Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has appointed Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, son of Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti, as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

The appointment was announced just hours after Aiyedatiwa was sworn in as the seventh executive governor of the state on Monday.

A statement from the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ebenezer Adeniyan, confirmed the appointments, which also included the reappointment of key officials.

“The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the appointment of Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti as the Secretary to the State Government. Until his appointment as SSG, Dr. Fasoranti, who hails from Akure South Local Government Area, was the Chairman of the Ondo State Hospitals Management Board,” the statement read.

Additionally, Aiyedatiwa has reappointed Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, while Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac returns as Commissioner for Finance.

Several special advisers were also reappointed, including Engr. Johnson Alabi (Power), Dr. Seun Osamaye (Women Affairs), Comrade Bola Taiwo (Union Matters and Special Duties), and Prof. Simidele Odimayo (Health). These officials had served in the previous administration and were retained in their roles.

Furthermore, the governor elevated Engr. Abiola Olawoye, formerly the Senior Special Assistant on Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing, to the position of Special Adviser in the same portfolio.

Governor Aiyedatiwa charged the appointees to immediately get to work, ensuring effective service delivery to the people of Ondo State.

The statement emphasized that all appointments took immediate effect.

The Rivers State caucus in the House of Representatives has reiterated that Martin Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have lost their seats due to their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The caucus criticized Amaewhule and his colleagues for denying their defection, describing their stance as unfortunate.

Expressing their support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, they also condemned a recent visit by some National Assembly members to Amaewhule, calling it an attempt to mislead the people of Rivers State.

The leader of the Rivers caucus in the House of Representatives and member representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, stated this during a solidarity visit to the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Victor Oko-Jumbo, in Port Harcourt on Monday.

This visit follows an earlier delegation led by Senator Barinada Mpigi, which had expressed solidarity with Amaewhule and urged Governor Fubara to comply with court judgments.

Abiante accused the Mpigi-led delegation of distorting the facts regarding the judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho.

He clarified that the ruling did not address the status of Amaewhule and his colleagues, whom he referred to as a “committee of friends and former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”

He stated, “Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule and 26 others had lost their seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly following their voluntary defection/cross-carpeting which happened on the floor of the House of Assembly in the full glare of the public on 11th December 2023.”

Referring to past Supreme Court judgments, Abiante emphasized that the constitutional provisions in Section 109(1)(g) and Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, dictate that a legislator who defects from the party on whose platform they were elected automatically loses their seat.

“The pronouncements of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in these cases, having not been set aside nor overruled in any subsequent judgment of the Supreme Court, remain the law till date on issues of the election of a member of a legislative House in Nigeria,” he stated.

He further explained that based on this precedent, the legal effect of Amaewhule and his colleagues’ defection is that, from December 11, 2023, when they announced their defection on the floor of the House, they ceased to be members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“The only legal implication is that Amaewhule and the 26 others remain former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and accordingly are no longer entitled to parade themselves as members of the House or to partake in any business or affair of the House,” he said.

He also noted that the December 11 defection was not raised in the January 22, 2024, ruling by Justice Omotosho.

“It is worthy to note that neither the fact of their defection nor any issue relating to their defection nor on their status as former lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly was raised, submitted, or discussed in the proceedings leading to the 22 January 2024 judgment of Hon Justice Omotosho.

“Instead of placing before the Federal High Court, the truth and material facts about their status as ex-lawmakers, to afford the Honourable Court an opportunity of deciding on the real issues, the claimants in that case (Hon Amaewhule and co) craftily invented lies and falsehood calculated to mislead the Honourable Court.”

On whether the Rivers State House of Assembly can function effectively with its current composition, Abiante cited a Supreme Court judgment by Justice Walter Onnoghen regarding a similar case in Plateau State.

He quoted the ruling: “There is no doubt that there existed in the Plateau State House of Assembly 14 vacant seats as a result of cross carpeting.

“It is my view that until the vacancies created by the carpet crossing members are filled by the process of the by-election, the Plateau State House of Assembly can only transact such legislative duties that require the participation of less than 2/3 majority of ALL the members of that House, which duties definitely exclude impeachment proceedings.”

In response, Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo commended the caucus for their visit, assuring them that the House would continue to legislate for the benefit of Rivers people while standing firmly in support of Governor Fubara.

He stated, “Thank you for standing in solidarity with the Rivers State House of Assembly. Your visit has rekindled hope in us. The former 27 lawmakers are gone. We have too much at stake to abandon the ship.

“The Governor is too focused on delivering good governance to the people. We will continue to stand for what is right and our duties are to make laws for the betterment of our people. That is our focus.”

He also reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to upholding the Constitution, stating, “We will continue to stand on the rule of law. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended cannot be changed because 27 former lawmakers loyal to their godfather in Abuja decided to defect, which of course was done on their volition.”

Other members of the National Assembly who joined Abiante on the visit included Hon. Boma Goodhead (Akuku-Toru/Asari-Toru Federal Constituency), Hon. Boniface Emerengwa (Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency), Hon. Anderson Allison Igbiks (Okrika/Ogu-Bolo Federal Constituency), and Hon. Manuchim Umezurike (Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 1).

The Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagun, from taking any further steps that could negatively impact the interests of the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

At the resumed hearing on Monday, Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the order in response to a suit filed by Anyanwu, who alleged that there were moves to sideline him in the party’s affairs, even as he continues to challenge a judgment of the Court of Appeal in Enugu that affected his position as PDP National Secretary.

During the last hearing on February 19, Justice Ekwo declined to grant an ex-parte order sought by Anyanwu to prevent INEC from acting on any document from the PDP without his signature as National Secretary.

Instead, he ruled that the respondents—INEC and Damagun—must be given an opportunity to show cause why the reliefs sought should not be granted.

The judge then directed Anyanwu to serve the court documents on the respondents and adjourned the case to February 24 for them to present their arguments.

Among the reliefs sought in the motion, filed alongside the substantive suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/254/2025), are:

“An order of interim injunction, restraining INEC, its servants or officers, from accepting, acting on or giving effect to any correspondence, letter, document, mail, notice, form and or written submission purported to emanate from the PDP not signed by him pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction filed simultaneously with this motion ex-parte.”

“An order of interim injunction restraining the acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagun, or his agents from forwarding, sending or dispatching to INEC any correspondence, letter, document, mail, notice, form and or written submission purported to emanate from the PDP, signed by the acting Chairman and not countersigned by him, pending the hearing of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction filed simultaneously with this motion ex-parte.”

At Monday’s hearing, INEC was represented by a lawyer, Ahmed Mohammed, while Damagun had no legal representation.

Mohammed informed the court that INEC had filed a counter-affidavit challenging the competence of the suit. He also confirmed receiving all court documents related to the case but admitted that INEC had not filed an affidavit to show cause as ordered by the court.

Justice Ekwo observed that instead of responding to Anyanwu’s application for interim orders, INEC had chosen to address the substantive case by filing a counter-affidavit.

“INEC has not given any tangible reason to show cause, but rather filed a process that goes to the substance of the matter,” the judge remarked.

He then issued a warning to INEC, stating, “It is the order of this court that INEC should not do anything contrary to the prayers of the applicant until further order of this court. The first and second defendants (INEC and Damagun) are ordered not to do anything or take action that will contravene the prayers of the applicant.”

“I hereby make an order for accelerated hearing of this matter,” Justice Ekwo added.

During proceedings, lawyers representing the PDP and Udeh-Okoye Enemchukwu—Paul Erokoro (SAN) and Paul Ogbole (SAN)—informed the court that their clients had applied to be joined as parties in the suit.

Anyanwu’s lawyer, Ken Njemanze (SAN), acknowledged receipt of the joinder applications but noted that the time for his response had not elapsed.

Justice Ekwo subsequently adjourned the matter to February 28 for the hearing of all pending applications.

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has ruled out the possibility of joining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating that while he has no intention of defecting to the party, he might explore other options if the All Progressives Congress (APC) fails to address its internal challenges.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Monday, El-Rufai dismissed speculations surrounding his political future and clarified that his recent engagements with politicians from other parties should not be misinterpreted as plans to leave the APC.

“It should be clear that the fact that I’m in the APC doesn’t mean that I cannot visit a friend of mine who is in the PDP or SDP. So anytime I visit anyone that is not in APC, they say, ‘Oh, he’s thinking of leaving the party.’ In fact, about two months ago, one character in Kaduna posted on his Facebook page that I’ve collected a PDP membership card in my ward. It was totally untrue.”

Addressing rumors about his alleged move to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) following his visit to the party’s national headquarters, he explained:

“When I visited my brother and friend Shehu Gabam at the SDP headquarters, they said, ‘Oh, he has joined the SDP.’ Again, not true.”

While reaffirming his loyalty to the APC, El-Rufai acknowledged that his future in the party depends on its ability to realign with its founding principles.

“I don’t know where I will end up if the APC doesn’t come back to where we started. But one thing I can tell you for sure is that PDP is not a party that I will go to, ever. I have thought about that. I’ve decided that long ago, and nothing has changed. In fact, if anything, PDP has gotten worse—rule out PDP.”

His remarks come amid growing speculation about his political realignment, fueled by reports of a recent meeting with PDP leaders in Kaduna. Confirming the meeting, the former governor stated that it was not politically motivated.

“I met with PDP leadership in Kaduna a couple of days ago. The state leadership of the party came to see me, and I will meet with them. You know, I’m a public figure in my state, and at my age, and based on the responsibilities I have held, I am a leader of some sort.”

El-Rufai also emphasized that his political engagements transcend party lines, urging people not to misinterpret such meetings.

“If people say they want to see me, I’m not going to say, ‘You are PDP, I won’t see you,’ or ‘You are SDP, I will only meet with APC people.’ It is my duty to meet with everyone. It is my duty to guide and mentor young people across partisan divides. So, I meet with people, but the moment I meet with everyone, everything is reduced to politics.”

While reaffirming his rejection of the PDP, he did not entirely dismiss the possibility of switching allegiances if the APC fails to address its internal issues.

“But PDP, no. Other parties, possibly, if the APC doesn’t sort itself out.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has criticized Nigerians for demanding better infrastructure while resisting taxation, which funds these developments.

Speaking at a two-day public hearing on the Tax Reform Bills on Monday, he highlighted the contradiction in expecting high-quality public services without contributing to the tax system.

Akpabio pointed out that while the government is committed to improving lives, it cannot function effectively without sufficient revenue.

He explained that tax evasion is widespread across different sectors of the economy, from informal traders to high-earning professionals.

“Tax evasion is not new in Nigeria. From traders in bustling markets to high-earning professionals, many go to great lengths to avoid paying taxes,” he said.

He emphasized that the informal economy, which accounts for a significant portion of Nigeria’s GDP, largely operates outside the tax system.

“Even within the formal sector, businesses often underreport earnings to minimize their tax liabilities.”

“At the same time, Nigerians have high expectations of the government, demanding better infrastructure and services.”

“They demand better roads to ease transportation and reduce accidents, 24-hour electricity to support businesses and households, functional hospitals to reduce medical tourism and save lives, and quality education to prepare the next generation. All of these require funding, and taxation is the most sustainable way to provide it,” he stated.

Akpabio acknowledged the frustration many feel over Nigeria’s complicated tax system, where businesses face multiple levies at the federal, state, and local levels.

He warned that excessive taxation without clarity could discourage investment and economic growth.

“If we are not careful, our system may discourage investment and economic activity,” he cautioned.

The Senate President also addressed concerns about the fair distribution of tax revenue, using breweries in Ogun State as an example.

He noted that while production takes place in Ogun, most taxes are paid in Lagos, where company headquarters are located.

“This imbalance must be addressed,” he insisted, advocating for a tax system that ensures fairness for all states.

He urged Nigerians to view taxation as a civic duty that supports national development rather than a burden.

“There is no country in the world that develops without an effective tax system,” he emphasized.

Akpabio outlined key aspects of the Tax Reform Bills under discussion, including tax harmonization to reduce duplication, lowering the cost of tax collection to maximize development spending, and introducing digital tax systems for improved transparency and accountability.

As the hearing continues, stakeholders from various sectors are expected to contribute ideas to create a tax system that is fair, transparent, and growth-oriented.

The central question, however, remains: Can Nigerians demand good governance while resisting taxation? According to Akpabio, national development is a shared responsibility, requiring both government accountability and citizen participation in funding the system.

Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, representing Rano, Kibiya and Bunkure Federal Constituency of Kano state has dismissed his suspension from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano, calling it baseless and a violation of a court ruling.

Reacting to the announcement by Kano NNPP Chairman, Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, Rurum insisted that he and his colleagues have never been aligned with the faction that altered the party’s logo, making it clear that they belong to a different NNPP faction.

DAILY GAZETTE reported that Rurum and Madakin Gini had previously distanced themselves from the Kwankwasiyya movement, aligning instead with the NNPP faction that retains the fruit and basket logo.

“The world knows that since they changed the party’s logo, we have not been with them. We are in the NNPP with the fruit and basket logo, while they are with the book logo. We also have a court judgment that dismissed their claims,” he said.

He accused the Kano NNPP leadership of disregarding legal rulings, stating:

“What they did is a contempt of court. They are not legitimate party leaders. After our victory, they took us to an Abia High Court, and even this week, we were in court again. They are deceiving Nigerians.”

Rurum also suggested that the suspension was linked to the recent wedding of Senator Kawu Sumaila’s daughter, which he noted was attended by several prominent figures.

“The real issue disturbing them, which shouldn’t even be politicized, is the wedding of Senator Kawu Sumaila’s daughter. Honourable Nigerians were in attendance, and all of them, including Kwankwaso, were invited, but they refused to show up.”

Dismissing the suspension as inconsequential, Rurum asserted that his faction operates separately.

“Everybody in this country knows we are on two different lanes. They have only suspended themselves because we are not with them,” he declared.

The controversy over local government administration in Osun State has intensified as Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered the newly sworn-in chairmen and councillors to stay away from their offices, despite their inauguration on Sunday.

This directive follows an instruction from the All Progressives Congress (APC), which urged its reinstated chairmen and councillors to resume work at the council offices on Monday, further escalating the dispute.

The swearing-in ceremony, held in Osogbo, was attended by Governors Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who expressed solidarity with Adeleke amid the ongoing local government crisis.

Governor Makinde cautioned against political violence in Osun and the southwest, urging President Bola Tinubu not to use federal influence to interfere in the situation.

During the ceremony, Governor Adeleke defended the legitimacy of the election, asserting that due process was followed.

“We are aware of the legal controversies surrounding the election. However, we are confident that we are on the side of the law, within the framework of the constitution and rule of law,” he said.

The governor also advised the newly elected officials to avoid confrontation and allow the legal process to take its course.

“Please stay away from the council secretariats to prevent any clashes, as the police have aided those forcefully occupying these offices. We will rely on the judiciary to ensure their peaceful removal. Be patient and abide by the rule of law,” Adeleke stated.