The Rivers State House of Assembly has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, by the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule.

Amaewhule said the Assembly would abide by the president’s decision, even though it was not what they had hoped for.

“We assure our constituents that we will abide by this declaration, even though it is not what we prayed for. Mr. President has acted in the best interest of the country,” Amaewhule said.

The Speaker blamed Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the crisis in Rivers State, accusing him of ignoring court judgments and failing to govern in line with the constitution.

“The condition of our dear Rivers State today is mainly because of the malfeasance of the governor, who serially disobeyed court judgments and obstructed the Rivers State House of Assembly,” he stated.

Amaewhule called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with the Sole Administrator appointed by the president to oversee the affairs of the state.

“We urge everyone to remain calm as the Sole Administrator assumes duty. Rest assured that the Assembly will give him all the necessary support to restore order,” he added.

The Speaker also thanked the people of the state for their patience, prayers and support during this period of emergency.

On Tuesday, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months.

He said the decision was taken to restore stability in the state that has been witnessing political turmoil as a result of the disagreement between the state governor and the state lawmakers.

Following his declaration, the president appointed a former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibokette Ibas, as an administrator for Rivers State.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has, on behalf of the members of the House, donated the sum of ₦705,000,000, to augment the humanitarian efforts of President Bola Tinubu administration and to support vulnerable people in the country.

Abbas said the amount was a six-month 50 per cent deductions from the salaries of the 360 lawmakers in the House.

Speaker Abbas spoke on Monday night when President Bola Tinubu hosted the leadership and members of the House of Representatives to Iftar (breaking of Ramadan fast) at the New Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

He thanked President Tinubu for the invitation to break fast with him and for always showing respect and concern for the House of Representatives.

“As we all know, the month of Ramadan entails many things, one of them is reflection; where were you before, where are you now and where do you want to be? I believe Nigeria more than ever before needs this type of reflection,” he said.

Imploring both Christians and Muslims to dedicate this time to praying for the country, the Speaker said Nigerians knew what the Tinubu administration has achieved within just two years and this period offers a moment for every Nigerian to reflect and pray for the country – prayers for the economy; prayers for improved security, prayers for the leaders and prayers for the citizens.

He assured that every member of the House of Representatives was in support of the President, noting that the policies of the government were for the betterment of the people and Nigeria as a country.

At the iftar, speaking on behalf of the President, Vice President Kashim Shettima, has called on the leaders of the National Assembly to uphold the sacred responsibility of leadership and to prioritise unity and national development over political divisions and partisan interests.

In a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, VP Shettima urged the lawmakers to embrace their responsibility with humility and a shared commitment to progress.

 

He said, “In the end, history will not judge us by the number of personal battles we fought against one another, but by the bridges we were able to build together. We are gathered here this evening not as adversaries in a contest for power, but as partners in the noble task of nation-building.”

 

Reflecting on the significance of Ramadan, which coincides with the Lenten season, the Vice President called for deep introspection and a reaffirmation of commitment to Nigeria’s unity.

 

“This sacred month of reflection and renewal reminds us to choose stability over strife, collaboration over conflict, and dialogue over discord. What binds us as a nation is far greater than what divides us,” the Vice President said.

 

VP Shettima commended President Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a man of vision and inclusivity.

 

According to Senator Shettima, “In President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you have not just a leader you can trust, but a leader who trusts you. He sees you as stewards of our democracy, as voices of the people, and as partners in our shared aspiration to build a better Nigeria.”

 

He further assured Nigerians that the government’s economic policies are yielding results and explained that “The economy has turned the corner. We are now on the path to sustained economic growth, and with perseverance, we will create a Nigeria where every citizen can thrive.”

The Vice President also lauded the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, and the House leadership for fostering harmony within the legislature.

 

“There can be no development without peace, and there can be no peace without development. The unity within the House is a testament to our collective resolve to move Nigeria forward,” he said.

 

VP Shettima urged the leaders to govern with empathy, fairness, and justice, reminding them that their positions are a sacred trust of the Nigerian people. “Leadership is not about personal gain; it is about service. It is a burden vested in us by God, tested by history, and measured by the impact we leave behind,” he stated.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Prof. Joseph Utsev has sought the Catholic Church’s support in the national campaign against open defecation in the country.

The minister, who stated this during a courtesy visit to the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, emphasised the role of faith-based organisations in achieving a cleaner and healthier society.

He highlighted the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet campaign, which was launched in 2019 and aims to eradicate open defecation in Nigeria by 2030. The campaign gained legal backing through Executive Order 9, signed on November 20, 2019, and has seen progress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

“Before this administration, 102 local governments were open defecation-free. Today, the number has risen to 142, with Jigawa State being the only state completely free of open defecation,” the minister stated.

He stressed that open defecation contaminates water bodies and contributes to the spread of waterborne diseases. “Water is life, but when polluted due to poor sanitation, it leads to disease outbreaks. Eliminating open defecation will make our society cleaner and healthier,” Prof. Utsev added.

Recognising the church’s influence in shaping public behaviour, the minister appealed to Archbishop Kaigama to integrate the campaign into church teachings and outreach programmes. “The church is the house of the Lord, where the good news is preached. We believe the church can help propagate this message by emphasising the dignity of human life and the importance of caring for one’s neighbour. If we truly care for others, we cannot defecate in the open, knowing it harms them,” he stated.

The minister urged churches to serve as role models by maintaining proper sanitation facilities and encouraging behavioural change among parishioners. To ensure wider coverage, he also requested opportunities to share this message at bishops’ conferences, priestly gatherings, and other religious events.

In response, Archbishop Kaigama reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s commitment to promoting societal well-being and pledged support for the initiative. He emphasised that protecting the environment aligns with Pope Francis’s teachings, which call for responsible stewardship of creation.

The archbishop lauded the minister’s visit, describing it as a critical step toward addressing environmental concerns. He stressed the importance of collective action in tackling these issues.

“We must work together, government, church, and faith-based organisations. The government cannot do it alone. The message from the minister of water resources and sanitation is crucial. It is a life-saving message. We need to take care of our environment,” Kaigama stated.

He warned against reckless environmental practices, noting that pollution and poor waste management contribute to disease outbreaks.

“This is a mission to save lives. Lives are sacred. I join you in this crusade. It is a war, but by the grace of God, you will win,” the archbishop stated.

The minister also joined Catholics worldwide in praying for Pope Francis’s quick recovery as he undergoes medical treatment. “We pray that the good Lord, who created heaven and earth, will grant him healing,” the minister said.

 

In a bold political move ahead of the 2027 presidential election, a coalition of youth activists and entertainment figures under the banner of Igbo Youth Celebrities for Rotimi Amaechi, in collaboration with the Southern Celebrities Guild, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi to step aside and rally behind former Rivers State governor and ex-minister of Transportation, Hon Rotimi Amaechi.

The group, comprising young political enthusiasts and prominent celebrities from Southern Nigeria, argued that Amaechi is the most qualified and experienced candidate from the region, citing his extensive track record in governance. According to them, his tenure as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, his two-term leadership as governor, and his eight-year service as Minister of Transportation demonstrate his deep understanding of governance and national development.

“Our nation is at a critical crossroads, and what we need now is a leader with proven experience, vision, and the ability to drive people-oriented governance,” the group stated. “Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi has consistently shown competence, leadership, and the political will to implement reforms. He is the best-prepared candidate to lead Nigeria into a new era of economic growth and stability.”

Their appeal to Tinubu and Obi—both seen as strong contenders in the 2027 race—marks a significant shift in the political landscape, as Amaechi’s potential candidacy gains momentum. While Tinubu currently holds the presidency, and Obi remains a leading opposition figure, the group believes a unified southern support for Amaechi could reshape Nigeria’s political dynamics.

As political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 elections, this call adds another layer of intrigue to the evolving race for Nigeria’s highest office. Whether Tinubu and Obi will heed the call remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Amaechi’s supporters are making their voices heard.

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the delivery of quality basic education across Nigeria.

The minister of education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, stated this at a three-day meeting of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) management with executive chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja yesterday.

The meeting was organised under the theme “Strengthening Collaboration for Quality Basic Education Delivery in Nigeria.”

The minister, represented by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Dr Ismaila Adiatu, emphasised the government’s dedication to addressing the growing crisis of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

“I would like to assure you of the federal government’s commitment to promoting quality education to inspire renewed hope, with a strong emphasis on prioritising qualitative basic education, which is recognised as the most vital segment of the education sector.

“The development of this foundational level is essential for the positive impact of the other tiers of the educational system and its contribution to overall national development.

“The Federal Ministry of Education is, therefore, committed to improving teacher quality, enhancing the school environment, ensuring the availability of adequate instructional materials, and implementing an effective quality assurance evaluation system.

“We are also focused on strengthening collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to develop result-oriented strategies aimed at reducing the growing number of out-of-school children,” the minister added.

He said a committee had been set up to outline the process for categorising schools in Nigeria to identify areas where urgent interventions are needed.

“These efforts are designed to prepare Nigerian youths for the 21st-century economy, in line with Mr President’s initiative of ‘Education for Renewed Hope.”

He further called on participants to reevaluate existing strategies and identify innovative approaches to implementing basic education, including exploring alternative funding sources and fostering collaboration to ensure that every Nigerian child receives quality education.

The executive secretary of UBEC, Hajiya Aisha Garba, said the gathering was a testament to its collective commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to quality basic education, regardless of the education programme in Nigeria.

“We must prioritise our society-based education by ensuring effective collaboration at national and state levels, within the education sector and beyond.

“This workshop provides us with a unique opportunity to collectively evaluate our progress so far, identify challenges, and chart a new pathway towards achieving our shared goal of an effective basic education system in Nigeria. While I know over the decades, it is still imperative that we address the most essential issues.

“Nigeria still has a poor quality of education, especially at the basic level. We must work together to address these challenges in financing basic education, infrastructure, quality of education, ensuring the relevance and accessibility of learning materials, addressing teachers’ challenges, and working together to improve the social infrastructure of an inclusive teaching and learning environment,” she added.

Speaking on behalf of the chairmen, Prof. Adaramaja Shehu congratulated the executive secretary on her appointment and appreciated the commitment of her management team to deliver the expected support in the discharge of their responsibilities.

He thanked the executive secretary for approving their state’s 2023/2024 teachers’ development fund and said capacity building for teachers across the states would soon kick off.

He expressed confidence that the meeting would strategise on improving school effectiveness and upholding best practices to boost learning outcomes, urging the chairmen to join hands in eradicating the issue of out-of-school children.

 

Residents of Murrieta Community, California, are seeking $100,000 in financial support to assist the family of a 13-year-old Nigerian boy, Nnamdi Ohaeri Jr., fondly known as Deuce, who was found dead in his room on February 3.

A Murrieta resident, Jessica Anderson, created a GoFundMe account on behalf of the US-based Nigerian family, stating that the funds would be used to “honour” the deceased teenager.

The 13-year-old boy was reportedly found unresponsive in his room by his parents, prompting his mother to perform CPR while his father called 911 and rushed to a neighbour for help.

According to a report by the California-based television station, KTLA, on February 21, 2025, seen by TheNigerian Metro on Monday, the teenager was later pronounced dead, with an unconfirmed report that he had taken his own life.

However, his parents said it didn’t make sense, arguing that Deuce was always optimistic about the future and excited about what lay ahead.

The report indicated that his parents started investigating and asking questions, eventually uncovering that the teenager had learnt about a social media challenge where children attempted to make themselves pass out.

While the state police department had yet to release a statement regarding the cause of the incident, KTLA reported that the family believed Deuce died after taking part in a social media challenge where children attempted to make themselves pass out.

“I heard something where this young person tried to make themselves pass out, and I guess they came back from it,” Ohaeri Sr. told the TV station.

The family asserted that Deuce had no social media accounts and that his phone was equipped with strict parental controls, leading them to suspect he may have heard about the challenge from classmates at school.

 Meanwhile, in a message posted on the GoFundMe page, Anderson wrote, “When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.

“We want to honour the treasure that was the beloved Nnamdi Glenn Ohaeri Jr., ‘Deuce.” A vibrant, kind, loving, beautiful young man, a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew, a friend, a teammate, a bandmate, a leader, and an athlete who had a passion and incredible talent for football, who meant so much to so many, and will be so very deeply missed.

“Should you want to contribute to the Ohaeri family, who have given of themselves so much to this community, as they navigate the toughest, most unimaginable loss, it would be so deeply appreciated.

“Please continue to keep the family in your thoughts and prayers as we respect their space and privacy.”

As of Monday, when this correspondent checked the GoFundMe account created to raise $100,000, approximately $75,800 had been donated to support the family.

Meanwhile, relatives and loved ones of the grieving family continue to share their condolences and contributions on the platform. Marrita Jeffrey, for example, described Deuce as “a gift to all, and in your home, he was your light that shined bright.”

Offering words of comfort, she assured the family, “I want you to know that when you can’t find faith, I will stand for you. When you can’t pray, I will pray for you. I love you all so much.”

Another mourner, Michael Vaez, expressed his sorrow, saying, *“My heart aches for this family. Perspective is so important to me. For all of us, the kids are the reason we do what we do. When we lose one, it breaks me. Words are not enough… Our donation (MVYB) is indicative of my (our) feelings about our community and the boys and girls we support. And I (we) do so with great respect, gratitude, and immense sorrow. Our best wishes to the family and prayers for all.”

Additionally, the Chike and Genine Amajoyi family, who contributed $1,250 to the fundraiser, shared their heartfelt message: “Genine, Alia, and I love you guys and continue to keep you in our prayers. We are here for you and always will be. I am so sorry for your loss…”

TheNigerian Metro learnt from the GoFundMe page on Monday that the family held a funeral for the teenager on February 14, 2025.