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Rivers lawmakers accuse Fubara, Deputy of gross misconduct

Published

1 month ago

March 17, 2025

Advocate News Nigeria

Rivers LG poll: Fubara declares Thursday, Friday public holidays

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara

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The political crisis in Rivers took another dimension on Monday after lawmakers in the oil-rich state accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy Ngozi Odu of gross misconduct.

Twenty-six members of the Rivers Assembly raised the allegations in two letters sent to the speaker Martin Amaewhule and thereafter transmitted to Fubara and his deputy.

They said the action was “in compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other extant laws” which mandates that such allegations be signed by at least one-third of the House members and specify the particulars of the misconduct.

The letters, signed by the 26 lawmakers, were presented during Monday’s plenary session in compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), 1999. The Speaker is required to ensure that the notices are served on the office holders and all members of the House within seven days of receipt.

Reckless Spending, Other Allegations Against Fubara, Deputy Governo

The allegations, which outlined five specific instances of gross misconduct, were detailed in separate notices addressed to both the governor and the deputy governor.

The lawmakers accused Fubara among other things of reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds, hindering or obstructing the Rivers State House of Assembly which is another arm of the government, and the appointment of persons to occupy offices/positions in the Rivers State Government without allowing for the requirement of screening and confirmation.

Other accusations against the Rivers governor include the seizure of salaries, allowances, and funds standing to the credit of the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly and the seizure of the salary of the Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly Emeka Amadi.

They also accused Odu of “conniving and supporting the illegal appointment of persons to occupy offices/positions in the Rivers State Government without allowing for the requirement of screening and confirmation”.

Meanwhile, Amaewhule on Monday officially transmitted the notices to Governor Fubara and his deputy and said the allegations were raised by “not less than one-third (1/3) of the membership of the Rivers State House of Assembly”.

Speaker Amaewhule in the letter transmitting the claims, asked them to “reply to the allegations made against you in the said ‘Notice of Allegations of Gross Misconduct’ accordingly”.

“In doing this, your attention is drawn to the provisions of Section 188(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which provides thus: ‘Within 14 days of the presentation of the notice to the Speaker of the House of Assembly (whether or not any statement made by holder of the office in reply to the allegation contained in the notice) the House of Assembly shall resolve by motion, without any debate whether or not the allegation shall be investigated’,” the speaker said in a letter sent to Fubara.

Monday’s development is a significant twist in the political tensions within Rivers State. But it is unclear how Governor Fubara and his deputy will respond to these allegations or navigate the mounting pressure from the legislative arm of the state government.

READ THE FULL TEXT OF THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST FUBARA, DEP. GOV

In a related development, the Assembly passed a resolution inviting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the Secretary to the State Government Tammy Danagogo over allegations of financial recklessness during his tenure. This move further intensifies the political crisis engulfing the oil-rich state.

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BREAKING: Air Peace suspends flight operations nationwide

Published

14 hours ago

April 23, 2025

Advocate News Nigeria

Air Peace hikes Lagos-Abuja ticket to N200,000

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Air Peace Ltd. has announced the suspension of all flight operations nationwide due to the ongoing strike embarked upon by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET).

This is contained in a statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, Air Peace, Dr Ejike Ndiulo, on Wednesday in Lagos.

According to Ndiulo, the decision is necessary because NiMet is the agency responsible for issuing CNH (Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather) reports, critical for safe landings, especially during this season of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

He said without these reports from the control tower, flight safety could not be guaranteed.

“As a safety-first airline, we have chosen to act responsibly by suspending operations until NiMet resumes full service.

“We understand this may cause inconvenience, and we sincerely apologise. Passengers will be contacted with updates and options for rescheduling,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the staff of NiMET on Tuesday commenced an indefinite strike over the condition of service and other demands. (NAN)

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Peter Obi joins global leaders in Rome to pay last respects to Pope Francis

Published

17 hours ago

April 23, 2025

Advocate News Nigeria

Peter Obi joins global leaders to honour Pope Francis in Rome. Credit: X | PeterObi

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Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined thousands of mourners, global dignitaries, and clergy today at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, to pay his final respects to the late Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.

The solemn lying-in-state ceremony marked the beginning of a series of events leading to the funeral of the revered Pontiff, scheduled for Saturday, April 26.

This was made known in a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday.

Describing the moment as one of deep reflection, Obi paid tribute to the Pope’s life of humility, service, and unwavering commitment to the poor and marginalised.

He recalled his encounters with the late Pope, highlighting the profound impact they had on his understanding of leadership and moral responsibility. Obi also shared his experience as a member of Scholars Occultantes, an international think-tank founded by the Pope during his tenure as Archbishop, focused on ethical leadership and truth-driven social transformation.

He further called on leaders across Africa, political, religious, and community, to emulate the values Pope Francis championed which he said were justice, peace, and human dignity.

Peter Obi joins global leaders to honour Pope Francis in Rome. Credit: X | PeterObi

Sharing photos Obi wrote, “Today, I joined Francis Cardinal Arinze, global dignitaries, and thousands of mourners at St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, to pay my final respects to His Holiness, Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. The solemn lying-in-state ceremony was a moment of deep reflection, as the world bids farewell to a man who embodied humility, simplicity, and selfless service.

“Pope Francis was more than a Pontiff; he was a moral light in a world darkened by inequality and indifference. His life was a testament to leadership as a sacred duty, one rooted in compassion, truth, and service to the poor and marginalised. He lived for others, spoke for the voiceless, and reminded us all that leadership must be about lifting others, not self-exaltation.

“I came to truly appreciate what he stood for after my appointment as a member of Scholars Occultantes – an international circle of thinkers he founded during his time as Archbishop. The organisation, dedicated to truth, ethical leadership, and social transformation, gave me a deeper insight into the intellectual and moral force behind his teachings.

“I was blessed to meet Pope Francis on three occasions. Each encounter left a lasting impression. He radiated peace and inspired faith, and his presence was a quiet yet powerful reminder of the divine responsibility that leadership entails. His humility was infectious, his vision deeply human.

Peter Obi joins global leaders to honour Pope Francis in Rome. Credit: X | PeterObi

“As we mourn this great soul, I urge political, religious, and community leaders, especially across Africa, to reflect on his life and commit to the values he upheld: justice, peace, and human dignity. Let this moment not just be one of mourning, but a call to lead with conscience, walk with the people, and govern with love.

Cardinal Francis Arinze and Peter Obi in Rome to honour Pope Francis Credit: X | PeterObi

“May Pope Francis’ soul rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy live on in all who seek to serve humanity selflessly.”

Pope Francis died on Monday at the age of 88, marking the end of a papacy defined by humility, reform, and a deep commitment to the marginalised.

The Holy See Press Office had announced that the funeral of Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10am in St. Peter’s Square

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Gov Alia appoints 2Baba as technical adviser on entertainment, community outreach

Published

19 hours ago

April 23, 2025

Advocate News Nigeria

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Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue has appointed music legend, Innocent Idibia popularly known as 2Baba as his Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach.

Alia announced the appointment at Government House, Makurdi, on Wednesday, when he received the music icon who paid him a sympathy visit.

The governor described 2Baba as a worthy ambassador of the state while also acknowledging his exploits in the global music industry.

Alia also appreciated 2Baba’s contributions to the vulnerable community through his humanitarian activities.

He expressed optimism that 2Baba would bring his wealth of experience and global influence to bear on his new appointment.

“Thank you for following up on the protocol. In our camps we have the support of the international community and there is an international standard. People abuse everything nowadays, and people politicise everything including insecurity for some reasons.

“So when you want to come and visit the IDPs, it is a very welcome idea, but we need to know who goes in and out of the camps.

“They have been traumatised enough so we need to protect them. Some members in the open space out there do not understand this. They feel it is an open house you just walk in and out, ” Alia said.

The governor, who lamented the spate of killings in the state occasioned by the renewed gunmen attacks, called on the federal government and public spirited individual to collaborate with the state in addressing the insecurity.

“What pains most is that these are unprovoked attacks and the aim of the killers, the bandits, terrorists, murderers is very simple, come kill, conquer and occupy.

“That is extremely unacceptable by any standard. We are farmers and best at what we do. If you remove farming from us you have already rendered us helpless,” he said.

Earlier, 2Baba said the visit was to condole with the state government over the killings in the state.

He expressed readiness to lend his support where necessary and urged well-meaning Nigerians to collaborate with the governor to overcome the situation.

Also speaking, Head of Communications, 2Baba Foundation, Enoch Ocheni, said as a Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees, 2Baba, through his foundation would continue to fight for the rights of the displaced.

Ocheni said the foundation would also support refugees, provide relief materials and healthcare services for orphanages as well as water and sanitation.(NAN)