General News
RIVERS CRISIS IS A NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC EMERGENCY, CNPP AND CIVIL SOCIETY WARN
The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties and the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations have issued a stark warning that the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State represents a serious threat to national peace and Nigeria’s democracy. Addressing journalists at a joint press conference, the groups said their intervention was compelled by a solemn patriotic duty to defend constitutional democracy and protect the mandate of the people of Rivers State.
“What is unfolding in Rivers State goes far beyond local politics,” the groups declared. “It represents a critical test of Nigeria’s commitment to constitutional governance, separation of powers, and democratic stability.” They stated that the turmoil is not a result of governance failure by Governor Siminalayi Fubara but is “the product of a calculated political project aimed at seizing control of state power through the manipulation of legislative institutions.”
The organisations emphatically stated there is no constitutional basis for the impeachment moves against the governor. “Let us be clear,” they stated, “Governor Siminalayi Fubara has not committed any act that meets the constitutional threshold for impeachment under Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. There is no credible allegation of gross misconduct.” They described the situation as “the weaponisation of a State House of Assembly as an instrument of political conquest rather than a guardian of democracy,” warning that this development is “not only reckless; it is extremely dangerous to Nigeria’s national peace.”
The groups cautioned about the far-reaching consequences if the Rivers scenario stands. “If the Rivers State template is allowed to stand—where a legislature is openly deployed to intimidate, destabilise, and remove a sitting governor for political and financial control—then Nigeria risks sliding into a future where state assemblies across the country become battlegrounds for elite power struggles,” they warned. “If every governor becomes vulnerable to impeachment at the whim of external political forces, where then is the sovereignty of the people?”
They raised grave concerns over allegations of conditional political settlements, citing claims that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, imposed conditions on the governor to halt impeachment proceedings. “These allegations strongly suggest that the crisis is not about governance or accountability but about control—control of federal allocations, control of internally generated revenue, and control of political power in Rivers State,” the groups stressed.
On financial accountability, the CNPP and CNCSOs provided figures, stating the state “reportedly received no less than ₦254.37 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee between March and August 2025.” They expressed concern that probes into expenditure during the emergency rule were “merely cosmetic.” They further alleged that “state resources were shared during the emergency rule, with lawmakers loyal to the FCT Minister allegedly receiving as much as ₦350 million each,” which they said would amount to “a betrayal of public trust on a scale that demands urgent national attention.”
Issuing a direct call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the groups said, “Mr President, this is no longer just a Rivers State issue. It is a national democratic emergency.” They warned that failure to act would risk “legitimising legislative anarchy and encouraging similar crises across other states, with dire consequences for national unity and peace.”
The CNPP and CNCSOs demanded the immediate termination of impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara, independent investigations into the conduct of the Rivers State House of Assembly, a presidential probe into allegations of conditional settlements, and a comprehensive forensic audit of all funds during the emergency rule.
In a strongly worded conclusion, the groups warned that “impeachment without just cause is political banditry,” adding that “the continued weaponisation of legislative institutions is a direct threat to Nigeria’s democracy and national peace.” They cautioned, “If Rivers State is allowed to descend further into this crisis, Nigeria risks setting a precedent that could destabilise the entire federation.”
They ended with a rallying call: “Governor Siminalayi Fubara must be allowed to govern. Rivers State must be allowed to breathe. Nigeria’s democracy must be protected. Enough is enough. Let the Governor govern. Let Rivers State develop. Let Nigeria’s democracy survive.”
General News
Alue-Do Festival Assault: First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Condemns Attack on Women, Calls for Justice
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has strongly condemned the reported assault of women and girls during the Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro, Delta State, describing the incident as “horrific” and unacceptable.
Reacting to viral footage from Ozoro, the First Lady expressed outrage over scenes showing young girls being physically and sexually assaulted, as well as subjected to degrading treatment during what was meant to be a cultural celebration.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, Mrs. Tinubu stressed that no tradition or custom should be used as justification for violating the dignity and rights of women and girls.
She commended the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force for making arrests in connection with the incident and urged authorities to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
The First Lady also called on victims to seek immediate medical and psychological support, offering prayers for their healing, peace, and strength in the aftermath of the ordeal.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and renewed calls for stricter measures to protect women and girls during cultural and public events across the country.
General News
World Water Day 2026: Oluremi Tinubu Calls for Gender Equity Through Improved Water Access
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for collective action to promote gender equality through improved access to water and sanitation, as the world marks World Water Day 2026.
In a message commemorating the day, Senator Tinubu highlighted this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” alongside the campaign slogan, “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” emphasizing the strong link between water access and gender equity.
She noted that in many communities, women and girls bear the burden of sourcing water, often trekking long distances to streams, a situation that negatively impacts their education, health, and economic opportunities.
“When we ensure safe, clean, and accessible water, we do more than quench thirst; we open doors for girls to stay in school, for women to pursue livelihoods, and for families to live healthier lives,” she said.
The First Lady urged Nigerians to work together to ensure equitable access to water resources across the country, stressing that improved water systems can drive social and economic development.
She concluded by encouraging citizens to embrace the spirit of the global observance and reaffirm commitments toward building a more inclusive society.
“Let us work together to ensure that where water flows in Nigeria, equity truly grows,” she added.
World Water Day is observed annually on March 22 to raise awareness on the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable management of water resources worldwide.
Fresh hostilities in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict intensified early Sunday, with Iran launching strikes near Israel’s main nuclear research centre, leaving dozens injured and raising fears of wider regional escalation.
According to reports, missiles hit areas close to the nuclear facility in Dimona and the southern city of Arad. Rescue services confirmed that nearly 70 people were injured in Arad alone, with several in serious condition and multiple residential buildings severely damaged.
The Israeli military said it had begun retaliatory strikes targeting locations in Tehran, further escalating the conflict, which has now entered its fourth week.
Iran warned that any attack on its energy facilities would trigger retaliatory strikes on U.S. and Israeli infrastructure across the region. The threat followed a statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that the United States could target Iranian power plants if Tehran fails to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Iranian authorities described such threats as provocative, vowing a firm response if carried out.
Saudi Arabia also confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted missiles and drones targeting its territory, including areas near key oil installations, with no casualties reported. In a separate incident, a projectile struck near a commercial vessel off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, causing an explosion but leaving the crew unharmed.
Iran’s state media reported that the death toll within the country has surpassed 1,500 since the conflict began, raising humanitarian concerns. Legal experts have also warned that targeting civilian infrastructure such as power plants could violate international law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the situation as “a very difficult moment,” as emergency teams continued search-and-rescue operations in affected areas.
In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthi rebels warned they could join the conflict if attacks against Iran intensify, cautioning that further escalation could disrupt global energy supplies and economic stability.
Despite diplomatic signals, including a temporary U.S. move to ease sanctions on Iranian oil shipments, there are no clear signs of de-escalation, with both sides continuing military operations. Analysts warn the conflict risks expanding into a broader regional war with significant global implications.