Sources close to the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, have told DAILY GAZETTE that the former Anambra State governor will be in Enugu tomorrow.

Although the purpose of his visit remains unclear, analysts suggest it may not be unconnected with political permutations ahead of the 2027 elections.

Obi, who has remained vocal on governance and economic issues since the last presidential election, has made several visits to different parts of the country, engaging stakeholders across various sectors.

His upcoming presence in Enugu has fueled speculation about possible consultations with political allies, business leaders, and key figures in the southeast.

A top political strategist, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that “Obi’s visit to Enugu at this time is significant. Enugu remains a political nerve center of the southeast, and any move by a major political player like Obi naturally raises interest. He may be here for private engagements, but it is hard to separate his activities from politics.”

However, another source said “Peter Obi’s visits often cut across politics, economy, and social engagements. He may be here for consultations, policy discussions, or even personal commitments.”

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has condemned the National Assembly for approving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to validate emergency rule in Rivers State through a voice vote.

In a series of posts on his X handle on Thursday, Obi argued that such an approach to a crucial national matter was a violation of constitutional provisions.

He had earlier urged members of the National Assembly not to support the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

“While still agonizing over the ongoing deterioration of democracy in our nation, especially with the situation in Rivers State, and trying to reach out to our National Assembly members not to support and sustain the unconstitutionality and arbitrariness, I just heard that they have added salt to injury by using a voice vote.

“The Constitution is clear that this cannot be done through a voice vote but by calling individuals to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’. You cannot determine a two-thirds majority by a voice vote.”

Obi emphasized that while achieving a two-thirds majority was necessary, it must be done through a transparent process that upholds constitutional principles.

“While a two-thirds majority is crucial, it does not justify bypassing proper procedures and undermining the principles of transparency and accountability. The use of a voice vote in such a significant decision not only disregards constitutional requirements but also erodes public trust in the democratic process. Decisions of such magnitude must be made with integrity, following the letter and spirit of the law.

“It’s disheartening that a decision as crucial as approving an emergency proclamation — one that could alter the course of the nation — was handled with such casual disregard for constitutional standards. The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) clearly requires that such a proclamation must be approved by at least two-thirds of all members of each House — the Senate and the House of Representatives. A simple call of ‘Aye’ or ‘Nay’ cannot accurately measure this crucial threshold.”

He argued that when a supermajority is required, proper voting methods such as division, roll call, or electronic voting must be used.

He further stressed that this was not merely a procedural issue but a fundamental question of legality and legitimacy.

“This is not just a technicality; it is a matter of law and legitimacy, as the Senate Standing Orders and House Rules were established to ensure that decisions of this magnitude are made transparently, with accountability.”

Obi described the National Assembly’s actions as a betrayal of democratic principles.

“Ignoring these procedures is not just an oversight, but a betrayal of the democratic process.

“A voice vote for such a critical matter is not just insufficient; it’s a dangerous precedent. If we can bend the rules so easily, what stops us from undermining other pillars of democracy? Today, it’s a voice vote on a state of emergency—tomorrow, it could be a voice vote on citizens’ fundamental rights.

“It is painful to think that members of the National Assembly, who swore to uphold the Constitution, could participate in a process that sidesteps the very essence of due process. We must ask ourselves: If the law no longer anchors our decisions, then what does?”

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Sir Similanayi Fubara, has responded to the claims made by President Bola Tinubu during the broadcast declaring a state of emergency in the state.

President Tinubu had, in his address, announced the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, appointing a sole administrator to oversee the state.

In his statement, Tinubu alleged that Fubara had undermined governance by demolishing the State House of Assembly without rebuilding it and failing to prevent security threats posed by militants.

“It is public knowledge that the Governor of Rivers State for unjustifiable reasons, demolished the House of Assembly of the state as far back as 13th December 2023 and has, up until now, fourteen (14) months after, not rebuilt same. I have made personal interventions between the contending parties for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, but my efforts have been largely ignored by the parties to the crisis.

“A government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state under the 1999 Constitution as amended. In this case, the head of the executive arm of the government has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him to govern without the legislature as a despot. As it is, there is no government in Rivers State… Some militants had threatened fire and brimstone against their perceived enemy of the governor who has up till now NOT disowned them.

“The latest security reports made available to me show that between yesterday and today there have been disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by some militants without the governor taking any action to curtail them.”

In response, Fubara, through his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, refuted these claims, insisting that he has actively worked to prevent criminal activities and has made significant progress in reconstructing the Assembly complex.

“There was also another claim that after demolishing the Hallowed Chambers of the State House of Assembly on Moscow Road in Port Harcourt, the Governor did nothing to rebuild the facility.

“Ordinarily, we would have ignored the statements as mere results of lack of adequate information to the Presidency by those tasked with the responsibility of providing same to guide decision-making, but it has become imperative to set the records straight and correct the erroneous impression such narratives are creating in the minds of the Nigerian people.

“First, it is important to clarify that Governor Fubara has nothing to do with the threats by militants and also did not in any way ‘telegraph’ the reported attacks on any oil facility in the State.”

Fubara attributed the tensions in the state to controversial comments made by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), particularly regarding the Ijaw ethnic group. He noted that Wike had refused to apologize despite widespread calls for him to do so.

“It is on record that the reaction of stakeholders in the Niger Delta, especially elders, chiefs, women, Ijaw National Congress, its youth wing, IYC, as well as militants, among others, was triggered by remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, in a live media chat, during which he dismissed Ijaws as a minority of the minorities and powerless in the Nigerian polity, saying that Ijaws are not the only ones that are militants and can blow up pipelines; that Ogonis, Ikwerres, and others are also militants and can as well blow up pipelines.”

“Most of the Ijaw groups and leaders even demanded an apology from the FCT Minister, which he rebuffed.

“Available public records show that Governor Fubara, on several occasions and at every forum, including all the project commissioning events as well as the handover of the AW139 Helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force, between March 3 and 13, 2025, made it clear that his administration was committed to the peace, security, and safety of oil facilities in the State.

“He often recalled his pivotal role as a member of the Presidential Committee on the Protection of Oil Installations in the Region, and repeatedly emphasized the need to protect oil pipelines and other facilities in the State, urging his supporters and the people of the State to avoid acts capable of destabilizing the State or sabotaging the nation’s economy.

“Since inception as the Chief Executive of Rivers State, Governor Fubara has prioritized investment in upscaling the welfare and operational equipment of all personnel and arms of the Armed Forces and security agencies in the State by building livable office and residential accommodation for officers and men and donating vehicles, gunboats, helicopters, and other critical needs of the formations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the performance of their duties.

“His commitment to total peace and good governance in the State has contributed significantly to increased oil production and revenues for the country since May 29, 2023, as the continuous rise in the accruable revenue from the State into the Federation Account has shown over the months.

“On the claim that the Governor acted with impunity to demolish the Hallowed Chambers of the State House of Assembly and did nothing to rebuild the Chambers 14 months after, it is on record that Governor Fubara acted based on professional advice and guidance.

“Let it be clarified that the former Governor and now FCT Minister repeatedly criticized the dilapidated and leaking Assembly Complex, and during the commissioning of the Assembly Quarters in August 2022, challenged the lawmakers to take responsibility for the poor state of the edifice, rejecting requests to rebuild it to ensure a conducive legislative environment for the lawmakers.

“It must be noted that immediately after the incident of October 29, 2023, and experts’ reports, the Government decided to heed the age-old demands of the lawmakers to rebuild the facility and promptly demolished the dilapidated structure to give way to a state-of-the-art Assembly Complex, which is now nearly 80 percent completed.

“It would be recalled that in the wake of the most peaceful and violence-free Local Government election in the State on the 5th of October, 2024, the supporters of the FCT Minister violently attacked and razed facilities in some local government council secretariats without any reprisals from Governor Fubara’s supporters.

“It is also pertinent to draw the attention of security agencies to the fact that LGAs where those attacks were unleashed are the same places that have repeatedly witnessed violence perpetrated by detractors of the Governor Fubara-led administration.

“This is why it is important for the security agencies to focus on the real purveyors of violence, critically evaluate these incidents, and diligently undertake investigations to unravel the elements behind the crimes and bring them to justice without let or hindrance.

“It is clearly untrue that somebody who has all the while preached peace and non-violence, even in the face of extreme provocations, would be ‘telegraphing attacks on oil pipelines’ and breaching the peace he has worked so hard to promote and sustain for the good of the people of the State.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has affirmed that opposition figures across Nigeria are now prepared to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Since his defeat in the 2023 election, Atiku has been actively engaging with key opposition leaders to strategize on reclaiming power from the ruling party.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Thursday, alongside other opposition figures, Atiku described the gathering as a significant step toward consolidating opposition efforts ahead of the next election cycle.

When asked if the press conference marked the formal formation of an opposition coalition, Atiku responded, “this is the birth of the coalition of opposition ahead of 2027.”

His remarks come in the wake of President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, which saw the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the members of the State House of Assembly.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures.

During the press briefing, Atiku accused Tinubu’s administration of favoritism, stating that governance should be based on democratic principles rather than selective political interests.

Among the prominent opposition leaders present at the event were Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, represented by Yunusa Tanko; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal; former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai; National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ameh; and Convener of the Alternative, Segun Showunmi, among others.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed appreciation to the National Assembly for approving the state of emergency in Rivers State, describing the decision as a crucial step toward restoring stability and protecting the national economy.

In a statement released on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu commended the leadership of both the Senate and House of Representatives for prioritizing the security and welfare of Rivers State over political affiliations.

He acknowledged Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, principal officers, and other lawmakers for their commitment to national unity.

“The crisis in Rivers State was at a perilous tipping point, threatening the security of vital oil and gas installations and undermining the national economy and the significant progress we have made in the reforms initiated since our administration commenced in May 2023,” Tinubu said.

He emphasized that the National Assembly’s decision followed a detailed review of classified security reports, which underscored the urgency of taking action to prevent further deterioration.

“As I detailed in my address to the nation on 18 March, the near-total collapse of governance, threats to federal economic assets, and the risk of widespread violence left no room for hesitation. This emergency measure is a lifeline to safeguard livelihoods, secure critical infrastructure, and restore democratic accountability,” he added.

During a nationwide emergency broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu officially declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly for six months.

He also appointed a sole administrator to manage the affairs of the state within this period.

“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State,” Tinubu announced.

The declaration came just hours after reports of an explosion at an oil facility in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.

The six-month emergency rule grants the newly appointed administrator the authority to stabilize Rivers State, address governance failures, and foster reconciliation among political factions.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to peace and economic stability, Tinubu pledged to collaborate with the National Assembly to drive national development.

“Today’s decision exemplifies what our nation can achieve when unity of purpose and patriotism guide the actions of leaders. We remain steadfast in pursuing a safer, more prosperous Nigeria—one where every citizen’s potential is safeguarded and nurtured,” he said.

He also extended gratitude to Nigerians for their support and urged all stakeholders to contribute toward restoring peace in Rivers State.

A coalition of opposition political leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, and some Labour Party (LP) leaders, has condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

President Bola Tinubu declared the state of emergency on Tuesday following political tensions in the state.

He also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months.

However, during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the coalition denounced the president’s action as unconstitutional.

The group argued that the constitutional provision Tinubu relied upon to justify the declaration was misapplied.

They demanded an immediate reversal of the decision and urged the National Assembly to reject it. They also called on the judiciary to intervene and nullify the move.

According to the coalition, citizens and civil society organizations must rise in defense of democracy.

The group further warned against actions that could destabilize the Niger Delta, recalling past unrest in the region that was only managed through the sacrifices of previous administrations.

They cautioned the Federal Government against “manufacturing” a political crisis that could jeopardize the region’s fragile stability.

Following the emergency declaration, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as the state’s sole administrator.

He was sworn in on Wednesday at the State House, Abuja.

Despite widespread criticism, the Federal Government has defended Tinubu’s decision.

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi argued that the emergency rule effectively served as a lifeline for Governor Fubara, who was facing impeachment proceedings.

“If that impeachment had been allowed to take its full course, the governor would have entirely lost and completely.

“So, in a way, instead of allowing the impeachment to continue, and which in the end would have seen both the governor and the deputy governor out of office for the entirety of their four-year term with the remainder of what they have — a balance of two years and two months,” Fagbemi stated.

The Senate has officially approved the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State on Tuesday.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the decision on Thursday after a closed-door session that lasted over an hour.

The resolution was unanimously adopted by the senators.

As part of the approval, the Senate resolved “that Section 11 of Section 4 of the Constitution be invoked to provide the National Assembly the authority to set up a joint ad hoc committee of both chambers to oversee the administration of Rivers State henceforth.”

According to Section 305(6)(b) of the Constitution, a proclamation of a state of emergency by the President ceases to have effect “if it affects the Federation or any part thereof and within two days when the National Assembly is in session, or within ten days when the National Assembly is not in session, after its publication, there is no resolution supported by a two-thirds majority of all the members of each House of the National Assembly approving the proclamation.”

While granting the approval, the Senate stipulated that the emergency rule in Rivers State should not exceed six months.

Additionally, the Senate resolved to establish a committee composed of eminent Nigerians to mediate between the warring factions within the Rivers State government during the emergency period.

Akpabio, in announcing the Senate’s approval, emphasized that all relevant constitutional provisions and Senate standing rules had been adhered to.

He stated: “The Senate hereby approves the proclamation of the State of Emergency declared by Mr. President in Rivers State of Nigeria as amended, pursuant to Section 60 of the Constitution, Section 305, and pursuant to our Rules of the Standing Orders of the Senate and also pursuant to Senate Rules 134, 135, and 136 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

In a brief remark, Akpabio expressed hope that the emergency rule would restore stability in Rivers State.

“Let me thank you for your cooperation and patriotic zeal as enunciated, as expressed, as restated, and as displayed on the floor of the Senate today. It is our hope that this declaration of the State of Emergency in Rivers State by Mr. President will bring peace and ensure a speedy resolution of all the issues that led to the unrest. I hope that all will abide by this and use this window of opportunity within the next six months to resolve all these issues so that we can have peace and tranquillity with good governance in Rivers State of Nigeria.”

The Oyo State Government has formally dropped criminal charges against Naomi Silekunola, former wife of the Ooni of Ife; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.

The case stemmed from the tragic stampede that claimed the lives of over 35 children during a festive event in December 2024.

Following the court’s decision on Thursday, the defendants appeared visibly relieved, exchanging smiles and pleasantries after their discharge from the case.

Confirming the development, Oyo State Attorney-General, Abiodun Aikomo, addressed journalists after the court session.

Speaking on the matter, he stated: “It was an unfortunate incident that led to the death of many. And you see, in law, whenever death occurs and the circumstances are not natural, the law will take its course. So, the state responded by filing charges against the persons implicated in the investigation.

“In the course of doing that, we actually wanted to prosecute, but the affected persons showed empathy. They showed compassion. And as far as human beings can do, they try to soothe the feelings of the affected parties.

“And in the circumstance, we felt the essence of prosecution is not to kill people or persecute them. It is in the interest of justice to discontinue these charges, and that is what happened today.”

The withdrawal of charges follows an intense period of legal proceedings.

Earlier, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan had granted bail to Naomi, Hamzat, and Fasasi.

The ruling, delivered by Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin, came after the defendants presented their bail applications.

Naomi was granted bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties, while Hamzat and Fasasi received similar bail conditions.

The court also ordered them to surrender their passports and barred them from granting interviews, restricting their public engagements.

The case arose from the tragic stampede at Islamic High School, Bashorun, during a children’s event in December 2024, which resulted in the deaths of dozens of young children.

The incident left victims’ families and the public in shock, marking one of the worst tragedies in recent memory in Oyo State.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by the Attorney-General, initially opposed bail, citing the severity of the case and the need for justice for the victims.

However, the defense team argued that the accused had cooperated with investigations and did not pose a flight risk.