IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

A crowd of women on Friday flooded the Aba road area of Port Harcourt, demanding the reinstatement of the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. The protest, which began along the major road, and advanced to the Rivers State Government House, featured placards with bold inscriptions such as “Bring back Fubara”, “Save our democracy”, “Is the law different for Rivers State?”, and “God of justice, arise for Rivers State.”

Chanting songs of solidarity, the women, who described themselves as mothers and wives, appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu to lift the suspension on Governor Fubara and reinstate all democratic institutions in the state. They decried what they referred to as “unconstitutional military rule masked as a state of emergency,” insisting that Rivers people deserve better than what they termed an undemocratic arrangement.

Speaking to Channels Television, some of the protesters and leaders expressed their frustration over the ongoing political crisis in the state. They noted that despite the situation, Governor Fubara has continued to work, delivering the dividends of democracy. “We are a peaceful people and do not deserve this kind of injustice. The governor has been doing his job despite the distractions. What is happening now is not democracy,” one of the protesters said.

The demonstration remained peaceful, with women of all ages joining the march. Protest leaders emphasized that their movement was not about politics but about protecting the democratic values of the state. 

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has advised Senate President Godswill Akpabio to pursue a civil libel suit rather than involving the police in his defamation case against suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Akpabio had petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over remarks made by Akpoti-Uduaghan at a Kogi rally, alleging they constituted criminal defamation and incitement. He requested her prosecution, also copying the Attorney General of the Federation.

Responding, Falana described the matter as a politically motivated civil dispute, cautioning against criminalising free speech. Citing a 1985 Court of Appeal ruling, he stressed that public officials should seek redress through civil litigation, not state machinery.

“If defamed, Senator Akpabio should file a libel suit in the appropriate court,” Falana stated. 

Wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, has urged residents and stakeholders to intensify awareness efforts on the upcoming Measles and Rubella (M-R) vaccination campaign.

Speaking during a sensitisation programme for wives of Local Government Chairmen and other stakeholders in Abeokuta on Friday, Mrs. Abiodun emphasised the need to take the campaign to grassroots communities ahead of the nationwide rollout in October.

Highlighting alarming statistics, she noted that measles remains a leading cause of death among under-five children, with outbreaks still reported across Nigeria. She also warned of the dangers of rubella, which can cause severe birth defects if contracted during pregnancy.

Mrs. Abiodun described the introduction of the M-R vaccine as a vital step toward saving millions of lives and reducing the burden of preventable childhood diseases. She urged mothers and community leaders to prioritise children's health and support the vaccination drive.

Also speaking, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Tayo Lawal, stressed the importance of public education and engagement, recommending workshops, informational materials, and digital outreach to promote vaccine uptake.

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Friday commissioned the newly built Ugborikoko Divisional Police Headquarters in Effurun, Uvwie LGA of Delta State. The facility was constructed and donated by TANTITA Security Services Nigeria Ltd., showcasing the impact of private-public collaboration on security development.

Represented by AIG Salma Garba Dogo of Zone 5, the IGP lauded TANTITA, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, and MD High Chief Kestin Pondi for their commitment to enhancing community safety. He described the station as a symbol of trust and shared responsibility in maintaining law and order.

TANTITA MD, Pondi, expressed pride in delivering the ultra-modern station, which includes a quarter guard, 30KVA generator, solar power system, patrol vehicles, CCTV, computer equipment, a conference room, and other modern amenities.

Divisional Police Officer, CSP Omosetemi Agbede Zuokumor, shared how the station evolved from a dilapidated structure to a fully equipped facility in seven months, thanks to TANTITA’s intervention.

The event underscores the power of community-driven partnerships in strengthening police infrastructure and public safety. 

Chairman of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, has pledged to fly back over 1,200 underage Nigerian girls trafficked to Côte d’Ivoire, following reports by social media influencer VeryDarkMan.

Onyema condemned the trafficking as “inhumane and ungodly,” and vowed free medical care for the girls at Duchess International Hospital upon return.

He urged the Nigerian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire to coordinate the rescue, and called on the Federal Government to oversee their education and reintegration. 

Effective August 1, the Federal Government will impose strict penalties on visa overstays, including:

- $15 daily fine starting from visa expiry date  

- 5-year entry ban for overstays beyond 6 months  

- 10-year ban for overstays beyond 1 year

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced the measures in Lagos while unveiling a new Expatriate Administration System aimed at tightening immigration control and improving data accuracy.

Starting May 1, the ministry will also roll out:

- Automated Landing/Exit Cards

- Electronic Visa system

- Expatriate Insurance & upgraded ID cards

- Revised Expatriate Quota system

Tunji-Ojo stressed the need for accurate data on foreigners, noting current figures fall short of reality.