Anderson Cooper Presents: The Latest From Nigeria

Hello Nigeria! Let’s Dive Into Today’s Big Stories

1. Presidency Stands Firm on Fubara's Suspension: Here's Why

Listen up, Nigeria. The Presidency has come out swinging in defense of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other key figures in Rivers State. The administration insists this wasn’t just a power play—it was a necessary move to prevent the state from spiraling into chaos.

In a statement released on Sunday, March 23, 2025, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, spelled it out: waiting for the system to collapse before acting would have been reckless. Naija News reports that the crisis in Rivers State has been brewing for a while now, fueled by a bitter feud between Governor Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly who are still loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike.

This back-and-forth has paralyzed governance, and even Supreme Court rulings affirming constitutional governance have been ignored. What’s worse, intelligence reports suggest that militants in the creeks were plotting to sabotage critical oil infrastructure, which would have been devastating for Nigeria’s economic security. It’s serious stuff, folks.

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2. PDP BoT Fires Back: Emergency Rule Is Unconstitutional

Not everyone is on board with Tinubu’s decision, though. The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has slammed the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it a "gross violation of the Nigerian Constitution." They’re not holding back.

The PDP BoT is also taking issue with how the National Assembly handled the situation. Instead of requiring the constitutionally mandated two-thirds majority vote, they approved the emergency rule through a simple voice vote. That’s not how it’s supposed to work, according to them.

Adolphus Wabara, the Chairman of the PDP BoT and a former Senate President, issued a statement demanding an immediate reversal of the emergency rule. He called it a move that "could only be imagined during a military era," pointing out that it’s a blatant disregard for democratic principles.

The party is particularly upset that the legislature, which is supposed to be the guardian of constitutional safeguards, didn’t do its job properly. Ratifying such a major decision with a voice vote instead of a proper vote is a serious breach of protocol, they argue.

3. Showunmi Speaks Out: Atiku and Wike Are Sinking the PDP

Over in Ogun State, former PDP governorship aspirant Segun Showunmi is throwing shade at Atiku Abubakar and Nyesom Wike, blaming them for the party’s current woes. It’s not a pretty picture.

Naija News reports that the PDP’s ongoing crisis over who should be the national secretary—Samuel Anyanwu or Sunday-Ude-Okoye—shows no signs of ending, even after the Supreme Court ruled on the matter. Despite the court's decision, both men continue to lay claim to the position.

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Anyanwu insists he’s still the rightful national secretary, but the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) recognized Ude-Okoye in a statement released by its spokesman, Kola Ologunagba. Showunmi took to his 𝕏 account to clarify his stance, saying he supports neither Atiku nor Wike. He’s clearly frustrated with the infighting tearing the party apart.

4. Governor Fubara Makes a Surprise Appearance in Port Harcourt

After being suspended by President Tinubu, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara made his first public appearance since the declaration of a state of emergency. He turned up for worship at the headquarters of Salvation Ministries in GRA, Port Harcourt, on Sunday.

Naija News reports that Governor Fubara attended the service alongside his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie. This marks a significant moment, as it comes just days after President Tinubu declared the state of emergency on Tuesday, citing rising political tensions and security concerns.

Rumors had been swirling that Fubara had fled to Bayelsa State after his suspension, but this appearance puts those rumors to rest. For now, at least.

5. Aide to Atiku Weighs In: Tinubu’s Move Reminds Him of Obasanjo

Demola Olarewaju, a prominent aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, isn’t mincing words about President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. He compared it to decisions made during the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, suggesting that such actions were possible back then because the country’s democracy was still in its infancy.

Olarewaju noted that while Obasanjo could remove governors with relative ease, Tinubu’s attempt to do the same in Rivers State is more likely to backfire in today’s political climate. Back in Obasanjo’s day, the news cycle was slower, and social media didn’t exist, so managing controversial decisions was easier without widespread backlash.

He’s especially critical of Tinubu’s decision to appoint Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State. Olarewaju described the move as "dangerous," questioning why the President would rely on a retired military figure to handle a political crisis. It’s a bold statement, to say the least.

6. Sule Lamido Speaks His Mind: Tinubu’s Government Is Self-Serving

Former Jigawa State governor and PDP chieftain Sule Lamido has made his feelings clear: he doesn’t expect anything good to come from the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration. In an interview with Sunday Sun, Lamido claimed this government isn’t in the best interests of Nigerians—it’s a creation of selfish individuals.

He pointed out that Nigerians are the ones who voted out the PDP and brought in the All Progressives Congress (APC). They’re fully aware of what’s going on, he said. It’s not rocket science, folks. The situation on the ground is obvious, and Nigerians know it.

7. Tragedy in Calabar: Police Officer Goes on a Shooting Rampage

A shocking incident unfolded in Calabar, Cross River State, on Sunday when a police officer reportedly went on a shooting spree at the Watt business area. Naija News reports that the officer, identified as an inspector, stepped out of a nearby police station with his gun drawn and began firing.

A video of the incident, shared on an 𝕏 account, showed one of the victims lying dead on the ground. The account’s admin captioned the video with a chilling message: "S@D‼️ Happen in Calabar this Sunday morning, an inspector of police ran m@d, open fire openly K!ll$ marketers and some !njured." It’s a devastating scene.

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident, though details remain scarce. The inspector has been arrested and is currently in detention, but the police have not yet released the death toll or the officer’s name. A press release is expected soon.

8. Police Chief Issues Warning: Stop Illegal Detentions

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has issued a stern reminder to all members of the Nigeria Police Force about respecting fundamental rights, especially when it comes to pre-trial detentions. Naija News reports that this message was delivered in a statement by Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

Egbetokun emphasized that adhering to legally stipulated detention periods isn’t just a legal obligation—it’s a fundamental aspect of upholding the dignity and rights of individuals, as outlined in Sections 34 and 35 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He urged officers to maintain the highest standards of conduct in their interactions with the public, calling for a culture of accountability within the Force.

9. Solomon Dalung Reveals SDP’s Plans: Building an Alliance to Defeat Tinubu

Former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung, has revealed that the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is in talks with prominent figures, including former ministers and senators, as part of a strategy to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

In an interview with Punch, Dalung disclosed that these discussions involve significant political figures from across the country, though he emphasized the need to protect their identities at this stage. Naija News reports that Dalung highlighted the SDP’s growing influence in Nigerian politics, noting that the party stands for justice, not just its emblem of a white horse.

Dalung criticized Nigeria’s political trajectory, pointing out that the country has strayed from its potential under both the PDP and the APC. He argued that Nigeria needs to retrace its steps to get back on track. The SDP’s vision of prosperity remains clear, and Dalung emphasized the party’s commitment to eradicating poverty and creating an egalitarian society.

10. Brown Ideye Predicts Remo Stars to Win NPFL Title

Former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye is placing his bets on Remo Stars to clinch the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title this season. Naija News reports that Remo Stars currently lead the league with 57 points, putting them ahead of Rivers United, who sit in second place with 49 points.

While football can be unpredictable, Ideye, who currently plays as a striker for Enyimba, believes the championship is firmly in the hands of Daniel Ogunmodede’s team. Remo Stars have finished as runners-up in the previous two seasons, and with 11 matches left, they face a challenging road ahead. Still, the Ikenne-based team is the favorite to take home the trophy this year.

That’s a Wrap for Today’s Headlines. Catch You Tomorrow!