Rivers: NASS ratified emergency rule in national interest – Senate Leader Bamidele
Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has justified the unanimous ratification of the state of emergency slammed on Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the heat of the festering political crisis brewing in the state. The senator representing Ekiti Central posited that his colleagues ratified the proclamation in spite of public outcries against it
Rivers: NASS ratified emergency rule in national interest – Senate Leader Bamidele
Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has justified the unanimous ratification of the state of emergency slammed on Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the heat of the festering political crisis brewing in the state.
The senator representing Ekiti Central posited that his colleagues ratified the proclamation in spite of public outcries against it in national interest, and not on the basis of partisanship, or pandering to the whims and caprices of the presidency.
The National Assembly had a couple of weeks ago given the state of emergency declared by President Tinubu in Rivers State a clean bill, leading to the suspension of the River State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly, who were the major actors in the political imbroglio.
Speaking while being honored with an Honourary Doctoral Degree of Law by the management of the Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, on Saturday, Bamidele said the nod given to the presidential proclamation was in defence of their oaths of office to always work wholeheartedly for Nigerian interest.
Bamidele added that the National Assembly as a pivotal arm of government sworn to an oath to collaborate and work with other arms to bring radical socio political and economic development to the nation, saying their action was in full alignment with this onerous duty.
The All Progressives Congress chieftain assured Nigerians that the Senate under the current leadership of Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, will continually work in collaboration with the executive arm to uplift the nation to an enviable height in all economic spheres.
Bamidele assured that the parliamentarians won’t priorities personal interest over public interests, so that Nigeria can assume a pedestal of pride among the comity of nations.
“Before I close this remark, let me quickly reflect on the proclamation of the state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and its ratification by two chambers of the National Assembly.
“For this laudable decision that prevented further descent into anarchy in Rivers State, the National Assembly has been subjected to all forms of toxic criticism that do not portray us well before the comity of nations. But what exactly do we want as a people?
“A federation that functions for all? Or a federation that relapses into an intractable crisis? We must recognise that emergency rule is an extraordinary measure, and it must be treated as such in the interest of peace and security. As stipulated in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) that the National Assembly is required to provide its details.
“As a responsible and responsive parliament that sees peace and stability as a catalyst of growth and development, we were inaugurated into office to promote a nation that works for all and that guarantees the peaceful coexistence of all.
” This desire defines our resolve to ratify the proclamation of the state of emergency in Rivers State with far-reaching provisions. One of such provisions is the constitution of the National Peace Committee to midwife the peace process between the Executive and Legislature in the state.
” We should be commended for this laudable initiative and not be vilified by some political actors, who do not bother about what happens to our national security, but about their parochial interest. Regardless of their unpatriotic moves, we firmly stand for the peace and stability of Nigeria.
“We shall continue to leverage the Authority of the National Assembly to guarantee her peaceful co-existence. Our decision, as an institution, is taken purely in the national interest. If any interest is unsatisfied with it, they can as well seek redress in the court,” he said.
Senator Bamidele , who said the Senate would neither waver nor fret in the face of barrage of criticisms, described these as part of democratic growth, adding that such reactions would imbue them with more courage and zeal to work for public good.
“This does not suggest we are afraid of criticisms as the foremost democratic institution. We are not and we will never be because we believe democracy naturally thrives on public criticism. But such criticisms must be constructive and well-structured with the intention of providing alternative, credible and patriotic initiatives.
“The reasons for such attacks are purely based on emotion and not reasons; sentiment and not substance. Even more strongly, I believe it is an impetus for the pursuit of greater public good for the greater number of my constituents and Nigerians at large,” he added.
Rivers: NASS ratified emergency rule in national interest – Senate Leader Bamidele
Ignore reports on Kano killings – Police
The Kano State Police Command has dismissed as false the social media reports claiming an attack on an 18-seater passenger bus in Kano. This is contained in a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, in Kano on Saturday. Kiyawa said this report was entirely false and misleading. “The police command reaffirms its
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The Kano State Police Command has dismissed as false the social media reports claiming an attack on an 18-seater passenger bus in Kano. This is contained in a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, in Kano on Saturday. Kiyawa said this report was entirely false and misleading. “The police command reaffirms its
US Defense Secretary Hegseth signs memo to shrink Pentagon’s civilian workforce
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has signed a memorandum aimed at shrinking the Department of Defense’s civilian workforce. This was disclosed in a memo released on Friday. According to the memo, the reduction in civilian positions will increase resources to areas “where we need them most,” and help “supercharge our American warfighters”. It added that
US Defense Secretary Hegseth signs memo to shrink Pentagon’s civilian workforce
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has signed a memorandum aimed at shrinking the Department of Defense’s civilian workforce.
This was disclosed in a memo released on Friday.
According to the memo, the reduction in civilian positions will increase resources to areas “where we need them most,” and help “supercharge our American warfighters”.
It added that the move reactivated the deferred resignation program and offered voluntary early retirement for all eligible employees.
“Exemptions should be rare,” Hegseth said in the memo.
“My intent is to maximize participation so that we can minimize the number of involuntary actions that may be required to achieve the strategic objectives.”
In January, employees were previously offered buyouts and early resignations as part of a program.
The memo, however, did not specify the number of civilian positions to be cut, but the department announced in February it planned to ultimately let go 5 to 8 per cent of the military’s approximately 950,000 civilian employees.
US Defense Secretary Hegseth signs memo to shrink Pentagon’s civilian workforce
Igbo travellers not attacked in Kano – Police debunk reports
The Kano State Police Command says “viral news circulating on social media” regarding an attack on an 18-seater bus carrying Igbo passengers in Kano is “false and misleading”. This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the state, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa. The statement urged members of
Igbo travellers not attacked in Kano – Police debunk reports
The Kano State Police Command says “viral news circulating on social media” regarding an attack on an 18-seater bus carrying Igbo passengers in Kano is “false and misleading”.
This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the state, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa.
The statement urged members of the public to “disregard this fake news and refrain from spreading unverified information, misinformation, and hate speeches that can cause harm, panic, and unrest in the community”.
“The Kano State Police Command is committed to maintaining law and order in the state and ensuring the safety and security of all residents, regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.
“We have commenced an investigation into the source of this fake news and will take necessary actions to bring those responsible to justice.
“We appeal to the public to cooperate with the police and report any suspicious activities or individuals spreading false information to the nearest police station or through our emergency numbers.
“Let us work together to maintain peace, harmony, and security in Kano State,” the statement added.
The rumour is coming amid the outrage that followed the killing of 16 northerners in Edo State by local vigilantes.
The victims, who were travelling to Kano State, were mistaken for kidnappers.
Igbo travellers not attacked in Kano – Police debunk reports
2027: SDP will field tested, trusted candidates – Ex-Rep
A former Majority Leader in the House of Representatives and leader of the Social Democratic Party in the South-West, Mulikat Akande-Adeola, has disclosed the plan of the party to support a Presidential candidate who will listen to the cry of the people. She made this disclosure during an Iftar organised by the party’s Oyo State
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A former Majority Leader in the House of Representatives and leader of the Social Democratic Party in the South-West, Mulikat Akande-Adeola, has disclosed the plan of the party to support a Presidential candidate who will listen to the cry of the people. She made this disclosure during an Iftar organised by the party’s Oyo State
US embassy in Syria warns of increased risk of attacks as Ramadan ends
The US embassy in Syria has issued a warning to its citizens over an “increased possibility” of attacks as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan comes to an end. “The US Department of State cautions US citizens of the increased possibility of attacks during Eid al-Fitr holiday, which could target embassies, international organisations, and Syrian
US embassy in Syria warns of increased risk of attacks as Ramadan ends
The US embassy in Syria has issued a warning to its citizens over an “increased possibility” of attacks as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan comes to an end.
“The US Department of State cautions US citizens of the increased possibility of attacks during Eid al-Fitr holiday, which could target embassies, international organisations, and Syrian public institutions in Damascus,” a statement posted on the embassy website read.
“Methods of attack could include … individual attackers, armed gunmen, or the use of explosive devices.”
It however did not elaborate on specific threats or who may be behind them.
The statement added that Washington has advised its citizens not to travel to Syria “due to the significant risks of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, hostage-taking, armed conflict, and unjust detention.”
Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the Ramadan fasting month, is expected to begin in the coming days.
US embassy in Syria warns of increased risk of attacks as Ramadan ends
BREAKING: Eid-el-Fitr: Shawwal moon sighted as Ramadan ends
The crescent moon has been sighted on Saturday, 29 March 2025. With the sighting of the Shawwal moon, the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end. It also marks the beginning of the festival of Eid al-Fitr. Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is observed by Muslims as an act
BREAKING: Eid-el-Fitr: Shawwal moon sighted as Ramadan ends
The crescent moon has been sighted on Saturday, 29 March 2025.
With the sighting of the Shawwal moon, the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end.
It also marks the beginning of the festival of Eid al-Fitr.
Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is observed by Muslims as an act of worship and a means of spiritual purification through charity and good deeds.
Saudi Arabia had more than 10 astronomical observatories used to search for the crescent moon to determine the start and end of the Islamic lunar calendar, including Ramadan and Eid.
This means Sunday, March 30, will be the first day of Eid Al Fitr in Saudi Arabia.
BREAKING: Eid-el-Fitr: Shawwal moon sighted as Ramadan ends
Suspected ritualist arrested for allegedly abducting 3-year-old girl in Katsina
The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old suspected ritualist, Salahudeen Jafar, for allegedly abducting a three-year-old girl, Fatima Bashir, in Danja Town. According to police sources, a distress call was received around 7:00 a.m. on Friday, alerting authorities that Jafar, who hails from Mataha Village in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State,
Suspected ritualist arrested for allegedly abducting 3-year-old girl in Katsina
The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old suspected ritualist, Salahudeen Jafar, for allegedly abducting a three-year-old girl, Fatima Bashir, in Danja Town.
According to police sources, a distress call was received around 7:00 a.m. on Friday, alerting authorities that Jafar, who hails from Mataha Village in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, had taken the young girl under suspicious circumstances.
Local residents raised an alarm and confronted Jafar, subjecting him to mob action before the police intervened.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Danja quickly mobilized a team to the scene, rescued the suspect, and took him into custody.
The Katsina police command has assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the suspect’s motive and whether he is linked to any criminal network
Suspected ritualist arrested for allegedly abducting 3-year-old girl in Katsina
Recall process more expensive than senatorial election – INEC
The Independent National Electoral Commission has outlined the complexities and costs involved in the recall process, likening it to organising a full election. These were communicated on Saturday via X Spaces as the commission discussed “INEC Regulations and Guidelines for recall 2024. BVAS and IREV: Facts and Myths.” The Special Adviser to the INEC Chairman,
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The Independent National Electoral Commission has outlined the complexities and costs involved in the recall process, likening it to organising a full election. These were communicated on Saturday via X Spaces as the commission discussed “INEC Regulations and Guidelines for recall 2024. BVAS and IREV: Facts and Myths.” The Special Adviser to the INEC Chairman,
Kebbi lawmaker demands swift action against Edo lynching perpetrators
A member of the House of Representatives representing Birnin Kebbi/Kalgo/Bunza Federal Constituency, Ibrahim Mohammed, has strongly condemned the killing of travelers in Uromi, Edo State, describing it as a senseless and tragic act. In a statement on Saturday, Mohammed expressed deep concern over the brutal murder of innocent individuals based on false allegations, stressing that
Kebbi lawmaker demands swift action against Edo lynching perpetrators
A member of the House of Representatives representing Birnin Kebbi/Kalgo/Bunza Federal Constituency, Ibrahim Mohammed, has strongly condemned the killing of travelers in Uromi, Edo State, describing it as a senseless and tragic act.
In a statement on Saturday, Mohammed expressed deep concern over the brutal murder of innocent individuals based on false allegations, stressing that mob violence must not be tolerated.
“It is deeply troubling that innocent individuals were targeted and brutally murdered based on false allegations. Such acts of mob violence must not be tolerated. I urge security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, ensure those responsible face justice, and take decisive steps to prevent future occurrences,” he stated.
The killings have sparked nationwide outrage, with many calling for urgent action to curb the rising cases of jungle justice in Nigeria.
Mohammed offered condolences to the bereaved families, praying for the repose of the victims’ souls, and urged Nigerians to work together to build a safer and more just society.
Kebbi lawmaker demands swift action against Edo lynching perpetrators