Anambra Family Protests Continued Detention Of Father By Security Operatives

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By Okey Maduforo Awka

Family of Chief Onyemazu Ngini of Isuanaocha community in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra state has raised alarm over what it described as unlawful arrest and detention of their father by a popular security operative in the state.

The family said their father, the Youth Leader of the community, who was last seen on Thursday after he was lured through a phone call had been in detention since then with no substantial reason for his arrest.

Speaking to reporters on to the detainee, Chisom expressed worry over the lingering detention of the father, alleging plans to poison him in the facility.

He said, “On Thursday last week, he told us he received a call and he was going to answer him. Anytime he’s leaving the house, he usually tells us where he’s going. That has been his culture.

“That was around 11am. At about 4pm, the next thing we heard was that he was detained. The following day, we were told he was accused of land grabbing.

“They said a woman accused him of taking her land from her. I’m sure my father can’t collect land from anyone, instead he will even give his own to people.

“They even linked him with kidnapping and involvement with unknown gunmen.
As the son, I don’t know about those allegations.”

The son further said they got to know about the series of allegations from their lawyer who they engaged his services.

“It was the lawyer we sent that has been furnishing us with all these information, including the allegations in the petition.

“My father was a mechanic before he resigned to become the youth leader of the community. He’s been in detention for a week now.

“I’m suspecting certain persons in the community to be behind the detention. We also heard that they are seeking approval from Abuja to move him there where they plan poisoning him.”

On his part, the wife, Caroline dismissed the allegations against her husband as false, calling for his immediate release.

She however said the arrest might not be unconnected to disagreement he had with leadership of the community, which led to his (husband) removal from office.

“I knew my husband since 1994 and I know what he can do. All the allegations against him are false. I want my husband to be released. I also want the government to order an investigation into the activities of the security apparatus.

Peter Obi Charges LP Senators Not To Back Tinubu”s State Of Emergency In Rivers

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By Okey Maduforo Awka.

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last general election Mr Peter Obi has urged members of Labor Party in the Senate not to support the state of emergency imposed by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu on Rivers state.

Obi in a statement urged party members to stand by the truth in the defence of the country’s democracy contending that the unfortunate development has far reaching negative implications on the country’s polity if not check mated .

The statement read in parts ;

“Since your inauguration as Distinguished, and Honorable members of the National Assembly, I have refrained from interfering in your legislative affairs out of respect for your independence and to allow you to focus on alleviating the suffering of the Nigerian people”

“However, at this critical juncture, following twenty six years of a deteriorating democratic process marked by disregard for educational qualifications for electoral positions, massive rigging, and now the unconstitutional removal of elected officeholders, I find it necessary to address you”

“These unconstitutional actions have far-reaching negative implications for our democracy and the will of the people”

“I urge you to stand as true defenders of justice. Do not participate in or support any action, decision, or vote that compromises the integrity of our democracy, undermines the interests of the people of Rivers State, or contradicts our core values of fairness, equity, and transparency”

“We must not allow ourselves to become instruments of injustice or contribute to the betrayal of the people’s mandate”

” At this moment, we must prioritize what is right over what is wrong or convenient, remaining steadfast in defending the well-being of the people of Rivers State” he noted .

Atiku, El-Rufai, Tanko, Ihedioha Form Coalition To Challenge Tinubu In 2027

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Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has announced the formation of a new coalition of opposition political parties aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

Atiku made the declaration on Thursday at a press conference held at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, where he addressed journalists on behalf of the opposition leaders. The coalition, comprising key political figures, seeks to present a united front against what they describe as the president’s unconstitutional actions and governance failures.

As part of its agenda, the coalition strongly criticised President Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which led to the suspension of elected officials, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.

Atiku, flanked by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Labour Party spokesperson, Yunusa Tanko, and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, called on the National Assembly to reject the move.

He also urged the judiciary to swiftly overturn the president’s pronouncement, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent for arbitrary removal of governors in the future.

“Section 305 of the Constitution allows the President to declare a state of emergency only in extreme cases where public safety, national security, or Nigeria’s sovereignty is at serious risk. However, it does not grant him the power to suspend elected officials or to demolish democratic structures as he has brazenly done,” Atiku stated.

He described Tinubu’s decision as “a clear subversion of democracy and an imposition of autocratic federal control over a duly elected state government.”

The coalition urged civil society organisations, political groups, and all Nigerians to reject what they termed an assault on the Constitution and democratic institutions.

The coalition leaders pledged to engage stakeholders across party lines in preparation for 2027, signalling the beginning of an intensified political battle against Tinubu’s administration.

Prominent Political Stakeholders Rejects State Of Emergency In Rivers State

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JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE BY CONCERNED LEADERS AND POLITICAL STAKEHOLDERS IN NIGERIA ON THE UNCONSTITUTIONAL DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU

Fellow Nigerians,

We, a cross-section of leaders and political stakeholders from across the country, have come together to address the dangerous and unconstitutional actions taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on March 18, 2025—to wit, the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State and the illegal suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the State House of Assembly.

This action is not only unlawful but a clear attempt to subvert democracy and impose federal control over a duly elected state government. We strongly condemn this development and call on all Nigerians of good conscience to resist this brazen assault on constitutional governance.

Seemingly, Mr President’s illegal and unconstitutional proclamation was driven by the protracted insidious political crisis in Rivers State, culminating in the recent ruling of the Supreme Court. Ordinarily, all parties involved would have been expected to follow laid-down procedures, motivated by good faith, to quickly implement the judgment of the highest court of the land. We note that Governor Fubara’s disposition is geared towards full implementation of the ruling of the Supreme Court, despite provocative statements from opposing quarters.

It is also notable that Mr President’s broadcast to the nation on 18th March 2025 betrayed his bias and is infra dig of the sophisticated communication expected from the highest office in the land. By so doing, the President dragged himself and his highly exalted office into the arena of the political brawl, thereby denigrating his high office through inelegant language, predisposed excessiveness and malignant deportment.

The Constitutional Violations

1. Illegal Removal of a Governor and State Assembly
The Nigerian Constitution does not empower the President to remove an elected Governor, Deputy Governor, or State Assembly under any circumstances. The procedure for removing a Governor is clearly outlined in Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) through an impeachment process initiated by the State House of Assembly—not by presidential proclamation.

2. Misuse of Section 305 on State of Emergency
Section 305 of the Constitution allows the President to declare a State of Emergency only in extreme cases where public safety, national security, or Nigeria’s sovereignty is at serious risk. However, it does not grant him the power to suspend elected officials or to demolish democratic structures as is currently being attempted.

Furthermore, Section 305(1) states that any proclamation of emergency is subject to the provisions of the Constitution—meaning it cannot override the tenure and removal procedures of a Governor.

3. Failure to Meet Constitutional Requirements for Emergency Rule
The conditions under Section 305(3) for declaring a state of emergency include:

War or external aggression
Breakdown of public order and safety
Natural disasters or any other grave emergency threatening Nigeria’s corporate existence

None of these conditions exist in current circumstances in Rivers State. There is no war, no widespread violence, and no breakdown of law and order warranting emergency rule.

4. Failure to Follow Due Process
Even if an emergency declaration were valid (which it is not), it would still require a two-thirds majority approval of ALL members of the National Assembly—that is, at least, 72 Senators and 240 members of the House of Representatives. If this approval is not secured, the proclamation must automatically cease to have effect.

5. Alternative Legal Avenues Were Ignored
If the issue was the dysfunction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the President could have encouraged the National Assembly to intervene under Section 11 of the Constitution. However, even under such an intervention, the Governor and Deputy Governor cannot be removed by any arm of government except through constitutional means, as the proviso to S. 11(4) clearly provides.

A Manufactured Crisis for Political Control

This State of Emergency declaration is not about security—it is about power. The disagreements within Rivers State stem from the defection of 27 Assembly members from the PDP to the APC, their loss of seats under constitutional provisions, and the subsequent political manoeuvring to undermine the Governor’s mandate.

Rather than allowing the law to take its course, the federal government has engineered a crisis to justify this unconstitutional action. The excuse of pipeline vandalism—an issue squarely under the control of federal security agencies and privately contracted security firms—is laughable. If security breaches are the concern, the first question should be: Who controls the police, the military, and the DSS? The Governor or the President?

Our Demand and Call to Action

1. Immediate Reversal: We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately revoke this unconstitutional proclamation and reinstate the elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and State Assembly of Rivers State.

2. National Assembly’s Rejection: We call on patriotic Senators and Representatives to vote against this illegal action when it comes before them for approval. The National Assembly must not be used to legitimise an unconstitutional power grab.

3. Judicial Intervention: We urge the judiciary to act swiftly in striking down this proclamation, as it sets a dangerous precedent that could be used to arbitrarily remove any Governor in the future.

4. Nigerians Must Defend Democracy: We call on all civil society organisations, political groups, and Nigerians of good conscience to stand firm in the defence of this democracy that we have all toiled to build. Rivers State is not a conquered territory, and Nigeria is not a dictatorship requiring the replacement of an ELECTED GOVERNOR with a MILITARY ADMINISTRATOR.

Conclusion

A peaceful Niger Delta is critical to the economic health and stability of Nigeria. The federal government should not manufacture political crises that could disrupt this fragile stability.

We must never allow personal political interests to override the principles of federalism, democracy, and constitutional governance. This is not just about Rivers State—it is about the future of Nigeria’s democracy.

We thank you all.

Thursday, 20th March, 2025.

Breaking: Emergency Rule: New Peace Settlement Is Reached, Reduction to 3months, Fubara Returns To Seat

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Information reaching 247ureports.com from competent sources indicate a settlement has been reached over the new  crisis caused by the sudden knee jerk declaration of a state of emergency by the President of the federal republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu – where he announced the removal of the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State and the removal of entire members of the State assembly – while replacing them with a sole administrator that will work under the sole oversight of the federal executive/presidency.

Tinubu passes vote of confidence on APC leadership
Tinubu

According to the information, the settlement deal is designed to be a win-win situation for both the President, the governor of Rivers State and his godfather. The Governor will be returned to power after three months, Wike will get some power sharing and resources. The President, Tinubu will get to “save face” from the backlash over his declaration.

On the first level, the length of stay proscribed for the sole administrator will be reviewed downwards to 3months from 6months.

PDP Disciplinary Committee Targets Wike, Anyanwu, Ortom Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities
Nyesom Wike

On the second level, the power of  oversight which the President took away from the national legislature will be returned to the national assembly. A select team comprising of members of the Senate and House of Representatives will perform the oversight function to the sole administrator for the duration of the 3months.

Oct 5 LG Polls Sacrosanct, Gov Fubara Declares
Gov Fubara

On the third level, within the 3months a team of National Legislatures comprising of Senators and House of Representatives will be set up and tasked with reaching a peace settlement between the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike and Gov Sim Fubara.

According to information available to 247ureports.com, the peace agreement between Fubara and Wike would allow for sharing of power and resources between the godfather and the Governor. Wike will get to control some of the LGAs along with government political appointments.

The national assembly is expected to deliberate on these measures today during plenary session.

Stay tuned

In Response to the Allegations Against Account General Of Bauchi State

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The recent statement by the Bauchi State Youth Democratic Assembly, criticizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Nyesom Wike’s claims regarding the alleged diversion of 70 billion naira by the Bauchi State Government’s Accountant General, requires urgent clarification.

It is both misleading and disingenuous to perpetuate such unsubstantiated allegations in an attempt to tarnish the reputation of Governor Bala Mohammed and undermine his government. These baseless claims are a transparent political attack aimed at distracting the public from the truth, ahead of the 2027 elections. The use of unfounded accusations to undermine a sitting governor is a desperate tactic that lacks the moral fortitude to stand up to scrutiny.

Governor Bala Mohammed, a leader of integrity, has consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare of the people of Bauchi State, working relentlessly to provide infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security in the state. His administration has taken steps to combat corruption, not just by punishing wrongdoers but also by ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. Any attempt to malign his efforts through false allegations will not deter the governor’s unwavering resolve to serve the people of Bauchi State to the best of his ability.

It is essential that political leaders, in their bid to advance their careers, refrain from resorting to smear campaigns and instead focus on constructive discourse that will benefit the nation. False accusations not only damage the integrity of public officials but also undermine the democratic process.

The allegation of 70 billion naira diversion has no basis in fact. The claim is an orchestrated attempt to mislead the public and weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections. This will not be tolerated. Governor Bala Mohammed remains committed to working for the progress and prosperity of Bauchi State, and any effort to discredit him will not succeed.

We, therefore, call on the public to disregard these spurious accusations and remain focused on the continued development of Bauchi State under Governor Bala Mohammed’s leadership.

Signed,

Mr Yunana Ayuba
Spokesman
BSYDA
20/03/2025

Anambra Police Commissioner Moves to End Recurring Truck Crashes in the State, Engages with Drivers

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By Izunna Okafor, Awka

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has taken decisive steps to tackle the rising cases of truck accidents in the state.

The CP, in a bid to prevent further tragedies, on Wednesday, held a crucial meeting at the State Police Headquarters in Awka with members of the Truck Union, emphasizing the need for stricter cautionary measures for truck drivers and owners.

The move comes in response to recurring accidents involving trucks, particularly one of the recent ones that occurred on March 15, 2025, at the Upper Iweka axis of Onitsha, where a truck lost control and crashed into pedestrians, two tricycles, and a commercial bus filled with passengers, claiming six lives and leaving several others injured.

Describing the accident as a regrettable but preventable situation, CP Orutugu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and reiterated the importance of enforcing safety measures to curb similar occurrences in the future.

He stressed the commitment of the police to working closely with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant agencies to implement practical and enforceable safety guidelines for truck operators. The Commissioner noted that it had become imperative to engage truck drivers and owners directly, ensuring that they adhere to necessary regulations that will safeguard the lives of road users in the state.

Among the key strategies discussed at the meeting were the need for conducting thorough risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hazards, enforcing regular vehicle inspections to ensure that all trucks on the road are in proper working condition, and providing safety training to educate drivers on responsible driving practices and the importance of complying with traffic regulations.

CP Orutugu maintained that by implementing these measures, avoidable tragedies on Anambra roads could be significantly reduced. He reassured the public of the Command’s commitment to ensuring safer roads and called on all truck operators to comply strictly with the laid-down safety guidelines. According to him, safety on the roads is a shared responsibility and urged drivers to prioritize caution and responsibility while on duty.

The engagement was attended by key stakeholders, including the State Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Anambra, CC Joyce Alexander, members of the State Police Command’s management team, representatives of the Tipper Drivers and Owners Association, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the 29 Squadron of Mobile Police Base, and several Divisional Police Officers.

How Soldiers Held Governor Fubara, Family Hostage at Government House

 

Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his family were held hostage on Tuesday night by heavily armed soldiers at the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt. The soldiers, acting shortly after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state, blocked all movement in and out of the premises, preventing the governor and his family from leaving or moving their belongings.

Sources within the Government House said the soldiers sealed off all entrances and exits immediately following the president’s national address, which cited escalating political tensions in the state as the reason for the emergency declaration.

“They said they don’t have instruction to let anyone leave the premises,” one official at the scene said. “We are being held hostage.”

The state of emergency follows an ongoing political crisis involving pro-Wike lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly, who began impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara earlier this week. The conflict stems from a fallout between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who backed his 2023 election despite facing corruption allegations.

The president’s decision to suspend all elected officials in Rivers for six months has triggered intense public debate, with critics questioning the constitutionality of removing a sitting governor who has not yet been impeached. Legal experts including Inibehe Effiong and Folarin ‘Falz’ Falana have accused President Tinubu of violating the Constitution by taking unilateral action against an elected state leader.

It remains unclear whether the soldiers stationed at the Government House are acting strictly under orders or exceeding the scope of their directive. The Nigerian Army and Defence Headquarters have not issued any official comment on the situation.

In the interim, President Tinubu has named retired Chief of Naval Staff Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the military administrator of Rivers State.

Imo: Landlord Shoots 16year-old boy Who Entered His Compound To Retrieve Football

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Mr. Donald Mbamah allegedly killed a secondary school boy, Paul Victor, 16, who entered his compound to retrieve a football.

According to a report available to Newsmen on Wednesday, the incident which happened on Monday is causing panic in the area.

Neighbors told our correspondent that the boy who was playing football with his school mates was allegedly shot by Mbamah after the teenager went into his compound to retrieve the football.

The boy was rushed to the Imo State Specialists Hospital in Umuguma where he was lying critical.

One of the neighbors, Justin Madu said ” the name of the school is Development Secondary School at World Bank area of Owerri. The man who allegedly shot the boy is Mr Donald Mbamah. He owns a school and the name is Per Excellence Nursery and Primary School.

“The man allegedly shot the boy as he entered his compound to retrieve the football he was playing with his mates. The boy was rushed to the Imo State Specialists Hospital in Umuguma. Our prayer is that the boy should not die.

” The man has been arrested by the operatives of New Owerri police Division. Today, Tuesday we have visited the police division and we have equally visited the boy at the hospital and we ensured that medical treatment was commenced on the boy.

“The boy is 16 years old and we the neighborhood youths are interested in the boy’s survival.

The youth President of the Area, Kenneth Ozioma, told our correspondent in a telephone conversation that himself on the other youths had visited the victim at the hospital where was rushed to and also went to the New Owerri Police Division.

He said he was making sure that there was no breakdown of law and order in the area as the youths were agitated.

Another neighbor said that the boy never entered the suspect’s compound. According to him, the boy was on top of the fence begging the man to give him his football. He said that the house owner went in brought his gun and allegedly shot the boy.

He said, ” the boy never entered the man’s compound. He was on his perimeter fence begging him to give him his football. Instead of giving the teenager his football, he went inside, brought out his gun and shot the school boy. The boy was rushed to Imo Specialists Hospital in Umuguma where scan has proven that he was shot.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the police in the state, Henry Okoye, said that the suspect whom he gave his name as Dr Donald Mbamah, 64, has been arrested and detained at the New Owerri police Division.

Okoye, said that the suspect will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Owerri for a thorough investigation.

The police spokesperson disclosed that the operatives of the command were working to retrieve the rifle and the suspect would charged to court if implicated by the police investigation.

Significance of the Senate’s vote of confidence in Senator Godswill Akpabio as Senate President – By Hon Eseme Eyiboh

The vote of confidence passed by the Nigerian Senate in the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, is a significant development, particularly amidst the current unfolding events within the Upper Legislative Chamber of the National Assembly.

This resolution was unanimously passed during last Thursday’s Plenary, following a motion moved under Orders 40 and 51 by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), and seconded by the Deputy Minority Leader, Olalere Oyewumi (Osun West). This motion underscores the need for clarity, adherence to legislative rules and a renewed focus on governance. The decision came just 48 hours after the suspended Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, addressed the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in New York, claiming her suspension resulted from her allegations of sexual harassment against Senator Akpabio. However, the Senators urged Nigerians not to let these allegations distract them from appreciating the core legislative duties of the National Assembly.

The vote of confidence not only reflects the Senate’s unity and solidarity with Senator Akpabio but also underscores its commitment to preserve the integrity of the institution.

This overwhelming support for the Senate leadership comes as no surprise to many who have closely followed Senator Akpabio’s bipartisan leadership since his assumption of office. Under his stewardship, for the first time in the annals of the history of the Senate, women have been appointed as Chairpersons of “Grade A” committees; a clear demonstration of the Senate’s gender sensitivity. Furthermore, after years of delay, the 10th Senate has successfully restored Nigeria’s budget cycle to the January-December schedule, facilitating more effective implementation and oversights.

The Senate has also received praise for the mature manner in which it handled the controversies surrounding the Tax Reform Bills introduced by the Executive. An Ad-Hoc Committee was set up to address the concerns raised, build consensus and educate the public on the economic importance of the proposed law, which helped to allay fears from various sectors.

Additionally, contrary to earlier predictions that the 10th Senate would serve as a rubber stamp for the Executive, the Senate, under Akpabio’s leadership, has upheld the principle of separation of powers while maintaining a constructive working relationship with the Executive. In the screening of the ministerial nominees, the Senate jettisoned the usual “Take-a-bow-and-go” approach, ensuring all nominees underwent thorough scrutiny. It was through this process that three key ministerial nominees were dropped from the list.

In another instance, the Senate declined the request from the President to approve the sending of troops to Niger Republic against the military junta that ousted the democratically elected government. This decision helped to prevent potential loss of lives and property, which would have ensued had the request been granted.

The economic hardship caused by the withdrawal of the fuel subsidy at the beginning of the current administration led to widespread distress among Nigerians, with long queues at petrol stations and severe shortages of petroleum products. In response, the 10th Senate conducted an oversight visit to the Dangote Refinery, which sparked concerns regarding the management of Nigeria’s oil and gas resources. This prompted the Senate Leadership to establish an Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate these activities and recommend necessary legislative actions. This led to a Presidential directive requiring the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPCL) to sell crude oil to local refineries in Naira. As a result, Dangote Refinery has reduced its pump price, and two previously idle refineries have resumed operations. Today, Nigerians are beginning to experience relief, with long queues at petrol stations disappearing due to increased products’ availability.

Akpabio’s transformative leadership as Chairman of the 10th National Assembly has also elevated Nigeria’s presence in international legislative diplomacy. In October 2023, Senator Akpabio of Nigeria was elected to the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) during its 147th Summit in Luanda, Angola—an achievement the country never attained in 60 years.

By reaffirming their support for Akpabio, the Senators are sending a strong message: they will not be swayed by any unfounded allegations against the Senate leadership. Instead, they have chosen to stand behind their leader, demonstrating their commitment to stability and continuity in Nigeria’s legislature.

The vote of confidence also emphasizes the critical role of institutional loyalty and solidarity in Nigeria’s legislative landscape. By rallying behind their leader, the Senators are upholding the integrity of the Senate and its processes, reflecting continued support for a leader committed to selfless service, enthronement of justice, and demonstration of implicit support to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s Administration.

•Rt. Hon Eseme Eyiboh is Special Adviser, Media/Publicity, and official spokesperson to the President of the 10th Senate.