President Tinubu Relaxes Emergency Rule In Rivers State

 STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY, BOLA AHMED TINUBU, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, ON THE CESSATION OF THE STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE

My Fellow countrymen and, in particular, the good people of Rivers State.

I am happy to address you today on the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State. You will recall that on 18th March, 2025, I proclaimed a state of emergency in the state. In my proclamation address, I highlighted the reasons for the declaration. The summary of it for context is that there was a total paralysis of governance in Rivers State, which had led to the Governor of Rivers State and the House of Assembly being unable to work together. 

Critical economic assets of the State, including oil pipelines, were being vandalised. The State House of Assembly was crisis-ridden, such that members of the House were divided into two groups. Four members worked with the Governor, while 27 members opposed the Governor. The latter group supported the Speaker. 

As a result, the Governor could not present any Appropriation Bill to the House, to enable him to access funds to run Rivers State's affairs. 

That serious constitutional impasse brought governance in the State to a standstill. Even the Supreme Court, in one of its judgments in a series of cases filed by the Executive and the Legislative arms of Rivers State against each other, held that there was no government in Rivers State. 

My intervention and that of other well-meaning Nigerians to resolve the conflict proved abortive as both sides stuck rigidly to their positions to the detriment of peace and development of the State.

It therefore became painfully inevitable that to arrest the drift towards anarchy in Rivers State, I was obligated to invoke the powers conferred on me by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to proclaim the state of emergency. 

The Offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and elected members of the State House of Assembly were suspended for six months in the first instance. The six months expire today, September 17th, 2025. 

I thank the National Assembly, which, after critically evaluating the justification for the proclamation, took steps immediately, as required by the Constitution, to approve the declaration in the interest of peace and order in Rivers State. I also thank our traditional rulers and the good people of Rivers State for their support from the date of the declaration of the state of emergency until now. 

I am not unaware that there were a few voices of dissent against the proclamation, which led to their instituting over 40 cases in the courts in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa, to invalidate the declaration. That is the way it should be in a democratic setting.

 Some cases are still pending in the courts as of today. 

But what needs to be said is that the power to declare a state of emergency is an inbuilt constitutional tool to address situations of actual or threatened breakdown of public order and public safety, which require extraordinary measures to return the State to peace, order and security. 

Considered objectively, we had reached that situation of total breakdown of public order and public safety in Rivers State, as shown in the judgment of the Supreme Court on the disputes between the Executive and the Legislative arm of Rivers State.

 It would have been a colossal failure on my part as President not to have made that proclamation.

As a stakeholder in democratic governance, I believe that the need for a harmonious existence and relationship between the executive and the legislature is key to a successful government, whether at the state or national level. The people who voted us into power expect to reap the fruits of democracy. 

However, that expectation will remain unrealizable in an atmosphere of violence, anarchy, and insecurity borne by misguided political activism and Machiavellian manipulations among the stakeholders.

I am happy today that, from the intelligence available to me, there is a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm on the part of all the stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance. 

This is undoubtedly a welcome development for me and a remarkable achievement for us. I therefore do not see why the state of emergency should exist a day longer than the six months I had pronounced at the beginning of it.

It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today. The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from 18 September 2025. 

I take this opportunity to remind the Governors and the Houses of Assembly of all the States of our country to continue to appreciate that it is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. I implore all of you to let this realisation drive your actions at all times. 

I thank you all. 

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 UNGA 80

CEO Sterling One Foundation Olapeju Ibekwe 

Joins Board of UN Global Compact Network Nigeria 

The Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation Olapeju Ibekwe, has been appointed to the Board of the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria (UNGCNN) an appointment which underscores her contributions to shaping Africa’s sustainable development agenda.

The announcement made via UN Global Compact Network Nigeria’s official channels, comes ahead of the 80th United Nations General Assembly UNGA high-level general debate where Olapeju Ibekwe is expected to engage with thought leaders from the government, private sector and civil society to further help forge more effective partnerships that accelerate Africa’s progress towards Agenda 2030.

Her appointment, highlights Olapeju Ibekwe’s track record in advancing sustainable solutions across education, health access and women and youth empowerment.

 Under her leadership, Sterling One Foundation has built global affiliations and local impact, reaching thousands of beneficiaries while influencing policy and partnerships across Africa.

Experts noted that the appointment comes at a critical time with only 15% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on track globally. 

Africa faces a $200 billion annual financing gap. The challenges extend beyond funding — requiring political will, intentional private sector engagements, courage to execute decisions, and effective cross-sector collaboration.

Commenting on the appointment, she described it as an opportunity to further strengthen the localisation of the SDGs, a cause she has championed through the Sterling One Foundation. 

The development also strengthens ties to the UN Global Compact Principles, as well as the African Union’s Women and Youth Financial and Economic Inclusion (WYFEI) 2030 initiative — both of which emphasize inclusive growth and responsible private sector engagement.

Observers say the appointment underscores the importance of convenings like the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS), where Olapeju Ibekwe plays a central role in mobilizing governments, businesses, and civil society to forge partnerships that unlock Africa’s potential.

With this new role, Olapeju Ibekwe is poised to bring grassroots experience and continental insights into global conversations, reinforcing the view that Africa is not just a recipient of aid but a driver of innovation and solutions for sustainable development.

The UN Global Compact Network Nigeria is a local chapter of the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, mobilising businesses and organisations to align their strategies and operations with universal principles and to take action to advance the SDGs.

 Food Bank Warm Gesture

Fidelity Bank PLC Donates Food Items To  Residents Of Ilaje Ondo State

Leading banking institution Fidelity Bank PLC has extended its warm gesture to the people of Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas of Ondo State; as part of the bank's commitment to improving lives and supporting communities. 

The Regional Bank Head, Southwest 1, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Folaranmi Jemirin while speaking during the donation exercise which took place at Igbokoda, Headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area, emphasised that the Fidelity Food Bank initiative was launched as part of the bank’s commitment to reducing hunger and providing relief for disadvantaged communities across Nigeria.

L-R: Branch Leader, Akure, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Angela Akeju; Team Lead, CSR, Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka; Regional Bank Head, Southwest 1, Fidelity Bank Plc, Folaranmi Jemirin; and Chairman, Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Biyi Poroye, at the Fidelity Food Bank distribution event recently held in Igbokoda Community, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

L-R: Branch Leader, Akure, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Angela Akeju; Team Lead, CSR, Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka; Regional Bank Head, Southwest 1, Fidelity Bank Plc, Folaranmi Jemirin; and Chairman, Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Biyi Poroye, at the Fidelity Food Bank distribution event held in Igbokoda Community, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, recently.

“We are honored to be in Ondo State to continue this impactful initiative,

 and we hope that today’s donation brings the much-needed relief and comfort to the beneficiaries”.

 

In her appreciation the Vice Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Mrs. Olurantimi Esejuwon, praised Fidelity Bank for its generosity, especially towards the aged and people living with disabilities.

 She described the gesture by the bank as a lifeline for many people in the communities who are struggling with daily basic needs; adding that it shows the bank truly cares about people’s welfare beyond banking services. 

 

Also the Chairman, Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) Hon. Biyi Poroye, lauded Fidelity Bank for its generosity and encouraged the bank to establish a branch in Ilaje Local Government, citing the region’s vast economic potential.

 

One of the beneficiaries, Pastor Ikudehinbu Ademola, expressed gratitude on behalf of the communities.

 

“We sincerely appreciate Fidelity Bank for remembering us at this time. Many families here will sleep with joy tonight because of this kind gesture. I also appeal to the bank to consider establishing a branch in Ilaje so we can enjoy closer access to their services,”.

 

The Fidelity Food Bank distribution in Ondo State is the most recent of its ongoing outreaches to make a difference in the lives of Nigerians. 

INEC: Continuous Voter Registration

4.45m Nigerians Register In One Month As Osun, Lagos, Borno Take Lead In Exercise

The electoral umpire the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC says over 4.45 million Nigerians have pre-registered online in the first month of the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration, CVR exercise.

In a Statement by INEC as signed by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the exercise which commenced on August 18, 2025 and now in its fifth week indicated that Osun, Lagos and Borno States are taking the lead in the registration exercise. 

The breakdown shows that women constituted 51.83 per cent of registrants while men accounted for 48.17 per cent.

Young people between ages 18 and 34 years make up the majority with 2,924,643.

By occupation, students represented the single largest bloc with 1,112,344.

Osun State led the register with 552,045, followed closely by Lagos with 488,523 and Borno with 439,426.

Other top-performing states include Ogun (396,799), Kebbi (287,059), Kaduna (240,357), Kogi (218,397), Federal Capital Territory (213,732) and Yobe (212,840).

At the lower end, Adamawa (12,474), Enugu (1,839), Edo (8,615), Abia (3,532), and Ebonyi (4,024) posted some of the weakest numbers.

While over 4.4 million Nigerians have begun the process online, Olumekun clarified that only 509,929 registrations have been fully completed.

He said this is combining both online pre-registration and in-person capture.

Of this number, he disclosed that 280,171 are female and 229,758 are male.

Olumekun also noted that the on-line voter pre-registration in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT ends Monday September 15, 2025 and for the next two weeks the physical (in-person) option would be at the designated venues.

 Thereafter, the commission would devolve the registration to all the 62 Wards in the FCT from September 29 to October 8, 2025. 

Senator Natasha Resumption

NASS Clerk Replies Legal Counsel To Lawmaker On Suspension Tussle

The clerk to the National Assembly Kamoru Ogunlana has expressed disappointment concerning the letter received from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal representatives accusing his office of overreach threatening legal and disciplinary action against the clerk. 

In a statement made available by the Director of Information Bullah Bi-Allah explained that while the office of the national assembly clerk respects the right of all parties to seek legal redress the Clerk has at all times acted within the lawful administrative limits and in faithful observance of due process.

Bi-Allah stated that the resumption of legislative duties by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan solely depended on a resolution of the Senate following the expiration of her six-months suspension and not with the Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly.

Bi-Allah said the office of the clerk serves strictly as an administrative arm, providing support to the senate in accordance with their resolutions, standing orders and the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and does not possess the authority to review, reverse, or interpret the Senate's decisions; neither is it in a position to facilitate the resumption of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. 

The statement maintained that the Federal High Court did not invalidate the Senate’s resolution on the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, insisting that no binding order has been issued to reverse or modify Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension. 

Sterling HoldCo Growth Momentum

Bank Builds On Upward Trajectory With Robust Q4, 2025 Outlook

Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc has sustained its growth momentum projecting gross earnings of N149.27 billion for the fourth quarter ending December 31st 2025.

 This projection builds on the Group’s performance in the first half of the year, when profit after tax rose by 157 percent, gross earnings climbed 39.7 percent to N212.61 billion and earnings per share rose to 89 kobo from 56 kobo.

These results highlight a strong 

year-to-date trajectory reinforcing profitability and boosting investor confidence in the Group’s long-term outlook.

According to the filing on the Nigerian Exchange, Sterling HoldCo expects interest 

income of N116.73 billion and interest expenses of N42.88 billion; resulting in net 

revenue from funds of N73.85 billion.

The Group also anticipates credit impairment charges of N16.84 billion with other income projected at N28.37 billion bringing net operating income to N85.37 billion.

Operating expenses are forecast at N67.24 billion, leaving a profit before tax of 

N18.13 billion. After accounting for a projected tax of N1.88 billion, profit after tax 

is estimated at N16.25 billion for the quarter.

Sterling’s cash flow outlook underscores the strength of its balance sheet.

The Group projects N13.56 billion in net cash generated from operating activities, 

alongside N266.16 billion in financing inflows and N187.93 billion in investing 

activities. 

This is expected to deliver a net increase of N91.79 billion in cash and cash equivalents, with the cash and bank balance closing at N549.90 billion by year-end, compared to N458.11 billion at the start of the quarter.

These forecasts build on the Group’s performance earlier in the year, reflecting the continuation of this momentum, supported by a disciplined focus on cost 

management, diversified income streams, and prudent balance sheet growth.

Beyond financial performance, the outlook highlights the Group’s capacity to 

channel its financial strength into broader impact. 

Sterling HoldCo is positioned to 

support key growth sectors of the Nigerian economy, invest in innovation, and 

continue creating value for shareholders, customers, and communities.

The Group noted that its ability to generate strong operating cashflows while 

maintaining significant liquidity positions provides a foundation for resilience. This 

strength ensures that Sterling HoldCo is not only positioned to deliver value to its 

shareholders but also equipped to deepen its participation in Nigeria’s growth 

sectors, drive innovation, and support broader economic progress.

These projections are forward-looking and based on current assumptions about 

market conditions and regulatory developments. Actual results may differ 

materially.

About Sterling Financial Holdings Company

Sterling Financial Holdings Company PLC is a leading Nigerian financial services group 

committed to enriching lives through innovation and impact with a diversified portfolio that includes Sterling Bank Limited, The Alternative Bank Limited, SterlingFI Wealth Management among others. 

As a HoldCo, Sterling provides strategic direction, governance, and resources 

across its subsidiaries, enabling each to focus on its core mandate while benefiting from group wide expertise, technology, and oversight.

With a heritage of trust built over six decades, Sterling HoldCo is committed to financial innovation, advancing inclusion, and shaping sustainable growth in Nigeria’s economy.

Lagos Police Command

 

Abimbola Adebisi Resumes As New PPRO

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has approved the appointment of Superintendent of Police Abimbola Adebisi as the new Police Public Relations Officer for the Lagos State Command. 

Adebisi's appointment followed the elevation of the former PPRO Benjamin Hundeyin as the Force PPRO by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

SP Adebisi who holds a Bachelor of Arts in (Ed) in English Language and Literature from the Tai Solarin University of Education, Ogun state; a post graduate Diploma in Peace and Conflct Resolution and Masters of Arts (MA) in English Language from the National Open University of Nigeria is expected to bring to bare a wealth of academic, professional and operational experience in discharging her responsibilities. 

Her past postings include serving as a Staff Officer to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Operations and as a Personal Assistant to the Commissioner of Police Special Protection Unit( SPU).

She was the Police Public Relations Liaison officer at the SPU,Force Headquarters in Abuja before her appointment.