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Group Applauds Supreme Court Ruling in Rivers , Says Its Win for Democracy
The Rivers Good Governance Agenda (RGGA) has commended the Supreme Court of Nigeria for its landmark ruling against the alleged unconstitutional actions of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.
The ruling, delivered on February 28, 2025, has been described as a significant victory for constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and the independence of democratic institutions in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by its president, Prince King James, the RGGA in a statement on Sunday welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to halt the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing funds to the Rivers State Government.
The group argued that the move was necessary to prevent Governor Fubara from using state resources to further what they described as his “authoritarian agenda.”
A key aspect of the court’s ruling was its directive to reinstate the Rivers State House of Assembly, which the RGGA claims was illegally dismantled by Governor Fubara. The statement criticized the governor’s attempt to govern with only four out of the 32 elected members of the Assembly, calling it a blatant violation of democratic principles.
The ruling also ordered the immediate reinstatement of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the Assembly, who were previously redeployed under controversial circumstances.
The RGGA urged the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, to comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling and ensure that no funds are disbursed to the Rivers State Government until all constitutional issues are resolved.
The RGGA further emphasized that the Supreme Court’s judgment marks the beginning of a new era where state governors can no longer act with impunity. The group decried what it described as Governor Fubara’s “quasi-military tactics” to suppress the Assembly, warning that such practices would no longer be tolerated.
The statement reads in part; The Rivers Good Governance Agenda (RGGA) commends the supreme Court of Nigeria for its landmark judgement against the illegal actions of Governor Fubara of Rivers State. This ruling has not only reaffirmed the sanctity of the rule of law, but has also restored hope in the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“This judgment which was delivered on the 28th of February, 2025, is a monumental victory for constitutional democracy, the people of Rivers State, and indeed, all Nigerians who cherish the principles of justice, fairness, and the separation of powers.
“However, We believe that the Supreme Court’s decision to halt the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing funds to the Rivers State Government, following the illegal and unconstitutional actions of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, is a bold and necessary step in safeguarding the integrity of our democracy.
“This judgment is a great move towards the restoration of constitutional democracy under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose commitment to the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary has been very firm.
“Moreover, the actions of Governor Fubara, including his unlawful dismantling of the Rivers State House of Assembly and efforts to prevent the 27 elected members from performing their constitutional duties, represent a blatant disregard for democracy. These actions were believed to have been carried out under the pretense of political survival, ignoring the fact that democracy thrives on robust participation from all branches of government.”
He continued, “The Supreme Court’s judgment is clear in its condemnation of these actions, ordering the immediate reinstatement of the House of Assembly, the Clerk, and the Deputy Clerk who were unjustly redeployed.
“It is equally important to note that the Governor’s attempts to operate with only four out of the 32 members of the House of Assembly are a clear violation of the constitutional framework that guarantees the independence of the legislative arm of government.
“The ruling has reaffirmed that no executive, regardless of the office they occupy, has the right to undermine or manipulate the legislature to perpetuate personal or partisan interests. The Court’s declaration that the Rivers State Governor must cease these unlawful practices and respect the constitution is a victory for the people of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
“We are particularly elated that the era of governors trampling on democratic institutions with impunity is gradually coming to an end. For too long, state governors have operated as emperors, disregarding the constitution, undermining the legislature, and stifling local government autonomy.
“The quasi-military rule tactics employed by Governor Fubara to silence the Rivers State House of Assembly in a dictatorial manner are not only reprehensible but also a direct assault on the principles of democracy. The Supreme Court’s judgment sends a clear message that such undemocratic practices will no longer be tolerated.
“The RGGA wishes to emphasize that the Supreme Court’s ruling is not just a victory for Rivers State but a victory for all Nigerians who believe in the rule of law and the sanctity of democratic institutions. The judgment has effectively halted the illegal and unconstitutional actions of Governor Fubara, who sought to manipulate the financial allocations of the state to further his authoritarian agenda.
He further noted; “The Supreme Court has shown its dedication to preserving the constitution and ensuring that no individual, no matter of influence, is above the law by preventing the CBN from disbursing funds to the Rivers State Government.
“We call on the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, to respect the judgment of the Supreme Court and ensure that no funds are released to the Rivers State Government until the constitutional issues raised in the case are fully resolved. The CBN, as a key institution in Nigeria’s financial system, must operate within the confines of the law and refrain from actions that could undermine the judiciary’s authority.
“Similarly, we urge Governor Siminalayi Fubara to respect the Supreme Court’s judgment and refrain from any further actions that could destabilize Rivers State or undermine its democratic institutions. The era of governors operating as dictators is over, and the people of Rivers State will no longer tolerate any form of authoritarianism. Governor Fubara must recognize that his primary mandate is to serve the people. It is therefore imperative that he stops all illegal activities and immediately works towards reconvening the lawful House of Assembly for the proper passage of budgets, policies, and decisions that will benefit the people of Rivers State.
“The RGGA also wishes to commend the judiciary for its courage and independence in delivering this landmark judgment. The Supreme Court’s decision is a reminder that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man and a bulwark against tyranny. We urge the judiciary to continue to uphold the constitution and ensure that justice is served without fear or favor.
“Furthermore, we call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to continue to support the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law. The Tinubu administration’s commitment to restoring constitutional democracy is very much evident in its respect for the judiciary’s independence and its efforts to strengthen democratic institutions. We urge the President to remain steadfast in this commitment to the rule of law and to ensure that all arms of government operate within the confines of the constitution.
“The RGGA also wishes to draw attention to the broader implications of the Supreme Court’s judgment. The ruling is a clear indication that the era of impunity and lawlessness in Nigeria is coming to an end. Governors who have hitherto operated as emperors, disregarding the constitution and undermining democratic institutions, must now take heed. The Supreme Court’s judgment is a warning that no individual, no matter how powerful, is above the law.
“We also commend the Rivers State House of Assembly for its resilience in the face of Governor Fubara’s dictatorial tactics. The House of Assembly, as the representative of the people, has a constitutional mandate to uphold the rule of law and ensure that the government operates within the confines of the constitution. We urge the House of Assembly to continue to stand firm in its commitment to the rule of law and to ensure that the interests of the people of Rivers State are protected.
“Finally, the Rivers Good Governance Agenda (RGGA) wishes to reiterate its commitment to the principles of good governance, the rule of law, and the sanctity of democratic institutions. We will continue to advocate for transparency, accountability, and the respect for the rule of law in Rivers State and across Nigeria. We call on all stakeholders, including the CBN, the Rivers State Government, and the judiciary, to respect the Supreme Court’s judgment and ensure that the rule of law prevails.
“The Supreme Court’s judgement is a victory for democracy, a victory for the rule of law, and a big victory for the people of Rivers State. Let us all strive to ensure that this victory is not in vain, and that democracy continues to thrive in Nigeria.”
News
New Petrol Import Permits May Reverse Nigeria’s Push for Domestic Refining and Increase Pressure on Foreign Reserve” — Energy Policy Group Tells President Tinubu
An energy policy group has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the wider economic consequences of newly issued permits allowing marketers to import petrol into the country, warning that the move could undermine Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen domestic refining and stabilise the economy.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, the Energy Transparency and Market Justice Initiative (ETMJI) said the approvals granted by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) could produce unintended consequences if not carefully managed.
The group’s president, Dr. Salako Kareem, said Nigeria was at a delicate moment in its energy transition and that policy choices made now would determine whether the country finally escapes its decades-long dependence on imported refined petroleum products.
Kareem said while the regulator’s responsibility to guarantee adequate fuel supply is understood, expanding import permissions at this stage could weaken the policy direction required to encourage local production and long-term sector stability.
“Our respectful appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is that decisions concerning petrol importation must be carefully weighed against their long-term economic consequences,” Kareem said.
“Nigeria has spent decades trying to overcome the paradox of being a major crude oil producer while relying heavily on imported refined products. Any policy action that appears to reopen the floodgates of importation may slow down the progress that has been made toward strengthening domestic refining capacity.”
He warned that increasing petrol imports could place additional pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves, especially at a time when the government is pursuing difficult economic reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and improving fiscal discipline.
“For many years, the country has lost enormous volumes of foreign exchange importing petroleum products that could ideally be refined locally,” Kareem said.
“If import volumes begin to rise again, the demand for foreign currency will inevitably grow. This could place renewed strain on the naira and undermine the broader economic stabilisation programme that the government is currently pursuing.”
The group also warned that excessive reliance on imported petrol could create opportunities for product dumping and the entry of substandard fuel into the Nigerian market, a challenge that has troubled regulators and consumers in the past.
According to Kareem, Nigeria’s downstream sector has historically struggled with quality control issues whenever importation becomes widespread, because imported fuel often travels through multiple intermediaries before reaching domestic depots.
“One of the lessons from the past is that when imports dominate the supply chain, the market sometimes becomes vulnerable to the dumping of inferior petroleum products,” he said.
“This not only creates regulatory complications but also exposes Nigerian consumers to fuels that may damage vehicles, affect industrial machinery and ultimately impose hidden economic costs on the country.”
He added that encouraging domestic refining and strengthening local supply chains would provide better product traceability and improve overall market transparency.
Kareem stressed that the group’s intervention was not intended as criticism of the NMDPRA, noting that regulators must often make complex decisions to prevent supply disruptions in a volatile energy market.
However, he urged the federal government to ensure that short-term supply management does not weaken long-term national objectives in the petroleum sector.
“We recognise that the regulator has the responsibility to ensure that Nigerians do not experience fuel shortages, and that duty is extremely important,” he said.
“But at the same time, policy coherence is essential. The country must avoid sending signals that could discourage investment in local refining or create uncertainty about Nigeria’s commitment to energy self-sufficiency.”
Kareem said Nigeria now has a rare opportunity to restructure its downstream petroleum industry in a way that strengthens domestic production, protects foreign exchange reserves and builds long-term industrial capacity.
He urged the president to ensure that the country’s regulatory framework reflects that strategic vision.
“Our appeal is simply for policy alignment. If Nigeria truly wants to build a resilient energy economy, then every major decision in the downstream sector must reinforce the goal of reducing import dependence, strengthening domestic production and protecting the country’s economic stability,” Kareem noted.
The group added that careful policy coordination between regulators and the presidency would help ensure that Nigeria avoids repeating the costly fuel import cycles that have historically drained public resources and weakened the national economy.
News
OKL Launches Free Digital Skills Scholarships for 1,000 Lagos Central Youths, Pledges New Approach to Leadership
Olumide Kola-Lawal (OKL), an aspirant for the Lagos Central Senatorial seat, has launched a major youth empowerment initiative that will provide free enrolment and 100 percent scholarships to 1,000 young people across the district for internationally relevant Information Technology and Vocational (ITV) courses.
The initiative was announced on March 11 during a Ramadan lecture themed “Ramadan and the Role of Youths in Building a Moral and United Society,” organized by the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Surulere branch, at the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Hall.
Speaking as the special guest of the event, Kola-Lawal used the platform to outline what he described as a new model of politics centered on opportunity creation, innovation, and people-driven solutions.
“My priority is connecting the grassroots to global opportunities for young people and entrepreneurs,” he said. “I remain confident that bold, people-centered ideas can still drive meaningful change.”
Building Pathways from Lagos to the Global Economy
The scholarship scheme, which represents the first phase of a broader youth development strategy, will train participants in high-demand digital skills in partnership with the London Til Career Institute, an international career and professional development institution focused on career acceleration, innovation, and smart school technology.
Participants will receive training and certification in areas such as:
- Software development
- UI/UX design
- Data analysis
- Cybersecurity
- Digital marketing
- Photo and media editing
The program is designed not only to equip young people with employable skills but also to create sustainable income opportunities and foster entrepreneurship within Lagos Central.
A Different Kind of Political Vision
Kola-Lawal, a globally exposed professional, emphasized that his approach to public service will focus on leveraging international networks and private-sector partnerships to create real economic pathways for constituents.
According to him, the initiative reflects a belief that leadership must move beyond campaign promises to deliver practical, scalable solutions for youth employment and innovation.
By equipping young residents with globally relevant digital skills, he said the program could produce a multiplier effect across the local economy, increasing earnings potential and supporting new business creation throughout Lagos State.
Youth at the Center of Development
Addressing the audience of young participants and community leaders, Kola-Lawal noted that the future of Lagos depends heavily on empowering its youth population with the right tools for the modern economy.
He said the scholarship initiative is intended to bridge the opportunity gap between local talent and global digital markets, positioning Lagos Central as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurial activity.
For many attendees at the event, the announcement signaled what supporters describe as a forward-looking and solutions-driven style of leadership—one that blends global exposure with grassroots engagement.
As the political landscape ahead of the next electoral cycle begins to take shape, Kola-Lawal’s initiative is likely to resonate with a growing constituency of young voters seeking practical opportunities rather than traditional political rhetoric.
The presiding pastor of Masters Place International, Pastor Korede Komaiya, has said “Life is warfare never funfare”.
Komaiya made the assertion in a recently released and shared video message.
He said “Never be surprised that you have battles, the greater your destiny, the greater your battles”.
According to the revered cleric, “A life without battles is a dead life, your battles shows your importance, glory and it indicate your greatness”.
He explained that, Small destiny attracts small battles while the greater the battle, the greater glory and “things are manipulated from the spirit realm to happen physically”.
Stressing and emphasising that, “if you joke with your destiny, you will end up a joke”.
Using this a backdrop about his own transformation, stages in life and fulfilling destiny, Komaiya concluded “No one can fulfill their destiny in a grand style without the annointing”.
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