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Rivers: Senate to decide on emergency rule today, Atiku, Bode George kick
The Senate will today take a position on the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.
This was disclosed by a senator who spoke to the Sun on condition of anonymity.
The National Assembly legislates for states under emergency rule. It has the power to approve the president’s declaration of a state of emergency in any part of the country, as outlined in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
“I don’t want to speak on the matter because we have agreed to deliberate on it tomorrow in plenary. We will take a decision in plenary tomorrow,” he said.
All attempts to get a reaction to the development in Rivers State from spokesman of the Senate, Yemi Adaramodu, failed as he did not respond to text message, nor return calls to his line.
But former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, former deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George and the Rivers Peace Initiative (RPI) have criticised the action.
Atiku, in a statement he personally signed, alleged that Tinubu had been a “partisan actor” in the political crisis, saying the declaration of emergency rule was in bad faith.
According to him, President Tinubu cannot escape responsibility for the chaos in Rivers State, which his administration either allegedly enabled or failed to avert.
The statement read: “The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State reeks of political manipulation and outright bad faith. Anyone paying attention to the unfolding crisis knows that Bola Tinubu has been a vested partisan actor in the political turmoil engulfing Rivers. His blatant refusal — or calculated negligence — in preventing this escalation is nothing short of disgraceful.
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“Beyond the political scheming in Rivers, the brazen security breaches that led to the condemnable destruction of national infrastructure in the state land squarely on the President’s desk.
“Tinubu cannot evade responsibility for the chaos his administration has either enabled or failed to prevent.
“It is an unforgivable failure that under Tinubu’s watch, the Niger Delta has been thrown back into an era of violent unrest and instability — undoing the hard-won peace secured by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. Years of progress have been recklessly erased in pursuit of selfish political calculations.
“If federal infrastructure in Rivers has been compromised, the President bears full responsibility. Punishing the people of Rivers State just to serve the political gamesmanship between the governor and Tinubu’s enablers in the federal government is nothing less than an assault on democracy and must be condemned in the strongest terms.”
In his reaction, George said Tinubu’s action showed total disrespect for constituted authority.
He said: “This is absolute armageddon. Total disrespect for constituted authority. The Constitution has been viciously violated. We can’t keep quiet. This is recklessness of the highest order. What did Fubara do? As the Commander-in-Chief, you gave Wike soldiers and security agents to try to destabilise Rivers State. The governor does not have powers over any security agency. Like a gentleman that he is, he kept his cool. Nobody has told me what the governor did to warrant this dictatorial emergency rule.
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- Pipeline explosion hits Bayelsa amid Rivers state emergency declaration
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“What type of democracy is this in 2025? This is how it started in 1962 and 1983. This is a dress rehearsal of what Tinubu wants to do in 2027. APC wants to get all states through unconstitutional means. This state of emergency is absolute balderdash. Did he get the approval of the National Assembly before his broadcast? What happened in Rivers before today was the hand of Esau and the voice of Jacob.
Why didn’t he declare a state of emergency in Lagos when the lawmakers were fighting? Why? Why did he invite Diete-Spiff and Niger Delta leaders last week when he knew where he was going? Is Tinubu now becoming a civilian dictator?”
Meanwhile, the Rivers Peace Initiative (RPI) said declaration forced by the deep political impasse that has gripped the state for over 16 months marked a tragic and critical moment in the history of the state.
Convener, Rivers Peace Initiative, Obinna Ebogidi, expressed this in a statement shortly after the president’s declaration.
“It is impossible to ignore the series of events that have led to this point— events that speak to the failure of leadership, both from the executive and the legislature.
“What should have been a constructive dialogue between political leaders has instead been a prolonged battle of egos and selfish ambitions.
“The people of Rivers State have been caught in the crossfire, deprived of the leadership and progress they so rightfully deserve. As a result, the state has stagnated, and the vision of peace, security, and development has all but disappeared from view.”
The convener of RRI further accused the state political leaders of being responsible for the declaration of a state of emergency by the president.
“The Rivers Peace Initiative acknowledges the difficult position the President has found himself in. The state of emergency, while a constitutional measure, is a hasty decision—one that could have been avoided had our leaders taken greater responsibility and prioritised the well-being of Rivers people over personal interests.
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“This is not a time to celebrate political triumphs or lament political failures. It is a time to reflect deeply on the consequences of our actions, for both the actors involved and for the future of Rivers State.
“Rivers State now stands at a critical juncture. The inability of our elected officials to reach a peaceful resolution has created a vacuum of governance, which has been exploited by outsiders and destructive forces, further complicating the state’s challenges. The implications of such external interference cannot be understated, as it undermines the progress we have worked so hard to achieve as a state and as a people.
According to him, the declaration of a state of emergency might have been necessary, but it is not a perfect solution, and it must not be seen as an end in itself.
“This measure must be a temporary and transformative intervention. We must use this moment to reflect on the deeper causes of our crisis, and to ensure that, once this period of emergency concludes, the focus will shift back to a fully functional democracy that truly reflects the wishes of the Rivers people.
“We call on all stakeholders—political leaders, civil society groups, religious organizations, and citizens of Rivers State—to come together in the spirit of unity, healing, and renewal.
“This is not a time for division, but for collective action and reconciliation. The peace and progress of Rivers State must remain the guiding principles as we navigate this period of uncertainty.
“The Rivers Peace Initiative remains committed to fostering dialogue, and we will continue to advocate for the restoration of peace, security, and the rule of law in Rivers State.
“We urge all parties involved to prioritize the future of Rivers State over political gamesmanship and to work together to rebuild trust, governance, and a sense of purpose for the people.
“Let this state of emergency be a catalyst for real change, a reminder that the collective good should always come before individual interests. We remain hopeful that, in time, Rivers State will rise above this crisis, and that peace, unity, and prosperity will prevail.”
Rivers: Senate to decide on emergency rule today, Atiku, Bode George kick
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Son, Grandson Kidnap Father Twice for N6.5m Ransom in Kaduna
Son, Grandson Kidnap Father Twice for N6.5m Ransom in Kaduna
Published: May 20, 2026 | Read Time: 4 minutes
The Kaduna Police Command has uncovered a shocking case of family betrayal, revealing that an elderly man, Alhaji Rabo Jelani, was allegedly kidnapped twice by his own son and grandson. The suspects reportedly collected a total of N6.5 million in ransom and operated with multiple AK-47 rifles, one of which has been recovered by police.
The Kaduna Police Command announced on Tuesday that Yusuf Rabo (the victim’s son) and Musa Adamu (an accomplice) have been arrested following intensive investigations into the abduction of Alhaji Rabo Jelani, an elderly man from Kaduna State. Both suspects are currently in custody and have been charged with criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms. According to police spokesperson DCP Anthony Okon Placid, investigations revealed that Yusuf Rabo allegedly conspired with Musa Adamu and Ali Haruna—the victim’s own grandson—to kidnap the elderly man for ransom. The motive was that the syndicate believed that Alhaji Rabo Jelani possessed substantial wealth and large livestock holdings.
While two suspects are in custody, police have confirmed that Ali Haruna, the victim’s grandson, remains at large. Authorities have launched a manhunt to apprehend the fleeing suspect and recover additional weapons and exhibits connected to the crimes. The Nigeria Police Force has assured the public of sustained intelligence-led operations against violent criminal groups across the country.
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Findings revealed that the victim was abducted on separate occasions and taken to forest hideouts where ransom negotiations were allegedly coordinated by Yusuf Rabo himself. In a chilling twist, the son was reportedly negotiating with his own family for the release of his father while the elderly man was held captive in the forest. The first abduction reportedly yielded a ransom payment of Two Million Naira (N2,000,000) , while a subsequent operation generated Four Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N4,500,000) . This brings the total amount extorted from the family to N6.5 million.
Investigations further established that the criminal syndicate procured and deployed multiple AK-47 rifles for their operations. In a shocking revelation, police allege that Ali Haruna (the grandson) supplied one of the firearms belonging to his own father —meaning the grandson allegedly took his father’s rifle to help kidnap his grandfather. Additional weapons were sourced by other members of the gang. During the police operation, authorities successfully recovered one AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine.
The police have also linked the syndicate to several other violent crimes within Kaduna State and surrounding communities. These include the kidnapping of a trader identified as Mr. Iyke and an armed robbery attack along the Kagoma axis where commuters were dispossessed of cash, phones, and other valuables. The suspects are believed to be part of a larger criminal network operating in the area.
The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to tackling violent crime, stating that the Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in dismantling kidnapping and armed robbery networks across the country and assures members of the public of sustained intelligence-led operations against violent criminal groups. The police have confirmed that efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect, Ali Haruna, and recover more weapons and items connected to the case.
Son, Grandson Kidnap Father Twice for N6.5m Ransom in Kaduna
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Omokri Exposes Truth Behind Peru Drug Allegations Against Peter Obi
Omokri Exposes Truth Behind Peru Drug Allegations Against Peter Obi
Published: May 20, 2026 | Read Time: 4 minutes
Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has revealed new details from his 2022 fact-finding mission to Peru, confirming that drug trafficking allegations against Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi are completely false. Omokri’s investigation included visiting a women’s prison in Lima and meeting with Peruvian authorities.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, political tensions are already rising. One of the most controversial allegations from the 2023 election cycle has resurfaced: claims that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, was involved in drug trafficking and sponsored a female courier arrested in Peru. But now, Reno Omokri—a prominent political figure and Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Mexico—has stepped forward with new details about his personal investigation into the matter. His findings are that the allegations are categorically false. Omokri stated, “I went to the women’s prison in Lima, Peru, with a witness who is still alive and a video camera. I also visited authorities in that country, and confirmed that the story is false.”
Reno Omokri is a bestselling author, former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, and currently Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Mexico. Despite being a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and supporting Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 election, Omokri has built a reputation for cross-party fact-finding. In September 2022, Omokri traveled to the United States to verify President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s academic records at Chicago State University—a move that resulted in him confirming Tinubu’s attendance and graduation, even though it went against his political interests. From Chicago, Omokri proceeded directly to Peru to investigate separate allegations made by former Niger Delta militant leader Asari Dokubo against Peter Obi.
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Asari Dokubo, a vocal supporter of President Bola Tinubu, repeatedly accused Peter Obi of being a “drug baron” during the 2023 election campaign. Dokubo specifically claimed that a Nigerian woman named Chinenye Ezewuzie was arrested in Peru for drug trafficking, and that the woman allegedly confessed that Peter Obi sponsored, threatened, and forced her to carry drugs. Dokubo further alleged that Obi was implicated during her trial proceedings in a Peruvian court. Dokubo went as far as comparing Obi to Pablo Escobar, the infamous Colombian drug lord, and publicly challenged Obi to take him to court, saying: “If him be president sef, I go pursue am.”
Omokri’s investigation in Peru was thorough and on-the-ground. He revealed that he visited a women’s prison in Lima, the capital of Peru, accompanied by a witness who remains alive today, and recorded the visit with a video camera for documentation. He also met with Peruvian authorities to verify the allegations. According to Omokri, Peruvian officials confirmed that there is no record of any court case or trial in Peru that implicates Peter Obi, there is no evidence linking Obi to any drug trafficking operation in Peru, and the story of a female drug mule sponsored by Obi is completely false. Omokri granted an interview to Arise TV from Cusco, Peru, on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, where he publicly shared his findings and released video documentation from the prison visit.
Perhaps the most striking revelation is Omokri’s claim that he personally contacted Asari Dokubo after completing his investigation. Omokri stated, “I thereafter called you on the phone and told you not to make the allegation anymore, because it was not true, and it is morally wrong to accuse a man of a crime he is innocent of. You may recall that you agreed with me.” Omokri added that Dokubo initially agreed to stop repeating the allegations, which is why Omokri did not pursue the matter further at the time.
Notably, Peter Obi has never visited Peru. According to Valentine Obienyem, Obi’s longtime Special Adviser on Media, “Even before he became Governor, Obi had visited most parts of the world, but not Peru. Till today, he has still not visited the country.” Obienyem also pointed out that no one named Chinenye Ezewuzie exists among the Ezenwuzie family of Agulu, Obi’s hometown—casting further doubt on the accuser’s identity.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, Omokri is urging political actors to avoid recycling debunked allegations. He wrote, “As we approach the 2027 election, please can we all refrain from recycling these allegations, which I have already debunked. I spent my money and time to establish the facts. Nobody gave me a dime. I did this because of patriotism and commitment to justice, even when it is against my political interests.” Omokri emphasized that he personally funded both investigations—the Chicago university records verification and the Peru trip—out of patriotism and commitment to justice, not political gain.
The evidence is clear: After an on-the-ground investigation in Peru, including visits to a women’s prison and meetings with local authorities, Reno Omokri has confirmed that drug trafficking allegations against Peter Obi are false. As Nigeria heads toward 2027, voters deserve fact-based political discourse—not recycled misinformation.
Omokri Exposes Truth Behind Peru Drug Allegations Against Peter Obi
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Corp Member Kills Dad Over Pocket Money Dispute in Abuja
Corp Member Kills Dad Over Pocket Money Dispute in Abuja
A tragic case of domestic violence unfolded in the Federal Capital Territory last Friday night, as a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) allegedly stabbed his 53-year-old father to death following a heated argument over money and business mismanagement.
The incident occurred at the family residence located in the upscale Guzape area of Abuja. The deceased has been identified as Mr. Adimike Godwin, a prominent businessman known for his ventures in electrical equipment importation and real estate. The prime suspect is his son, whose name has been withheld by authorities, currently participating in the mandatory one-year NYSC scheme.
According to police sources and family members who spoke with our correspondent, the tragic chain of events began late Friday evening when the corps member returned home from a social outing at a local club. An argument ensued after the young man reportedly accused his father of being “unfair with money.”
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- UUTH Raid: EFCC to Discipline Officers as Olukoyede Orders Apology, Full Investigation
Witnesses disclosed that the suspect compared his father unfavorably to the parents of his friends, whom he claimed were more financially generous. The dispute quickly escalated from verbal accusations to a physical confrontation when the suspect allegedly brought up the issue of mismanaged business funds.
In a fit of rage, the corps member is said to have retrieved a knife and stabbed his father three times. Neighbors, alerted by the commotion, rushed to the scene and found Mr. Godwin lying in a pool of blood. He was immediately transported to Karu General Hospital, where medical personnel pronounced him dead upon arrival.
The FCT Police Command confirmed the incident on Saturday. In a statement, the Command’s Public Relations Officer noted that the Commissioner of Police had ordered an immediate and discreet investigation into the matter. As part of the inquiry, five suspects have been taken into custody, including a relative who was present in the house at the time of the attack. The corps member is reportedly among those detained.
Further investigations revealed that the deceased had traveled from Lagos to Abuja specifically to visit his son, who had been managing some of his father’s real estate properties in the capital. Friends and business associates described Mr. Godwin as a hardworking and peace-loving individual.
The body of the deceased has been deposited in the morgue pending an autopsy. As of press time, the NYSC headquarters had not issued an official statement regarding the corps member’s status, though legal sources indicate the suspect will face charges of culpable homicide.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the Guzape community, highlighting the dangers of unresolved domestic disputes and financial pressures within families.
Corp Member Kills Dad Over Pocket Money Dispute in Abuja
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