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Senate Sacks Ndume, Names Lawan Leader …Rejects Abuja Airport’s Closure

Published

9 years ago

January 11, 2017

The Senate yesterday again witnessed another shocker as the Senate President , Bukola Saraki announced the choice of the Senate majority party ; the All Progressives Congress ( APC) , to change her leadership by removing Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) replacing him with Ahmed Lawan (Yobe North) as the new Senate Leader.
The Senate President, announcing this just before the end of the Senate plenary, ( first sitting of the year 2017) explained that this was a fallout of the caucus meeting which APC senators held on Monday ahead of resumption for the new year to negotiate the need to change the Senate Leader.
Dramatic as it was, the announcement was made just as the former Senate Leader , Senator Ali Ndume stepped out of the chambers to say his prayers as he later explained.
However, a source close to the Senate leadership who craves anonymity told The Tide that the removal of Ndume is not unconnected with the travails of the Senate President Bukola Saraki since his election as the Senate President against the party’s choice of Ahmed Lawan .
Saraki who on refusal to effect the removal of both the Deputy Senate President , Ike Ekweremadu and the announcement of the Ndume’s replacement by Ahmed Lawan had been at war with the Party leadership which exposed him to the ongoing CCT trial and other travails .
The source went on to explain that even at a point when Saraki wanted to succumb to the party’s pressure to enable him regain his ‘ freedom’ , Sen Ndume refused bluntly to step down and that very suggestion of the Senate President had since affected his relationship with Ndume, leading to loss of trust between the two.
According to the source, every move by the former Senate Leader had been monitored to hold him to reasonable errors and consequently, the recent ‘love affairs’ between the former Senate Leader and the Presidency was used as a booby trap that yielded the long expected package.
Importantly , Ndume’s frequent private meetings with President Buhari did not go down well with the Senate President, Ndume’s position on the recent rejection of the EFCC boss, Ibrahim Magu as he told pressmen that the Senate didn’t reject Magu and the Senate’s call for the resignation of the SGF, Babachir Lawal were equally embrassing to his colleagues in the Senate and disappointing to his friends on the same camp of the Senate caucus. To them Ndume only meant that the long Senate resolutions are mere wishes. His open confrontation with Senator Dino Melaye on December 13, 2016, over his stand on the Senate resolutions finally nailed the coffin.
The Tide gathered that even as Ndume chose to dine with the Presidency which earlier stamped the APC’s recommendation for his removal, his colleagues who are not comfortable with the position of the Presidency on Senate issues feel Ndume has become the link man in the Senate to the Presidency against their interest as they assume he informs the Presidency of all the official activities and important decisions of the Senate.
To compound it all , the Senate President, who has been seeking any available opportunity to reconcile with the Presidency and APC leadership, whom he had defied to become the Senate President, through his associates in the Senate initiated reconciliation moves with the party and other aggrieved APC senators, which can only work if he dumps Ndume and swears in see Senator Ahmed Lawan as replacement .
The source also disclosed that the Ndume’s issues were discussed and ratified at a midnight meeting of the APC caucus on Monday with the caucus believing that it will give stability to the office of the Senate President as he bows to the Party Leadership.
However, briefing journalists after the plenary on the change in leadership of the party in the Senate, Ndume said he was shocked by the sudden development.
He said as Senate Leader, he led the business of the Senate from the beginning of the session yesterday before he went to pray at about 12:45pm, only to be confronted with the sudden development by journalists.
His words “Let me say I do not have much to say because actually I was leading the business of the Senate and when it was like quarter to 1 O’clock as usual, I asked my Deputy to sit in for me while I go to pray. On coming back, I discovered that the session is over and one of your colleagues approached me and said leader what happened and I said what happened? and he said there has been announcement in the change of leadership, I said I didn’t know.
“At this point, that is the position. I didn’t know that there was change of leadership because I was not there I went for prayers and I didn’t know what actually happened and I cannot say much now. But there is a process, and I am not aware of any meeting where the decision was taken”, he said.
Spokesperson of the Senate , Aliyu Abdulahi Sabi clarifying issues on this, to journalists, said “I am speaking for the Senate and of course, as you can hear from the announcement it was a letter from the APC caucus. I am not the spokesman of the APC caucus but I am a member of APC and I am here to speak for the Senate so it will be very difficult for me and I don’t want to find myself in saying who sent you.
“For the other one, I am not the spokesperson of the caucus. So the announcement is made and of course, the Senate made the announcement and the announcement is self explanatory. Another leader was announced and as far as I am concerned it is an announcement that somebody is announced as the new leader of the majority because it is the majority leader”.
Meanwhile, following the planned closure of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the Senate, yesterday, said the diversion of flights to Kaduna Airport as an alternative route would pose a major security risk to the lives and properties of Nigerians.
In a sponsored motion by Senator Hope Uzodinma, representing Imo West Senatorial District, which was co-sponsored by five others, the Senate contended that operations could go on simultaneously with repairs because of insecurity in Kaduna State.
Uzodinma was emphatic that the nation cannot wait to witness the consequences of insecurity, if government makes good its planned shutdown of Abuja for Kaduna Airport.
“We are aware of the logistics and security challenges the diversion of Abuja bound flights to Kaduna will throw up, including endangering of the lives and properties of international and local air travellers who will be forced to travel by land from Kaduna to Abuja,” Uzodinma submitted.
Senator Sam Anyanwu, on his part, observed that kidnapping of high profile citizens has assumed a dangerous dimension in and around Kaduna State, hence, the Federal Government should stop the plan.
He added that the Federal Government cannot finish repairs within three months as envisaged.
Also speaking, Senator Kabiru Gaya suggested that temporary run ways should be created without completely shutting down the airport so as not to create economic challenges for some airlines.
Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi West) described the decision as a national embarrassment, saying that to have an airport shut down because a section of the international wing was being repaired was a huge shame.
But in support of Federal Government’s decision, Senator Shehu Sani maintained that it was unfortunate that Nigerian politicians were afraid of problems they created, saying, Kaduna remains safe for all Nigerians.
In his prayers, Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki asked the minister of aviation and other stakeholders to appear before the Senate Committee on Aviation within two days for its report to be reverted to the Senate in two weeks’ time.

Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi, Abuja

Featured

PANDEF Hails Tinubu For Lifting Emergency Rule In Rivers

Published

2 weeks ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has hailed the lifting of the State of Emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

In a statement signed by Board members and National Executive Committee members, yesterday, PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu for rectifying what they described as an anomaly.

The statement was co-signed by Co-Chairmen, PANDEF Board of Trustees, Alfred Diette-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, National Chairman Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, and National Secretary, Beks Dagogo-Jack.

Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State on the 18th of March, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months in the first instance.

In place of the governor, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as Sole Administrator.

However, Tinubu announced the suspension of the Emergency Rule on Wednesday, stating, “It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State shall end with effect from midnight today (Wednesday).”

The Forum commended Fubara’s unwavering perseverance and “faith in the divine will of Almighty God,” while also commending the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension.

“The Board and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, the apex socio-political organisation representing the South-South geopolitical zone, joins millions of Nigerians in welcoming the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

“While PANDEF had expressed strong reservations regarding the erstwhile emergency rule, we commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for taking this bold step to rectify the anomaly.

“We welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to his elected office and salute his unwavering perseverance and faith in the divine will of Almighty God. We extend similar commendations to the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Oduah, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension,” the statement read.

Addressing Rivers people, the forum declared, “Light has returned to the state and a new glorious dawn has come. A moment in which the bitter pains of the past months will inspire all to rededicate themselves to true mutual forbearance, new alignments and forward movement.”

They urged political leaders and citizens to put the past behind them and work towards the collective good of the State, while pledging to support Rivers’ developmental trajectory under Fubara.

“All hearts and hands must therefore be joined together to put the past behind us and work towards the collective good of the state.

“We look forward to the State’s return to normalcy and the resumption of its developmental trajectory under the leadership of Governor Fubara and his team. PANDEF reiterates its commitment to supporting the government and people of Rivers State in their pursuit of progress and development,” the statement added.

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RSG Approves Full Rehabilitation of State Secretariat …Unveils Housing Scheme for Civil Servants, Honours Veterans

Published

3 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Eteh Ibas (Rtd), has approved the complete rehabilitation and modernization of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex to enhance efficiency and productivity in the civil service.

Ibas made the announcement at the 2025 Civil Service Week Gala and Awards Ceremony held at Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday,.

He disclosed that “initiative is designed to transform the secretariat into a modern, efficient and conducive work environment, directly supporting the civil servants who form the backbone of the state’s governance.”

The Administrator also approved the provision of 106 housing units for civil servants in the State.

Ibas paid glowing tribute to retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, describing them as the bedrock of the state’s administration.

He stated that the awards ceremony was a symbol of deep appreciation for decades of sacrifice, resilience, and commitment.

“These interventions are designed to not only recognize your service, but also to improve your welfare in tangible and lasting ways,” the Administrator stated.

“We must build an administration that is efficient, effective, and truly citizen-centric,” he added.

The Administrator urged serving officers to draw inspiration from their predecessors and strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of citizens.

He emphasized the importance of embracing innovation, technology, and continuous training to build a civil service equipped for the future.

The Acting Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown, in her welcome address, described the civil service as the “engine room of government” and expressed profound gratitude to the Administrator for his unwavering support and commitment to its modernization.“

“A society that does not honour its heroes is not worthy of emulation,” Dr. Brown remarked, lauding the retirees as torchbearers of discipline and loyalty.

She pledged to build on their legacy through reforms and innovation, projecting that the Rivers State Civil Service would become a model of efficiency and transparency by 2030.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, President of the Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, Sir Promise Njowhor,

expressed heartfelt appreciation for the historic recognition.

“For once, since the creation of the State, we are being honoured,” Njowhor said, adding, “Our morale has been lifted.”

He pledged the association’s continuous support for government programmes, describing the body of experienced retirees as a resource available to contribute to state development.

The rehabilitation of the State Secretariat and the new housing scheme represent a major investment in the infrastructure and dignity of public service in Rivers State, signaling a new era of support for the civil servants who drive the government’s policies and programmes.

The Tide reports that the Administrator also conferred awards of meritorious service on retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in the State

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Rivers LG Poll: APC Wins 20 chairmanship seats, PDP Clears Three

Published

1 month ago

September 1, 2025

The Tide

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won 20 out of the 23 local government areas in the just concluded local government election in the State, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clinched three local governments.

According to the results released by the Rivers State independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), yesterday, the APC won the chairmanship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Opobo Nkoro, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana local government areas.

APC also won in Gokana, Tai, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche, Omuna, Akuku Toru, Asari Toru, Degema, Ikwerre and Emohua local government areas.

The Commission, however, said the PDP won in Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, and Ogba Egbema Ndoni local government areas.

Chairman of the Commission, Dr Michael Odey, who announced the results at the Commission headquarters in Port Harcourt, said Ofori Owolabi of the APC scored 28,755 votes to emerge winner of the election for Abua Odual while Solomon Ochomma, also of the APC, emerged chairman elect for Ahoada East after scoring 54,509 votes.

Odey said Eugene Epelle also of the APC scored 84,125 votes to emerge winner in Ahoada West, while Bob Fubara was elected the chairman-elect for Akuku Toru after scoring 63,593 votes.

Similarly APC chairmanship candidate Lucky Otuo Promise emerged chairman-elect for Andoni after scoring a total of 126,181 votes, APC’s George Onengiyeofori emerged winner in Asari Toru after scoring 56,383 votes, while Pepple Blessing Abinye garnered 13,543 votes to emerge winner in Bonny Local Government Area.

Other APC candidates elected include Michael John Williams who scored 16,536 votes to emerge chairman-elect for Degema Local Government; Obarlllormate Ollor (77,452) for Eleme; Dr Chidi Julius Lloyd (114,380) for Emohua; Njoku Boniface (100,649) for Etche; Confidence Deekor (96,478) for Gokana, while Wobodo Charles got 62,746 votes to emerge winner in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Other APC winners from the APC include Akuro Tobins (32,285 votes) for Okrika; Hon Obasi Uchechukwu (38,530) for Omuma; James A James (38,822) for Opobo Nkoro; Vincent Nemieboka (36,374) for Ogu/Bolo; Hon Mbakpone Okpe (70,080) for Tai LGA, while in Oyigbo, Okechukwu Akara scored 101,495 votes to emerge winner.

Meanwhile, the RSIEC chairman announced Dr Gift Worlu of the PDP with 328,823 votes to emerge winner in Obio Akpor; Shedrack Ogbogu, also of the PDP, scored 51,051 votes for Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area, while in Port Harcourt City, Sir Alwell Ihunda garnered 235,054 votes for PDP to emerge winner.

The APC also cleared the councillorship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche,Tai, Khana Opobo/Nkoro and Degema local government areas.

Similarly APC councillorship candidates also emerged winners in Asari Toru, Degema, Akuku Toru, Gokana and Khana while PDP cleared the councillorship seats in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt city, and Ogba Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Areas

Meanwhile, the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions has passed a vote of confidence on the just concluded local government election in the State.

National Chairman of the forum, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, said this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt.

Eri said all the chairmen across the country were in Port Harcourt to monitor the election as well as gain experience in an election under emergency rule.

John Bibor & King Onunwor