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Israeli airstrikes kill 70 Palestinians as bombing resumes in Gaza

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Israeli airstrikes kill 70 Palestinians as bombing resumes in Gaza

AT least 70 Palestinians were killed and dozens injured in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Thursday, as Israel resumed its bombing campaign and ground operations in the enclave, according to Reuters.

A Gaza health official confirmed the figures, stating that Israeli strikes targeted multiple houses in both the northern and southern regions of the Gaza Strip.

However, when asked for comment, the Israeli military said it was investigating the claims.

The Israeli military resumed airstrikes on Gaza on Tuesday and launched ground offensives on Wednesday, effectively ending a ceasefire that had been in place since January.

On Thursday, the military said that its forces had been conducting a targeted ground operation over the past 24 hours to expand the Netzarim corridor, a buffer zone separating Gaza’s northern and southern regions.

The military also instructed residents to avoid Salahuddin Road, the main north-south route and advised them to use the coastal road instead.

According to the spokesperson for the territory’s health ministry, Khalil Al-Deqran, Tuesday’s airstrikes claimed the lives of over 400 Palestinians, and in the past three days, at least 510 Palestinians have been killed, more than half of them women and children.

In a statement, the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, condemned the bombardments and Israeli incursion into the Netzarim Corridor, calling it a “new and dangerous violation” of the two-month-old ceasefire agreement.

Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire agreement and urged mediators to “fulfil their responsibilities.”

The initial phase of the ceasefire ended at the beginning of this month but Hamas seeks to advance to a negotiated second phase, which would require Israel to discuss ending the war and withdrawing its troops, while Israeli hostages in Gaza would be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners.

However, Israel has only proposed a temporary extension of the truce, halted all supplies to Gaza, and announced the resumption of its military campaign to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining hostages.

The ICIR reported that Trump issued what he described as a “final warning” to Hamas on March 5, demanding the immediate release of all hostages in Gaza.

Trump vowed that he would provide Israel with “everything it needs to finish the job,” warning that “not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say.”

After holding secret talks with Hamas last week, Trump on March 14, accused the group of making “entirely impractical” demands and delaying a deal to release a US-Israeli hostage in exchange for extending the Gaza ceasefire.

“Hamas is making a very bad bet that time is on its side. It is not,” the office of Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, and the US National Security Council said in a statement.

“Hamas is well aware of the deadline, and should know that we will respond accordingly if that deadline passes,” it said, adding that Trump had already vowed Hamas would “pay a severe price” for not freeing hostages.

Trump, Zelensky discuss Ukraine war resolution in first call since Oval Office clash

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Trump, Zelensky discuss Ukraine war resolution in first call since Oval Office clash

UNITED States (US) President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky have agreed to collaborate and end the latter’s war with Russia.

In their first conversation since an Oval Office shouting match on February 28, Trump and Zelensky spoke on Wednesday in what the White House called a “fantastic one-hour phone call.”

Zelensky expressed gratitude for US support, and both leaders agreed that their technical teams would meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days.

The ICIR reported that Trump announced plans to discuss ending the war in Ukraine with Russian President Vladimir Putin next week Tuesday.

According to the White House, Zelensky requested additional air defence support from Trump to safeguard Ukraine against Russian attacks, and the US president pledged to help secure the necessary military equipment in Europe.

Trump briefed Zelenskiy about his phone call with Putin on Tuesday, in which Putin rejected his proposal for a full 30-day ceasefire that Ukraine was willing to accept, but agreed to halt attacks on energy infrastructure.

Reacting, Zelensky described his conversation with Trump as “positive, very substantive, and frank,” stating that he reaffirmed Kyiv’s willingness to stop strikes on Russian infrastructure and accept an unconditional frontline ceasefire, as previously proposed by the US.

“One of the first steps toward fully ending the war could be ending strikes on energy and other civilian infrastructure. I supported this step, and Ukraine confirmed that we are ready to implement it,” he said on social media.

Later, in a video call with reporters, Zelensky said Trump understood that Kyiv would not recognise the occupied territory as Russian’s. He noted that Russian strikes, carried out after Trump’s call with Putin, demonstrated that Moscow was not ready for peace.

He also emphasised that the US should oversee any ceasefire and suggested that a halt to infrastructure attacks could be swiftly implemented.

However, the US administration in a statement, said Trump suggested to Zelenskiy that the US could assist in operating—and potentially owning—Ukraine’s nuclear power plants.

Recall that Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, located in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, has remained shut since Russian forces occupied it in 2022.

 

Police confirm 6 dead, 14 vehicles burnt in Abuja tanker explosion

Bankole ABE
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Police confirm 6 dead, 14 vehicles burnt in Abuja tanker explosion

THE Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed that six people lost their lives, and 14 vehicles were burnt in the explosion from a tanker accident at Nyanya Bridge, Abuja, on Wednesday night.

The FCT police, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, Thursday morning, described the incident as devastating.

According to the police, a heavily loaded Dangote truck lost control and crashed into vehicles in traffic, leading to the explosion.

“A Dangote trailer carrying cement lost control while approaching Nyanya Bridge from AYA and rammed into multiple vehicles, triggering a massive inferno,” the police said.

The police added that emergency responders battled the raging flames and thick smoke to rescue people trapped in the inferno.

However, six victims were confirmed dead from the tragedy.

The police said their remains had been deposited at Karu General Hospital morgue.

According to the statement, police operatives, fire service personnel, and other security agencies struggled to contain the fire and restore free movement of vehicles on the route.

The police condole with victims’ families and urge motorists to drive carefully, while investigations are ongoing into the incident.

The ICIR reported on Wednesday, March 19 that an explosion from a tanker crash rocked the Abuja-Keffi expressway near Karu Bridge.

The incident occurred during rush hour as commuters returned from work along the ever-busy highway.

Massive explosions could be heard from videos from the scene on social media, as hundreds of commuters fled from their vehicles for dear lives.

The explosion engulfed several vehicles and caused gridlock, as thick smoke from the blast billowed in the air.

5 conditions SMEs should meet to access loans

Ehime ALEX
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5 conditions SMEs should meet to access loans

ACCESSING loans has been one of the pressing challenges that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face in Nigeria.

The challenge adds to the reasons many SMEs fail just a few years after startup.

According to a 2023 report by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), 80 per cent of small businesses do not survive beyond five years.

It identifies poor financial management for businesses, lack of market research, and inadequate government support as major contributors to business failure.

In its latest survey on SMEs in Nigeria, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), an accounting firm, indicates that SMEs contribute significantly to the Nigerian economy.

The survey, quoting NBS and Small and Medium Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) 2021 data, stated that SMEs account for 46.32 per cent of Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP), 6.21 per cent of exports, 96.9 per cent of businesses, and 87.9 per cent of employment.

The PwC expressed further that it was important the Nigerian government funds initiatives that adequately support the pressing needs of SMEs both on paper and in reality.

But despite the critical role the SMEs hold in the Nigerian economy, the sector has continued to lack adequate access to finance.

Anthony Chinwe, chief executive officer (CEO), De-SME Facilitators Limited
Anthony Chinwe, chief executive officer (CEO), De-SME Facilitators Limited

In an exclusive interview with The ICIR, the chief executive officer of De-SME Facilitators Limited and who is also a former group head of SME banking at Fidelity Bank, Anthony Chinwe, highlighted five conditions (5 C’s) SMEs should meet to access bankable loans.

According to him, one of the things about accessing credit is meeting the conditions, viz, capacity, cash flow, character, collateral and capital.

Capacity

An SME willing to obtain a loan from any financial institution must have the capacity to pay to loan.

Chinwe explained that for a credit to do well, a borrower must have the capacity to pay the loan he or she or the entity applied for.

Cash flow

The cash flow of an SME must be robust or be stimulated to be robust so that that business will be able to pay over time, Chinwe said.

He expressed concerns that SMEs lack proper record-keeping, owing to not having real professionals to put their financial records in order.

Character

The borrower must have the character, that is, the integrity, willingness, and genuineness to apply the loan for the purpose for which it was approved.

“Character is very important. It’s about the most important in the credit lexicon,” the former banker said.

Collateral

Another condition is the stability, quality, and nature of the collateral to be provided by the borrower.

He explained collateral to mean the secondary comfort position that comes up when the primary repayment source fails.

According to him, SMEs oftentimes lack collateral, which he said is not necessarily their fault but the problem of the Nigerian financial structural environment.

“This is because what we take as collateral not all SMEs can afford it. For instance, not all SMEs can afford a legal mortgage as collateral or have enough shares to mortgage or pay down as collateral.

“As such, you walk around their cash flow and create that flexibility to enable you to lend to them based on their cash flow. You need to understand their business and build their loan around it, rather than emphasising too much on collateral,” the De-SME Facilitators boss said.

Capital

The capital speaks to the promoters’ commitment to the project, that is, how much they have in their equity contributions and how strong it is.

Other conditions could come up depending on the nature of the transaction, but Chinwe maintained the five conditions are fundamental credit issues that need to be addressed.

He said the three types of finances include equity, debt, and hybrid, but noted that SMEs lack access to equity financing and cannot easily go to the stock market to access funds.

“This is where we have been advocating that the government should create a platform that will enable SMEs to access equity funding,” he said.

The De-SME Facilitators boss added, however, that once SMEs can package their transactions and projects in such a bankable way, they could access loans.

Suspension of Natasha sparks constitutional debate

Bankole ABE
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Suspension of Natasha sparks constitutional debate

THE Nigerian Senate’s decision to suspend Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for six months over alleged rule violations has sparked controversy, with many questioning its legality.

Despite a restraining court order, the Senate went ahead with the suspension, citing a breach of its standing orders.

The move has been criticised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), opposition parties, and various lawyers, who argue that the suspension was hasty and unfair.

Human rights lawyer and activist, Femi Falana, condemned the suspension, describing it as legislative recklessness and demanded its immediate reversal.

In a statement on Sunday, March 9, Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), criticised the Nigerian Senate for ignoring multiple court rulings that have declared lawmakers’ suspension illegal.

He also pointed out that despite a Federal High Court order restraining the Senate Ethics Committee from taking action against Natasha, the Senate proceeded with the suspension, openly defying judicial precedents.

Falana urged that, “suspending legislators at the whims and caprices of leaders of the federal and state legislative houses must not be allowed to continue in Nigeria.”

He cited past court rulings, including those by the Court of Appeal, as evidence that the Kogi Central senator’s suspension could be overturned.

Falana blames deadly stampedes over food on poverty, criminal negligence, demands justice
Femi Falana SAN

Falana demanded an immediate end to the “illegal suspension,” referencing past legal precedents, including a 2010 case in which the House of Representatives suspended Dino Melaye and 10 others.

He also referenced another senator, Abdul Ningi, who was suspended for three months over his allegation that Nigeria’s 2024 budget was padded.

The court case versus the suspension

On Tuesday, March 4, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued an interim order stopping the Senate from proceeding with its plan to investigate the senator representing Kogi Central, Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The court, presided over by Obiora Egwuatu, issued the order blocking the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions from deliberating on Akpoti-Udughan’s actions at the Red Chamber.

The order followed an ex parte application filed by counsels to Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The ICIR reported on February 20 that during a plenary, Akpoti-Uduaghan caused an uproar at the Senate when she discovered that her seat had been reassigned without prior notice.

She resisted the reassignment, arguing that it was an attempt to silence her.

Her refusal led to a tense confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who ordered the sergeant-at-arms to order her out of the chamber.

Following the seating arrangement dispute, the Senate unanimously voted to refer Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for a disciplinary review.

The committee, led by Neda Imaseun, was tasked with submitting its findings within two weeks.

The ICIR reported that despite the court restraining, Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months on Thursday, May 6.

My suspension from the senate, unjust - Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The committee ignored the court order and recommended a six-month suspension, adding that the punishment could be reduced if the lawmaker publicly apologised.

The Senate approved the committee’s report and suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for “gross misconduct” during plenary.

Reacting to the suspension, Falana noted that courts had reinstated all lawmakers previously suspended by the national or state legislatures.

Other lawyers react

Other lawyers have also condemned the action of the Senate, describing it as illegal.

A legal practitioner, Moshood Ibrahim, in a chat with The ICIR, said the action of the Senate by suspending Natasha despite a court order restraining the ethics committee from probing her is illegal.

He said the legal implication of the suspension is that if an institution like the National Assembly, which makes laws, does not respect the law they made, it could cause a “big problem.

“The implication is that our democracy as well as the rule of law will be dwindling in strength day in and day out instead of them becoming stronger.

“However, I personally have reservations about the order of the Court. A court of law is not expected to give orders that it cannot execute or is impossible to follow,” Ibrahim stated.

According to him, the Supreme Court has held in a plethora of cases that the court of law is not a classroom and cases that have no effect other than academic purpose should not be taken there.

“If a court gives an order to a Committee of the Senate, how can the court execute the same in case of breach?” he asked.

He also hinted that it should not be forgotten that the Senate has its rules and regulations, too.

In his remarks, Marvelous Monday, a lawyer, said it is within the Senate’s power to discipline members based on the Standing Rules of the Senate.

He said, however, where an aggrieved senator approaches the court, and the court gives an interim order, the Senate ought to wait.

This is how we maintain sanity and the rule of law in the country. Therefore, it is another episode of flagrant disrespect for the court by the other arm of government,” he added.

While maintaining that that it is contempt to disobey an express order of the court, he noted that after Ningi took the matter to the Federal High Court, the Senate reinstated him and paid his withheld salaries and allowances.

Sexual allegation against Akpabio

Meanwhile, The ICIR reported on March 5 that Akpoti-Uduaghan submitted a sexual harassment petition against Akpabio.

Amid the crisis, Akpoti-Uduaghan also filed a N100 billion defamation lawsuit against Akpabio and his aide, Mfon Patrick.

The lawsuit sought damages and a public apology, claiming the publication harmed her reputation and subjected her to public ridicule.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Friday, February 28, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of making sexual advances towards her severally, which she said she turned down.

She said her stance towards the advances was the reason for her incessant conflicts with the Senate President at plenaries.

According to her, some of Akpabio’s love proposals were made with her on the phone and face-to-face in her husband’s presence. She further claimed that she had all the evidence for her claims.

Many feared dead, cars burnt as tanker crashes, explodes in Abuja

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Many feared dead, cars burnt as tanker crashes, explodes in Abuja

A HUGE explosion caused by a gas tanker crash rocked the Abuja-Keffi expressway near Karu Bridge late Wednesday, leaving an unconfirmed number of people dead and many others injured. 

Several cars were also reportedly burnt in the tragedy.

The incident occurred during rush hour as commuters returned from work along the ever-busy highway.

Massive explosions could be heard from videos from the scene on social media, as hundreds of commuters fled from their vehicles for dear lives.

The explosion engulfed several vehicles and caused a gridlock, as thick smoke from the blast billowed in the air.

Reports indicate that the tanker was transporting compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinders along with liquid fuel, triggering multiple blasts of fire. Fireballs and shrapnel were seen soaring up to 700 meters into the sky.

Eyewitnesses said that emergency responders, including fire service personnel and medical teams, rushed to the scene to contain the blaze and assist victims.

“I saw the tanker coming at high speed, swerving dangerously before it crashed. Within seconds, there was an explosion, and fire spread everywhere,” said a survivor who managed to escape from a nearby vehicle.

While the number of casualties remains unclear at press time, reports indicate significant loss of lives due to the intensity of the explosion.

Authorities have yet to confirm the number of victims. The inferno also caused heavy damage to nearby structures and vehicles.

The ICIR reports that two people died and three others were injured in a tanker explosion on the Otedola Bridge in Lagos last week Tuesday.

The tanker loaded with gas burst into flames, causing residents and motorists to flee to safety.

 

PMS to cost higher as Dangote suspends products sale in naira

Ehime ALEX
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PMS to cost higher as Dangote suspends products sale in naira

MOTORISTS and other petroleum users are likely to pay higher costs as Dangote Petroleum Refinery said it has temporarily suspended the sales of petroleum products in naira pending when it resumes receiving an allocation of naira-denominated crude cargoes from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

By implication, most Nigerian petroleum users are likely to pay for higher cost of petroleum products at filling station retail outlets since the naira-for-crude deal with NNPC has been suspended and exposing consumers to payment of the product in direct dollar cost equivalent.

The management of the Dangote Group said in a statement issued on Wednesday, March 19.

It said, “We wish to inform you that Dangote Petroleum Refinery has temporarily halted the sale of petroleum products in Naira.

“This decision is necessary to avoid a mismatch between our sales proceeds and our crude oil purchase obligations, which are currently denominated in United States dollars.”

According to the refinery, the sales of its petroleum products in naira have exceeded the value of naira-denominated crude it has received to date.

“As a result, we must temporarily adjust our sales currency to align with our crude procurement currency,” it said.

The refinery, however, denied media reports making the rounds that it was stopping the loading of petroleum products due to an incident of ticketing fraud.

“This is a malicious falsehood. Our systems are robust, and we have had no fraud issues.

“We remain committed to serving the Nigerian market efficiently and sustainably. As soon as we receive an allocation of Naira-denominated crude cargoes from NNPC, we will promptly resume petroleum product sales in Naira,” Dangote management added.

The ICIR reported on March 10 that the naira-for-crude deal ends this month, but that the NNPCL said it had initiated a conversation with the Dangote refinery for possible renewal.

In a statement to refute reports that it had suspended the naira-for-crude deal, the state-owned oil company clarified it was in talks with Dangote refinery to extend the contract.

This comes as the 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) refinery gradually increases its output.

In a later publication, The ICIR also reported that the Dangote refinery was sourcing crude oil from multiple international suppliers, including Angola and Algeria, to ramp up production.

The report revealed specifically that Dangote Refinery has taken delivery of more than three million barrels of American crude since the start of the month.

It has also made purchases closer home, importing a shipment of Angola’s Pazflor grade and a cargo of Algeria’s Saharan blend from Glencore Plc in recent weeks.

Tinubu swears in Ibas as Rivers administrator

Mustapha USMAN
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Tinubu swears in Ibas as Rivers administrator

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has sworn in Ibok-Ete Ibas as Rivers State’s sole administrator following his suspension of the state government, headed by Siminalayi Fubara, and the lawmakers on Tuesday, March 18.

Ibas was sworn in after a short meeting with the president at the State House in Abuja, on Wednesday, March 19.

Recall that Tinubu had on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in the state due to protracted political turbulence.

In a nationwide broadcast, the president suspended the state governor, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly for six months.

However, he retained the state judiciary.

He then declared what he described as “extraordinary measures” to restore good governance, peace, order, and security in the state.

“It has become inevitably compelling for me to evoke the provision of section 305 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended to declare a state of emergency in River State with effect from today 18th March 2025, and I so do.

“By this declaration, the governor of River State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.

“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas  (retired) as administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state and the interests of the good people of River State,” the president declared.

He added that the declaration did not affect the state judiciary, which he said must continue to function in accordance with its constitutional mandate.

He added that the administrator would not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations that may be necessary to aid his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promoted by the president for the state.

Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, born on September 27, 1960, served as Nigeria’s 22nd chief of naval staff from 2015 to 2021. In this role, he led efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security, combat oil theft, and modernise the Navy’s operational capabilities.

Rivers emergency rule in order, says Attorney-General

Bankole ABE
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Rivers emergency rule in order, says Attorney-General

THE Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, has justified President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in River State.

He said the decision was a move to stop the state from implosion.

 Fagbemi, a senior advocate, stated this on Wednesday, March 19, while addressing newsmen in Abuja.

The minister said the president acted in time to save the oil-rich state from collapse, adding that Tinubu made the declaration because the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and other stakeholders failed to stop the crisis that provoked the declaration.

He said if the same situation presented itself again anywhere in the country, he would encourage the president to take the same action.

“You have to behave responsibly and you must have the guts.  If it happens again, I would encourage Mr. President to do the same.

“Now, when do you think he (President Tinubu) should have come in? Is it when everything has been destroyed? I don’t think so,” he argued.

The AGF said Tinubu acted timeously after giving opportunity to all the parties involved in the crisis to resolve it.

Addressing the argument that the president did not attribute any blame to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, in the crisis, Fagbemi said the minister was not directly involved.

“You see, there are occasions when, especially when it comes to national issues,  we have to come out plainly and sincerely. 

“Where do you put the Minister of FCT in this case? Was he the one who asked for the demolition of the House of Assembly?  Was he the one who said the governor should not present his budget to the House of Assembly?  Was he the one who advised the governor not to go through the House of Assembly for purposes of ratifying the commissioner nominees?” he asked.

The ICIR reported that Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday.

The declaration followed protracted political turbulence in the state.

In a nationwide broadcast, the president suspended the state governor, Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months.

However, he retained the state judiciary.

Tinubu blamed the governor and Wike for allowing the political crisis in the state to escalate.

He particularly criticised Fubara for failing to take action after an oil facility was blown up in the state on Monday night.

FLASHBACK: Tinubu opposed State of Emergency in 2004, 2013, makes u-turn in 2025

Mustapha USMAN
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FLASHBACK: Tinubu opposed State of Emergency in 2004, 2013, makes u-turn in 2025

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has sparked a fresh debate over his past stance on similar actions. 

In 2004 and 2013, as a key opposition figure, Tinubu criticised both the then President, Olusegun Obasanjo, and Goodluck Jonathan for imposing a state of emergency in Plateau, Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.

In 2004, Tinubu stated that the removal of the Plateau State Governor, Joshua Dariye, by ex-president Obasanjo was illegal. In 2013, he described it as a “dangerous trend in the art of governance” and an attempt to subvert democracy.

However, years later, Tinubu has deployed the same action in Rivers State by suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while appointing a Sole Administrator, a vice admiral, Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), to oversee the state’s affairs. 

On Tuesday, March 18, President Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State, following unending political turbulence in the oil rich state.

In a nationwide broadcast, the president suspended the Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months.

Tinubu blamed the governor and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for allowing the political crisis in the state to fester.

He particularly criticised Fubara for failing to take action after an oil facility was blown up in the state on Tuesday night.

State-of-Emergency-Declaration
State-of-Emergency-Declaration

While this move has triggered debate over its legality, it has similarly led to accusations of double standard by Tinubu who, not once, criticised the declaration of state of emergency and declared it illegal.

 ‘Removal of Dariye is  illegal’ – Tinubu

In May 2004, Obasanjo declared a state of emergency in Plateau State, due to rising ethnic and religious violence, particularly in Yelwa. 

Responding to this, Obasanjo suspended the then Plateau State governor Joshua Dariye, citing his inability to curb the ongoing violence between Muslim and Christian communities.

Like Tinubu, Obasanjo also replaced them with a retired military officer, Chris Alli, a major general, as the sole administrator. He justified the action by saying the state government had lost control of the crisis, making federal intervention necessary.

However, Tinubu, who was then Lagos State Governor publicly condemned Dariye’s removal, calling it illegal. 

Tinubu's position as reported by Comet Newspaper. Credit: Archivi.ng
Tinubu’s position as reported by Comet Newspaper. Credit: Archivi.ng

Although the detail of his comment is still unclear, a news headline by Comet shared by Archivi.ng on X, indicated that Tinubu insisted that the federal government had no right to remove a duly elected governor under the guise of emergency rule.

What Tinubu said in 2013

Similarly, in a statement in May 2013, Tinubu condemned former president Jonathan over his decision to declare a state of emergency in three northern states, arguing that it undermined democracy and was a ploy to weaken political opponents.

“By declaring a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, he has intimidated and emasculated the governors of these States. We are witnessing a dangerous trend in the art of governance and a deliberate ploy to subvert constitutional democracy,” Tinubu reportedly said at the time.

Jonathan had declared a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, after a series of deadly attacks by Boko Haram militants.

He ordered the military to take all necessary action to put an end to the impunity of insurgents and terrorists in the three states. He also ordered more troops to be sent to the north-eastern states.

However, Tinubu warned that using military force instead of addressing underlying governance issues would only fuel extremism and alienate citizens.

He also added that state governors were being unfairly blamed for security failures controlled by the federal government.

“The President’s pronouncement, which seeks to abridge or has the potential of totally scuttling the constitutional functions of Governors and other elected representatives of the people, will be counterproductive in the long run. A State of Emergency already exists in the states where JTF operates. Residents of these communities live in constant fear. Their rights are violated with impunity under the guise of searching for terrorists in their respective domains.

“Hiding under some nebulous claims which border on the intractability of the security challenges posed by Boko Haram or some acclaimed traditionalists who have killed some policemen to render ineffective the constitutional powers vested in elected governors and other representatives of the people, perceived as not amenable to manipulation for the 2015 project amounts to reducing serious issues bordering on the survival of the country to partisan politics,” Tinubu  was quoted to have said.

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