Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka have both criticized the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State.

Jonathan expressed that this action could tarnish Nigeria’s reputation, while Soyinka argued that it undermines the principles of federalism.

On March 18, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing a breakdown in governance due to ongoing conflicts between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and state lawmakers, as well as attacks on oil facilities.

As part of this emergency declaration, Tinubu suspended:

Governor Fubara
Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu
Members of the state House of Assembly

He appointed Ibok-Ette Ibas, a retired Chief of Naval Staff, as the state’s sole administrator. This decision was supported by Section 305 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended).

Just 48 hours after the emergency was declared, the National Assembly approved the rule, although some lawmakers voiced their opposition.

Many stakeholders, including governors from the Peoples Democratic Party, the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigeria Labour Congress, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and various civil society organizations, have condemned the emergency rule.

At the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan expressed his disappointment over the removal of elected officials, emphasizing the importance of maintaining democratic governance in Rivers State.

“These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light,” Jonathan, who was the chairman of the programme, said.

The former president said that the country’s image and ability to attract investors depends on how well the government works. He blamed the executive, legislature, and judiciary for the problems in Rivers state, saying they abused their power.

“The key actors in Nigeria from the executive to the legislature and the judiciary know the correct thing to do but they are refusing to do it; they are pretending to sleep, and waking such a person is extremely difficult because the person knows the right thing.

“A clear abuse of offices, clear abuse of power, clear abuse of privileges, cutting across the three arms of government — from the executive through the parliament and to the judiciary,” Jonathan said.

Former President Jonathan defended his declaration of a state of emergency in three North-East states, saying it was necessary due to the Boko Haram insurgency.

He acknowledged that it was unusual for former presidents to comment on such issues, but felt compelled to speak out due to persistent calls from Nigerians.

He also criticized the judiciary, stating that it was difficult to have faith in it when an individual dictated its actions. Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka disagreed with Jonathan’s actions, arguing that the declaration betrayed federalism and that the 1999 constitution granted too much power to the president. He called for a national discussion on amending the constitution to ensure a genuine federal system.

He said, “If it is constitutionally right, then I think it is about time we sat down and amended the constitution to make sure that it operates as a genuine federal entity.

“The government is over-centralised. The debate will go on whether this (state of emergency) was, in the first place, a wise decision but in terms of fundamental principles, I believe that this is against the federal spirit of association.

“I find that the constitution has put too much power in the hands of the president. The system we are operating right now is not the best for a pluralistic society like ours. That is a fundamental principle I have always held.”

He stated that Nigeria must hold a national conference to change the country’s foundation, adding, “The federal spirit of association is a cardinal principle and, for that reason, some of us have called again and again for a national conference to really accord ourselves an authentic people’s constitution. Right now, in principle, this action is against the federal imperative.”

Temitope Ajayi, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, responded by stating that while Soyinka and Jonathan are respected statesmen, their opinions are personal.

Wole Soyinka 

He said, “Professor Wole Soyinka and former President Goodluck Jonathan are respected statesmen. Like many Nigerians that have offered varied opinions on the President’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, the two distinguished Nigerians have also offered their own opinions too.

“President Tinubu has a country to govern, and he has exercised his power under the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“President Tinubu has a duty to preserve the corporate existence of Nigeria. He won’t allow any part of the country or state to descend into chaos.

“The Supreme Court ruled that there is no functioning government in Rivers State known to the constitution of Nigeria. President Tinubu won’t fail in his sacred duty to protect and preserve the country.”

Aisha Yesufu, a co-convener of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, and other prominent human rights activists demanded the reversal of the emergency rule. They criticized the President’s action, calling it illegal and a violation of the constitution.

The activists, under the aegis of the Citizens and Civil Society Organisations, held a press conference in Abuja on Saturday to condemn the National Assembly’s approval of the emergency rule. They accused the Assembly of failing the people.

Yesufu expressed concern, warning that allowing the President and the National Assembly to impose the emergency rule would set a dangerous precedent.

She said, “I am sure every Nigerian feels sadness at what is happening currently in our country. The democracy that we have today—a lot of people died for it. It is only fair that we safeguard our democracy and ensure that the rule of law remains sacrosanct and that processes are followed in everything being done.

“We have to understand that if we do not fix this polity and say it’s none of our business, the things happening in Nigeria today will continue to happen, where a few citizens who are supposedly elected into office to serve the people begin to serve only their self-interest.

“Fellow citizens, we must understand that under a democracy, the constitution is sacrosanct, and it must be followed to the letter. This is not the democracy that a lot of people fought for, and some died for us to have. This constitutional rascality has to stop.”

Anthony Ubani, Executive Director of FixPolitics, representing 300 other coalitions, denounced the state of emergency. He declared it a betrayal of the democratic ideals cherished by every true Nigerian. Ubani vowed to challenge the president’s actions through a series of legal battles in the coming days.

“We demand an immediate reversal of the unconstitutional removal of the governor, deputy governor, and House of Assembly members in Rivers State. The president does not have the power to arbitrarily dismiss elected state officials. His actions are dictatorial and illegal and must be resisted by all Nigerians.

“We call on members of the National Assembly who were not part of Thursday’s charade to speak up against the violation of the constitution. The National Assembly is the highest law-making body in the country, and they must not be allowed to get away with choosing which of Nigeria’s laws they want to obey.

“There will be several lawsuits in the coming days, and we require the judiciary to review each case on its merit and not rely on technicalities to dismiss the cases. History has shown that when unconstitutional acts like this go unchallenged, they become the norm. If Rivers is silenced today, no state is safe tomorrow,” he stated.

Rights Groups Mobilization

The Take-It-Back Movement, a human rights organization, has announced plans for a nationwide protest on April 7 to oppose the emergency rule in Rivers State.

The group’s National Coordinator, Sanyaolu Juwon, shared this information with Sunday PUNCH. He criticized President Tinubu’s administration, claiming it is pushing Nigeria towards authoritarianism. Juwon emphasized that the President’s actions in Rivers State, such as suspending elected officials, are setting the stage for a potential military dictatorship.

“Our organisation has been at the forefront of resisting all anti-people policies of Tinubu, and we will keep doing that. We are planning a nationwide protest for April 7, targeted directly against Tinubu’s misgovernance and the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

“We are going to use the protest to address the fact that Tinubu’s government is leading the country towards dictatorship, not just with the development in Rivers State and what he did in Lagos State, but how his regime has handled the entire country, silencing the voice of opposition,” he stated.

The recent emergency rule in Rivers State has sparked widespread criticism and calls for action.

Several groups, including the Youth Rights Campaign and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, have condemned the move as an attack on democracy and a silencing of opposition voices. They are concerned that this is part of a larger pattern of Tinubu’s government moving towards a dictatorship.

The Democratic Socialist Movement has called for a mass protest against the emergency rule, urging the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress to lead the effort. They believe the emergency rule is a direct attack on the democratic rights of the people of Rivers State.

He said, “They should also mobilise for mass action to condemn the unconstitutional pronouncement by President Tinubu and the approval by the National Assembly.

“All civil society organisations should come together to organise action to defend democracy. Fubara was a product of the overbearing character of Nyesom Wike.

“One person can’t take away the rights of the people of Rivers State. This is like a coup on the people of the state. We condemn this. We support every action to defend democratic rights.”

Adewale urged the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress to participate in the mass action protesting the sabotage of democratic rights.

He said, “All civil society organisations should come together to organise action to defend democracy. One person can’t take away the rights of the people of Rivers State. This is like a coup on the people of the state. We condemn this. We support every action to defend democratic rights.”

Minister of Sports, John Owan Enoh, provided an extensive overview of his tenure’s accomplishments to President Bola tinubu.

Enoh Meets Tinubu at Aso Rock: Sports Minister’s Visit

• He showcased a range of achievements and ongoing projects aimed at improving the sports industry in Nigeria.

• The meeting occurred on Saturday at State House, where Enoh outlined significant successes in various international events such as the African Cup of Nations, African Games, and World Relay Championships in the Bahamas.

• Enoh highlighted the impressive performances of Nigerian athletes, emphasizing their determination and competitiveness on an international level.

• The Minister’s statement, delivered by Diana-Mary Nsan, S.A. Media to the Minister of Sports Development, outlined strategic plans to attract more private investments into sports and promote sports as a tool for both development and community engagement.

• President Tinubu praised Minister Enoh for his proactive and innovative approach in steering the sports industry forward.

• He recognized the minister’s role in catalyzing positive change and setting high standards of excellence within the sector.

• In response, Enoh expressed his appreciation for President Tinubu’s unwavering support and leadership, which he credited for transformative changes in the sports sector.

• The discussions also covered the preparations for the upcoming Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Paris, where Minister Enoh assured the President of rigorous strategies to ensure a commendable performance by Team Nigeria.

• President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to providing the necessary support for the athletes, expressing confidence in their potential to excel internationally.

• Minister Enoh concluded the meeting by thanking all stakeholders involved in the development of sports in Nigeria and reaffirmed his commitment to continue pushing the envelope of excellence and innovation in the sector.

Former spokesman Daniel Bwala from the defunct Atiku-Okowa Presidential Campaign Council mentioned that Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is disturbed by a meeting between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and First Lady Remi Tinubu.

Peter Obi Troubled by Meeting Between Obasanjo and Remi Tinubu – Daniel Bwala

Bwala expressed this concern via a statement on Thursday, suggesting that a photo of Tinubu’s wife with Obasanjo is causing Obi sleepless nights.

The meeting occurred when Obasanjo visited Remi Tinubu to pay Sallah homage shortly after being seen wearing a cap with Tinubu’s insignia. Bwala also noted that some pentecostal bishops have distanced themselves from Obi following this meeting.

Bwala stated, “This picture would give sleepless night to Mr P alias “Greengory.’ @PeterObi.

“I personally know of three prominent Pentecostal Bishops that have also abandoned him and his ‘take back your country hate speech.

“My big uncle Pat Utomi would soon abandon him too. Mark my words,” he added.

At a rally in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Vice President Kamala Harris delivered some quick-witted humor aimed at a group of hecklers, comparing their rowdy presence to a much smaller crowd they might have been looking for.

Kamala Harris Denounces Hecklers, Advises Them to Attend a “Smaller” Trump Rally

During her speech on Thursday, October 17, a few protesters interrupted the Democratic presidential nominee. While it was unclear what they were shouting, Harris swiftly silenced them with humor. “You’re at the wrong rally,” she quipped, earning laughter and applause from her supporters.

As the audience continued to cheer, Harris waved toward the hecklers and added, “I think you meant to go to the smaller one down the street,” drawing even louder applause from the crowd.

This jab alluded to an ongoing debate over crowd sizes between Harris and former President Donald Trump, who has frequently claimed his events draw larger turnouts.

The playful exchange has sparked discussions about crowd sizes on the campaign trail, even prompting former President Barack Obama to chime in with some humorous, not-so-family-friendly commentary.

While Harris was speaking in Wisconsin, Trump was reportedly in New York, and fellow Republican J.D. Vance was holding an event in Pennsylvania, leaving Harris as the sole major figure in the state at the time.

Wisconsin remains a critical battleground in the upcoming presidential election. President Joe Biden narrowly won the state’s 10 electoral votes in 2020, while Trump secured it in 2016, making it a pivotal state to watch in 2024.

Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Government, has alleged that he was offered money to impeach Governor siminalayi fubara.

I was offered money to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara – Edison Ehie Allegedly opened up

• This revelation was made during a rally in Ahoada East area of the state.
• Edison Ehie, who is also the former factional speaker of the State House of Assembly, disclosed the purported plot to impeach the governor.
• The crowd present at the rally reportedly applauded Ehie’s statements.

This situation highlights political tensions and power struggles within the government of Rivers State.
“They invited me, your son, to impeach the governor and I told them clearly, I was not interested.

He, however, did not disclose the identities of those who offered him money.

“They gave me all the money that was hidden before, which I rejected. And because I refused, they conspired and declared me wanted,” Ehie said.
Last year, Ehie was declared wanted by the police in connection with the invasion of the State House of Assembly after an explosion rattled the state assembly building in October 2023 amidst reports of lawmakers attempting to impeach Fubara.