Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has emphasized the need for stringent legal action against oil thieves, citing their devastating impact on Nigeria’s economy and energy sector.

Hosting the Senate Committee on Incessant Crude Oil Theft, chaired by Senator Ned Nwoko, at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday, Ibas called for stronger prosecution frameworks to deter criminal networks sabotaging national revenue.

According to a statement by his media aide, Hector Igbikiowubo, Ibas described the current punishment for offenders as too lenient, saying it emboldens further criminal activity.

“Your presence here is both significant and timely. Crude oil theft strikes at the heart of Nigeria’s economic survival, undermining President Bola Tinubu’s reforms to boost oil production and fund national infrastructure,” Ibas stated.

He applauded the committee’s efforts to investigate the extent of crude oil theft across states and terminals, expressing optimism that their findings would fortify Nigeria’s economic recovery.

Highlighting progress in Rivers State, Ibas cited ongoing efforts to tackle pipeline vandalism through enhanced intelligence and inter-agency collaboration.

“As a major oil-producing state, we are committed to eliminating threats to production. Our goal is a secure, tech-driven monitoring framework to safeguard assets and boost output,” he said.

“Strict prosecution of offenders will ensure convicted oil thieves face deterrent penalties,” he added.

Responding, Senator Ned Nwoko reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to tracing and dismantling theft operations.

“We need Rivers State’s support to end this menace. Big-time thieves operate in international waters, and we must collaborate to secure Nigeria’s resources,” Nwoko said.

In a surprising turn of events, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Anambra State, Patrick Obianyo, has officially resigned from the race, citing personal health concerns and the strain of the campaign.

His resignation came during the party’s Governorship Substitution Primary Election held at Hyton Hotel in Awka, the state capital.

Obianyo, who previously served as Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Anambra, explained his decision was made in good faith and with optimism for the party’s future.

“Please, stop calling me His Excellency. That name has stopped today, not regrettably, but happily because I’m happy to have resigned and hand over the baton to a more capable hand, Mr. John Nwosu, to lead us to victory in the November 8 governorship race in the state,” he stated, noting that stress from the candidacy had affected his blood pressure.

The substitution primary, overseen by officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), concluded with John Nwosu being elected unopposed.

Nwosu, who had previously aspired to the governorship under the Labour Party, was selected via a voice vote conducted by the returning officer, Chief Anayo Arinze, in accordance with party procedures and electoral regulations.

In his acceptance remarks, Nwosu pledged to bring transformative leadership to Anambra.

“Today marks another important junction in our efforts to rescue Anambra. We will partner with ADC, her alliance, and coalition partners to form a formidable opposition that will dislodge the incumbent administration,” he announced.

Highlighting continuity in his political objectives, Nwosu assured party members and supporters of his unwavering commitment.

“I am glad to be part of the larger ADC family. Much work remains to be done. Let’s go and get the job done,” he said.

Ben Chuks Nwosu, John Nwosu’s campaign director and legal adviser, also spoke at the event. He portrayed his principal as a humble leader with vast experience.

“John Nwosu is an ICT guru and a billionaire in different currencies, but humble like the former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi,” he said, drawing a comparison to one of the state’s most respected political figures.

Saraki,

In a bid to resolve ongoing internal tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a high-powered delegation led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki visited Enugu State on Friday for a crucial meeting with Governor Peter Mbah, who is regarded as the Southeast leader of the party.

The delegation, operating under the banner of the PDP Special Reconciliation Committee, included prominent members such as former Bayelsa Governor Senator Seriake Dickson and former Gombe Governor Dr. Ibrahim Dankwambo.

The closed-door session took place at the Enugu Government House and comes amid rising discord following the nomination of Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye to complete the tenure of the party’s National Secretary.

The recent decision by the PDP’s Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) sparked controversy, with regional leaders warning they might withdraw their loyalty if their position is not respected.

After the meeting, Saraki briefed reporters, outlining the committee’s mission to stabilize the party and ensure cohesion ahead of major national events.

“We are here as members of the PDP Reconciliation and Strategy Committee, set up by the PDP Governors’ Forum, to ensure that the coming NEC and convention are smooth and free of rancor,” he explained.

He emphasized the strategic significance of the Southeast, stating: “This is the first state we are coming to because we appreciate the importance of the Southeast in our PDP family. As you all know, the Southeast has played a key role as the bedrock of the popularity and the strength of our party.”

Saraki further praised Governor Mbah for his role in maintaining party unity and governance in Enugu State.

“In recognition of that, we are here to consult with him and first to commend him on the leadership role he has been playing in the party. More importantly also, to commend what he is doing in Enugu State, which is a reflection for Nigerians to see what happens when you have a PDP government,” he said.

He affirmed the group’s commitment to ensuring a productive and harmonious national convention.

“In doing that, we discussed how we will ensure that we carry out the assignment given to us and go ahead to have our NEC and our convention. We will have one that is rancor-free and smooth, peaceful and lays the foundation for the PDP that we all are wishing for,” he added.

Describing the engagement as fruitful, Saraki concluded: “We have had a very good discussion. Frankly, we have had a very, very useful discussion.”

“We are going away with some of the suggestions that we have here and hopefully work on that. With this, we can say here in Enugu we laid the foundation for a greater new PDP that is coming.”

He noted the optimism among party stakeholders in the region: “What we have also seen today is that there is nothing insurmountable in the challenge ahead and the spirit, the commitment of all of us, especially our leaders, is very very inspiring.”

The Supreme Court has struck out a lawsuit filed by all 36 state governments and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) challenging the federal government’s management and allocation of recovered looted assets.

In a unanimous decision delivered on Friday by a seven-member panel, the apex court ruled that the case was filed in the wrong court.

While Justice Chidiebere Uwa prepared the judgment, it was read by Justice Mohammed Idris.

The court found that the states had “wrongly invoked its jurisdiction,” ruling that the subject of the suit falls under the Federal High Court’s purview rather than the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction. The case had been filed under suit number SC/CV/395/2021.

The states contended that “between 2015 and 2021 when the suit was filed, the FG has secured both international and municipal forfeiture, recovery and repatriation of ‘stolen assets’ in the sum of ₦1,836,906,543,658.73, about 167 properties, 450 cars, 300 trucks and cargoes, and 20,000,000 barrels of crude oil worth over ₦450 million,” alleging that these were not properly remitted.

They accused the Federal Government of diverting the recovered assets into accounts not recognised by the Constitution, particularly the Consolidated Revenue Accounts (CRA), instead of the Federation Account, which they argued is the only constitutionally valid repository.

The plaintiffs claimed that “the CRA is the account into which FG’s share from the Federation Account, other federal earnings and funds belonging to specific state governments are paid.”

They emphasized that other revenues payable to the CRA include “receipts from federal government licenses and land revenue, administrative fees, earnings and sales, rent of government property, interests from federal government investments, repayments from state governments, Personal Income Tax of Armed Forces and others.”

According to them, the creation of the Asset Recovery Account and Interim Forfeiture Recovery Account through which recovered assets were allegedly channeled contradicted constitutional provisions.

They said: “By establishing the Asset Recovery Account and Interim Forfeiture Recovery Account, into which revenue from recovered assets was to be paid, the Asset Recovery Regulation contradicts the provisions of the Constitution.”

The plaintiffs maintained that “numerous recoveries of illegally acquired assets have been secured through anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies,” referencing institutions such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigerian Police Force, and the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

They cited sections 162(1), 162(10), and 80 of the Constitution as well as section 2 of the Finance (Control and Management) Act, 1958, to support their claim that all such funds should be deposited into the Federation Account.

“It is unconstitutional to remit or divert revenue payable into the Federation Account to the Consolidated Revenue Account of the Federal Government or any other account whatsoever, or to apply the said revenue to any other purpose,” they argued.

In their prayers to the court, the states requested a declaration “that by the provisions of Section 162(1) and Section 162(10) of the Constitution of all income, returns, proceeds or receipts howsoever described derived from confiscated, forfeited and/or recovered assets constitute revenue of the federal republic of Nigeria, must be remitted to the Federation Account for the collective benefit of the federal, state and local governments.”

They also asked for an order compelling the Federal Government to return ₦1.8 trillion in cash and ₦450 billion in non-cash assets recovered since 2015 to the Federation Account.

Additionally, the plaintiffs sought a court order mandating the President and other relevant federal agencies to provide “a detailed account of the recovered assets that are not remitted into the Federation Account.”

Finally, they urged the Supreme Court to compel the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC) to establish “modalities for distributing recovered assets among the federating units.”

Supporters of former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola have sparked political buzz following a public display of support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

The group, during Atiku’s visit to Aregbesola’s residence in Osun on Friday, sang songs in his praise and declared their opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s anticipated re-election bid in 2027.

Atiku, who shared footage of the visit on his X account, was greeted by Yoruba praise singers dressed in coordinated white outfits and yellow caps.

The musical welcome quickly evolved from a cultural performance to an overt political message.

“Atiku is Aregbesola’s ally. Atiku is our father. Atiku is our person,” they chanted, with the rhythmic beat of the talking drum. The chorus then shifted to a direct political message: “In 2027, Tinubu will fall down.”

This public show of support comes as talks of a united opposition front to unseat Tinubu in 2027 gain momentum.

Aregbesola, once a trusted ally of the president, fell out with Tinubu during a rift over the politics of Osun State.

Gboyega Oyetola, Tinubu’s associate and relative, succeeded Aregbesola as governor in 2018.

However, Aregbesola later opposed Oyetola’s re-election efforts, deepening the political divide.

Their strained relationship reached a low point when Aregbesola ridiculed Tinubu during a 2022 rally, saying the president was “urinating on himself.”

Although Aregbesola would later ask for Tinubu’s forgiveness and publicly referred to him as his “political benefactor,” his recent alignment with Atiku suggests a possible return to active opposition politics, potentially as part of a coalition aimed at ending Tinubu’s tenure in 2027.

President Bola Tinubu expressed expectations of more political defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the APC Renewed Hope Agenda Summit held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, on Thursday, President Tinubu remarked,

“You don’t expect people to remain in a sinking ship without a life jacket. I am happy with what we have accomplished and expecting more people to come; that’s the game.”

The summit was attended by party leaders, the National Working Committee, the leadership of the National Assembly, and the Progressive Governors’ Forum, all of whom collectively endorsed President Tinubu for a second term.

The President highlighted the administration’s focus on long-term economic reforms, which have garnered positive reviews both domestically and internationally.

He emphasized that defection is a natural part of the political process, stating,

“A one-party system is not suitable for democracy. We are one party ruling and carrying on with the aspirations of Nigerians.”

President Tinubu acknowledged the constitutional right of citizens to choose their associations, adding,

“I thank every one of you. I am thoroughly inspired. We are just halfway through the journey that started 24 months ago.”

He expressed gratitude to members of the Federal Executive Council for their dedication to the vision of a better Nigeria and to the party leadership and National Assembly for their support.

The President reiterated the administration’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s challenges by rebuilding trust, fostering prosperity, and restoring the nation’s economic trajectory. He stated,

“Through our Renewed Hope Agenda, our administration pledged to tackle economic instability, improve security nationwide, reduce corruption, reform governance, and lift our people out of poverty.”

Regarding economic reforms, President Tinubu noted the necessity of tough decisions, asserting,

“Yes, we encountered challenges when we assumed office in May 2023, but we have made progress by implementing difficult, long overdue but necessary economic reforms.”

He pointed to the elimination of arbitrage-driven multiple foreign exchanges and upcoming tax reforms as steps toward attracting foreign direct investments, which will ultimately create jobs and improve the standard of living for Nigerians.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, commended President Tinubu’s inspiring and visionary leadership, expressing support for his second term bid.

Governor Uzodimma moved a motion passing a vote of confidence in the President, which was seconded by the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, also lauded the President for his inclusive leadership and pledged their support for his re-election.

The APC Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, who led the National Working Committee members to endorse President Tinubu for a second term, urged party members to reject internal sabotage, engage communities, listen to citizens, and build a political structure beyond elections.

He emphasized the importance of rallying behind the President and supporting the party’s policies to deliver the Renewed Hope Nigerians rightfully deserve.

The summit served as a platform to review the administration’s two-year performance across key economic sectors, including health, infrastructure, and security.