The Nigerian House of Representatives has established a 19-member ad-hoc committee to oversee the administration of Rivers State following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency.

This decision comes amid a political crisis in the state, primarily driven by a power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

The committee’s formation aligns with the Senate’s resolution to invoke Section 11, Subsection 4 of the Nigerian Constitution, granting the National Assembly authority to set up an oversight body for Rivers State’s governance during the emergency period. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas was sworn in as the sole administrator of the state, effectively sidelining local governance structures.

The House’s action has sparked debate, with some questioning the constitutional process, including claims of insufficient votes and lack of communication with Speaker Tajudeen Abass.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi has described Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State as President Bola Tinubu’s son.

Umahi said President Tinubu holds Sani very dear because he is trusted and a good man.

He spoke during the launching of the second phase of the Kaduna-Abuja-Kano road.

The Minister promised to return to the state within 30 days to appraise the progress of work done on the roads.

He said: “I know what I’m talking about when I say Uba Sani is the son of the president because I have been fortunate and privileged to stand between the two of them and see how dear he is in the heart of president(Tinubu).

“He is a man that is trusted, he is a man that is tested. He is a performer, an infrastructure guru, and he is a good man.

“I want to thank my younger brother in the Ministry of Works, we are one family and one people.

“So, I’m fortunate to have the Perm Sec and the Director of Works. We are rewriting the history of Ministry of Works, we are bringing a lot of innovations that would put our nation’s road infrastructure to a point of no return.

“I assure you that in the next 30 days, I will come back to reappraise the progress of work, I know that Mr governor does not have the patience of waiting for 30 days but if I know the time he will come, then I will come ahead of him.

“I don’t want any bad news to go to the president but I’m fortunate that he’s my friend. I bless God that you are the one to President the president in flagging off this section two of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road for now.”

STATEHOUSE PRESS STATEMENT

PRESIDENCY DISCLAIMS 2027 CAMPAIGN BILLBOARDS NATIONWIDE

The Presidency has observed, with dismay, the increasing number of billboards in some cities promoting the 2027 campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Worth noting is that some of these billboards with pictures of the President and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, emblazoned on them are springing up in Abuja and Kano in particular.

While President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima greatly appreciate their teeming and loyal supporters across the country for their enthusiasm and continuing support, the two leaders do not support any campaign that breaches the laws of the land.

The electoral law that guides the conduct of elections and political campaigns forbids any form of campaign for the 2027 general elections. Premature campaigning can undermine the integrity of the electoral process and create unfair advantages. As law-abiding leaders, President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima do not support any action that undermines our institutions and the electoral process.

Until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) sets the timetable for the 2027 elections, the President has not endorsed or authorised anyone or any group to mount a 2027 campaign for him through any media channel—be it Out-of-Home, print, digital, radio, or television.

Therefore, we urgently call on individuals and groups funding this 2027 political campaign through the ongoing deployment of materials on billboards nationwide to cease immediately.

President Tinubu and his deputy are fully committed to delivering the ongoing task of nation-building they have set for themselves. This commitment is evident in their focus on economic revitalisation, human capital development, infrastructural renewal, social investment, and national security.

When INEC signals that the processes for the 2027 elections can start, President Tinubu will duly inform Nigerians of his plans.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President,
(Information & Strategy)
April 13, 2025