POLITICS
Edo Deputy Gov, Shaibu Vows to Mobilize for Osinbajo

The Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu has pledged support for the rumoured presidential ambition of Vice President, Prof.
Yemi Osinbajo, describing him as the best candidate for the position. Shaibu who made the pledge at the weekend while speaking at the installation of the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba, as the Odumha of Auchi at the Otaru of Auchi Palace, further claimed that the entire Edo people are with Osinbajo to ensure he wins the 2023 presidential election.However, the Vice President who was the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion is yet to declare his ambition to contest the 2023 presidential race notwithstanding the position of different support groups already campaigning for him.
The Deputy Governor who equally stated that the era of Godfatherism in Nigerian politics was over in the country expressed optimism that if elected, Osinbajo would turn Edo into an industrial state which would enable unemployed youths become gainfully employed. He said, “Your Excellency, just know that you have all of us in Edo, you have us, anything that you want to do, you have us and you have God. And by the Grace of God, we will have our own as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria come 2023.“By the special grace of God, we will mobilize ourselves so that we can take our destiny in our hands. The EndSARS was a clarion call on all of us not just in Edo but the entire nation. “The era of godfathers is over in this country, it is now the era of good leadership and progressive leadership. Men that have intellect, men that will turn our state into an industrial state so that those who are unemployed will be gainfully employed must be given the opportunity to serve.” There is intense pressure on the Vice President to drop his perceived presidential ambition following the recent declaration of his godfather, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to contest for the same position in 2023.
POLITICS
Rivers Assembly passes 3 Bills, Adjourns Plenary Indefinitely

The Rivers State House of Assembly on Friday passed three bills into law before immediately proceeding on an indefinite recess.
The bills include the Rivers State House of Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Bill, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) Bill, and the Rivers State Local Government Bill, 2025.
Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, announced the passage of the bills during a plenary session in Port Harcourt on Friday.
The Powers and Privileges Bills seeks to grant the state lawmakers the authority, privilege and immunity necessary to carry out their legislative duties.
The RSIEC Bill aims to repeal the RSIEC Bill Law No.
2 of 2018, thereby redefining the establishment, composition, and functions of the commission.The Rivers State Local Government Bill 2025 seeks to repeal the existing Local Government Laws of 2018, 2023, and 2024.
The Deputy Leader of House, Mrs Lynda Somiari-Stewart, concluded the debate on the three committee reports before their final passage, having scaled the third reading.
Following the passage of the bills, Amaewhule adjourned plenary indefinitely, effectively preventing Fubara from presenting the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
The governor had earlier written to the House on Thursday, requesting to present the state budget on March 19, following two previous failed attempts to meet with the lawmakers.
It remains uncertain whether the indefinite plenary adjournment is a deliberate attempt to further delay the budget presentation, despite the directive by the Supreme Court. (NAN)
POLITICS
Group Urges Senate to Reverse Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension

A group, FixPolitics Africa says it is standing in solidarity with Sen.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended by the Nigerian Senate for allegedly violating rules.The Executive Director of FixPolitics, Dr Anthony Ubani, in a statement ,on Thursday, faulted the senator’s suspension, calling for her immediate reinstatement by the Senate.
Daily Asset recalls that Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is serving a six-month suspension, had accused the Senate President, Goodwill Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of power.
Ubani said: “We stand in solidarity with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and commend her courage in speaking out on this matter.
“The Senate’s response sets a troubling precedent that may discourage other victims from speaking out for fear of retaliation or dismissal.
“The FixPolitics unequivocally condemns the Senate’s actions and demands the immediate reinstatement of Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“We call on the Senate to uphold justice, transparency, and accountability by ensuring that allegations of this nature are investigated thoroughly and impartially – free from internal biases and procedural technicalities.”
He urged the civil society organisations, human rights advocates, and the Nigerian public to join the group in demanding a legislative environment where all members could perform their duties without fear of harassment or unjust reprisal.
He added, “The integrity of our democracy depends on institutions that serve all Nigerians without bias or discrimination.”
According to him, the FixPolitics is a research-driven, citizen-led initiative committed to addressing the deep-rooted challenges of poor governance by recognising the central role of politics in building effective states and shaping Africa’s development, beginning with Nigeria.
He said that the group remained steadfast in its commitment to advocating an inclusive, transparent, and accountable political system.
“We will continue to monitor this situation closely and support all efforts that promote justice, equity, and the protection of democratic values in Nigeria,” he added.
Ubani described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as a threat to democracy, gender inclusion, and the rule of law.
According to him, by imposing the suspension, the Senate has not only silenced Akpoti-Uduaghan but also disenfranchised the people of Kogi Central senatorial zone, depriving them of their constitutional right to representation.
“Beyond undermining democratic principles, this punitive measure also calls into question the institution’s willingness to address misconduct within its ranks.
“Female representation in the Senate has plummeted by nearly 50 per cent – from seven women in the 9th Assembly to just four in the 10th Assembly.
“This decision sets a dangerous precedent that could further discourage women from political participation and silence victims of harassment.
“The unconstitutional suspension of a duly elected legislator denied constituents their fundamental right to representation in the National Assembly.
“In this case, an entire senatorial district in Kogi State is being disenfranchised – an outcome that contradicts both the spirit and letter of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). (NAN)
POLITICS
Shettima Calls for Unity to Sustain Tinubu’s Reform

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday, called for unity and collaboration among leaders to sustain the gains of President Bola Tinubu’s reforms.
Shettima made the call during an Iftar hosted by President Tinubu for Senate leaders at the new State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.
Shettima emphasised that Nigeria had reached a crucial point where Tinubu’s bold leadership and well-thought-out policies must be properly executed to create lasting change.
He noted that Nigerians were beginning to see the benefits of these reforms, such as falling food prices, lower petrol costs, and stability in the forex market.
He also highlighted the economy’s projected growth of 4.
3 to 4.6 per cent in 2025, commending Tinubu’s “bold vision” and courageous decisions.Shettima urged political leaders to collaborate in maintaining this momentum, stating that unity was essential for the nation’s progress.
He expressed gratitude to the Senate for its cooperative relationship with the executive branch and urged lawmakers to see themselves as one family, regardless of political affiliation.
“What unites us supersedes whatever divides us,” he said, assuring of continued collaboration between the two arms of government.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio thanked President Tinubu for his support of the 10th Senate and pledged continued cooperation.
He prayed for divine wisdom and good health for both the President and Vice- President, to ensure the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The event was attended by key senators, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and former Senate President Ahmed Lawan.(NAN)