A former presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 elections, Charles Udeogaranya, has stated that former military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s recent remarks on the January 1966 coup have set the stage for an Igbo presidency in 2027.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, Udeogaranya commended Babangida’s clarification, describing it as a significant step toward correcting historical misconceptions that have long been used to marginalize the Igbo people in Nigeria’s leadership.

His reaction comes after the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, called on the Federal Government to apologize for decades of exclusion and political sidelining of the South-East.

Speaking at the launch of his book A Journey in Service, Babangida emphasized that the 1966 coup was not an Igbo-led conspiracy—an assertion that has often been used to justify the region’s lack of access to the presidency.

Udeogaranya, a committed follower of Nnamdi Azikiwe’s political ideals, argued that justice demands the presidency be zoned to the South-East in 2027.

“For decades, false narratives have been used to deny Ndigbo the opportunity to lead Nigeria. Babangida’s statement invalidates these claims and paves the way for an Igbo president in 2027,” he said.

He urged the APC, PDP, and Labour Party to prioritize Igbo candidates in the next presidential election, stating that such a move is essential for national reconciliation and economic progress.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed concerns over a possible impeachment following the Supreme Court’s ruling, which reaffirmed the authority of 27 lawmakers loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike.

The Supreme Court, in its ruling on Friday, ordered the Federal Government to halt financial allocations to Rivers State until Fubara submits the state budget to the pro-Wike lawmakers, led by Martins Amaewhule.

The ruling also nullified the local government elections conducted by Fubara’s administration in 2024.

Despite the judgment, Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Joseph Johnson, dismissed any fear of impeachment, stating that the governor remains focused on governance and the will of the people.

“The governor is not afraid. He has the mandate of the Rivers people. We are proceeding with the inauguration of projects, and the Supreme Court did not remove him—it only placed a temporary hold on state allocations,” Johnson said.

Asked whether Fubara would comply with the order to present the budget before the pro-Wike lawmakers, Johnson explained that the government would study the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment before making any decision.

Meanwhile, the Rivers Elders Forum has cautioned against any undue pressure on the governor to seek reconciliation with Wike.

Speaking on behalf of the group, High Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe stated that Rivers people would not succumb to intimidation.

“Rivers State will not beg anyone. We will not allow the state to be taken over by external forces,” Sara-Igbe said.

In a statewide broadcast on Sunday, Fubara directed all 23 local government chairmen elected under the annulled poll to vacate their offices by Monday.

He instructed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to take charge pending new elections.

“Given the Supreme Court’s decision, I hereby direct the Heads of Local Government Administration to assume control of the councils until fresh elections are conducted,” Fubara stated.

He acknowledged disagreement with the judgment but emphasized that his administration would comply with the law while reviewing its legal options.

Tensions remain high in Rivers State amid speculations that the former LG chairmen may attempt to reclaim their positions.

Some, like Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, have indicated that they will await further directives from the pro-Wike lawmakers.

The crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly has taken a new turn as fresh efforts are being made to reinstate Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker.

Obasa was removed on January 13, 2025, along with the former Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, by 32 lawmakers, who subsequently elected Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker.

However, recent developments indicate that top political actors are making overtures to lawmakers to reconsider their stance and restore Obasa to his former position.

According to sources close to the Presidency, members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) have been asked to step in and persuade lawmakers to support Obasa’s return.

This move follows the disbandment of the Bisi Akande-led committee, which was initially set up to resolve the crisis. Reports suggest the committee was scrapped after its findings indicated that Obasa had lost the backing of the majority.

A reliable source disclosed:

“The Bisi Akande committee has been disbanded. The President has now reached out to GAC members, urging them to influence their loyalists in the Assembly to reinstate Obasa as Speaker.”

Additionally, those in the State Executive Council with political influence over Assembly members have reportedly been asked to rally support for Obasa’s comeback.

Meanwhile, the former Speaker himself is said to be reaching out to lawmakers individually to mend fences.

With both factions refusing to back down, legal action is now being considered as a potential resolution.

Sources indicate that if political negotiations fail, the courts may ultimately decide the matter.

“The President wants Obasa back, but the lawmakers are firmly behind Meranda. If neither side concedes, the courts will determine the rightful Speaker,” said a source within the Presidency.

Obasa has already taken the matter to court, suing Meranda, the Assembly, and 36 lawmakers over what he described as his “unlawful” removal.

Justice Yetunde Rukayat Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court has scheduled a hearing on the case for March 7, 2025.

Amid tensions in the House, the Acting Clerk, Babatunde Abubakar, has instructed all staff and legislative aides to work remotely until further notice to prevent disruptions.

In an official memo titled “Amendment to Remote Work Schedule Arrangement,” Abubakar stated that the decision was taken to ensure safety and stability within the Assembly.

“This measure aligns with the directive of the Head of Service and will remain in effect until the leadership crisis is resolved. Officers should remain available for assignments as needed,” the memo read.

This move follows a standoff between Assembly staff and DSS operatives, who had sealed offices and blocked lawmakers from holding plenary sessions.

Meanwhile, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), has distanced the group from Obasa’s removal, insisting they were not consulted before the decision was made.

“The GAC was not involved in Obasa’s removal. We only became aware of it after it happened. The lawmakers acted on their own without consulting the party leadership.”

However, he criticized the lawmakers for failing to escalate their grievances earlier, stating that the party should have been allowed to intervene before the crisis reached its current level.

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.