Tinubu declares State of Emergency in Rivers State, Suspends Gov Fubara, State Assembly members
President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to escalating political unrest and security threats. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly were suspended for six months, with Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) appointed as military administrator. Tinubu cited Section 305 of the Constitution, arguing the move was necessary to restore order. While some support the decision, critics warn of federal overreach and threats to democracy.
Athena Commentary: While President Tinubu’s decision is framed as a response to security concerns, it raises significant questions about democratic governance and federalism in Nigeria.
- Does this action undermine the principle of state autonomy by allowing federal intervention in political disputes?
- Could this embolden future presidents to use emergency powers as a tool for political control rather than genuine security concerns?
- On what legal grounds were elected officials suspended without impeachment or judicial review?
- Given that Rivers State’s crisis stems largely from a political feud, was removing the governor a proportionate response to security threats?
- How does appointing a military administrator align with Nigeria’s democratic ideals?
- Have past instances of military interventions in governance yielded lasting stability, or do they merely suppress conflicts temporarily?
- Will this move resolve or exacerbate the ongoing political tensions between Governor Fubara and Minister Wike?
- Could the suspension of democratic institutions further radicalise factions within the state, leading to prolonged instability?
Wike Promises FCT Land Allocation For Port Harcourt Varsity
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has pledged to allocate land in Abuja for the University of Port Harcourt’s proposed Centre for Leadership and Political Studies. This commitment came after a request from the university’s Governing Council, led by Pro-Chancellor Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa. The center aims to mirror the John F. Kennedy Leadership Center in the U.S. and will include “Wikematics Political Ideology” as part of its curriculum, reflecting Wike’s political experience. The project seeks to enhance leadership and political education in Nigeria. Read more
Athena Commentary: While Wike’s generosity is commendable, reliance on personal funds and goodwill donations reflects weak systemic funding for education in Nigeria. In contrast, universities in developed nations have strong alumni networks, corporate sponsorships, and research grants. A more sustainable approach would be long-term investment strategies, policy-driven educational funding, and transparent financial planning rather than dependence on individual benevolence.
Explosion Rocks Trans Niger Pipeline in Rivers
An explosion rocked a section of the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo Community, Rivers State, late Monday night near the under-construction Bodo-Bonny Road. Thick black smoke billowed as a raging fire rapidly spread into nearby mangrove areas, captured in a video released Tuesday morning. The incident, documented by Dennis Naku, has raised concerns about safety and environmental risks in the region. Emergency crews are actively investigating the cause while quickly controlling the fire. Local residents remain alarmed as authorities assess the damage and work to prevent further hazards in this critical infrastructure zone. Officials promise swift action and thorough investigation. Read more
Athena Commentary: The recent pipeline incident tells us something about the gap between effective systems and slower, less transparent communication. In better-run countries, the Trans Niger Pipeline, crucial for oil supply to Bonny Export Terminal, would prompt immediate public updates and swift investigations. A timely response by the police is standard to uphold trust and ensure safety. The delay in feedback highlights significant shortcomings in accountability and infrastructure oversight. Investing in rapid response and improved communication is essential to protect communities and meet international safety standards overall.
NAF Airstrikes Destroy Boko Haram Hideouts in Borno.
The Nigerian Air Force carried out a precision airstrike on Boko Haram hideouts in Chikide and Degbewa, Borno State, inflicting heavy losses. Acting on intelligence and surveillance, the attack targeted a key insurgent hub in the Mandara Mountains, where terrorist leader Ali Ngulde and his fighters were meeting. The site had fortified structures and solar-powered installations. A surprise night operation on March 16, 2025, successfully struck the enclave, demonstrating the Air Force’s advanced night warfare capabilities. The operation was confirmed in a statement by Group Captain Kabiru Ali, emphasizing the effectiveness of the strike. Read more
Athena Commentary: The Nigerian Air Force’s precision night strike demonstrates growing capabilities in counterterrorism but still falls short of the advanced strategies used in better-equipped nations. Countries like the U.S. and Israel integrate real-time AI-driven surveillance, drone swarms, and precision-guided munitions to minimize collateral damage and ensure high-value target elimination. While Nigeria’s use of ISR and night operations is commendable, sustained air dominance requires more advanced technologies, better intelligence coordination, and rapid response tactics. Additionally, elite forces in advanced nations often follow up with ground raids to secure intelligence and confirm target elimination, a strategy Nigeria could adopt for greater effectiveness.
4.Police Deny Involvement in Scooping Fuel From Fallen Tanker.
The Police Headquarters has denied claims in a viral video showing uniformed officers allegedly scooping fuel from a fallen petrol tanker. In a statement on Tuesday, Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi clarified that the officers seen in the video were not Nigerian police personnel but from a neighboring country. He urged the public to verify information before spreading false narratives that could mislead or damage the reputation of the Nigerian Police Force. Read more
Athena Commentary: Misinformation can significantly damage public trust in law enforcement, especially in countries like Nigeria, where police accountability is a frequent concern. While the Nigeria Police Force has denied the allegations in the viral video, better-equipped countries handle such crises with more transparency. In nations like the U.S. or UK, police forces rely on body cameras, surveillance footage, and independent fact-checking agencies to verify claims quickly. The lack of concrete evidence in Nigeria’s rebuttal raises concerns about the effectiveness of its crisis communication. To strengthen credibility, the police must adopt modern investigative tools and proactive media engagement to counter false narratives.