ibok-Ete Ibas suspended all political appointees and office holders in Rivers: Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Rivers State Sole Administrator, suspended all political appointees and office holders in the state, effective immediately, as of Wednesday, 26th March, 2025. This move affects various public officers, including: Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, All Commissioners, Chairpersons and members of boards, agencies, commissions, and parastatals, Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants.

The suspended officials are required to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies. If no Permanent Secretary is available, they should hand over to the most senior Director or Head of Administration 

• Labour Threatens Strike: On 26th March, The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Rivers State threatened to go on strike over the state of emergency declaration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The chairman, Beatrice Itubo, stated that the strike would commence on 28th March, 2025, if their demands weren't considered.

✓Akpabio Vs Natasha Feud

I have been very reluctant to pen down my opinion on the feud between Natasha and Akpabio, not because I am unaware of the trending issue, but because it's highly sensitive Matter, considering the parties involved, and the weight of the accusation.

We all are just observers, the two parties concerned never reached out us when they were enjoying their cordial relationship as family friends and colleagues. It was only when things got soured we got to know some underground happenings and we were expected to take sides or offer support.

Though there might be other hidden things/agendas that might have triggered all this chaos which is now causing big distraction in the country. 

This situation teaches us several moral lessons:

• Communication is key: The feud could have been avoided properly commucation was observed, and if offended by any action or speech, the offended person should have communicated his/her pains properly. The breakdown in communication led to misunderstandings and accusations, starting from when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan seat in the chamber was changed after the defection of two senators to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Both parties failed on this.

• Separate friendship from work: The feud also serves as a reminder to see the importance of maintaining professional boundaries when it comes to work. The Senate is saddled with big responsibility in the country and all members should know this before contesting, personal relationships when mixed up with work can lead to conflicts, biases, and complicated situations, which will inturn be detrimental to the arm of government.

In conclusion, The feud between Natasha and Akpabio might be newsworthy, but it's essential to approach the situation with respect for the parties involved. Let's focus on more important issues in the country, while investigation is being carried out.

Egungwu Chukwuka Benjamin is a freelance journalist, who writes in from Lagos.

NB: This interview was originally published in The Champion Newspaper on 27th March, 2025.