News
Rivers Crisis: Sole Administrator Ibas Sacks All Fubara’s Appointees as PDP Governors Head to Supreme Court
The sole administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, has dismissed all political appointees appointed by the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief of Staff, the administrator directed that the suspension takes immediate effect. Those affected include the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, Commissioners, Special Advisers, and heads of government agencies, boards, and commissions. The affected officials have been instructed to hand over to the most senior civil servant in their respective offices.
The statement referenced the presidential directive that granted Ibas executive powers over the state following the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025. The emergency rule led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Meanwhile, seven governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have taken legal action against the Federal Government, challenging the suspension of Fubara and his deputy. The governors of Bauchi, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Enugu, Osun, Plateau, and Zamfara, through their Attorneys-General, have filed a suit at the Supreme Court, arguing that Tinubu’s actions violate the 1999 Constitution and undermine democratic governance.
The governors are urging the court to declare that the President lacks the authority to suspend an elected governor under any circumstances, including during a state of emergency. They argue that Tinubu’s decision to appoint a sole administrator is unconstitutional and have called for the reinstatement of Fubara and his deputy.
Furthermore, they are challenging the legitimacy of the National Assembly’s approval of the emergency rule, arguing that it did not comply with the provisions of Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. The governors have asked the Supreme Court to nullify the state of emergency declaration and bar the federal government from interfering in the governance of Rivers State or any other state in Nigeria.
This legal battle is expected to set a significant precedent on the limits of presidential power in state governance.
The Federal Government has declared a state of emergency on the construction of the Suleja-Minna road. Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the declaration on Saturday following an inspection of the road. He stated that the project, initially awarded to Salini Nigeria Limited, had been poorly executed or abandoned.
Umahi explained that despite repeated attempts to have Salini repair the road over the past year and a half, progress had been unsatisfactory. Niger Governor Mohammed Bago raised concerns with President Bola Tinubu, prompting the Ministry of Works to intervene. The road, described as being “in a very terrible situation delaying travel time by seven hours instead of an hour and half hours and vehicles are falling and killing people,” has been designated an emergency project.
The contract with Salini has been irrevocably terminated due to substandard work. Umahi has directed his ministry to recover funds owed by Salini, potentially involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Two contractors are now engaged in the project. CCCC International Engineering Nigeria Ltd. has been contracted to handle part of the road, with 60km already completed under the Governor’s urban renewal agenda. CCCC has been given 10 days to mobilize and commence work on a critical 7km stretch. Umahi emphasized that work will begin immediately under emergency procurement guidelines, with pricing to be verified subsequently.
The Nigerian film industry is in mourning following the death of Kayode Peters, a renowned filmmaker and producer. The news was announced by his family on his official Instagram page, stating that he passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Toronto, Canada, after a long illness.
Peters, fondly known as KP, was celebrated for his contributions as a filmmaker, actor, and producer. He was known for his role as Koko in the popular sitcoms “Twilight Zone” and “Flatmates” in the early 2000s. His work also extended to stage plays and sitcoms like “Extended Family” and “Being Farouk,” significantly impacting Nigeria’s contemporary theatre and television landscape.
He is survived by his wife, Alexander, and their children. Funeral arrangements are underway, and further details will be shared by the family in due course. The industry and fans alike will deeply miss his warmth, generosity, and contributions to Nollywood.
President Bola Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday, marking the commencement of a two-nation tour encompassing the Caribbean and South America. Upon arrival at Hewanorra International Airport, he was received with full military honors by Governor-General Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
The President’s itinerary includes courtesy visits to the Governor-General and Prime Minister, followed by an address to a joint session of the Senate and the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia. Discussions will focus on deepening cooperation between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), with emphasis on economic partnerships and cultural solidarity. A visit to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College is also planned to strengthen educational ties.
Following his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will proceed to Brazil to participate in the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, attending at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil. Nigeria’s participation as a ‘partner country’ underscores its commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations on a global scale.
A Special Birthday Tribute to Mrs. Linda Aronu C.
A Special Birthday Message to Dike Christopher Nnamdi.
