Politics
Emergency rule: Rivers court dismisses suit against Tinubu
A civil society organisation, Initiative for Freedom, Conflict Prevention and Social Integration, has said it may approach a Court of Appeal following the dismissal of a suit it filed against President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the former Sole Administrator of Rivers State over the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Friday dismissed the suit in which the group challenged Tinubu’s authority to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara and appoint Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as the Sole Administrator of the state.
The President had, in March this year, declared a state of emergency in the state and suspended Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months.
Following the suspension, Tinubu appointed Ibas a sole administrator to charge of running the affairs of the state for the period.
But the plaintiff asked the court to declare Tinubu’s proclamation and Fubara’s suspension as ultra vires, illegal, and in contravention of the intent of Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.
Ruling on the suit, the presiding judge, Justice Muhammad Turaki, held that the plaintiff lacked locus standi to institute the suit since Fubara was not a party to the case.
He described the case as an academic exercise.
When approached for comment after the court session, counsel to the plaintiff, Amegua Lezina, said they would study the judgment to determine their next line of action.
Lezina said, “The position the court took was simply because the present governor of Rivers State, who was then suspended, was not joined as a party. So, for that reason, the court decided not to delve into the merit of the matter.
“Be that as it may, we will look at the content of the judgment, consult with our client, and if need be, proceed to the Court of Appeal, since the merit of the matter was not addressed by the court.”
Meanwhile, the court adjourned a separate suit by the same organisation challenging the legality of the National Assembly’s ratification of Ibas’ appointment to January 23, 2026, for judgment.
Justice Turaki adjourned the suit after parties adopted their final written addresses.
Also, in another suit filed by the organization challenging the appointment and constitution of the Chairman and members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, the case was adjourned to December 5, 2025, for adoption of processes.
The governments of Abia and Imo States have announced the launching of a joint security taskforce and surveillance along the Aba-Owerri expressway, starting from Owerrinta in Abia State all the way to Owerri, Imo State.
The launch followed recent attacks by criminals on the expressway, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities.
The formation of the joint security taskforce and surveillance was announced by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity.
His statement read in part: “Arising from a strategic emergency security meeting held today, 4th December, 2025, by the Governors of Abia and Imo Sates at the Imo State Government Owerri House, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti and His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma resolved to set up a joint security Taskforce that shall consist of Soldiers, Naval Personnel, Police Officers , DSS Personnel, and other Government Security Agencies.
“The joint security Taskforce shall, starting from tomorrow 5th December 2025, patrol the road 24 hours nonstop, while carrying out massive surveillance in the surrounding bushes using sophisticated drones and other modern security equipment.”
According to the statement, Governor Alex Otti commended the Governor of Imo State for arresting the criminals who carried out an attack on His advanced team and other passengers a few days ago.
“The two Governors, while assuring citizens plying the road on a daily basis and those returning home for Christmas of their safety and security, warn that there would be severe consequences for any criminal caught on the road going forward”, Ekeoma concluded.
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted to the senate two lists of 34 career and 31 non career ambassadors nominees for screening and confirmation.
Prominent names listed as non career ambassadors include Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, Victor Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Also listed as non career ambassadors nominees are Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Vice Admiral Ete Ibas, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Nora Daduut, Fatima Ajimobi, and Senator Ita Enang among others.
The two lists brings to 68 number of persons nominated so far as ambassadors awaiting confirmation by the Senate.
Politics
PRESIDENT TINUBU FORWARDS NEW AMBASSADORIAL LIST TO SENATE, NOMINATES DAMBAZAU, IBAS, CHIOMA OHAKIM AND OTHERS
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
4-DEC- 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted a fresh set of ambassadorial nominations to the Senate, featuring a mix of distinguished public figures and seasoned professionals drawn from across the country.
Among the notable nominees are former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau; former Chief of Naval Staff and immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas; former senator Ita Enang; and Mrs. Chioma Ohakim, former First Lady of Imo State.
The President formally transmitted two comprehensive lists containing 34 career and 31 non-career ambassadorial nominees, bringing the total number of nominees awaiting Senate confirmation to 68.
The newly submitted lists mark another significant step in the administration’s ongoing diplomatic restructuring, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s representation and presence across global missions.
The Senate is expected to commence screening and confirmation proceedings in the coming days.
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