The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State has suspended Kabir Sani-Giant, the Special Adviser to Governor Nasir Idris on Power and Politics, over an unusual incident at the Government House.

In a statement released in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday, the party’s state secretary, Alhaji Sa’idu Muhammad-Kimba, confirmed the immediate suspension of Sani-Giant.

According to Muhammad-Kimba, the decision followed an incident on February 8, 2025, when the aide allegedly brought a snake into Government House, causing panic among officials, dignitaries, and other attendees.

The party condemned the act as inappropriate and embarrassing, stating that it had the potential to tarnish the APC’s image.

“Sani-Giant’s suspension remains in effect while further investigations are conducted. Any recurrence of such behavior could lead to expulsion from the party,” Muhammad-Kimba stated.

He emphasized that the APC viewed the conduct as a serious violation of its principles and standards, warranting immediate disciplinary action.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has attributed the failure to implement the 2014 National Conference report to political betrayals and efforts by certain individuals to undermine his administration.

Jonathan made this revelation during a condolence visit to the residence of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, where he was accompanied by former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Koroma, PDP chieftain Bode George, former NDDC Managing Director Timi Alaibe, and Badagry Port Development Limited CEO Didi Ndiomu, among others.

Reflecting on the challenges of his administration, Jonathan stated that some powerful figures—including the then Speaker of the House of Representatives—actively worked against him, creating a hostile political climate that made it impossible to implement the confab’s recommendations.

“The political turbulence at the time was overwhelming. Some individuals were determined to bring my government down, and that was a major reason why the 2014 National Conference report could not be implemented,” he said.

Despite these setbacks, Jonathan expressed pride in the conference, which brought together over 500 delegates from different backgrounds to deliberate on key national issues.

He maintained that the recommendations were free from political bias and could still serve as a blueprint for addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

Expressing optimism, he said, “The report contains valuable proposals that can positively transform the country. I believe that one day, the right leadership will revisit and implement it.”

During the visit, Jonathan also paid tribute to Pa Adebanjo, describing him as a national hero and a pillar of democratic struggle.

Similarly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who also visited Adebanjo’s residence, lauded the late Afenifere leader as a committed democrat and a defender of progressive ideals.

Atiku was accompanied by media personality Dele Momodu and Lagos PDP governorship candidate Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), among others.

Tension is mounting among local government chairmen elected under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, following the Supreme Court’s ruling on February 28, 2025, which invalidated the local government elections conducted in Rivers State.

DAILY GAZETTE recalls that in September 2024, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court had restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the voters’ register for the Rivers State local government elections due to INEC’s failure to update it as required by law.

The ruling was based on Section 150 of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates that local government elections must now follow the same procedure as Area Council elections.

A similar legal challenge is currently unfolding in Enugu State.

On September 10, 2024, the opposition Action Alliance (AA) filed an Originating Summons at the Federal High Court, Enugu Judicial Division (Suit No. FHC/EN/CS/157/2024), through its lawyer, Chukwunonso Daniel Ogbe.

The party is contesting the validity of the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC)-conducted local government elections, arguing that INEC failed to publicly display the voters’ register at least 90 days before the polls, as required by Sections 19(1), 104, and 150 of the Electoral Act 2022.

Despite the pending suit, ENSIEC proceeded with the September 21, 2024, local government elections, in which the PDP won all 17 council seats.

The case, being defended by Tanimu Inuwa, SAN (for INEC) and Dr. Kingsley Udeh, the Enugu State Attorney General (for ENSIEC), is scheduled for hearing before Justice M.G. Umar on May 15, 2025.

With the Supreme Court’s recognition of Section 150 of the Electoral Act as binding for local government elections nationwide, political actors in Enugu are closely watching how the case unfolds, as it could have far-reaching implications for the legitimacy of the current local government administration in the

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents that his administration will implement the Supreme Court’s recent verdict after reviewing its Certified True Copy (CTC).

The Supreme Court, in a ruling on Friday, nullified the local government elections held in Rivers State on October 5, 2024.

In response, Governor Fubara, during a state broadcast on Sunday, stated that he has consulted with his legal team, who expect to obtain the CTC by Friday, March 7, 2025.

Reaffirming his commitment to upholding the rule of law, Fubara directed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to assume control of the 23 local government councils.

This move follows the court’s ruling that invalidated the tenure of the outgoing local government chairmen.

He further instructed the outgoing chairmen to formally hand over to the HLGAs by Monday, March 3, 2025.

Amid political uncertainties in the state, the governor urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that his administration is committed to governance and due process.

In a separate ruling on Friday, the Supreme Court barred the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant General of the Federation from releasing funds to the Rivers State Government until it complies with previous court orders.

Additionally, the court dismissed Governor Fubara’s appeal against the legitimacy of the House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, and ordered the Assembly to resume sitting immediately.

Governor Fubara, in his statewide address, reiterated his administration’s resolve to abide by constitutional principles and move the state forward.

Read Full Speech Of Fubara’s Broadcast Below: STATEWIDE BROADCAST BY THE GOVERNOR OF RIVERS STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, SIR SIMINALAYI FUBARA, GSSRS, ON SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2025, ON THE RECENT JUDGMENTS OF THE SUPREME COURT.

1. My dear people of Rivers State, we are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgments and pronouncements regarding aspects of the lingering political disputes in our dear State.

2. Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government.

3. Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our Constitution, due process and the rule of law.

4. While we are not above mistakes because we are humans, we believe that we have not, as a government, done anything deliberately to trample on the rule of law or the hallowed principles of constitutional governance.

5. Accordingly, I have had a meeting with my team of lawyers, and they have assured me that the certified true copy of the judgments may be available to them by Friday, 7th March, 2025.

6. I assure you that upon the receipt of certified judgments, we shall study their ramifications and implement them without reservations to move the State forward.

7. Furthermore, given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system, I hereby direct the Heads of Local Government Administration to immediately take over the administration of the 23 local government councils pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.

8. I further direct the outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over the levers of power to the Heads of Local Government Administration by Monday, 3rd March 2025.

9. Although our dear State seems to be back in trying times, I urge everyone to remain calm and peacefully go about with their legitimate daily activities as we continue to do everything in our power to advance our responsibilities to the citizens.

10. Thank you, and may God bless Rivers State.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has described Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe as a courageous leader who takes risks for the good of his people.

Speaking at Abaribe’s 70th birthday celebration on Saturday at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia, Akpabio commended the senator’s boldness, particularly recalling his decision to stand as a surety for the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“When he signed the bail bond for Nnamdi Kanu, many questioned why he would take such a risk. But he told me he was prepared to go to prison on Kanu’s behalf,” Akpabio said.

He praised Abaribe’s steadfast leadership, calling him a “counselor, prophet, and lover of humanity” who has made significant sacrifices for the peace and progress of Nigeria.

Akpabio, who attended the event with his wife, Unoma, and several senators, acknowledged Abaribe’s role in his emergence as Senate President.

“My wife and I came to celebrate a man of integrity. Abaribe is a role model whose word is his bond. His unwavering commitment to his people has made him politically untouchable,” Akpabio stated, adding that Abaribe’s grassroots support ensures he remains a formidable political force.

During the event, Akpabio also extended an invitation to Abia State Governor Alex Otti to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying, “The day you join the APC, you will see how I will celebrate you.”

He commended Otti for organizing a state banquet in Abaribe’s honor, calling it a wise investment.

“When the Governor seeks re-election, he will realize this was money well spent. Abaribe’s grace will rub off on him,” he added.

In his remarks, Governor Otti praised Abaribe as a fearless leader who has made significant contributions to Abia State and Nigeria. However, he made it clear that the event was not about politics.

“This is not a political gathering. Politicians think about the next election, but leaders think about the next generation. I am simply fulfilling the scripture that calls for honoring elders,” Otti said.

He also dismissed recent speculations that he was secretly negotiating with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in London, affirming that his focus remains on governance.

“Someone claimed I want to join the PDP. How? In the coming days, we will celebrate other distinguished Abians, including Senator Chris Adighije of APC and music legends like Bright Chimezie and Paulson Kalu. What we are doing transcends politics,” Otti explained.

Addressing broader issues affecting the Southeast, Otti called on the federal government to tackle the root causes of agitation in the region.

“The Biafra struggle is not just about Nnamdi Kanu—it is about the Biafra of the mind. Our people seek equality, not preferential treatment. We are enterprising and only ask for fair opportunities,” Otti stated.

A visibly elated Senator Abaribe thanked Governor Otti for the honor, acknowledging the governor’s strides in healthcare and other sectors.

The event also marked the unveiling of Abaribe’s new book, Unbundled, with several dignitaries in attendance, including:

• Former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara
• Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Peter Nwebonyi
• Senator Victor Umeh
• Former Minister of Power, Professor Bart Nnaji
• Elder statesman Chief Onyema Ugochukwu
• House of Representatives member Hon. Alex Ikwecheghi (APGA)

Ugochukwu commended Otti for fostering unity in Abia by celebrating distinguished individuals beyond party lines. Ikwecheghi described Abaribe as a “dogged fighter and hero of the Igbo nation,” applauding his unwavering commitment to defending his people.

Former Governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa, has claimed that politicians with enough financial resources can manipulate Nigeria’s electoral process by buying key institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, and the army to secure electoral victories.

Speaking on Edmund Obilo’s State Affairs political podcast, Udenwa lamented that Nigerian voters no longer scrutinize the character, track record, or integrity of those seeking political office.

“Unfortunately, our society has reached a point where, if you ask for votes, people no longer question your background, capabilities, or character. Even if the electorate refuses to vote for you, you can still buy your way through—if you have the right amount of money,” he said.

When asked if politicians could outrightly purchase electoral bodies and security forces, Udenwa responded emphatically, “You can buy everybody.”

The former governor expressed concerns over the deep-rooted influence of money in Nigerian elections, warning that unless the trend is curbed, the country will continue to struggle with electing the right leaders.

On the internal crisis plaguing the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Udenwa, a member of the party’s Board of Trustees, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of fueling the discord.

While acknowledging that the PDP has internal challenges, he insisted that external forces—allegedly linked to the APC—are working to destabilize the party from within.

“There are external hands trying to destroy the PDP through internal sources. We are still battling the problem, and I believe PDP will not be destroyed,” Udenwa stated.

Although he refrained from naming individuals allegedly used by the APC to undermine the PDP, he asserted that the party is aware of the ruling party’s interference and remains committed to resolving its internal conflicts.