Politics |

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025March 25, 2025 IFMNEWS

Rivers Head of Service Resigns as Sole Administrator Appoints New Secretary to the State Government (SSG)

Dr. George Nwaeke, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, has stepped down from his position. Nwaeke, who worked under the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, had his resignation announced in a statement released by the Chief of Staff to the Sole Administrator. The statement was made available to journalists on Tuesday morning.

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the Sole Administrator, expressed gratitude for Nwaeke's contributions during his brief tenure and extended best wishes for his future pursuits. The statement from the Administrator's office conveyed a sense of sadness at Nwaeke's departure, stating, "His Excellency, the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (retd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, regrets to announce the resignation of Dr. George Nwaeke, FCA, Mni, as Head of Service of Rivers State. The Administrator deeply appreciates the significant support Nwaeke provided to this administration in the short time he served and wishes him success in his future endeavors."

In a parallel development, Vice Admiral Ibas has named Professor Ibibi Worika as the new Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG). This appointment was also revealed in a statement from the Sole Administrator’s office, circulated to the press on Tuesday morning.

The announcement highlighted Worika’s appointment, stating, "His Excellency, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.) CFR, Administrator of Rivers State, is delighted to appoint Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika as the new Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG). This decision comes after a thorough evaluation of his qualifications, vast experience, and exceptional performance throughout a meticulous selection process."

Professor Worika brings a wealth of experience to the role, with a notable career that includes academia, international legal practice, and senior-level policy advisory positions. These qualifications position him as an ideal candidate to assist the Administrator in fulfilling the mandate set by the President. His appointment is effective immediately.

The statement further emphasized that Worika’s selection underscores the Administrator’s dedication to leveraging the exceptional talent within Rivers State to promote peace, stability, and security in the region.

March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025March 24, 2025 IFMNEWS

Natasha’s Constituents File Petition with INEC for Her Recall

A group of constituents from Kogi Central Senatorial District has lodged a petition with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seeking the recall of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended senator representing the district in the National Assembly. The petition, submitted by Charity Ijese on behalf of the constituents, was formally received by INEC’s Secretary, Rose Anthony, at the commission’s headquarters on Monday, March 24, 2025. Titled “Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Grounds of Loss of Confidence,” the document outlined their grievances.

The constituents explained, “This recall petition for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is filed under Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), alongside INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall Petitions.” They acknowledged that Akpoti-Uduaghan assumed office following an Appeal Court ruling in October 2023 but argued that their move stemmed from a deep erosion of trust in her leadership. “We have lost confidence in the Senator due to gross misconduct, abuse of power, disregard for due process, and a consistent pattern of deceptive conduct that has humiliated the people of Kogi Central, while undermining the Nigerian Senate’s credibility and the integrity of our democratic institutions,” they stated.

The petitioners claimed the document bore signatures from over half of Kogi Central’s registered voters, asserting, “With this petition, we demand that INEC promptly initiate the constitutional and procedural steps to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, remove her from office, and declare her seat vacant.” The senator’s tenure has been marred by controversy, including a public clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements. Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office, leading to her six-month suspension by the Senate for misconduct.

March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025March 24, 2025 IFMNEWS

Fubara Denies Ties with Militant, Cautions Public on Misleading Social Media Claims

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has firmly denied any connections to militant groups, labeling recent social media posts and videos as fabricated and deliberate efforts to stir unrest in the state. In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara condemned the spread of doctored videos that falsely suggested explosions at oil and gas facilities within Rivers State. The statement emphasized that communities allegedly impacted have dismissed these claims, confirming that all vital infrastructure remains fully functional and unaffected.

“To set the record straight, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has no ties to any militant organizations, has never considered such affiliations, and has no motive to support criminal acts that could jeopardize peace, security, or the economy,” the statement declared. Fubara reaffirmed his dedication to fostering peace in Rivers State, underscoring that effective governance and progress depend on a calm and stable environment. He also called out attempts to manipulate the state’s current political challenges for hidden agendas.

Additionally, Fubara issued a stern warning to bloggers and social media influencers, urging them to refrain from disseminating false narratives that could heighten tensions and undermine stability. He called on security agencies to probe the origins of this misinformation and take firm action against those orchestrating its spread.

March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025March 24, 2025 IFMNEWS

Tinubu Must Reinstate Fubara, Administrator Role Illegal – NBA

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has doubled down on its stance that President Bola Tinubu’s removal of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara is illegal and wants him to undo it. On Tuesday, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and all state lawmakers due to the ongoing political chaos in the oil-rich state. He then named Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.

The NBA, led by President Afam Osigwe, who appeared on Sunday Politics, first slammed Tinubu’s move and now insists Fubara should return as governor. Osigwe said the Constitution doesn’t allow for a “sole administrator” to run a state. “We believe the president must bring Fubara back after removing him illegally,” he told the show. “We don’t see this sole administrator as the rightful leader in Rivers State—his appointment breaks the Constitution. I even wondered what oath he took, since the Constitution doesn’t mention an administrator.”

Osigwe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, compared Tinubu’s approach to smashing a headache with a sledgehammer—way too extreme. He called the steps “over the top, undemocratic, and flat-out unconstitutional,” arguing that Rivers’ political mess needs a political fix, not this. Some say Tinubu used a vague part of Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, but Osigwe shot that down. “It’s not unclear—we’re just choosing to twist it,” he said.

The National Assembly backed Tinubu’s emergency declaration, but Osigwe isn’t buying that it makes it legal. He said their approval is like “building on quicksand”—it doesn’t hold up.

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