By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Leaders in Rivers State have kicked against the conduct of local government election by the unelected Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd).

In their separate reactions to the plans by the Sole Administrator to conduct local government polls, they are in agreement that such an exercise could lead to a constitutional crisis.

They added that allowing an illegal Sole Administrator to conduct the polls has dire implications for the Nation’s democracy.

Atiku, who stated these following the condemnation and protests by some key stakeholders in the State led by Atedo Peterside against the conduct of Local Government elections in Rivers State, said the provisions of the constitution must be observed and respected by the Federal Government.

The Peterside-led group had warned the Federal Government against making nonsense of Nigeria’s democracy with the planned local government election in Rivers.

Atiku, who took to X handle on Saturday, took a critical look at the development, stressing that all constitutional and legal procedures have been totally jettisoned and observed in breach, all in a desperate attempt to conduct Local Government elections by an illegal Sole Administrator that is being prompted.

Atiku wrote on X: “It is in one’s interest to help put out the fire in your neighbour’s house to safeguard against your house being torched.

“I agree that what is playing out in Rivers State, with an illegal sole administrator, unknown to our constitution, conducting council elections, has implications for the rest of the country.

“I join other men and women of goodwill to condemn this absurdity unequivocally,” he emphasised.

The Rivers State major stakeholders and advocates for democratic principles expressed deep concern over what they described as the “violation of constitutional governance and due process in the unlawful” attempt to hold Local Government Council elections in the state.

The stakeholders in a joint statement addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declared that Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution vests exclusive responsibility for local council elections in state governments, stressing that a federally appointed agent—lacking any legal foundation—cannot lawfully step into this role.

The concerned stakeholders further said that the doctrine of agency, affirmed in landmark cases such as Adebayo v. Plastic Ltd. and Okafor v. Umeh, holds that an agent’s authority is strictly derivative; and emphasised that without a constitutional grant, the actions of the Sole Administrator are ultra vires and void.

They therefore declared that it is a blatant usurpation of state autonomy which desecrates the federal architecture and impedes democratic governance, stressing that the proposed Local Government Council elections in Rivers State are nothing short of an underhand assault on the nation’s democracy and a brazen flouting of the Nigeria’s Constitution.

The concerned stakeholders included: Atedo N A Peterside, H.E Celestine N Omehia, Prince Uche Secondus, Chief Dr Abiye Sekibo, Senator Lee Maeba, Dr Dakuku Adol Peterside, Senator Andrew Uchendu, HE Engr Tele Ikuru, Prince Fafaa Dan Princewill, Dr Austin Tam-George, Donu Kogbara, Hon Dr Sokonte Davies, Dr Glory Emeh, George Feyii, Hon Honourable Asita, Surv Sam Agwor, Ann-Kio Briggs, HE Group Captain John Ibiwari Ben-Kalio (rtd) and Pastor Tonye P. Cole.

Others are Ambassador Oji Nyiminote Ngofa, Hon Randolph Iwo O. Brown, and Engr Reynolds Bekinbo Dagogo-Jack.

They noted that the elections, orchestrated by a “Sole Administrator” with no constitutional mandate and allegedly imposed by the federal government, threaten the very foundations of Nigeria’s federal system, the rule of law, and the peace of Rivers State.According to the stakeholders; “There is currently no legally constituted Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) as mandated by Sections 2, 3, 5, and 12 of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Law, 2018. Consequently, any electoral activities undertaken by such an illegal body are null and void.“The combined interpretation of the specified sections of the RSIEC Law alongside Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) establishes that only the elected Governor, upon confirmation by the Rivers State House of Assembly, is empowered to appoint the Chairman and members of RSIEC.“Any appointment process outside this constitutional procedure is invalid and unconstitutional.“The illegitimate Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has flagrantly ignored the mandatory 90-day notice requirement before an election, as stipulated in Section 20 of the RSIEC Law.“With no formal notification for candidate nominations, polling timetables—and an election date of August 30, 2025, announced on short notice—this process bears a resemblance to the 2024 polls, which the Supreme Court annulled due to procedural failures.“Ignoring these safeguards is not an oversight; it is a deliberate attack on the principle of due process.“Courts across the land are actively adjudicating the legality of the Sole Administrator’s appointment and the very existence of a functioning RSIEC.“Yet, despite pending Supreme Court and Federal High Court injunctions—and multiple sub-judice challenges by political parties—electoral machinery grinds on under a so-called “emergency” guise.“Rivers State has been plunged into a constitutional crisis and a de facto state of emergency due to the federal suspension of its executive and legislative branches. If INEC deems its elections untenable under such conditions, how can local government polls—unrelated to any genuine emergency—be justified?The concerned stakeholders therefore, called on President Tinubu, the National Assembly, the Nigerian Judiciary, civil society, the media, the international community, and all defenders of democracy to intervene decisively.They warned saying; “Rivers State stands at a crossroads, currently to impunity or uphold the Constitution and the will of the people. The choice is ours and the stakes could not be higher”. Bago Mourns Chief Audu OgbehFrom Dan Amasingha, MinnaNiger State Governor, Umaru Bago has mourned an elder statesman, former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh.In a condolence message through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the Governor describes the death of the former minister as a great loss not only to Benue State but Nigeria as a whole.He recalls the immense contributions of the deceased to nation-building when he held various positions at different times.The farmer governor maintains that the deceased will surely be remembered for his proficiency and impact on agriculture, politics, and playwriting.He commiserates with his Benue State colleague, Hyacinth Alia, the Och’Idoma, HRM John Elaigwu Odogbo, the family of the deceased, and the entire people of the state over the devastating loss.”The farmer governor prays that God will repose the soul of the deceased, grant him eternal rest, and comfort all the loved ones he left behind.The late Audu Ogbeh served as the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development between 2015 and 2019, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP from 2001 to 2005 and the Federal Minister of Communications from 1982 to 1983, among others.

By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

A fresh graduate medical doctor from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Dr Ogunmakinju Oluwaseun, has expressed touching appreciation to a former Deputy Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon Adesegun Abdel-Majid Adekoya, for the full sponsorship of his university education.

Hon Adekoya is the founder of Prince Abdel-Majid Foundation (PAM Foundation), a non-governmental organisation engaged in uplifting Nigerians, especially the less privileged, children, youths and women.

In an open letter of appreciation, Dr Ogunmakinju Oluwaseun, said his dream of becoming a medical doctor would have been a mirage if it not for the support of Hon Adekoya who stood by him in the past six years.

He declared that Hon Adekoya, popularly known as Attacker from his football-playing days as a youth, took over the full sponsorship of his university education without allowing him to pay a dime.

He also added that through the mentorship of Hon Adekoya he was able to emerge as the President of OOU Students Union.

He declared that his stint as SUG President has already instilled leadership qualities in him.

Dr Ogunmakinju Oluwaseun wrote: “Dear Rt. Hon. Abdul-Majid Adekoya Adesegun, I write with a heart full of gratitude to sincerely appreciate you for being the sole benefactor of my academic journey.

“From my very first day in 100 Level to my final year in 600 Level, your generosity through the scholarship you granted me has been the bedrock of my success.

“Today, by the grace of God and through your unwavering support, I have emerged as a qualified medical doctor. This achievement is not mine alone; it is a testament to your belief in me, your investment in my future, and your commitment to empowering the next generation.

“Words cannot fully capture the depth of my appreciation, but I pray that the Almighty rewards you abundantly, grants you good health, and continues to bless your endeavors.

“Your kindness has not only changed my life but has also inspired me to be a source of help to others, just as you have been to me.

“Thank you for making my dream a reality.”

Ogunmakinju Oluwaseun added: “I wish to sincerely appreciate ATTACKER for taking full responsibility for my tuition fees from 100 Level to 600 Level — without allowing me to pay a dime.

“This rare and life-changing opportunity, made possible through the Prince Abdul Majid Foundation (PAM Foundation), is something I will forever hold in deep gratitude.

“Today, after 6 years of rigorous training, I proudly stand as a Medical Doctor, awaiting the privilege of taking the Hippocratic Oath soon.

“Beyond academics, the leadership lessons I gained under the mentorship of Rt. Hon. Adekoya gave me the edge to emerge as OOU Students’ Union Government President.

“And academically, I am proud to have made a Distinction in of of the courses I offered during my journey through medical school.

“Thank you for believing in me, investing in my dreams, and giving me the platform to grow both as a leader and a scholar.”

By Johnson Eyiangho, Abuja

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed deep concern over the reported extortion of over N56 million from farmers in Zamfara State by armed groups as well as the chilling video of an entire village in Ifelodun Local Government of Kwara State, completely abandoned to bandits.

The party noted that Nigeria, under President Tinubu and the APC is sliding into a dangerous new phase of state failure. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, on Friday, the party said a situation where farmers had to pay money to terrorists before they could gain access to their own farmlands, is not just a Zamfara tragedy, but a national warning.Abdullahi said that a situation where people had to abandon an entire town to bandits, in the very heart of the country, is not just a local challenge but an evidence of national surrender. “When armed gangs can collect N56 million from farmers for the ‘right’ to plant food, the issue is no longer about insecurity. It is about criminal elements contesting the right to govern a part of Nigeria. When criminals can tax citizens at gunpoint, it means the state has surrendered its monopoly of force and state authority is in retreat.” The statement said it is discouraging that this could be happening in a country with one of the largest defence budgets in Africa, yet its farmers were left to bargain with warlords for their survival. It recalled that in the same Zamfara state only a few days ago about 50 people were abducted in one swoop, saying that added to this is the eerie picture of an entire town where all the people, the young, the old and the infirm had to seek refuge elsewhere for fear of bandits attacks. Abdullahi said there were other cases which showed alarming pattern suggesting that other parts of the country considered safe may not be so for long. “The pertinent question therefore is whether the Tinubu-led APC government is still in charge and can still be trusted to do its most fundamental duty, which is to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians. “We recall that in November 2014, President Bola Tinubu, leader of opposition party at the time, asked President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over the Boko Haram Challenges in The North-East of the country. His words: “If you control the armed forces and you are the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic, why should any part of this country be under occupation? And you give us excuses every day. In any civilized country Jonathan should have resigned.”He said though the security situation that President Tinubu was using to campaign in 2014 had multiplied exponentially under his party and is currently enjoying great prosperity under his direct watch, no one is calling on him to resign. “The ADC does not want President Tinubu to resign. We only ask him to do his job. We also ask the pertinent question, why did the President think that the security situation in Rivers State warranted the declaration of state of emergency, but the one in Zamfara with industrial scale kidnapping and a direct challenge to the authority of the Nigerian State by way of bandit tax does not even deserve a direct comment from him,” the statement asked.It urge President Tinubu to drop whatever else that pre-occupied him and direct his attention to Zamfara State and other parts of the country menaced by bandits. “If the Tinubu administration cannot guarantee the safety of our farms and farming communities, if people could be forced to abandon their homes out of fear, then it has failed in its most basic responsibility. You cannot boast that you are in charge of your country while your citizens are negotiating their survival with criminals.”