Author: Vardiafrica

Like the House of Representatives, the Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, invoking its constitutional powers under the amended 1999 Constitution. The approval grants President Tinubu the authority to enforce emergency measures while mandating a review of the situation at any time, but no later than six months. Per the Constitution, the National Assembly has also imposed a joint committee of both chambers, to oversee the administration of affairs in Rivers State during the emergency period Additionally, the Senate has resolved to establish a mediation committee consisting of eminent Nigerians to…

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to transforming the economy of the country through renewable gas energy. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, stated this at the commissioning of the Otakikpo LPG Extraction Plant and 20MW Gas-to-Power Project, built by Green Energy International Limited/Lekoil Joint Ventures in Andoni Local Council of Rivers State. He said the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas) has the mandate of President Bola Tinubu to drive the gas sector in the country, with an estimated 209 billion cubic gas reserves, stressing that the building of the Otakikpo gas extraction and power plants…

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the delayed payment of the Conditional Cash Transfer Fund to Nigerians. This decision followed the adoption of a motion presented by Rep. Abass Adigun (PDP-Oyo) during a plenary session held on Wednesday in Abuja. In his motion, Adigun highlighted that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Bank, launched the Social Safety Nets Programme for Nigeria in September 2016. The initiative is implemented through the National Cash Transfer Office, which oversees the Household Uplifting Programme, Conditional Cash Transfers, designed to support poor and vulnerable households nationwide. Growth and social inclusion strategies …

The newly sworn-in Sole Administrator for Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (rtd.), has promised to maintain law and order in the crisis-hit state. “We know the circumstances that led to why we are here and Mr President made it clear in his broadcast,” Ibas told reporters after he was sworn in by President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday. “If the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in the state, I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers State, that is the utmost task that I have.” The retired…

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, says the Federal Government will be acting in order if it releases the blocked monthly allocation to the newly sworn-in Sole Administrator for Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (rtd.). The justice minister, who spoke with State House correspondents at the Villa on Wednesday, said an extraordinary situation had arisen in the oil-rich state hence the initial seizure of allocation might be overruled. Fagbemi said, “An extraordinary situation has arisen in Rivers State. When the administrator comes, he may request for these funds, and to me, it will be in order…

The organised labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria, has condemned the declaration of State of Emergency by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State, calling it an unconstitutional overreach and a direct assault on democracy. In a joint statement signed by NLC president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and TUC president Comrade Festus Osifo, on Wednesday, the Labour unions criticised the action, stating that it blatantly violates part II, Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and undermined the principles of democratic governance. The two labour leaders warned that such actions erode constitutional…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers State. The Attorney General of the Federation and Justice Minister, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other aides of the President witnessed the short ceremony at the State House on Wednesday. President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, March 18, to address the protracted political logjam between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly members, even after the Supreme Court’s pronouncement. In proclaiming the six-month State of Emergency,…

Former Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has condemned President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, and members of the State House of Assembly. In a statement released on Wednesday, Amaechi described the suspension as a brazen and unilateral act that undermines democracy and violates the Nigerian Constitution. Amaechi, who governed Rivers State from 2007 to 2015, argued that Tinubu’s actions amount to a technical suspension of democracy in the state. He emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution, which the President swore to uphold, clearly outlines the process for removing a state…

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a temporary halt in the sale of petroleum products in Naira, citing an imbalance between its sales proceeds and crude oil purchase obligations, which are denominated in U.S. dollars. The announcement was conveyed in a statement issued on March 19, 2025, where the company explained that its Naira-denominated sales have exceeded the value of Naira-priced crude it has received so far.As a result, it has decided to temporarily align its sales currency with its crude procurement obligations. “We wish to inform you that, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has temporarily halted the sale of petroleum products in…

The Senate adjourned abruptly on Wednesday till Thursday, keeping mum on its earlier decision to consider the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by 3pm. President Bola Tinubu had proclaimed the emergency rule in Rivers on Tuesday following the escalation of the political tension in the oil-rich state. By the provision of Section 305 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Senate is mandated to approve the emergency proclamation. On Wednesday, the matter was listed as the first order of the day on the Senate’s Order Paper. However, the Leader of the Senate, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, rose to…