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Sealed Chambers: Senate Breaks Silence on Secret Rivers Emergency Rule Deliberation

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The Senate on Tuesday stated that its closed-door approval of the emergency rule in Rivers State was in line with the Upper Chamber’s standing rules.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Senate’s Media and Public Affairs Committee Chairman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, has defended the decision to approve President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State behind closed doors.

Speaking during a midterm briefing on the 10th Senate’s activities, Adaramodu addressed criticisms that the Senate secretly endorsed the emergency rule without an open vote at plenary.

He said:

“Our Standing Orders—Rules 131, 132, and 134—mandate that such issues be handled in closed-door sessions. Once a decision is reached there, it is not revisited in plenary. People outside the Senate often speak without understanding the rules. We debated this issue for over three hours and reached a consensus. The Senate President then returned to plenary, asked for affirmation, and no one objected.”


Meanwhile, the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Emergency Rule in Rivers has begun screening nominees for key commissions in the state, including the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), the Civil Service Commission, and the Local Government Service Commission.

RSIEC Nominees:

  • Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey (Chairman)

  • Mr. Lezaasi Lenee Torbira

  • Prof. Arthur Nwafor

  • Prof. Godfrey Woke Mbudiogha

  • Prof. (Dame) Joyce Akaniwor

  • Dr. (Mrs.) Olive A. Bruce

  • Prof. Chidi Halliday

Rivers State Civil Service Commission Nominees:

  • Dr. Barikor Livinus Baribuma (Chairman)

  • Amb. Lot Peter Egopija

  • Ms. Maeve Ere-Bestman

  • Mrs. Joy Obiaju

  • Mrs. Charity Lloyd Harry

Rivers State Local Government Service Commission Nominees:

  • Mr. Israel N. Amadi (Chairman)

  • Mr. Linus Nwandem

  • Lady Christabel Ego George-Didia

  • Dr. Tonye D. Willie Pepple

  • Barr. Richard U. Ewoh

  • Rear Adm. Emmanuel Ofik (Rtd)

  • Barr. Sammy Apiafi


Panel Questions Legality of RSIEC Chairman Nominee

The nomination of Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey, who hails from Cross River State, raised concerns, as he shares state of origin with the current Sole Administrator of Rivers, Ibok Ekwe Ibas.

When questioned, Odey argued:

“The RSIEC law does not prohibit non-indigenes from chairing the commission. Though I don’t have a copy of the Act on me, I’ve read through it.”

He added that his neutrality stems from having no personal ties in the state:

“As a non-indigene, I will remain neutral, adhere to procedures, and resist any external influence.”

Odey acknowledged issues around state electoral commissions being compromised but insisted they serve a purpose within federalism, provided transparency is ensured.

He said:

“The integrity of the electoral process depends on collaboration with stakeholders. Where processes are opaque, misinformation fills the gaps. My leadership will prioritize openness and integrity.”


Committee Chairman Senator Opeyemi Bamidele responded cautiously, saying:

“Even if the law doesn’t expressly prohibit appointing a non-indigene, we must consider whether it aligns with public expectations. We will re-examine the legality and implications before making a final recommendation.”

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‘Kwankwaso Is More Experienced Than Peter Obi’ – Buhari’s Ex-Aide Declares.

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Ahmad made the assertion in a post on his X handle, maintaining that Kwankwaso’s decision to accept the position of running mate should be seen as an act of political modesty rather than an indication that he is less qualified than Obi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to the former presidential aide, the relationship between the two politicians should be viewed as one of equals rather than that of a superior and a subordinate.

“To be entirely candid, the political dynamic between Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi ought to be characterised as one of collegiality between peers, rather than a hierarchy of principal and subordinate,” he wrote.

He added, “The choice to assume a deputy role beneath Obi ought to be interpreted as a testament to political modesty.”

Making a case for Kwankwaso’s political experience, Ahmad recalled that the former Kano State governor served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives before Obi became a prominent figure in national politics.

He also noted that Kwankwaso governed Kano State, which he described as Nigeria’s most populous and politically influential state, for two terms and served as a federal minister.

“If we are assessing political experience, Sen. Kwankwaso probably has a longer and more impressive political background than Peter Obi,” Ahmad stated.

In contrast, the former presidential aide argued that Obi’s major public office experience was limited to his tenure as governor of Anambra State.

“Unlike other candidates, Peter Obi was just a former governor of Anambra State,” he wrote.

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‘I Have Stopped Impregnating Women’ – 2Baba Makes Shocking Revelation.

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Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has declared that he no longer impregnates women.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The singer made the statement on Saturday during a live performance at Rehab Lounge in Calgary, Canada.

While performing his hit song True Love, 2Baba paused to interact with the audience and playfully asked the women present to identify where his true love was.

He jokingly wondered whether she was standing at the back of the venue or somewhere in front of him before making a remark about his experiences with women.

The award-winning musician told the audience that he had stopped getting women pregnant, adding that he had been making the same confession wherever he performed recently.

He said, “For the purpose of this show, I will pretend like I’ve never seen anything before. Where’s my true love? Is she back there? Is she right here? Is she somewhere here? Where’s my true love? You people shouldn’t put out me for trouble.

“As I said, some ladies they fear to shout. See, everywhere I go these days, I make this confession. As I say, some ladies they fear to shout. I say, I don’t fear to shout. Because I don’t stop to dey give woman belle. Ask anyone, they’ll tell you, I don’t do such thing things again.”

The singer’s comment comes amid public interest in his personal life and relationships.

2Baba was previously married to Nollywood actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia. The couple announced their separation in January 2025 after having two children together.

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NPFL Cracks Down! Abia Warriors, Katsina United, Warri Wolves Hit With Sanctions.

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Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.

The Umuahia-based club was also found guilty of an attempt by one of its officials to disrupt the live broadcast of the match by harassing a crew member of the league’s broadcast partner.

As part of the disciplinary measures, Abia Warriors’ multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, has been suspended from all NPFL match activities for five matches.

Katsina United, meanwhile, were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during their home fixture against Plateau United.

The club was also sanctioned for allowing supporters to encroach onto the field of play during the encounter.

Warri Wolves Receive Heaviest Punishment

Warri Wolves have been handed the most severe sanctions following the unruly behaviour of their supporters during Sunday’s Matchday 10 clash against Kano Pillars in Ozoro.

The Seasiders were fined ₦4.2 million and docked three points and three goals from their accumulated tally. The club was also ordered to play its next three home matches behind closed doors.

According to the NPFL, Warri Wolves failed to provide adequate security at the stadium, resulting in an assault on match officials after the final whistle.

The league further disclosed that the second assistant referee sustained a nose injury and was left bleeding during the incident.

The NPFL stated that all three clubs have 48 hours from the date of notification to appeal their respective sanctions in accordance with the league’s disciplinary procedures.

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