IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

In recognition of his contributions to sports development, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has been inducted as an Honorary Member of the International Military Sports Council (CISM). The induction ceremony, held at the NSC Secretariat on Tuesday, was presided over by Major General Maikano Abdulahi, President of the Organization of Military Sports in Africa and Vice-President of CISM.

Major General Abdulahi highlighted Mallam Dikko's pivotal role in the success of the last Africa Military Games hosted in Abuja, noting that the event owed much of its success to the NSC's support under Dikko's leadership. "The last Africa Military Games was successful largely due to the support of the NSC under his leadership. We have also noted the ongoing sports reforms in Nigeria under his watch. We hope for further collaborations for the good of sports in Nigeria, Africa, and the world generally," Maj. Gen. Abdulahi stated.

With this honorary membership, Mallam Dikko will have access to the officers' mess at the CISM headquarters in Brussels, further solidifying the bond between Nigerian sports administration and the global military sports community. The recognition reflects the growing influence of Nigeria in the realm of international military sports and highlights the positive strides being made in sports reform under Dikko's guidance. 

Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio clashed on Wednesday over the Senate’s request to overturn a court order issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja on March 4.

The Senate, through its legal representative Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, filed a motion on notice on March 17, seeking to nullify Order Number Four among the ex-parte orders granted by Justice Obiora Egwuatu in Natasha’s case.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, had earlier sued the Clerk of the National Assembly and the Senate as the 1st and 2nd defendants in a motion ex-parte marked FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025. She also listed Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Neda Imasuem, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, as 3rd and 4th defendants.

The senator sought an interim injunction preventing the Senate Committee, led by Imasuem, from proceeding with an investigation into allegations of misconduct against her. This probe stemmed from events at the Senate plenary on February 20, following a referral by the Senate on February 25.

Among her five requests, Natasha asked the court to declare that any action taken while the case is pending would be null and void. Justice Egwuatu granted this order, but the Senate is now seeking to have it set aside.

Ojukwu argued that the order violates Section 36(1) of the Constitution, which guarantees fair hearing. He claimed the court had been misled into granting it and urged the judge to nullify the March 4 proceedings.

Lawyers representing the Clerk of the National Assembly, Akpabio, and Imasuem supported Ojukwu’s position.

However, Natasha’s counsel, Michael Numa, SAN, dismissed their arguments, calling them a “conspiracy of the defense.” He urged the court to reject the application, arguing that the Senate had defied the court order and should face disciplinary action.

Numa contended that all the granted orders should be considered together and not selectively. He described the Senate’s motion as an “affront to the court” and warned that ignoring the order to show cause within 72 hours could lead to legal anarchy.

After hearing both sides, Justice Egwuatu stood down the case for ruling. 

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has vacated the Government House in Port Harcourt along with his family and security personnel.

A source confirmed that Fubara left the premises on Wednesday morning, though security remains minimal, with two Armoured Personnel Carriers still stationed outside.

Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.), appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the state’s administrator for six months, had yet to assume office as of 12:50 p.m. However, preparations for his arrival were underway, with soldiers present at the Government House. 

By Onyinyechi Nwankwo

To help strengthen good leadership, the 2022 Set of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Imo State, on Sunday, in Owerri, met and solidified its support for the 3R administration championed by a true democrat and Road Master, His Excellency, Sen.Hope Uzodimma CON.

Having unequivocally reaffirmed their pure and unwavering allegiance to the Governor, the former LG Sole Administrators (SOLADs), said Imo is accelerating development and economic prosperity.

The political group, through its Chairman, Hon. Willie Okolieogwo, who is currently the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, stated that the essence of the meeting was to strengthen the bond they share and solidify their commitment to the 3R administration. 

He emphasized the group's role as an integral political structure of Governor Hope Uzodimma, underpinning his vision for a prosperous, safe and harmonious State.

Okoliegwo noted that the 2022 ALGON Council Chairmen have resolved to consolidate the 3R vision anchored in their collective aspiration for a more progressive Imo State, stressing that the group would completely support the Governor till the culmination of his tenure in 2027.

As the State's political landscape evolves, Okolieogwo disclosed the group's readiness and commitment to support whoever the Governor endorses for the 2027 gubernatorial race, which he added will enhance political continuity, sustainability in governance with a view to propelling Imo towards a future marked by Shared Prosperity, Peace, Security and Economic emancipation.

"The 2022 Set of ALGON, Imo State, decided to reconvene, using the house as a platform to reach out to ourselves and consolidate our support to the 3R government led by Governor Hope Uzodimma. 

"We are coming together to elaborate the interest we all have in this present government, consolidating the undeniable feats achieved by the Governor for the State which we are part of. And we will support the Governor's decision as it concerns the 2027 government transition. 

"We use this medium to inform Imolites that we, the former LGA Chairmen, who were able to deliver 27/27 of our party's victory during the elections that birthed His Excellency's second tenure, are still holding fast our various Local Government Structures for as far as 3R is concerned, being ever ready to give our best for the success of the government particularly as it affects the 27 LGAs of the Councils", the Chairman emphasized.

"This is a political group and it is part and parcel of Governor Uzodimma's political structure, fully for APC and made up of Local Government Executive Council Chairmen, SAs and other appointees with a singular aim to support this government and make sure it succeeds", Okolieogwo informed. 

Highlighting the Governor's significant accomplishments, such as enhancing security, fostering political unification and advancing critical road infrastructure projects, the Chairman said these achievements have indeed catalyzed transformative change throughout the state, stressing the Governor deserves all their commendations and support.

The unified group comprises of key leaders representing the 3 Zones of Imo State, having its Coordinating Chairman as Hon. Willie T.C Okolieogwo from Orlu, the State Secretary- Hon. Anthony Anakani, Owerri Zone and the State Publicity Secretary as Barr. Uche Konkwo, Okigwe Zone. 

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has responded to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

In a press statement on Tuesday, Fubara expressed his commitment to upholding constitutional order and ensuring the security and progress of the state despite ongoing political tensions.

He noted that his administration had acted in good faith by implementing the terms of the peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu, including reinstating commissioners who had previously resigned. Additionally, his government swiftly complied with the Supreme Court's judgment to restore normalcy.

However, Fubara accused the Rivers State House of Assembly of obstructing efforts to achieve genuine peace and development. He maintained that, despite political disagreements, his administration continued to ensure good governance, prompt salary payments, and infrastructural progress, emphasizing that Rivers State remained safe and stable.

He urged residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding, assuring them that his team would engage relevant institutions to uphold democracy and safeguard the state’s interests.

Fubara concluded by reaffirming his faith in the democratic process and the resilience of the Rivers people. 

The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu has heightened tensions, with opposition figures and legal experts weighing in on the controversial move.

In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all House of Assembly members for six months, appointing Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as the state's administrator. The decision follows prolonged political unrest, stemming from the fallout between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

The crisis escalated on Monday when the Rivers Assembly, dominated by Wike’s loyalists, served an impeachment notice to Fubara. Hours later, suspected militants blew up a major oil pipeline, further deepening concerns over security.

Opposition leaders have condemned Tinubu’s move, with Labour Party spokesperson Obiora Ifoh calling it “a threat to democracy,” while PDP chieftain Dr. Adejor Anthony accused Tinubu of siding with Wike. The Obidient Movement’s Yunusa Tanko warned that the decision could spark further unrest.

However, lawyer Mathew Abakpa defended Tinubu’s action, citing constitutional provisions for emergency rule amid threats to law and order.

Meanwhile, security forces have taken control of the Rivers Government House, and reports suggest protests are brewing in parts of the state in support of Fubara.