President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on his 68th birthday, recognizing his service and contributions to Nigeria’s development.

In a statement released by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, Tinubu praised Osinbajo for his dedication to governance, particularly during his tenure as Vice President from 2015 to 2023.

He highlighted Osinbajo’s role in working alongside former President Muhammadu Buhari to implement key infrastructure projects and policies.

The President also recalled Osinbajo’s leadership during his time as Acting President while Buhari was on medical leave in the United Kingdom, commending his ability to steer the country effectively during that period.

Reflecting on their long-standing association, Tinubu acknowledged Osinbajo’s earlier role as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State during his tenure as governor, where they worked together on political and judicial reforms.

Additionally, Tinubu recognized Osinbajo’s decision to contest the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket, describing it as a legitimate exercise of his democratic right.

“Prof. Yemi Osinbajo will always remain my friend and associate. He served Nigeria diligently as Vice President under President Muhammadu Buhari. He made us proud in the APC by working collaboratively and harmoniously with the President,” Tinubu stated.

The President joined Osinbajo’s family, including his wife, Dolapo, their children, and his well-wishers, in celebrating the occasion, wishing him good health, continued success, and future accomplishments.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has extended an invitation to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and other legislators for a crucial meeting.

The meeting is set to take place on Monday at the Governor’s Office within the Government House in Port Harcourt.

This development was disclosed in a letter dated March 7, which was obtained by Channels Television on Sunday.

The letter, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, signals an effort by the governor to engage with the lawmakers in the aftermath of the recent Supreme Court judgment.

A former Niger Delta militant leader and key member of the third phase of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Osaanya Ossanya, has accused certain politicians of attempting to discredit the efforts of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

Ossanya alleged that these politicians and their allies are uncomfortable with the progress being made in the fight against terrorism, which has seen a significant reduction in the activities of bandits, herdsmen, kidnappers, and other violent criminals across the country.

According to him, their frustration has led them to resort to blackmail and propaganda against Ribadu, despite his impressive record in improving Nigeria’s security situation.

He cited Nigeria’s improved Global Terror Index score, which moved from 8.065 in 2023 to 7.575—the country’s best rating in over eight years—as evidence of Ribadu’s effective leadership.

Yet, he lamented that instead of being commended, the NSA is facing unwarranted attacks.

Ossanya dismissed speculations linking Ribadu to a 2031 presidential ambition, describing them as baseless and an attempt to create friction between the NSA and President Bola Tinubu.

He warned those behind the smear campaign to desist, emphasizing that people in the Niger Delta and beyond support Ribadu’s commitment to national security.

He highlighted Ribadu’s successes, including the elimination of key terrorist figures, which has led to safer travel along previously dangerous routes such as the Abuja-Kaduna highway.

While acknowledging that security challenges persist, Ossanya urged Nigerians to support the NSA and the Tinubu-led administration in their efforts to rid the country of criminal elements.

Beyond physical security, he praised Ribadu’s strategic approach to national stability, which includes monitoring farm produce transportation to prevent diversion and cracking down on fuel smuggling to neighboring countries.

He concluded, “Our National Security Adviser, one of the finest security experts Nigeria has produced, remains focused on his duty. The continuous media attacks against him by destabilizing agents are unjustified. Nigerians should commend his efforts rather than be misled by false narratives.”

The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State has taken a legal turn as commissioners appointed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara have dragged the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly to court over attempts to nullify their appointments.

The commissioners, whose nominations were confirmed by four lawmakers loyal to Governor Fubara, filed a lawsuit at the Rivers State High Court seeking to restrain the Assembly from invalidating their positions in the state executive council.

Their legal action comes in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling affirming Martin Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, a verdict that dismissed a cross-appeal by Governor Fubara and has further deepened the state’s political turmoil.

The commissioners are seeking an interlocutory injunction to prevent the Assembly from enforcing resolutions passed on March 5, 2025, which declared their appointments illegal.

They are also asking the court to prohibit the Assembly from interfering in their functions as members of the state government.

In a related development, the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retired), and his commissioners have also approached the court to challenge the Assembly’s authority to summon them for questioning.

The Assembly had initially issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Enebeli to appear and explain the circumstances surrounding the annulled October 2024 local government elections.

After he failed to show up, the lawmakers extended the deadline by another 72 hours.

Enebeli and his team, however, argue that the summons is beyond the Assembly’s powers and have asked the court to restrain lawmakers from compelling them to appear.

Presiding over the matter, Justice Frank Onyiri granted leave for the claimants to serve the Assembly through substituted means and adjourned the case to April 17, 2025.

Despite the pending litigation, the Rivers Assembly, during its plenary session on Wednesday, reaffirmed its decision to summon RISIEC officials.

Lawmakers insist that Enebeli and his team must account for the funding of the nullified elections and disclose budget plans for the fresh polls scheduled for August 9, 2025.

House Leader, Major Jack, informed lawmakers that official letters had been sent to RISIEC officials and Governor Fubara, urging him to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

However, both the governor and RISIEC chairman have yet to respond.

Speaker Martin Amaewhule warned that the Assembly is taking legislative notice of Governor Fubara’s refusal to present the 2025 budget and will take necessary action at the appropriate time.

The lawmakers passed a resolution directing the Clerk of the House to invite RISIEC officials again to appear before lawmakers on March 10, 2025.

They also threatened to invoke Section 129 (1) (d) of the Constitution if the officials fail to comply.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has vowed to maintain order amid rising security concerns.

This follows threats by militant groups to attack oil installations in response to the ongoing political crisis.

Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju warned against any attempts to destabilize the state, assuring residents that security forces are fully prepared to deal with any threats.

“We are ready for anything. All eyes are on Rivers State, and we will not allow anyone to escalate tensions,” Adepoju said.

Anambra State governorship aspirant, Johnbosco Onunkwo, has called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, to extend an olive branch to former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, and other aggrieved members of the party.

Speaking at the APC national secretariat in Abuja on Saturday, shortly after passing the party’s primary screening, Onunkwo emphasized the need for unity within the party ahead of the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State.

He stressed that the APC must present a united front to stand a strong chance in the polls.

When asked whether Ngige still identifies as an APC member despite his long silence, Onunkwo affirmed that the former minister remains committed to the party.

“Ngige is still a full member of the APC. If he wasn’t, we wouldn’t have seen him at the caucus meeting of our National Executive Committee (NEC), where he was present in person,” he said.

Onunkwo also expressed support for Tinubu’s recent directive for party reconciliation, urging the committee to move swiftly in resolving internal disputes.

“The reconciliation committee must commence work without delay because expectations are high. Many party members who have been part of the APC since its days as AD, AC, and ACN feel sidelined. We need to reintegrate them,” he added.

According to him, these members hold significant electoral influence and must be engaged to ensure victory for the party.

Ngige, a former Anambra State governor, has had a strained relationship with the APC leadership since 2022, when he refused to publicly endorse Tinubu’s presidential bid.

His reluctance to declare support for Tinubu over his kinsman, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, during a live interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today stirred controversy within party ranks.

Ngige’s stance placed him among prominent APC figures, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who distanced themselves from Tinubu’s campaign.

Onunkwo’s appeal follows President Tinubu’s directive at the last NEC meeting, where he urged APC leaders to initiate reconciliation efforts across all states ahead of the 2027 elections.

“The National Working Committee is doing a commendable job. However, we must reconcile with aggrieved members at the state level,” Tinubu stated.

“Let us work together to sustain the progressive ideals of our party and navigate the economic challenges affecting not just Nigeria but the world.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has denied claims that five of its members are backing a potential Nasir El-Rufai/Peter Obi presidential ticket for the 2027 election.

In a statement released by the Forum’s chairman, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and signed by its Director General, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, the governors described the speculation as false, mischievous, and aimed at destabilizing the party.

Dr. Agbo condemned what he called “unpleasant and provocative publications” being circulated by individuals seeking to undermine the credibility of the Forum.

“The PDP Governors’ Forum has no association with these claims and has never entertained any discussions regarding such an arrangement,” the statement read.

The governors alleged that these rumors were part of a broader effort by certain political elements to cast doubt on the leadership of the PDP, especially as the party continues its efforts to address economic challenges in Nigeria.

“It is evident that these mischief-makers, alarmed by the impressive performance of PDP governors in tackling economic hardship despite pressure from the ruling APC, are resorting to baseless accusations to distract from our achievements,” they added.

Dismissing the allegations as a desperate attempt by some factions to sow division, the PDP Governors’ Forum reaffirmed its unity and commitment to the party’s core values, urging the public to disregard the false reports.