BREAKING: Supreme Court Reserves Judgment on Tinubu’s State of Emergency Declaration in Rivers State


The Supreme Court of Nigeria has reserved judgment in the suit challenging President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

A seven-man panel of justices led by Justice Inyang Okoro reached the decision after hearing final arguments from all parties involved. The date for the judgment will be announced later by the apex court.

According to Naija News, the plaintiffs in the case include the Attorneys General of 10 states, while the Federal Government and the National Assembly are the defendants.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, Delta State withdrew from the suit — a move that went uncontested by Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), counsel for the Federal Government.

Representing the plaintiffs, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) clarified that the suit does not challenge the President’s constitutional power to declare a state of emergency, but rather questions its scope and implications, particularly on the offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the State House of Assembly in Rivers State.

The matter now awaits a final decision from the nation’s highest court.


Source: Naija News / Polance Media Inc.

The Rivers state executive council has revoked the N134 billion contract awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for the renovation and furnishing of the state secretariat complex.

Meet Notorious Kidnap Kingpin Pardoned by President Tinubu.

A wave of outrage and disbelief has trailed the release of 44-year-old Kelvin Prosper Oniarah — the infamous Delta-born kidnap kingpin once declared one of Nigeria’s most dangerous criminals — following his inclusion in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s latest round of presidential pardons.

Oniarah, also known by his aliases Kelvin Ibruvwe and Kelvin Ezigbe, was arrested on September 25, 2013, in a joint operation by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army. He was subsequently convicted for multiple counts of kidnapping, armed robbery, and terrorism-related offences that terrorised parts of Delta, Edo, Anambra, and Rivers States for years.

Trail of Violence and Terror
Before his arrest, Kelvin was the leader of a feared criminal syndicate responsible for high-profile kidnappings and killings. Among his victims was renowned human rights lawyer, Barrister Mike Ozekhome (SAN), abducted on August 24, 2013, along the Auchi–Benin expressway.

Other victims linked to his gang included:

A serving judge of the Edo State Judiciary,
A female Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) official,
Dr. Chudi Nwike, former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, who was killed in captivity,
Several National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and security personnel.
Kelvin’s network operated from camps in Warri and Kokori (Delta State), Ugbokolo (Benue), Benin City (Edo), and Aba (Abia State). His reign of terror also saw the killing of numerous policemen and soldiers during deadly ambushes.

Defiance Against the State
In a chilling episode that underscored his notoriety, Oniarah publicly issued a 60-day ultimatum to the Federal Government in September 2013, demanding the release of his detained gang members or face nationwide bloodshed — a threat that prompted one of the most extensive manhunts in Nigeria’s history.

Conviction and Release
Oniarah was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in October 2023, with his sentence backdated to 2013. It was later reduced to 13 years for what prison officials described as “good conduct” and participation in the National Open University of Nigeria correctional education programme.

His sudden release under the Tinubu administration’s controversial amnesty programme has sparked a storm of criticism from security analysts and victims’ families, who argue that granting clemency to an unrepentant criminal undermines justice and the fight against violent crime.

Kelvin’s freedom, after 12 years behind bars, now raises serious questions about the moral compass of the nation’s justice system

Court fixes October 31 for jurisdiction ruling on Dagogo’s suit against Tinubu.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled October 31, 2025, to deliver its ruling on the issue of jurisdiction in a suit filed by former House of Representatives member Farah Dagogo, challenging President Bola Tinubu’s constitutional authority to suspend democratically elected officials during the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.

The suit, No. FHC/PH/CS/50/2025, lists as defendants the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (Rtd.), who served as the Rivers State Administrator during the emergency rule period.

At Friday’s hearing, counsel to the plaintiff, Babafemi Adegbite, adopted his written arguments supporting the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

Presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, after taking submissions from both parties, reserved his ruling and adjourned the matter until October 31.

Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, Adegbite reiterated his client’s stance that President Tinubu exceeded his constitutional powers by suspending elected officials in both the executive and legislative arms of the Rivers State Government.

He said, “Even though they have now been reinstated, the action remains unconstitutional. We need a clear judicial pronouncement to prevent future occurrences.”

Adegbite maintained that the reinstatement of the affected officials does not make the case academic, noting that the core issue revolves around constitutional integrity and the scope of presidential power.

He further distinguished Dagogo’s suit from previous emergency rule cases that were struck out for lack of jurisdiction, insisting that the facts and legal issues in this case are different.

Falana vows legal action against oil companies over Niger Delta pollution.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Femi Falana, has vowed to convene a team of lawyers to begin a legal action against oil companies that have polluted and abandoned their host communities in the Niger Delta.

The human rights lawyer made this vow on Friday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, during the Ken Saro-Wiwa 30th Memorial Lecture, organised by a coalition of environmental civil society leaders

According to him, communities producing the oil that sustains Nigeria’s economy deserve to live comfortably with all basic amenities provided, not in poverty and neglect.

The event, put together by a coalition of environmental activists, was held in honour of the 84th posthumous birthday of late environmental and human-rights activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, who was executed alongside eight others 30 years ago for alleged treasonable felony and recently granted state pardon and honours.

The event also drew activists, policymakers and community leaders who renewed calls for environmental justice in the Niger Delta.

The senior lawyer explained that multinational oil companies have profited from Nigeria’s natural resources while leaving host communities in the Niger Delta impoverished and devastated.

Other speakers at the memorial, including Nnimmo Bassey, urged government agencies to hold defaulting oil firms accountable and prioritise a full cleanup of Ogoniland.

For civil society groups, the legacy of Ken Saro-Wiwa remains a rallying point for justice and environmental restoration across the Niger Delta.

They warned that anything short of calling for a halt to oil resumption talks in Ogoniland without extensive cleanup, would amount to wasting the sacrifice of Ken Saro-Wiwa and his comrades.

Lere Olayinka Slams Critics Over INEC Chairman Mix-Up — Clarifies Confusion Between Prof. Amupitan and Prof. Osipitan

Political aide Lere Olayinka, media adviser to former Rivers State Governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has reacted sharply to the ongoing confusion surrounding the identity of the newly appointed INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan.

The controversy erupted after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan from Kogi State as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu. The decision, which was ratified by the National Council of State, sparked widespread debate online after several people mistakenly identified the new INEC boss as Professor Taiwo Osipitan (SAN) — a senior advocate and legal scholar.

Addressing the confusion on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Lere Olayinka criticized those spreading misinformation, accusing them of intellectual laziness and failing to verify facts before commenting.

He wrote:

“People with sawdust-populated brains won’t know the difference between Amupitan and Osipitan. They don’t know that Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN) is different from Prof. Joash Amupitan.”


Olayinka’s blunt statement reignited debate on social media, as Nigerians scrambled to distinguish between the two professors. Some users called for transparency from government communication channels to avoid similar identity mix-ups in the future.

Meanwhile, research into Professor Joash Amupitan’s background is ongoing as the public seeks to learn more about the man set to lead Nigeria’s electoral body into its next phase.

“You Can’t Rewrite History” — Orji Kalu Insists Obasanjo Truly Sought Third Term In Office

Former Abia State Governor and Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has once again stirred controversy over former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s alleged third-term ambition, claiming that the former leader indeed made attempts to extend his tenure beyond the constitutional limit.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Kalu revealed that Obasanjo had personally discussed the third-term plan with him and several northern governors at the time. He alleged that the rift between Obasanjo and former Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili, was linked to this controversial agenda.

According to Kalu, Obasanjo’s recent denials were an attempt to “rewrite history,” a move he insists will never succeed. The senator called on other key political figures who were aware of the plan to speak out and uphold the truth, stressing that the effort to elongate Obasanjo’s rule was real — but was ultimately thwarted by defenders of democracy.

In his words:

“Why was he quarreling with Governor Peter Odili? He wanted third term. Let’s not deceive ourselves. The man wants to rewrite history, but it can’t be rewritten. He wanted third term and we stopped him from getting it.”

Fire on Monday evening razed a section of the Podium Block at the Rivers State Secretariat Complex in Port Harcourt, destroying properties.

Tinubu sued over Rivers LG polls as lawyer demands election nullification.

President Bola Tinubu has been dragged before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt over the controversial Rivers State local government elections held on August 30, 2025.

In a suit filed on September 11, 2025 (No. FHC/PH/CS/173/2025), lawyer Clifford Nnanta Chuku is asking the court to nullify the polls and declare unconstitutional the Emergency Powers Regulation introduced by Tinubu to guide the elections.

Chuku argued that the regulation, which suspended parts of the Electoral Act 2022 and Rivers State electoral laws, violated the constitution and undermined democracy.

Chuku argued that the President’s decision to suspend parts of the law for the Rivers elections was unconstitutional and amounted to overreach.

The suit lists Tinubu, the Federal Government, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) as defendants.

The key issues before the court are whether the regulation illegally restricted the democratic rights of Rivers people, and whether RSIEC’s notice for the election met the required legal timelines.

Chuku is seeking a court order striking down the regulation, voiding the August 30 polls, and compelling RSIEC to conduct fresh elections in full compliance with the Electoral Act.

The Federal High Court has fixed October 21, 2025, for hearing.

Legal analysts say the case could shape future limits of presidential powers in election matters.

Governor Fubara sacks all commissioners in Rivers State.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state has dissolved his cabinet, relieving all commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgment of their appointments with immediate effect.

The development was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by Nelson Chukwudi, chief press secretary to the governor.

Chukwudi said Fubara held a private valedictory session with members of his cabinet at the government house in Port Harcourt.

The session also formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary.

Fubara was said to have appreciated the commissioners for their contributions to the growth and development of Rivers over the past two years.

He also called on Nigerians to join hands with President Bola Tinubu in building a peaceful and prosperous nation.

The governor restated his commitment to serve the people of the state with renewed vigour, while thanking citizens for their support.

Tinubu Declares: “Nigeria’s Worst Days Are Over” As Imo Hosts Landmark Projects

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country’s hardest times are behind it, emphasizing that the nation is firmly on the path to recovery.

During his one-day working visit to Imo State, Tinubu commissioned the Owerri-Umuahia Road, Assumpta Flyover, and Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre. He also unveiled Governor Hope Uzodimma’s book “A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria”, describing it as a record of the APC’s journey.

Tinubu highlighted positive economic strides, noting that:

GDP grew by 4.23% in Q2 2025

Inflation dropped to 20.1% from 24.5% earlier this year

Foreign investors are regaining confidence


He urged Nigerians to remain patient as reforms take root, praised Uzodimma’s leadership, and thanked Imo residents for their continued support.

Meanwhile, other major developments across Nigeria include:

Rivers State Government cancels Independence Day parade in line with FG directive.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo insists Nnamdi Kanu’s detention equals “keeping Ndigbo behind bars,” calling for his release.

Atiku Abubakar explains absence at Olubadan’s coronation, citing protocol issues, but later paid a personal visit to congratulate the monarch.

EFCC Can Spend Resources To Jail Those Committing Naira Abuse, But Isn't Looking At Wike Chidi Odin.

In a scathing public critique, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, a respected human rights lawyer and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, has questioned the credibility and consistency of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over its silence regarding corruption allegations against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The challenge throws a spotlight on the perceived selective application of anti-graft enforcement in Nigeria.

The controversy stems from recent allegations that Wike, a former Governor of Rivers State, and his wife, Eberechi Suzette Wike, procured significant property assets in the United States. While Wike did not dispute the ownership, he claimed the properties were a gift from his father to his wife. This explanation has been met with widespread public skepticism and demands for verifiable evidence to support the claim.

Odinkalu, known for his forthright commentary, took to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle to highlight what he described as a glaring inconsistency in the EFCC's operations. He contrasted the agency's vigorous prosecution of certain offenses, such as naira abuse, with its apparent unwillingness to investigate the source of the "humongous American properties" linked to a sitting minister.

"The EFCC which can spend resources to jail those committing naira abuse, is unlooking the case of the humongous American properties of the life bencher and his wife....How does it expect anyone to treat it seriously?" Odinkalu wrote.

His statement has garnered significant traction across social media platforms, fueling a broader public debate about equality before the law and the impartiality of Nigeria's key institutions. The critique underscores a growing sentiment that the anti-graft agency’s selective enforcement erodes public trust and undermines its core mandate. By publicly calling out the EFCC, Odinkalu has amplified demands for transparency and consistent application of the law, regardless of a suspect's political stature or connections.

Peter Obi Slams Adamawa LG Bosses Over Wives’ Turkey Trip.

The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has faulted the alleged sponsorship of the wives of 21 local government chairmen in Adamawa State on a trip to Turkey, describing it as a “glaring case of waste.”
'Needless Constitutional Breach' - Peter Obi Reacts As Tinubu Ends Emergency Rule In Rivers State
In a post on his verified 𝕏 handle on Friday, Obi said the development ridiculed the very essence of governance.

He wrote, “I have just read the disturbing report that the wives of 21 local government chairmen in Adamawa State were sponsored with public funds to travel to Turkey under the guise of leadership training.

“Today, while our children at the basic education level, whose education is the responsibility of local governments, are out of school, and those in school lack classrooms and teachers.”

The former Anambra governor reminded local government officials that their funds were meant for the benefit of ordinary Nigerians.

He further stated, “Local government funds belong to the people, to the market woman, the farmer, the teacher, the pensioner, and every ordinary Nigerian who depends on government for basic amenities.”

Obi stressed that anything short of prudent and people-centred spending was an outright abuse of office.

“Anything short of that is an abuse of office and should not be condoned. This is not only a glaring case of waste but a mockery of the very essence of governance,” he added.

Fubara Dissolves Rivers Pension Board.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has dissolved the Rivers State Pensions Board with immediate effect.
Fubara Image was communicated in a Government Special Announcement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday evening by the State Head of Service, Mrs Inyingi Brown.

According to the Special Announcement, the office of the State Accountant General will handle the functions of the Board until a new board is constituted.

While no reason was given for the dissolution of the board, the statement directed members of the former board to hand over all properties and assets of the board in their possession to the Director of Administration of the Board.

The statement reads, “The Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the immediate dissolution of the Rivers State Pensions Board.

“Consequently, the Office of the Accountant General of Rivers State, henceforth, will handle the functions of the Board.

“Members of the defunct board are by this notice advised to hand over all properties and assets of the board in their possession to the Director of Administration of the Board.

“His Excellency, the Executive Governor, will in due course constitute a new board to manage the affairs of Pensions.”

Fubara was on September 18 reinstated as governor by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after he lifted the State of Emergency imposed on the South-South state.

BREAKING NEWS: The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dissolved the Rivers State Pensions Board with immediate effect.

Atiku Faults Tinubu Over Lifting of Governor Fubara’s Suspension

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the lifting of the suspension of Rivers State Governor, Simi Fubara, describing it as “nothing to celebrate.”

In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Thursday, Atiku maintained that both the suspension and its reversal were unconstitutional.

“Lifting the suspension of Governor Simi Fubara is nothing to cheer about,” he wrote.


The former Vice President argued that the suspension of Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, carried out six months ago, was illegal from the outset.

“President Tinubu had no power to suspend a democratically elected governor and state lawmakers,” Atiku stressed, adding that the action reflected the “dictatorship of the Tinubu administration.”


His remarks have since sparked wide-ranging reactions among his supporters and followers on social media, with many weighing in on the legality and political implications of the President’s intervention in Rivers politics.

Gov. Fubara visits President Tinubu to thank him for lifting the suspensions and state of emergency imposed on Rivers state.

Wike’s U.S. Property Laundering Exposed: Sowore Uncovers Florida Real Estate Transfers to Wife and Children

A new exposé by activist Omoyele Sowore has revealed a sprawling real estate laundering scheme involving Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzette Wike, a serving Court of Appeal judge. Documents obtained from Florida public records show that the couple transferred multiple U.S. properties—worth millions of dollars—into the names of their children between 2021 and 2023, using Quit Claim Deeds, a legal method often exploited to quietly conceal property ownership.

Sowore, sharing the documents publicly, accused Wike of using his political office to launder funds into U.S. real estate. The properties, located in Seminole County, Florida, were transferred to their children Jordan, Joaquin, and Jazmyne Wike, with one of the deeds executed just days after Wike assumed office as FCT Minister in August 2023.

The activist further alleged that the minister's denial of U.S. property ownership during a recent TV interview was a calculated lie, as he had directly signed the deeds. Sowore also linked these transfers to broader patterns of corruption, including Wike’s alleged abuse of office to allocate over 2,000 hectares of prime Abuja land to his son, bypassing due process and payments.

In addition, a prior report by Peoples Gazette revealed that Wike secretly acquired a $2 million mansion in Florida under the names of his wife and children, raising serious questions about his declared income and sources of wealth. The house, located at 113 Spring Creek Lane, Winter Springs, is also linked to earlier property transfers.

Sowore has since petitioned U.S. authorities, alleging money laundering, asset concealment, and trafficking in stolen public funds, urging investigation under the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative.

Justice Eberechi Wike’s U.S. Democratic Party membership was also flagged, as it violates Nigeria’s Judicial Code of Conduct, which forbids judges from holding partisan affiliations.

Wike, Nigeria’s former Rivers State governor and now a key minister under President Bola Tinubu, has repeatedly denied all allegations.

Fubara Storms Hometown After Returning to Rivers Govt House.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Sunday visited his hometown, Opobo, where he worshipped at St. Paul’s Cathedral, days after resuming at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

Fubara’s visit came barely 48 hours after the governor returned to office following the lifting of the six-month emergency rule in the state.

During his statewide broadcast on Friday, Fubara acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s role in brokering peace among key stakeholders, including Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“We believe the political crisis is now behind us and that peace and stability have once again returned to Rivers State,” the governor said, pledging renewed commitment to reconciliation and effective governance.

Fubara also outlined plans to complete ongoing projects in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, revive the state’s economy, and strengthen cooperation with the House of Assembly. He urged citizens to set aside divisions and unite in building what he described as “a stronger, more peaceful and prosperous Rivers State.”

The governor expressed gratitude to Tinubu, the National Assembly, political leaders, religious groups, and the people of Rivers State for their resilience and patience during the months of political uncertainty.

Wike Dismisses Heart Attack Rumors, Calls Them Politically Motivated

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has debunked viral social media reports alleging that he suffered a heart attack, dismissing the claims as false and politically motivated.

In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike mocked those behind the rumors, wishing them “more heart attacks” for spreading lies.

“I hear they have heart attacks. God will continue to help them to have heart attacks,” Wike said.


The former Rivers State governor also taunted his critics, suggesting he was prepared to sign their condolence letters when their malicious wishes backfired.

“It is my prayer I will sign their condolences. Very soon I will write a letter that says, ‘We are sorry we loved him, but take heart because it’s God that gives and God that has taken,’” he added.

Wike condemned the politicization of falsehood, questioning the credibility of those fabricating such claims.

“See the level we are. We play politics with everything. How somebody can sit down and write all kinds of things. Where the person saw me, I don’t know; if he saw me at the hospital, I don’t know,” he stated.

The FCT Minister maintained that the rumors were baseless, urging Nigerians to disregard them.