Pro-democracy group tells Tinubu to declare state of emergency in Zamfara over insecurity, political repression

The United Democratic Coalition (UDC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately declare a state of emergency in Zamfara, citing worsening insecurity and a breakdown of democratic order in the state.

The demand was contained in a statement on Friday signed by Abdulrahman Danladi, president of the coalition.

Danladi described Zamfara as “a state under siege,” accusing the state government of abandoning its constitutional duty to protect lives and uphold democratic principles.

“The situation in Zamfara has gone from troubling to terrifying. Armed groups operate freely, citizens are at the mercy of bandits, and yet those elected to speak up are being silenced,” the statement read.

He was referring to the recent suspension of 10 lawmakers in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, whom he said were punished for raising concerns about insecurity and illegal mining in their constituencies.

“What we are witnessing is not just lawlessness — it is executive tyranny. These lawmakers were elected by the people and have a duty to speak out. Instead of listening to them, the state assembly, clearly acting on orders, has shut them down,” Danladi said.

He likened the political tension in Zamfara to the recent situation in Rivers state, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara governed with just four lawmakers after a split in the house of assembly — a scenario that prompted calls for federal intervention.

“If Rivers with four lawmakers sparked talks of emergency rule, how is Zamfara with 10 suspended lawmakers and spiralling violence not a national concern?” Danladi asked.

“The same standard must apply. Democracy is being murdered in Zamfara in broad daylight. If the federal government could consider intervening in Rivers, it must not turn a blind eye to the breakdown in Zamfara.”

“We are calling for a six-month state of emergency in Zamfara to allow security forces take control, restore peace, and return the state to constitutional order.”

The group also demanded the immediate reinstatement of the suspended lawmakers and an investigation into what it called “executive interference” in the legislature.

“This is not the time for political correctness. It is the time for leadership. The people of Zamfara are under siege — both by bandits and by those who should be protecting them,” the statement added.

Zamfara, one of Nigeria’s most troubled states, continues to face persistent attacks from armed groups, with thousands displaced and dozens killed in the past year alone.

Open Letter To Tinubu: Bash Ali Seeks FG’s Support In Hosting Guinness World Record Boxing Championship Fight

His Excellency,

Bola Tinubu, GCFR

President of Nigeria,

Presidential Villa, Abuja, Nigeria.

My Dear President Sir, Assalam Alaikum.

Happy birthday in great health, long life backed with the wisdom to take Nigerians to the Promise land. CORRUPTION has killed millions of Nigerians and has left most CONFUSED and FRUSTRATED. If someone had told me that after almost 2 years into your administration that my Guinness World Record Boxing Championship fight would still be stalled, despite my several meetings and discussions with you on the subject matter, I would have punched the person in the mouth.

All Guinness World Record Boxing Championship fights have held in the United States of America so mine would be the first outside and the most lucrative in the history of Pay Per View Television Revenue, sales of souvenirs, sponsorship, advertisement etc. I32 countries are coming to Nigeria to be part of Boxing History and the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has written to the World Boxing Body to guarantee in Nigeria the safety of their members and that the Ministry of Youth & Sports, now the National Sports Commission (NSC) will follow up to ensure timely payment of their Approval fee which is domiciled at the Central Bank of Nigeria by the PRIVATE SECTOR. 

For almost 19 years, to make this historic event a reality in Nigeria, the FGN has on 3 occasions, November 9, 2006, January 7, 2014 and May 21, 2019 inaugurated the Bash Ali Boxing Project Local Organizing Committee with the 3 arms of government, LEGISLATIVE (Senate and House of Representatives committee chairmen on sports), EXECUTIVE (office of the chief of staff to Mr. President) & JUDICIARY (office of the attorney general of the Federation) as members. The PRIVATE SECTOR will provide the funds while the FGN will provide an enabling environment for a successful show but CORRUPTION has stalled it.

My President Sir, It is imperative to inform you that the FGN is not putting up a KOBO but to provide an enabling environment and in the process earn the glory, honor and money from hosting this historic event.

My President Sir, after the FGN has collected $12M USD and extorted millions of Naira from me in the disguise of putting in place the promotional structures, the FGN has stalled the process of hosting this historic fight because I say NO to further extortion.

Sir, for almost 19 years the FGN has failed me. The FGN has extorted millions from me. The FGN has blackmailed me. The FGN has scammed me and despite several juicy offers to fight outside of Nigeria I still refused to give up on my country, Nigeria. I want to fight in my country, Nigeria so help me, please.

My President Sir, to get justice and right the wrongs of the FGN, I had to go to court and the matter is again coming up on April 7, 2025. I did not leave my comfort zone in Oakland, California, United States of America to fight the FGN in a court of law but to fight in a boxing ring to bring honor, glory and financial growth to FGN but I am in court because I have no choice.

Sir, the people that extorted millions of Naira from me on behalf of the FGN and those that were not successful are still in your cabinet and have sworn that this historic fight will not see the light of the day unless I co-operate with CORRUPTION.

PRAYERS: 

1.  I am respectfully asking that the court case against the FGN be settled out of court.

2.  I am respectfully asking for the immediate re-inauguration of the Bash Ali Boxing Project Local Organizing Committee and that all the unnecessary obstacles caused by CORRUPTION by the FGN should be removed so this historic fight can hold in our great country, Nigeria.

Ma’Salam.

Respectfully submitted for your urgent attention and action.

Yours Truly,

Building a Better and a More Profitable Nigeria Through Sport.

Bash Ali. OON.

World Boxing Champion.

APC UK, Nigerians in Diaspora Urge Tinubu to Revoke Suspension of Fubara, Save Country's Image Now*

Some Nigerians in the United Kingdom have expressed deep concern over the recent proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly.

The Progressives Without Borders said the decision has severely damaged Nigeria's image, with the international community condemning it as an egregious overreach of executive authority.

A statement co-signed by its President John Andrew, who is also the Chairman of the APC in South-East London, noted that the move has also contravened the fundamental principles of federalism and democratic governance, casting aspersions on the legitimacy of the Tinubu administration.

"Nigeria's global reputation has suffered irreparable damage, with the country being perceived as one where the government disregards the rule of law and undermines democratic institutions," the statement said. 

"The dubious interpretation of the Constitution that underpinned the suspension of Governor Fubara has only exacerbated these concerns. The timing of these developments could not be more inopportune, occurring against the backdrop of a highly contested presidential election.

"The legitimacy of the election outcome has been called into question by many international observers, and the government's actions have only served to fuel these concerns.

"As a result, the Tinubu administration's ratings have plummeted, and Nigeria's global reputation has been severely tarnished. The long-term implications of these developments are profoundly disturbing, portending a potentially irreversible erosion of trust in democratic institutions and the rule of law."

To address these concerns, the group urged President Tinubu to revoke the suspension and restore democratic governance in Rivers State.

The Progressives Without Borders believes this is the first step towards restoring confidence in the government's commitment to democratic values.

"The President must take concrete steps to address the concerns of the international community and ensure that the judiciary is independent and impartial," the statement added.

"The government must also address the underlying issues that led to the crisis in Rivers State, requiring a comprehensive approach that takes into account the political, economic, and social factors that contributed to the crisis.

"Additionally, the government must ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that the rights of citizens are protected. To restore Nigeria's global reputation, the government must take concrete steps to promote democratic values and the rule of law, requiring a concerted effort to address the concerns of the international community and ensure that the government is transparent and accountable.

"The government must also foster a culture of democracy and respect for the rule of law, requiring a long-term commitment to promoting democratic values and ensuring that the government is accountable to the people."

GGAN Lauds President Tinubu, Kyari's Reforms on Food Security *Says Decrease in Prices of Food Commodities Good Sign for a Better Nigeria

The Good Governance Advocates of Nigeria (GGAN) has commended President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, for their efforts in transforming Nigeria's agricultural sector.

In a statement signed by its national president, Comrade Gideon Unazi, the group hailed the administration's commitment to driving economic growth and positioning Nigeria as a key player in regional and global food markets.

According to Unazi, the country's gradual shift from subsistence farming to a robust agribusiness ecosystem is a significant step towards empowering farmers and fostering private sector-led growth.

He noted that the declaration of a state of emergency on agriculture, temporary suspension of tariffs on imported grains and essential food items and other reforms have yielded positive results. 

Unazi added: "The collaboration with international development institutions such as the African Development Bank, the World Bank, and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has also been instrumental in driving growth in the agricultural sector.

"The lifting of the ban on importation of food across land borders, the firming up of the Naira, and the reported pausing of bulk purchase of grains that UN and US agencies distribute to IDP camps have all contributed to the recent decline in food prices.

"The election of Kyari as the Vice Chairman of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a testament to Nigeria's leadership in global agricultural transformation.

"This recognition is a clear indication that the country is on the right path towards achieving food security and sustainable agricultural development. 

"The Ministry's efforts to distribute over 2.1 million bags of fertilizers to farmers and provide food aid to flood-affected communities have been particularly noteworthy. These initiatives have not only improved agricultural productivity but also provided relief to vulnerable populations."

Unazi said the recent decline in food prices is a significant achievement and proof of the Federal Government's efforts, with prices of some grains crashing by as much as 40% in the past month. 

The statement stated: "The recent decline in food prices is a significant achievement, with prices of some grains crashing by as much as 40% in the past few weeks.

"The prices of beans, yam, rice, tomatoes, and garri have all declined, ranging from 10% to 70%. This trend is expected to continue, bringing relief to millions of Nigerians who have been struggling with high food prices.

"According to reports, the prices of major raw food items have declined significantly. Aljazeera reported that the prices of some grains crashed by as much as 40% in the past few weeks.

"BusinessDay highlighted a noticeable fall in the prices of beans, yam, rice, tomatoes, and garri, ranging from a decline of 23% for imported rice to 70% for tomatoes.

"The GGAN wishes to commend President Tinubu and Kyari for their leadership and vision in driving growth in the agricultural sector. We urge the administration to continue its efforts to drive economic growth and reduce poverty.

"We also call on all stakeholders to support the government's initiatives aimed at achieving food security and sustainable agricultural development. With the current trend of declining food prices, we are optimistic that Nigeria is on the path to becoming a food-secure nation."

ERA Applauds Tinubu Over Mele Kyari’s Sack, Calls for Probe Into Fake Refinery Projects*

The Energy Reforms Advocates (ERA) have praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decision to remove Mele Kyari as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

In a statement on Wednesday, Abdulkadri Isah, president of ERA, described the move as a courageous step toward reforming Nigeria’s oil sector and tackling entrenched corruption. 

He said Kyari’s removal would allow a full investigation into alleged fraudulent refinery projects under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

“The dismissal of Mele Kyari signals a new dawn in our nation’s commitment to eradicating corruption in the oil and gas sector. We commend President Tinubu for demonstrating the political will to confront these challenges head-on,” Isah said.

He urged the newly appointed leadership of the NNPC to prioritize an audit of past projects and ensure accountability in the sector.

“The probe into fake refinery projects must be swift and thorough. Nigerians deserve to know how billions of dollars were allocated to non-existent or uncompleted projects while the country continued to rely on fuel imports,” he stated.

ERA called on relevant anti-corruption agencies to support the process, warning that failure to expose past mismanagement would hinder any meaningful reform.

“This investigation should not end with a change in leadership. There must be consequences for those who mismanaged funds and deceived Nigerians. The government must set a precedent that corruption will no longer be tolerated,” Isah added.

The group also expressed optimism that under fresh leadership, the NNPC could regain public trust and reposition itself as a driver of economic growth.

“With competent leadership, the NNPC can finally fulfill its mandate. We expect reforms that will boost local refining capacity, attract investment, and ultimately reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products,” the statement read.

Kyari’s removal was part of a broader shake-up of NNPC’s board, with former Shell executive Bashir Bayo Ojulari appointed as the new GCEO and Ahmadu Musa Kida as non-executive chairman. 

The restructuring aligns with the government’s vision of revitalising the oil sector and increasing Nigeria’s crude oil production and refining capacity.

Coalition of Nigerians Write African Union Over State of Emergency in Rivers*

A coalition of Nigerians has expressed dismay and disappointment over President Bola Tinubu's declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as a gross abuse of power and a blatant disregard for the Constitution, democratic principles, and the rule of law. 

In a letter to the African Union Commission, the coalition urged the commission to take immediate action to address the situation and ensure that democratic principles are upheld.

See full letter below:

*COALITION OF NIGERIANS*

No. 24 Seriki Street, Off Odunsi Street, Bariga Shomolu Lagos, Nigeria.

March 26, 2025

His Excellency, Alhaji Mahmoud Ali Youssouf,

The Chairperson, African Union Commission,

P. O. Box 3243, Roosevelt Street W21K19,

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Your Excellency,

UNCONSTITUTIONAL DECLARATION OF STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE: A THREAT TO DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA AND AFRICA

We are writing to express our utmost dismay, disappointment, and disillusionment over the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu. This decision is not only a gross abuse of power but also a blatant disregard for the Constitution, democratic principles, and the rule of law.

With President Tinubu as the Chairman of ECOWAS, Nigeria is expected to be a shining example of democratic governance in Africa. Unfortunately, President Tinubu's actions have fallen woefully short of this expectation. His decision to suspend the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminilayi Fubara, and the State House of Assembly, is a clear violation of the Constitution and an affront to democratic principles.

Section 305 of the Constitution, which the President cited as the basis for his action, does not grant him the power to suspend or remove elected officials. The Constitution is clear on the grounds for removing a governor, which is explicitly stated in Section 188. The President's action is a blatant disregard for the Constitution and the democratic process.

This action is not only a threat to democracy in Nigeria but also sets a dangerous precedent for the suppression of democratic institutions and the rule of law in Africa. It is imperative that the African Union Commission takes immediate action to address this situation and ensure that democratic principles are upheld.

The implications of this action are far-reaching, and if left unchecked, could lead to a breakdown in law and order, undermine the legitimacy of democratic institutions, and damage Nigeria's reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa. Furthermore, this action raises serious concerns about the President's commitment to democracy and the rule of law. It is worrisome that the President would resort to such draconian measures, rather than exploring democratic solutions to the challenges facing Rivers State.

We are also concerned about the potential consequences of this action on the stability of Nigeria and the African region. The suspension of democratic institutions and the imposition of emergency rule could lead to widespread unrest, violence, and instability. In addition, this action undermines the principles of federalism and the autonomy of states in Nigeria. The President's decision to suspend the Governor and the State House of Assembly is a clear infringement on the powers of the state government and a violation of the principle of separation of powers.

We urge you to prevail upon President Tinubu to immediately lift the State of Emergency in Rivers State and restore the democratically elected government. We request that the African Union Commission take concrete steps to ensure that Nigeria, as a member state, upholds the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. We also request that the African Union Commission take the following steps:

*Condemns the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of the democratically elected Governor and State House of Assembly.

*Calls on President Tinubu to immediately lift the State of Emergency and restore the democratically elected government.

*Sends a fact-finding mission to Rivers State to investigate the circumstances surrounding the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of democratic institutions.

*Takes concrete steps to ensure that Nigeria, as a member state, upholds the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

We look forward to your prompt response and action.

Signed;

Professor Senator Opeyemi Ola

Professor Adah George 

Rt. Hon Dr James Oloko

Dr. Mrs Evelyn E. Ogolime

GOVERNOR UMAR NAMADI AGRICULTURE-ECONOMY REVOLUTION IN JIGAWA STATE

In the face of Nigeria’s pressing food security challenges and economic hardships, the narrative seems poised for change with Governor Umar Namadi affectionately stepping into agriculture revolution in the saddle.

H.E. Umar Namadi
Executive Governor Jigawa State.

He is currently spearheading initiatives to revolutionize agriculture and propel Jigawa State into a pivotal role in Nigeria’s quest for sustainable food security especially in the production of rice which is currently making the state to be contesting the number one rice producing state in Nigeria.

Governor Umar Namadi has launched an ambitious food security and farm mechanization programme to enhance food production and security. This initiative includes the procurement of tractors and the distribution of essential inputs such as rice millers, threshers, hammer mills, and fertilizers to farmers across the state.

A particularly noteworthy innovation is the government’s plan to allocate hectares of land to farmers, aiming to produce million tons of food, while providing them with farm inputs.

Additionally, the state has a larger plan to establish Agricultural Development Fund to not only encourage youth participation in agriculture but also address economic and social essentials.

Jigawa state’s renewed focus on agriculture is not only timely but resonates well with the overall drive towards repositioning Nigeria for sustainable food security and economic growth. There is no contesting the fact that Nigeria is facing what can mildly be described as economic turbulence and addressing this requires concerted efforts to support agricultural development. And since agriculture remains the low-hanging fruit in turning the nation’s fortune, governments at all levels must accord top priority to this all-important sector.

According to Special Assistant On Investment, Abubakar Muhammad Sani said, "there has been, justifiably so, persistent calls on the government to support agriculture. To fully appreciate this call, we must note that as global food demands continue to rise, with the World Bank forecasting a 70% increase by 2050, the agriculture sector will require $80bn in global investments every year. Food demand in Africa is projected to grow more rapidly, with the World Bank estimating that the total size of the market will approach $1trn by 2030". 

Abubakar Sanni also commend His Excellency, Governor Umar Namadi for his giant step to protect the students of the state against any insecurity by employing 9,974 safe school guards, saying the process is already yielding results.

Special Assistant On Investments Abubarka Sanni

Also a friend of the government in Jigawa State , Lawan Haruna explained further that good enough, transformative agenda extends beyond agriculture. Encapsulated in his “New Jigawa” policy which prioritizes other critical sectors like security, education, science and technology, agriculture, commerce, tourism, civil service, health, infrastructure/urban renewal, local government and traditional Institutions, revenue generation, women and youth development, the agenda reflects his commitment to holistic development".

"Truth be told, Governor Umar Namadi commitment to education is evident in actions such as prompt payment of teachers salaries and allowances" Lawan said.

As it is often said, roads are the arteries through which the economy pulses. It helps link producers to markets, workers to jobs, the sick to hospital and students to schools. Obviously aware of this, Governor Umar Namadi is focusing on road construction and work on the existing ones and creating new roads for a better network.

His Excellency , Umar Namadi has served as Commissioner for Finance of the State. He served as the deputy governor of Jigawa State between May 2019 and May 2023. He was elected as the governor of Jigawa State in 2023 under the platform of All Progressive Congress. Less than two years, he has succeeded in proving to the electorate who massively voted for him that they couldn’t have made a better choice.