News

State of Emergency: Reps refute allegation of $5,000 inducement

Published

2 days ago

March 23, 2025

The House of Representatives has refuted trending allegations that each member was induced with as much as $5,000 dollars to ratify President Bola Tinubu’s request on the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State.

Deputy spokesman of the House, Hon. Philip Agbese (Benue, APC) while responding to the issue in an interview with journalists in Abuja on Saturday, described the allegation as false, malicious and emanating from “the pit of hell”.

Agbese said the Thursday’s resolution of the House on the State of Emergency declaration in Rivers was done out of patriotism and in the interest of restoring lasting peace to River State.

He said, “The allegation that members of the House of Representatives were induced with $5,000 to pass a resolution, is unfair to the Parliament. Very, very unfair to the Parliament. What we did on Thursday was to align ourselves with what I call the wisdom of King Solomon.

“All insinuations that any individual was given money to give to members is nothing but lies from the pit of hell. The opposition should see the good things that we are doing day and night for the country.

“At no point did members of the House engage in any financial inducement in relation to the state of emergency declaration. The decision was taken after extensive deliberations on the security and political situation in Rivers State, in line with our constitutional responsibilities to safeguard national stability. Any suggestion that lawmakers were bribed is pure fiction, designed to serve the interests of those who seek to distort facts and create unnecessary tension in the country.

“The House of Representatives remains an independent institution guided by democratic principles, the rule of law, and the collective will of the Nigerian people. Our duty is to make decisions that align with the national interest, not to succumb to baseless distractions aimed at eroding public trust. The allegations of bribery are a desperate attempt to discredit the House and must be dismissed as the political comedy that it is.

“What the President did was like what King Solomon did when the two women who were fighting over the propriety of a child came to him. These people in Rivers, are all interested in the progress and development of Rivers State. They love the state, and they are working hard for it. But one way or the other, disagreements arose among the parties which escalated, and Mr. President, in his wisdom, decided to impose a state of emergency, for a period of time so as to allow the two parties to come together, in order to further deepen our democracy.”

Agbese added that as members of parliament interested in the peace and well-being of the people of Rivers State, they approved the state of emergency declaration out of patriotism and not for any pecuniary consideration as being alleged.

“We have seen some of the developments in River State. The government is not doing badly. But what we are saying is that, we don’t want the breakdown of institutions as far as River State is concerned.

“We deployed our wisdom as a Parliament, not to pander to sentiments or views expressed by groups outside. Yes, we are a people’s Parliament. We listen to the voices of Nigerians. Of course, there are people who say the state of emergency by Mr. President is wrong. There are those who also believe that it was done in the right manner to ensure that there is peace in that state.

“As a Parliament, our interest is to form a bridge, to ensure that our democracy continues to work. As a Parliament, our interest is to protect our democracy and democratic institutions. We resolved as a Parliament to make certain amendments to the proclamations made by Mr. President.”

He said the parliament in its wisdom made some key adjustments to the President’s emergency proclamation before ratifying it.

“One is that the parliament remains the law-making body as far as the country is concerned. We resolved that the National Assembly would take over the legislative duties of the Rivers Assembly within the period of time that the state of emergency is enforced.

“Secondly, we resolved as a parliament that it must not necessarily be for six months for the parties to come together and resolve. Even if it is within two weeks, that these parties are able to resolve their differences and show that they are on the same page, Mr. President, in his wisdom, should also reduce the period from 180 days.”

Agbese said he believes that President Bola Tinubu as a true democrat, will not work against democratic institutions in the country.

“We know Mr. President very well. He is a democrat. He has fought for the institutions of our democracy as far as Nigeria is concerned. And he is one man who would always want to protect this democracy. He is a President that we know as a Parliament.

“We have been relating with him as the President of the country for the past almost two years now. We have been relating with him as our President. We have seen his concerns. The 10th House of Representatives has seen the the genuine concerns and we believe and trust that if these issues are resolved in less than six months, Mr. President is going to put an end to the state of emergency in that state.”

Agbese said the House in its wisdom, equally resolved that a tri-partite committee comprising eminent Nigerians, members of the Parliament and members of the Executive Council on the other hand be constituted to ensure that the warring groups in Rivers State are brought to a roundtable and an amicable resolution is reached.

Agbese, while disabusing the minds of Nigerians over the allegations of inducements of members, blamed “fifth columnists” and oppositions, whom he said, are out to tarnish the image of the parliament.

The Benue lawmaker urged Nigerians to continue to extend the kind of support they have always extended to them, assuring that they will always work in the people’s interest as ‘Peoples’ House’.

He expressed optimism that at the end of the State of Emergency, both the Rivers State Government and the Rivers Assembly will bounce back stronger for the overall good and progress of the state.

On the controversy over quorum, Agbese said the House satisfied the requirement of quorum with 243 members in attendance during the exercise.

Politics

Peter Obi is a failed politician, has no history of democratic activism – Bwala

Published

19 minutes ago

March 25, 2025

Seyi Babalola

Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala has hit back at former presidential candidate, Peter Obi over his remarks about democratic governance in Nigeria.

According to him, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) is a failed politician who does not have a history of democratic activism.

The presidential aide said this in an X post on Tuesday in reaction to Obi’s recent remark about the state of democracy under the Bola Tinubu presidency.

Speaking at the 60th birthday colloquium for former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, in Abuja on Monday, Obi said progress made since the nation’s return to democratic rule in 1999 has been eroded.

Responding, Bwala said, “It is funny how failed politicians are trying to redefine democracy.

“Peter Obi said democracy has collapsed. Does he even know the meaning of democracy?

“When people were fighting for democracy, Gregory was buying and selling. He doesn’t have a history of any democratic activism from his school days to date.

“His expertise lies in instigating hate speech and vitriol. Talk Is cheap.”

Business

inDrive Celebrates Drivers’ Dedication During Ramadan with Special Appreciation Campaign

Published

1 hour ago

March 25, 2025

Seyi Babalola

inDrive, a leading global ride-hailing platform operating in 48 countries worldwide including Nigeria has reinforced its commitment to driver welfare through the recently concluded inDrive Ramadan Drivers’ Initiative in Abuja. This special campaign recognized and rewarded drivers who went the extra mile to serve riders during the holy month of Ramadan.

The weeklong initiative aimed to honor dedicated drivers who remained active throughout Ramadan, ensuring safe and reliable transportation for passengers. The campaign fostered a deeper connection between inDrive and its driver community, reaffirming the platform’s mission to empower and support those at the heart of its operations.

Drivers who remained online and consistently completed rides during the period qualified for a special contest recognizing their dedication. As part of this initiative, numerous hardworking drivers received substantial rewards, while the most outstanding performers were honored with exclusive, thoughtfully curated hampers—symbolizing inDrive’s deep appreciation for their commitment and exceptional service.

“At inDrive, we recognize the dedication and resilience of our drivers, especially during significant periods like Ramadan. This initiative is our way of expressing gratitude and reinforcing our commitment to their well-being and success. We believe that when drivers feel valued and supported, they are better positioned to provide excellent service to riders,” said Timothy Oladimeji, Country Representative at inDrive, Nigeria.

The inDrive Ramadan Drivers’ Campaign underscores the brand’s ongoing efforts to foster a culture of recognition, appreciation, and financial support, ensuring drivers remain at the forefront of its mission to provide fair and people-first mobility solutions.

News

FIRST E&P and FG Advocate Stakeholder Collaboration for Sustainable Development in Niger Delta Host Communities

Published

6 hours ago

March 25, 2025

Seyi Babalola

The Federal Government and the NNPC Limited/FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company (FIRST E&P) Joint Venture (JV), have called for collaboration among stakeholders in the oil-production communities to ensure sustainable development.

This call was made by the Managing Director of FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi-Bero and the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, (Ph.D), at the KEFFESO Stakeholders Forum held at Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on Thursday, March 13, 2025.

In line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, the KEFFESO Host Communities Development Trust (KHCDT) was established by NNPC/FIRST E&P in 2023. The trust convened the KHCDT stakeholder forum with the theme, ‘Envisioning Sustainable Community Development in Niger Delta Host Communities: Identifying Challenges and Actualizing the PIA Paradigm Shift’ to provide a platform for dialogue, reflection, and collaboration amongst Host Community Development Trusts. The event had in attendance representatives from oil and gas regulatory agencies, over 100 Host Community Trusts, Settlors and representatives from the private sector.
In his keynote address at the event, Lokpobiri commended NNPC/FIRST E&P for sustaining the strategic partnership with the KEFFESO Host Community Development Trust (KHCDT) and stressed the need for the leadership of various host communities to work harmoniously.
“The KEFFESO Host Communities Development Trust has shown its commitment to utilize the funds provided for them to ensure that there is meaningful development in the host communities. I believe that when community leaders work together, they can bring about real development,” he said.
In his remarks, Managing Director, FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, who was represented by the General Manager, Engineering and Capital Projects, John Alamu described the company’s establishment of the Trust as a tangible demonstration of its enduring commitment to supporting the host communities’ long-term socio-economic development.

He acknowledged the notable strides achieved by the Trust through the implementation of impactful interventions across health, education, infrastructure, water, capacity building and local content development.
Also speaking, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Engr. Seyi Omotowa, who was represented by the Deputy Manager, External Relations, NUIMS, Edith Lawson, explained that the forum serves as an opportunity to develop actionable strategies that could foster sustainable development, ensuring that the benefits of the Petroleum Industry Act are not only realized but equitably distributed among stakeholders.

According to Omotowa, the Petroleum Industry Act represents a significant shift in policy and approach, offering a framework for more equitable resource management and community development.
Chairman, KEFFESO Host Communities’ Development Trust (KHCDT), HRH Moko-ama Sangana Kingdom, Moses Theophilus, in his remarks said that implementing the PIA has the potential to bring about transformative changes, ensuring that the benefits of oil and gas activities reach those in oil producing host communities.
While expressing profound gratitude to the NNPC/FIRST E&P JV for the invaluable support in establishing the KHCDT, he noted that the prompt funding and commitment to the development of the KEFFESO communities by the company has been instrumental in bringing the forum to life.
Commenting on the forum, The Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, represented by the Executive Commissioner, Safety, Environment and Community, Captain John Tonlagha, stated that institutionalization of the community development trust initiative remains a defining moment in Nigeria’s petroleum sector unlike previous community development efforts that lacked focus on governance, transparency and accountability.

The event also included a series of panel sessions that highlighted challenges confronted by the host communities and possible solutions to improving the welfare of the people.