By John Akubo, Abuja The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has expressed apprehension over possible backlash after the controversial Social Media Bill passed its second reading in the Senate on Tuesday. Akpabio, speaking in his closing remark, noted that the bill is not designed to suppress free speech but rather to create a structured digital economy. The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, to Mandate the Establishment of Physical Offices within the Territorial Boundaries of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Social Media Platforms, and for Related Matters (SB. 648),”…
Author: National Update
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vehemently rejected President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it a blatant violation of the 1999 Constitution and an attempt to overthrow democracy. In a statement issued by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party condemned Tinubu’s suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, arguing that no constitutional provision grants the President powers to remove an elected governor without due process. The key points in PDP rejection Violation of Democratic Rights: The party described the move as an “attack on democracy”, stating that only the…
I have just picked up my phone after breaking my fast to find multiple missed calls and countless messages about an alarming development: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. If this is true, then I must ask: Who advised the President to take this course of action? Whoever it is, they are certainly not a friend of his administration, nor do they have the best interests of Nigeria at heart. How could the President willingly walk into a raging inferno with his eyes wide open? No, no, no… this must be the…
***The declaration of State of Emergency in Rivers State, While Appearing politically driven, has shown no good intentions President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent actions in Rivers State have raised serious concerns about the state of Nigeria’s democracy. By suspending Governor Sim Fubara and appointing a sole administrator, Tinubu has flagrantly disregarded the Constitution and undermined the principles of democracy. The selective application of the State of Emergency decree in Rivers State, while ignoring other states plagued by similar or even worse security challenges, raises questions about the motivations behind such a decision. The Constitution is clear: a governor can only…
Rivers State is on high alert following two major pipeline explosions within 16 hours, raising fears of possible coordinated attacks on critical oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta. The latest blast occurred Tuesday morning at a manifold in Okwawriwa, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA (ONELGA), setting off a massive fire that disrupted crude oil transportation from key operators, including Seplat, Agip, and Shell. This explosion followed a similar incident at the Trans-Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana LGA, which is operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). The pipeline, a major conduit for crude exports to the Bonny Terminal, was severely impacted. Security analysts…
By Ehichioya Ezomon As the three-man Election Petitions Tribunal (EPT) reserved judgment in the petitions against the declaration of Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State, we’re reminded, as per Muhammad JSC, in Olonade vs Sowemimo (2014) LPELR-22914(SC), 27 – in explaining the meaning of the standard of proof in civil cases, (and) the balance of probabilities – that: “The court decides which side’s evidence is heavier, not by the number of witnesses called by either party or on the basis of the one being oral and the other being documentary, but…
Amid escalating political turmoil in Rivers State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. In a nationwide broadcast on March 18, 2025, Tinubu cited constitutional breaches, security threats, and the breakdown of governance as key reasons for his intervention. Key Highlights of the President’s Speech included: The Supreme Court had ruled on February 28 that the absence of a functioning legislature in Rivers rendered the government non-existent. Tinubu accused Governor Fubara of…
As part of its humanitarian efforts to support the less privileged during the holy month of Ramadan, the Dangote Foundation has distributed 1,500 bags of rice* to persons with disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable groups in Rano Local Government Area, Kano State. Flagging off the distribution, the Chairman of Rano Local Government, Malam Muhammad Naziru Yau, commended the Dangote Foundation for its timely intervention. He emphasized that the initiative would provide much-needed relief to struggling families during this sacred period and called on other wealthy individuals to emulate the gesture. Also speaking at the event, Kano State Hisbah Commandant, Sheikh…
Prominent Kogi State politician, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim (AbuIbro), has extended his heartfelt felicitations to all Muslim faithful in Kogi State and across Nigeria as they observe the holy month of Ramadan. In his goodwill message, AbuIbro prayed for divine blessings, wisdom, and protection for all Muslims during this sacred period. “O Allah, fill our hearts with wisdom and grant us patience. Protect us all from harm, increase our faith, and guide our actions towards goodness. O Allah, strengthen our sincerity in worship and grant us steadfastness in this holy month of Ramadan fasting. Ameen.” He urged Muslims to embrace the…
Former Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Shehu Sani, has challenged ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai* to publicly present evidence supporting his allegations that Governor Uba Sani diverted local government funds for personal gain. A Shehu Sani, a well-known Civil Rights Activist, dismissed El-Rufai’s claims in an interview over the weekend, reiterating on Monday in a discussion with National Update that no such diversion took place. He described the allegations as a “fabricated attempt to smear the Governor’s name,” particularly in light of the ongoing *N420 billion corruption probe against El-Rufai’s administration. “If El-Rufai has any proof that Governor Uba Sani purchased…