News
Suntai Resumes Duties, Notifies Assembly …May Sack Cabinet
Indications are rife that Taraba State Governor, Mr. Danbaba Suntai, may dissolve the State Executive Council “any moment” from now, even as he has officially notified the state House of Assembly of his return from medical treatment abroad, and “resumption of duties”.
The move may be the anti-climax of a protracted power tussle between Suntai and his Deputy, Alhaji Garba Umar.
Before Suntai’s return to Nigeria on Sunday, after a 10-month absence in Germany and America, it was gathered that Umar had perfected moves to effectively take over the reins of power as governor.
Umar had, during Suntai’s absence, allegedly orchestrated the sacking of principal officers of the state legislature.
He had followed up in July by sacking 11 top appointees of Suntai.
The governor’s return, it was learnt, has already sent jitters down the spines of the state legislators, some of whom, not wanting to lose out politically, have begun serious political realignments.
Suntai, who underwent series of medical treatment abroad as a result of head and limb injuries sustained when his aircraft crashed last October, on Monday formally notified the Assembly Speaker, Hon. Haruna Tsokwa, of his return.
Suntai’s sudden return and letter to the Speaker, it was gathered, have greatly unsettled the Umar camp.
The legislators, it was learnt, had Assembly replied the governor, asking him to come and address them on the floor of the House to prove that he is capable of performing his official duties.
Legal experts said that, by transmitting a letter notifying Speaker Tsokwa of his return, Suntai has fulfilled the provisions of Section 190 (2) of the Nigerian Constitution as amended.
“Section 190 (2) makes it mandatory for a governor who has returned from a leave he or she embarked on with or without the knowledge of the Assembly, to transmit a letter to the Speaker that he or she is back.
“By the provision of that section, the governor on AWOL assumes full powers the moment such letter is transmitted, even if by email,” a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who prefers not to be named, submitted.
The senior lawyer scoffed at reports that the Assembly may sit to consider Suntai’s letter.
“Consider what? There is nothing to consider. The governor has played his part by transmitting a letter to the Speaker. Whatever the Speaker does with the letter is none of anybody’s business. The Assembly, I believe, should have members who are lawyers. They should know better,” he added.
On claims by Umar that he remains acting governor until the Assembly considers Suntai’s letter, the lawyer dismissed it as “idle talk.”
He stressed, “I don’t want to believe deputy governor said that. It will be sad if he actually said that because you cannot have a governor and an acting governor at the same time. As far as the law is concerned, until Suntai is removed from office, he remains the governor and Umar, his deputy.”
It would be recalled that in late April, the state Assembly sacked its principal officers who were primarily considered Suntai’s loyalists, and prominent politicians blamed the change of guard in the Assembly on Umar.
Hardly had the dust on the Assembly palace coup settled than Umar, on July 9, sacked 10 principal appointees of Suntai, including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ambassador Emmanuel Njiwah.
While Umar said the sack of the SSG, six commissioners and four advisers was in compliance with the recommendations of the Assembly, some argued that it was political vendetta since all the affected officials were considered Suntai’s loyalists.
Umar was nominated by Suntai to become deputy governor after the Assembly impeached the former deputy governor, Sani Abubakar.
Suntai’s plane crashed three weeks after Umar’s swearing-in as deputy governor.
Three weeks after the air accident, Umar was made acting governor by the state legislators.
The sack of the House leadership and top appointees of Suntai, some argue, were acts of desperation by Umar to supplant Suntai as governor.
Meanwhile, the Acting Governor of Taraba, Alhaji Garba Umar, has lauded the people of the state for turning out peacefully to welcome Governor Danbaba Suntai back to the state.
Umar made the commendation in a short address on Monday in Jalingo.
He also thanked the people of the state for the show of love and affection to the ailing governor.
However, a group known as Coalition of Taraba Youth Movement, has called on the state’s House of Assembly to summon Suntai to speak to the people of the state.
The President of the coalition, Malam Abubakar Waziri, made the call at a news conference on Monday in Jalingo.
Waziri noted that people of the state had been praying for the ailing governor for the past 10 months and now that he had returned, the uncertainty surrounding his health should be put to rest.
“We want Governor Suntai to speak to the people of the state, either through the media or at the House of Assembly.
“The state is in a state of confusion now because the people do not know what to believe,” he said.
Some constitutional lawyers in Abuja yesterday said governance in Taraba was built around an individual instead of institutions, and described the situation as sad.
The lawyers further described the situation as unfortunate as some people were making things difficult for the deputy governor to perform his duties.
“So, if Governor Danbaba Suntai is not around then, the development of the state and the policy thrust of governance must come to a standstill.”
Mr Jibrin-Samuel Okutepa, a lawyer, said people should begin to realise that Nigeria or any part thereof was greater than any individual, no matter how highly placed in the society.
He said it was so unfortunate for anyone in the state of mental and physical unfitness to want to cling to power, not minding the challenges facing him.
Okutepa said that for Suntai to transmit a letter of fitness and intention to resume work to the Taraba State House of Assembly was in fulfilment of Section 190 sub-section 2 of the constitution.
In his remarks, a human rights lawyer, Mr Festus Keyamo, said that going back to work was not so significant at this time for Suntai, rather he should endeavour to make a state-wide broadcast to the people.
He said this action was the only way to assure the people that “all is well with him”.
Keyamo also noted that “What he did by writing to the House was constitutional, but he needs to clear the air on the state of his health and eligibility to face the rigours of office’’.
According to him, if the governor fails to address the public then, there can be need for a comprehensive medical examination for mental and physical fitness.
Keyamo cautioned the loyalists of the governor against playing politics with the health of their principal in their own selfish interest.
Our correspondent reports that Suntai has not uttered a word neither has he made any public appearance as his family and personal aides said that his doctors had advised that he should rest for at least 72 hours after his return.
The Hausa Community in Rivers State has dissociated itself from media reports credited to one MaiwadaAdamu that the Arewa Community in Rivers State has appointed Alhaji Musa Saidu as the acting SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt, following the inability of the former SarkinHausawa, Alhaji Isa Madaki to carry out his functions.
MaidawaAdamu, who is also the spokesman of the Arewa Initiative for Peaceful Co-existence, had briefed journalists on the change, but in a swift reaction, the Office of Alhaji Isa Madaki, has come out to say that the only recognised body which has the powers to appoint the SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt is the Council of SarkinHausawa in PortHarcourt headed by Alhaji Isa Madaki.
The statement also said Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki is the only recognisedSarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, adding that his appointment follows the proclamation and endorsement by the council members of SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The statement further called on the general public and all authorities concerned to give Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki maximum co-operation and support,as he discharges his duties as SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt.
The Suspended Rivers State Commissioner for health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has described as baseless allegations in some quarters that she was responsible for the purported disruption of the Nigerian First Lady’s empowerment program in Port Harcourt.
Dr Oreh, who said this in a statement personally signed by her and a copy made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt also described the allegation as a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers
According to Dr Oreh, “they are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord”
In her words,”the allegations levelled against me, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, regarding the supposed disruption of the First Lady’s empowerment programme on Friday 2nd May, 2025, are entirely unfounded, completely false, and a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers and conflict entrepreneurs.
“They are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord.”
The suspended commissioner challenged those behind the allegation, especially the Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation to show proof of its assertion adding “It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I challenge the “Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation” (assuming such a body really exists) to provide tangible proof to support their assertions.
“It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I have neither sponsored nor will sponsor any activities aimed at embarrassing or disrupting the activities of the administration appointed by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to oversee the affairs of Rivers State following his declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday, 18th March, 2025, and have rather spent the time of my suspension from office focused on other endeavours and my doctoral studies.
“I reaffirm my commitment to working tirelessly for the progress and development of Rivers State.
“Furthermore, I believe that it is crucial for all stakeholders to promote a culture of truth, integrity, and respect in public discourse.
“Unsubstantiated wild claims undermine trust and hinder constructive engagement, and this is not what the state needs at this difficult and delicate time.
“I urge everyone to focus on issues that unite us and foster a positive, solution-driven dialogue for the betterment of our State, and urge everyone to work together to build a brighter future for Rivers State, grounded in truth, transparency, and collective effort,”she said.
By: John Bibor
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has called on key regulators, asset owners and other stakeholders to continue to support the agency toward the goal of remediating the Ogoni environment and restoring the livelihoods of the people and building structures for peace.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who made the call during the Project’s first quarter meeting with regulators, asset owners and stakeholders in Port Harcourt, urged the stakeholders to remain resolute in supporting HYPREP’s work.
“We particularly expect each regulatory agency and asset owner to deepen their involvement and continue to provide strategic support to the project”, he said, stressing that the quarterly meeting platform remains instrumental in providing a structural avenue for regulators, asset owners, and implementation partners to offer feedback to HYPREP on project performance and deliberate on ideas that move the project forward, as well as strengthen collaboration, deepen synergy and reinforce collective responsibility.
Zabbey disclosed that the socio-economic study of Ogoni has started, as HYPREP has contacted the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation(WHO) to commence in the next quarter a three-year human health biomonitoring in Ogoniland.
He noted that work on several fronts of the cleanup project is progressing steadily, adding that as key project partners, the insights and shared experience of the regulators and asset owners have always enriched HYPREP’s operations.
He said the policy thrust of HYPREP for 2025 is clear, as the Project is intensifying efforts to complete within stated timelines, the various ongoing projects, including remediation works and mangrove restoration, potable water facilities, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, the Ogoni Power Project, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, and Buan Cottage Hospital, among others.
Zabbey, however, announced that HYPREP would commence new set of shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration and livelihood projects, to sustain the momentum of implementing the Ogoni cleanup, adding that the agency would also conduct detailed site characterisation of the high-risk complex sites, leading to remediation works at the sites.
He noted that HYPREP’s collaboration with Rivers State Ministries of Health, Power and Environment, and civil society organisations remains vital, stressing that the technical and administrative support of all relevant government agencies and funding partners is indispensable in helping HYPREP overcome operational bottlenecks, especially those encountered in interfacing with host communities.
He further indicated that “the people of Ogoni and the nation are looking to us with hope and expectation, and expect tangible results from the remediation initiative”, assuring the participants that the Project Coordination Office is committed to delivering positive results.
“We must, therefore, continue to work with diligence, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose”, he declared, saying, “ the completion and commissioning of projects this year must reflect not only our technical ability but also our collective commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable development in Ogoni.”
During the interactive session, the Project Coordinator briefed the participants on the progress made so far by HYPREP to conclude the distribution of starter packs to the 5,000 Ogoni trainees, and called on contractors who had already collected huge chunk of money for the project, to deliver without further delay.
In all, the regulators, asset owners and stakeholders commended HYPREP for the good works it is doing, and urged it to do more.
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency(NOSDRA) was represented at the event by Deputy Director, Oil Field Assessment, Dr Abam Komommo Omini, while Dr Vincent Nwachukwu, Director of Medical Services, represented the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
The Rivers State Ministries of Water Resources, Power and Environment were represented by Dr Bealo Brownson; Engr K. J. Osele; and Mr James Ordu respectively, while the Society for Women and Youth Affairs (SWAYA); and the Stakeholder Democracy Network(SDN); among other civil society organisations were also at the event.
By: Donatus Ebi