Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has called on members of the party in the National Assembly to uphold justice and resist any actions that threaten Nigeria’s democratic integrity. In a statement addressed to Labour Party lawmakers on Thursday via X, Obi expressed concern over what he described as a “deteriorating democratic process” in Nigeria. He noted that for the past 26 years, the country has witnessed “disregard for educational qualifications for electoral positions, massive rigging, and now the unconstitutional removal of elected officeholders.” Obi emphasised that these unconstitutional acts have “far-reaching negative implications for our…

The House of Representatives has approved the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, along with the six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the assembly, as announced by President Bola Tinubu. The seal of approval for the president’s proclamation came via voice vote during plenary on Thursday. The Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the plenary, called on members to make their contribution during the consideration of the general principles of the President’s report. In his contribution, Benue lawmaker and Deputy Spokesman of the House, Philip Agbese recommended the setting up…

The Rivers State Government has denied reports that a High Court issued an order preventing the newly appointed Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), from resuming. The Chief of Staff to the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, Dr Edison Ehie, dismissed the claims as false and malicious, attributing them to individuals attempting to escalate political tensions in the state. In a statement issued on Thursday, Ehie refuted allegations that he filed a suit challenging the appointment, describing the report as the work of “low minds” who could not even spell his name correctly. He urged the public to disregard the…

The former presidential spokesperson to ex-Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, Doyin Okupe, will be buried in his hometown, Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, on March 28, 2025. According to the notice, burial rites will begin on Saturday, March 22, with a commendation service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David, Abuja. On Thursday, March 27, a Service of Songs and a Day of Tributes will be held at Trinity House, by Water Corporation Drive, off Ligali Ayorinde Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, at 11am. This will be followed by a wake at Agbonmagbe Castle, Sagamu-Iperu Road, Ogun State, at…

The Federal Government has kicked off the 2025 promotion examinations for personnel in paramilitary agencies under the Ministry of Interior, pledging a transparent and merit-driven process. The Civil Defence, Correctional, Immigration, and Fire Services Board is overseeing the exercise, which aims to eliminate favouritism and ensure that only qualified officers ascend the ranks. Speaking at the launch of the exercise on Wednesday, the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the CDCFIB, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, assured officers that promotions would be strictly based on competence. He disclosed that the ministry had partnered with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre to enhance professionalism and…

Another five farmers have reportedly been murdered by armed herdsmen at Aba Oyinbo, Akure North council area of Ondo state. Consequently, farmers in the council area staged a protest at the governor’s office in Akure, the state capital, displaying bodies of the casualties. Activities at the governor’s office were grounded for hours following the protest. Recall that the protest to the governor’s office was the second in the last few weeks following the surge in kidnappings in the state. Twenty farmers were killed by suspected herdsmen in the same council area last week after they invaded and sacked four communities.…

The Nigerian Bar Association has faulted the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, describing the move as “unconstitutional” and a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy. In a statement issued on Tuesday, and signed by its President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, the association insisted that the President has no constitutional power to remove an elected governor, deputy governor, or state lawmakers under emergency rule. “The 1999 Constitution does not grant the President the power to remove an elected governor, deputy governor, or members of a state’s legislature under the guise of a state of emergency,”…

A bill seeking to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, and requiring social media platforms to establish physical offices within the country has passed second reading. The bill was sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North). Leading the debate, Senator Nwoko noted that Nigeria as Africa’s most populous nation with over 220 million people had a significant digital presence, ranking first in Africa and second globally in terms of social media usage, spending an average of three hours and 46 minutes daily online, according to a Global Web Index report cited by Business Insider Africa. The lawmaker noted that…

A shift in leadership is imminent in the Edo State House of Assembly as the All Progressives Congress has formally informed the Assembly of its new majority status. On Tuesday, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku confirmed the receipt of a letter from the APC, notifying the Assembly of the party’s increased membership following the defection of four lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party. Although the letter was not made public, it marked a significant political shift in the House. The PDP lawmakers who joined the APC are Donald Okugbe (Akoko Edo Constituency II), Bright Iyamu (Orhionmwon South Constituency II), Richard Edosa (Oredo…

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged the people of the state to remain calm in the face of the political impasse in the state. In a statement he personally signed, Fubara said since assuming office, all his actions and decisions have been guided by his constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty. “I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history. Since assuming office as your governor, we have prioritised the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress…