“I’m exhausted, it feels like nothing will ever change” says corps member Raye as she permanently ends her advocacy for good governance due to threats and other challenges.
Lagos-based corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, became well-known after criticizing the Tinubu-led administration over ongoing economic hardship. However, she has now announced her decision to step back from her advocacy against rising living costs in Nigeria.
In an Instagram post, Raye expressed feeling ashamed that she could not maintain the same level of energy she had at the beginning of her campaign. She attributed her withdrawal to persistent threats and a lack of collective support from Nigerians.
“I truly wanted my voice to make a difference. I hoped that something good would come out of it. I envisioned price regulations being put in place. I envisioned MTN and Airtel being held accountable for the outrageous price hikes,” she wrote.
Raye’s advocacy gained widespread attention when she spoke out against the continuous rise in the prices of essential goods and services, including steep hikes by telecommunications companies.
However, she revealed that despite her efforts, prices continue to soar.
“I went out to buy drinks again today, and once again, yesterday’s price is not today’s price. I’m exhausted, and it feels like nothing will ever change. People have advised me to manage until I can leave the country. But what if I want to stay here? What if I don’t want to leave?” she questioned.
Expressing a deep desire for national unity, Raye said: “I look forward to the day when Nigerians will stand together as one—regardless of tribe or what language we speak. That will be the day we finally experience the change we deserve.”
In the caption of her post, she acknowledged the love and support she received but expressed disappointment in how distractions weaken collective action.
“With all the support and love you’ve shown me, I hope you don’t feel disappointed, but seeing how easy it is to distract us and how disunited we are, I will be dropping this and going back to my normal life. I hope one day again, someone else will make a change,” she wrote.
Click the link below for more better understanding:
The American power couple, Jay-Z and Beyoncé are reportedly considering taking legal action against Kanye West due to his controversial social media remarks about their children.
Recall that Kanye said that their younger kids are ret*rted. Kanye alleged in a post on X on Wednesday that she used IVF to conceive her and Jay-Z’s 7-year-old twins, Rumi and Sir.
He also wrote: “I said Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s kids are retarded. Let’s make the hot water boiling hot or like people say boiling hot (six),”
A source informed Page six that Jay-Z and Beyoncé’ found Kanye West’s language to be “vulgar and offensive.”
The insider further revealed that the couple is considering taking legal action against West.
“Jay-Z and Beyoncé are aware of the posts Kanye has since deleted and are discussing how they want to handle this situation, whether that be privately and/or in a legal matter,” Six Page quoted the source as saying.
Heathrow Airport, London which is one of the busiest airports in the world, connecting millions with several destinations around the world has announced a total shut down of activities and flights following a fire incident and accompanying power outage.
The Heathrow airport authorities disclosed this information in a tweet early Friday morning. Taking to its X account it tweeted “Due to a fire at an electrical substation supplying the airport, Heathrow is experiencing a significant power outage,”
“To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will be closed until (11:59 p.m. Friday local time). Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport.”
Following this, diverted Heathrow airport flights were rerouted to nearby airports, including Gatwick, Charles de Gaulle, and Shannon.
A passenger identified as Tori Dunzello who was onboard the flight heading to her fathers funeral revealed that her flight was diverted to Canada
She stated “I saw the time on the screen started to increase, I turned on my world map, and I started seeing a big U-turn, and I turned around and said to my husband: ‘I think we’re turning around.”
According to the FlightRadar24 live tracking website, a minimum of 1,350 flights to and from Heathrow airport were impacted by the disruption. Notably, the online service indicated that the busiest route to and from Heathrow is the connection with New York’s JFK International Airport, which operates 146 flights weekly.
The effects of the disruption were expected to last for several days as passengers scrambled to make alternative arrangements. According to Aviation consultant John Strickland, “We’re facing several days of disruption to recover planes and resume operations for both scheduled and disrupted passengers.”
Strickland drew parallels between the outage and significant disruptions like the 9/11 attacks or the 2010 Icelandic volcanic eruption, which brought European airspace to a standstill. “Given Heathrow’s status as a bustling airport operating at full capacity, there’s limited flexibility to mitigate the effects of such disruptions,” Strickland explained.
In response to the disruption, Britain’s National Rail service suspended all train services to and from Heathrow for the day. Despite this, some passengers attempted to enter the airport on foot but were stopped by police.
He revealed that the London Fire Brigade deployed 10 fire engines and approximately 70 firefighters to combat the blaze at a substation near the airport in Hayes, a town in west London. The fire broke out late Thursday night and was contained by around 8 a.m. local time, although firefighters stayed on the scene throughout the day.
Following this, residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed and avoid the area due to the significant amount of smoke produced by the fire. Pat Goulbourne, the assistant Commissioner stated that the power outage affected a significant number of homes and local businesses, stating that authorities were working to minimize disruption.
Firemen safely evacuated 29 people from nearby properties, and around 150 individuals were relocated. According to Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, the power outage impacted more than 16,300 homes.
Heathrow Airport’s front view
Authorities further stated that the cause of the substation fire was unclear. However, U.K. Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Miliband assured LBC Radio that there was no indication of foul play.
Miliband described the incident as “a catastrophic fire at this substation” that appeared to have disabled both a backup generator and the substation itself. “We will need to conduct a thorough examination of the causes and assess the protection and resilience measures in place for critical institutions like Heathrow,” Miliband emphasized.
The latest data from travel analytics firm OAG Aviation ranked Heathrow as the world’s fifth busiest airport and the busiest in Britain.
The former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi has voiced his dissatisfaction with the National Assembly’s approval of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Obi stated: “The parliamentary vote held yesterday clearly demonstrates that democracy, in its true sense, does not exist in Nigeria.”
In a post on his X handle on Friday, the former Anambra State governor emphasized that democracy cannot thrive in the absence of a functional opposition.
Peter Obi
The statements follows the House of Representatives’ approval of President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State despite strong opposition from many Nigerians.
The Senate also endorsed the State of emergency as declared by Tinubu in Rivers State.
Additionally, the Red Chamber approved a six-month suspension Rivers State governor, Sminalayi Fubara, his deputy and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
However, Obi argued that what remains in Nigeria is not a true democratic system but rather one that is transactional, compromised and in many ways akin to organized crime.
“The parliamentary vote held yesterday clearly demonstrates that democracy, in its true sense, does not exist in Nigeria. Where there is no functional opposition, democracy cannot thrive.
“Opposition is a critical pillar of any democratic system. It ensures that the right things are done, holds the ruling party accountable, and offers alternative viewpoints. However, an effective opposition can only exist within a system that supports proportional representation—an approach practiced in countries like South Africa and Indonesia.
“In South Africa, for example, the National Assembly has 400 seats. The African National Congress (ANC) received about 40% of the vote and holds approximately 160 seats, while the Democratic Alliance (DA), with about 20% of the vote, holds around 80 seats—alongside several other parties. Those who contested the presidential election remain the recognized leaders of their respective parties.
“A similar situation exists in Indonesia and other countries where democracy is genuinely practiced. As is the norm in such systems, laws prohibit elected officials from switching parties without forfeiting their seats. This helps maintain party discipline and preserves the sanctity of the electoral mandate. These mechanisms contribute to a more balanced, accountable, and credible democratic process.
“If that were the case in Nigeria, our Senate—comprising 109 seats—would be more reflective of electoral realities, with the APC holding 44 seats, the PDP 33 (under the leadership of Atiku), and the Labour Party 27 (under my leadership). Ideally, the House of Representatives should mirror this balance, with approximately 144 APC members, 108 PDP members, and 90 Labour Party members. But this is far from the case. The absence of laws restricting party defection allows politicians to switch allegiances freely and without consequence. This not only weakens the opposition but also makes a mockery of the electorate’s will and undermines the integrity of our democratic institutions.
“What we are left with is not a genuine democratic system, but one that is transactional, compromised, and, in many respects, resembles organized criminality. Unless we urgently implement reforms to entrench true democratic principles, enforce party discipline, and ensure fair representation, Nigeria’s democracy will remain fragile and dysfunctional.
“But we will not surrender to criminality. We shall continue to fight for democracy—genuine democracy.”
Several speculations have been that the panel overseeing the Naira for crude contract and policies will meet on Monday with Dangote Refinery to discuss re-negotiating the contract further.
Mele Kyari, GMD of NNPCL
This was disclosed on Thursday by an anonymous yet reliable source from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and Finance.
Apparently, NNPCL is facing a crisis of crude oil availability since it has mortgaged its future crude to foreigners through crude-backed loans.
Aliko Dangote, Owner of the 650,000 Refinery for Petroleum products
The anonymous source said, “The scheme won’t end. The challenging point is the issue of crude availability, with NNPC claiming it has pre-sold large volumes of crude.
“The committee agreed to reconvene on Monday (next week) to review options that the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has been mandated to come up with. The committee is trying to dimension solution options.”
In response to the development, Billy Gillis-Harry, the National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), said, “The market is making preparations for any surprises. So, if there are surprises, we’ll have alternatives to go to.”
Billy Gillis Harry, PETROAN’s president
Hammed Fashola, the president of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), said, “I would like to advise the FG to look into the agreement with Dangote again to maintain the tempo of the prices of petroleum products.”
Should the contract negotiation between NNPCL and Dangote Refinery fall apart, recall that Dangote has secured a new crude oil deal from Equatorial Guinea, which also joins Algeria as African suppliers of petroleum products to Dangote Refinery.
The suspended governor of Rivers state has refuted the allegation levelled against him by President Tinubu during the his nationwide broadcast addressing the Rivers crisis and emergency rule declaration on Tuesday.
Recall that during President Tinubu’s broadcast, he listed some of Fubara’s inadequacies associating them to the cause of the ongoing crisis in the state, automatically leveling that as an allegation.
Tinubu stated “It is public knowledge that the Governor of Rivers State for unjustifiable reasons, demolished the House of Assembly of the state as far back as 13th December 2023 and has, up until now, fourteen (14) months after, not rebuilt same. I have made personal interventions between the contending parties for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, but my efforts have been largely ignored by the parties to the crisis.”
Following this, Fubara in a statement signed by his Nelson Chukwudi, his chief press secretary, has countered this allegation stating that the allegation of leaving the state house of assembly after it was demolished was erroneous, explaining that the new assembly complex was nearly complete.
Wike x Fubara
Fubara also countered the allegation that he made no attempt to address criminal groups and militants from threating to destroy oil pipelines in the state. He blamed the cause of the attacks and vandalization on the comment made by the FCT minister Wike about Ijaws and his refusal to tender an apology
Read the full statement below
“There was also another claim that after demolishing the Hallowed Chambers of the State House of Assembly on Moscow Road in Port Harcourt, the Governor did nothing to rebuild the facility.
“Ordinarily, we would have ignored the statements as mere results of lack of adequate information to the Presidency by those tasked with the responsibility of providing same to guide decision-making, but it has become imperative to set the records straight and correct the erroneous impression such narratives are creating in the minds of the Nigerian people .
“First, it is important to clarify that Governor Fubara has nothing to do with the threats by militants and also did not in any way “telegraph” the reported attacks on any oil facility in the State.
formerly demolished Rivers house of assembly complex
“It is on record that the reaction of stakeholders in the Niger Delta, especially elders, chiefs, women, Ijaw National Congress, its youth wing, IYC, as well as militants, among others, was triggered by remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, in a live media chat, during which he dismissed Ijaws as a minority of the minorities and powerless in the Nigerian polity, saying that Ijaws are not the only ones that are militants and can blow up pipelines; that Ogonis, Ikwerres, and others are also militants and can as well blow up pipelines.
“ Most of the Ijaw groups and leaders even demanded an apology from the FCT Minister, which he rebuffed.
“Available public records show that Governor Fubara, on several occasions and at every forum, including all the project commissioning events as well as the handover of the AW139 Helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force, between March 3 and 13, 2025, made it clear that his administration was committed to the peace, security, and safety of oil facilities in the State.
“He often recalled his pivotal role as a member of the Presidential Committee on the Protection of Oil Installations in the Region, and repeatedly emphasized the need to protect oil pipelines and other facilities in the State, urging his supporters and the people of the State to avoid acts capable of destabilizing the State or sabotaging the nation’s economy.
Since inception as the Chief Executive of Rivers State, Governor Fubara has prioritized investment in upscaling the welfare and operational equipment of all personnel and arms of the Armed Forces and security agencies in the State by building livable office and residential accommodation for officers and men and donating vehicles, gunboats, helicopters, and other critical needs of the formations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the performance of their duties.
“His commitment to total peace and good governance in the State has contributed significantly to increased oil production and revenues for the country since May 29, 2023, as the continuous rise in the accruable revenue from the State into the Federation Account has shown over the months.
“On the claim that the Governor acted with impunity to demolish the Hallowed Chambers of the State House of Assembly and did nothing to rebuild the Chambers 14 months after, it is on record that Governor Fubara acted based on professional advice and guidance.
“Let it be clarified that the former Governor and now FCT Minister repeatedly criticized the dilapidated and leaking Assembly Complex, and during the commissioning of the Assembly Quarters in August 2022, challenged the lawmakers to take responsibility for the poor state of the edifice, rejecting requests to rebuild it to ensure a conducive legislative environment for the lawmakers.
Fubara
“It must be noted that immediately after the incident of October 29, 2023, and experts’ reports, the Government decided to heed the age-old demands of the lawmakers to rebuild the facility and promptly demolished the dilapidated structure to give way to a state-of-the-art Assembly Complex, which is now nearly 80 percent completed.”
US rapper Kanye West has accused his ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, and her family of involvement in sex trafficking.
He also claimed that the Kardashians engage in sex trafficking “all the black children they strategically produce.”
These allegations surfaced amid Kanye’s custody battle with Lim, with whom he shares four children.
Kanye and Kim
Reports suggest that Kim Kardashian canceled a planned visit between their daughter, North West and Kanye after security guards informed her that Andrew and Tristan Tate were heading to the location , according to TMZ.
Unhappy with this, he took to social media to criticize Kim and her family, accusing the of being involved in sex trafficking.
In a post on his X account, the 47 year old artist wrote:
“Kim Kardashian is a sex trafficker. I don’t like that twings has my daughter in her video dressing all grown. I would have expected more from twings. It’s f*ck all you n*ggas. “My soul is black. And watch y’all don’t believe me and just say I’m crazy.
“The Kardashians are sex workers and they sex traffic all of the black children they strategically produce.”
Nigerian singer Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, popularly known as Skales, has expressed his gratitude to his former record label boss Bankole Wellington known as Banky W, for sponsoring his University education.
The hitmaker took to his X account on Thursday to thank Banky W after receiving his University certificate.
Banky W
Sharing a copy of his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration on X, he mentioned that although he graduated years ago, he only recently received his certificate.
He dedicated his certificate to his late mother.
he shared his excitement, saying:
‘‘Aye my bsc showed up after many years of graduation!
“This is for my mother and thank you to @BankyW for sponsoring the boy through school.”
Senate President and former Akwa-Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio and Senator and former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson were involved in a heated altercation over the application of Senate rules regarding the state of emergency in Rivers State.
During the Senate’s plenary session, the presiding officer Michael Bamidele Opeyemi proposed a motion to re-order the day’s agenda, prioritizing the debate on the state of emergency over other scheduled legislative matters
Senate President, and former Governor of AkwaIbom state, Godswill Akpabio.
As Bamidele stood in an attempt to highlight the relevant order, Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District and former governor of Bayelsa State, raised a point of order. However, Senate President Akpabio was initially reluctant to acknowledge it
Following this, Akpabio annoyed, reminded senator Seriake Dickson in a rather sarcastic manner of his television statement where he stated that he would not support the senate’s stand on the emergency rule declaration in Rivers state, despite Dickson’s attempt to get Akpabio’s attention through a point of order.
Akpabio said “Senator Seriake Dickson, let’s not argue, if we argue it won’t be good for any of us.
“We are all distinguished people, you were a former governor, I was a former governor. Please turn off your mic and sit down. I watched you on television. You said, whatever the Senate does, the Senate will never go with you.
“I said you said whatever the Senate does, the Senate will never have your vote.
“I don’t know but if you have already made up your mind to go on television when the Senate has not done anything or considered any issue, I am not arguing with you, but I say, please allow me to preside.
Former governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson
Responding to this, Dickson said “Mr. Senate President, you know we must have mutual respect for all our colleagues, and I do have regard for you, particularly, as our presiding officer and I think that should be reciprocal.”
Senator Seriake Dickson went ahead to state that the point of order he initially raised was an attempt to draw the attention of the presiding officer and other members of the senate to the provision on the necessity to first hold a closed-door meeting.
However, the leader immediately moved for a motion to go into a closed-door session which was seconded by Senator Abba Moro.
Following this, Senator Dickson took to his Facebook page to express his displeasure over the incident stating that Akpabio was unfair to him and tried to keep him quiet. He further explained why he left the premises stating that the senate’s approval of the emergency rule was unconstitutional.
“Today at the sitting of the Senate, the issue of the President’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State came up for discussion and as I have stated repeatedly, I raised my objections in the closed session on how the declaration fell short of constitutional prescription, based on my view as a Democrat, sworn to uphold the Nigerian constitution.
“The Senate did not undertake the debate in an open session however, it was quite robust. I want to thank Sen. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal for his strong support of the unconstitutionality of the declaration, especially the aspect that deals with the suspension of the elected officials of the Rivers State government,”
At the end of the day, majority of the senators supported the proclamation as no room was given for an open debate at plenary. I left the plenary before the Senate President was directed to report the outcome because I didn’t want to be present while what I opposed is being reported. I believe Senator Tambuwal, Senator Abaribe and others equally left too.
“I want to make it clear that as I stated repeatedly, I spoke and voted against the proclamation in our closed session, supported by Senator Aminu Tambuwal and a few other senators who were not recognised to speak. And so I want to thank all the senators who shared the view that I vigorously canvassed.
“I am however aware of the efforts made to modify the declaration as a result of the concerns and views we have expressed and canvassed the past few days. Though I acknowledge the effort being made by the leadership and President to moderate the terms of the declaration and to create a mechanism for oversight, theoretically this does not counter the primary issue of constitutionality,” he stated.
“My attention has also been drawn to a viral video showing parts of the unfortunate exchanges between the Senate President and I before we dissolved to the closed session.
“As I said on the floor, the senate president was very unfair to me by trying to censor my freedom of expression and by deliberately misrepresenting the import of what I said in the broadcast yesterday which was the same thing I said on the floor today. It is my opposition in principle to the declaration of a state of emergency, as well as the suspension of elected officials “
“I thank all those who have called to commend my composure under unnecessary and unexpected attempt at intimidation. Everyone, including the Senate President, knows I have long gone beyond that stage in my life.
“The Senate as I said is a meeting of equals and everyone should be respected just as we accord respect to the Chair. No senator needs the permission of the senate president to express an opinion in an interview on a topical matter of national interest that is in the public domain.
“I intend to meet the Senate President to formally express my displeasure, to prevent a reoccurrence. I thank my constituents, Nigerians and all people of goodwill who have called to express solidarity and urge them not to be dismayed at the direction our democracy appears to have taken.”
For someone like me who has been in trenches over the years, all these challenges are actually a call to duty and I therefore implore all people of goodwill to come together and ensure that participatory democracy is promoted in our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Rivers State,” he said.
Maria Ochefu, who was married to Colonel Anthony Ochefu, a former military governor of Enugu State, pioneered the Markets, which became a vital part of military life by providing Soldiers and their families with essential goods, food and social gathering spaces.
The newly appointed administrator of Rivers state Vice Admiral Ibas following the emergency rule declaration and his swearing in by President Tinubu has assured the residents of the state that he is in no way partisan stating that his objective is to restore peace and tranquility to the state.
Admiral Ibas disclosed this in a state wide broadcast on Thursday where he addressed the residents of the state. This landmark address is the first Ibas has issued since his assumption of office.
Recall that Ibas who formerly served as the 20th Chief of Naval Staff in Nigeria was recently appointed and sworn into office as the sole administrator of Rivers State. Following this, Ibas arrived at the Rivers state government house on Wednesday March 20 to resume duties and additionally held a meeting with security officials.
In his landmark address Ibas stated that his aim was to restore peace to Rivers state, stating that he was not an enemy but rather , one of them. Ibas also noted that though his appointment comes at a difficult time, it was for the good of the state
“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State.”
“After what I believe to be my retirement from public service, duty has called again. I have answered not for personal ambition but out of abiding commitment to bring peace, stability and prosperity to Nigeria as a whole and more specifically, Rivers State.”
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you and I recognize the weight of this moment, the expectations of the people and the challenges that lie ahead. The uneasy calm that pervades the state is palpable and I feel the weight of families, young and old, businesses are uncertain what the future holds.”
Newly appointed sole administrator of Rivers state, Vice Admiral Ibas.
“My mandate is clear, to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and create the necessary conditions for the full restoration of democratic institutions and representation. This is not a task for one man alone.
“Success will depend on the collective effort of all Rivers people: elders, political leaders, traditional rulers, youths, women, the media and civil society.”
“I come as a servant of the state entrusted with the solemn duty of restoring peace and order so that Rivers State can move forward once again and reclaim its rightful place as the oil and gas capital of Nigeria and I dare say, Africa..
“I extend my hands to every son and daughter of Rivers State regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity or greed. I urge you to remain law-abiding, peaceful and optimistic. Let us set aside our differences and work together to rebuild trust, restore stability and protect the future of our children.
“The challenges before us depend on unity, not division. On corporation, not discord. On forward thinking, not backward grievances. Commitment to unity, cooperation and dialogue must be the fulcrum of all engagements going forward.
Ibas addressed the issues of vandalism and destruction that had happened in the state affirming that there would be no room for lawlessness and further urging the residents of the state to resist the temptation to return to those ugly days.
Admiral Ibas stated “Destruction of national infrastructure in the name of agitation is something we in the Niger Delta had since put behind us. Through collective engagement, our people have become more aware of the collateral damage that comes with it. Not only does it deprive the government of enough resources to provide necessary critical infrastructure and services, the damage to the environment has left vast areas of the Niger Delta extensively devastated, affecting the health and livelihood of our people.
“We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days. Dialogue and honest engagement have proven from time and time again as a veritable tool for resolving differences and conflict of any kind.”
“Those who seek to sabotage the social and economic stability of Rivers State and national infrastructure within the state or who attempt to disrupt the peace for selfish ends will find no tolerance for their actions.
“There will be no room for lawlessness, no place for violence and no patience for actions that threaten our collective wellbeing. We will not act arbitrarily neither will we hesitate to enforce the law when necessary.”
“I have noted the various reports, initiative and concerns some of which I have given clear directives for specific actions.
“I have specifically charged them to remain neutral, respect the right of citizens and do all within their powers to maintain law and order while collectively working to deescalate tensions where they come in contact with such.”
Shock Move! Oyo Gov’t Withdraws Ibadan Stampede Case
Shock Move! Oyo Gov’t Withdraws Ibadan Stampede Case
Supervisory agencies within Oyo State have visited a withdrawal of the criminal case instituted against Naomi Silekunola, the erstwhile wife of the Ooni of Ife; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, alleged owner of Agidigbo FM; and the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, in Ibadan, Abdullahi Fasasi.
According to Intel Region, those charges were initially preferred against the trio following the unfortunate stampede that took place in December 2024, during which at least 35 children lost their lives in a festive children’s party.
Shock Move! Oyo Gov’t Withdraws Ibadan Stampede Case
The defendants were seen celebrating in a video after the trial hearing on Thursday, smiling and exchanging pleasantries while giving an indication of their relief and release from the charges.
This new development was later affirmed by Abiodun Aikomo, the Attorney General of the State, to the press after the court session.
Speaking during a live coverage being monitored by Naijaeyes on Facebook, the Attorney General stated, “It was an unfortunate incident that led to death of many; and you see, in law, whenever death occurs, and it is not a natural death, the law takes its course.” The state filing charges against those involved in the investigation was in order.
“In prosecuting, some degree of consideration was presented by the defendants; consideration was imposed on the feelings of the affected party by the defendants.
Now, it was our considered view that in the circumstance, the essence of prosecution is not to kill people or persecute them-in the interest of justice, the charges had to be discontinued, and that was what has happened today.”
This development comes after a rather prolonged legal episode. Prior, they were granted bail by the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan.
Shock Move! Oyo Gov’t Withdraws Ibadan Stampede Case
The ruling of Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin was delivered after the charges by the court of the defendants had been presented in an application for bail.
The terms of bail allowed Naomi to be released upon the payment of N10 million with two sureties, Hamzat, and Fasasi were equally granted bail on similar terms.
The conditions also stipulated that the accused persons should deposit their passports with the court and not grant interviews, thus placing restrictions on their public outings.
The drama surrounding the case began after the sad stampede that occurred at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, during the Christmas celebration in December 2024, which witnessed the death of more than dozens of little children in a disorderly fashion due to rush.
Families of the many victims and the public were emotionally shattered by the nightmarish event; probably, it remains one of the worst tragedies in recent history in Oyo State.
Shock Move! Oyo Gov’t Withdraws Ibadan Stampede Case
While Oyo State’s Attorney General, who led the prosecution team, had strongly resisted any bail for the defendants, citing the seriousness of the charges and the need for justice for the victims, the defense had sought bail, arguing that the accused fully cooperated in the investigation and do not pose any flight risk.
Governor Makinde had insisted that those responsible for the stampede should face justice but also offered some Measure of leniency.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have strongly opposed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State, demanding its immediate reversal.
In response, the Labour unions criticized the declaration, calling it hasty and unconditional. They argued that the decision violates part 11, section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and represents an overreach of executive authority.
A joint statement released on Wednesday by NLC president Joe Ajaero and TUC president Festus Osifo condemned the move, stating:
It sets a dangerous precedent, eroding constitutional governance and threatening the autonomy of subnational governments.
“No democratic society can thrive where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed at the whims of the President. This reckless move should deeply concern every reasonable governor and citizen who believes in the rule of law,” the statement said.
TUC and NLC urged President Tinubu to revoke the “unconstitutional declaration” in compliance with Section 305(6) of the Constitution, which they said clearly outlines the legal process for declaring and sustaining a state of emergency.
They further said, “The President, as the custodian of the nation’s executive powers, must exercise restraint, respect constitutional limits, and act in a manner that inspires national confidence rather than suspicion.
“Any decision that jeopardizes national security, economic stability, and democratic governance must be reconsidered.
“Nigeria has suffered the painful consequences of political overreach in the past, and we cannot afford to repeat such mistakes.
Beyond the political and legal implications, this unjustified state of emergency will have severe socio-economic repercussions on workers and the masses. It will: Disrupt economic activities, forcing businesses to shut down or scale back operations; Lead to job losses, wage cuts, and economic hardship for thousands of workers in both the formal and informal sectors; Create an atmosphere of uncertainty, discouraging investment and slowing economic growth in Rivers State and beyond; Expose citizens to security risks, as history has shown that politically motivated states of emergency often escalate rather than resolve crises.
The Labour movement said it will not remain silent while the livelihoods of workers and the well-being of ordinary Nigerians are threatened by political machinations.
“Given his storied background in political struggle, we urge Mr. President not to betray his democratic credentials by engaging in actions reminiscent of military-era authoritarianism.
“Leadership demands wisdom, restraint, and an unwavering commitment to democratic principles.
“We demand the immediate reversal of this unconstitutional state of emergency in the interest of democracy, economic stability, and the welfare of Nigerian workers. Nigeria’s democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency,” the statement added.
Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas, the newly appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has arrived in the state to begin his duties. He landed at the Port Harcourt International Airport on Thursday at 11:25 am, where he was greeted by top officials and security personnel.
Upon arrival, Vice Admiral Ibas was accompanied by the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, and the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 16, as he made his way to the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Once there, he was given a tour of the facilities by government officials.
According to reports, Vice Admiral Ibas is currently holding a closed-door meeting with senior security officers, as well as representatives from the federal and state governments. This comes after his swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday, which was conducted by President Bola Tinubu
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, Nigeria, is a distinguished Nigerian naval officer and diplomat.
Who is Vice Admiral Ibas?
He served as the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff of the Nigerian Navy from July 2015 until his retirement in January 2021. In recognition of his exemplary service, he was appointed Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana in 2021.
Newly appointed sole administrator of Rivers state, Vice Admiral Ibas.
Throughout his career, Vice Admiral Ibas strived to pursue advanced military education, including: Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course at INS Venduruthy, India (1983-1984), Primary Pilot Training at the 301 Primary Flying Training School, Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna (1986-1987), Junior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (1990), Diploma in Amphibious Warfare from the U.S. Marine Corps University, Quantico, Virginia to mention a few.
This followed a letter from President Bola Tinubu seeking the endorsement of the House of Representatives on his proclamation of an emergency state in the oil-rich South-South state.
BREAKING: Reps Back Tinubu’s State of Emergency Move
The House voted in favor of the proclamation during the plenary meeting on Thursday.
According to the House Speaker Tajudeen Abbass, that alone would make for quorum-the session was attended by 240 legislators.
“Rivers has been declared under a state of emergency on Tuesday by Tinubu over the long-drawn-out political crisis in the oil-mining state of South-South Nigeria.”
Put temporarily with immediate effect for six months, the Suspension on Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and the Rivers state assembly.
BREAKING: Reps Back Tinubu’s State of Emergency Move
This is followed by Muse, who appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral and former chief of naval staff, as the administrator.
He read the letter before plenary by Senate President Akpabio: “In compliance with the provisions of Section 305, Subsection 2, of Chapter 3 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, I hereby forward, for the Constitution of the Senate, copies of the official Gazette of the State of Emergency Proclamation 2025.
The salient features of the proclamation are as follows.
– A declaration of State of Emergency in a State of the Federation, namely River State.
– The Suspension from office of the Governor, his Deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly.
– Appointment of Vice-Admiral Iboete Iba, as the Administrator to administer the State something to any instruction or regulation as made from time to time be issued by me.
While I most eagerly look forward to the expeditious Constitution of the Senate, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
BREAKING: Reps Back Tinubu’s State of Emergency Move
Earlier, the House had approved the declaration of the state of emergency for Rivers State on Wednesday.
The proclamation was that of a voice vote and adopted. There were 243 members in attendance.
The House, however, recommended that a national committee be set up to mitigate and restore peace to Rivers State.
Within six months of the emergency, the House further resolved that the National Assembly shall take over the activities of the state House Assembly.
BREAKING: Reps Back Tinubu’s State of Emergency Move
The National Assembly also imposed a joint committee of both chambers to oversee the administration of affairs in Rivers State during the emergency period.
