March 20, 2025 – Tinubu’s appointment of a Sole Administrator in Rivers sparks controversy, while security forces intensify operations against terrorists and criminals. Economic concerns rise as Dangote Refinery halts naira transactions, a meningitis outbreak in Kebbi raises health alarms, and Edo LG chairmen defect to APC. In sports, Cameroon faces a shock setback in the World Cup qualifiers. Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers.
1. Tinubu Swears in Rivers Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (Rtd)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (Rtd) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State. The ceremony took place at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday afternoon.
2. Rivers: State of Emergency Conceived to Prevent Fubara’s Impeachment – Fagbemi
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, stated that the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State was a compromise to prevent the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, by the state House of Assembly.
3. National Assembly to Consider Tinubu’s Letter on Rivers Emergency Rule
The National Assembly is set to review a letter from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding the emergency rule declaration in Rivers State, a matter that was initially scheduled for discussion on Wednesday.
4. FG Blames Fubara for Rivers Emergency Rule, Accuses Him of Fueling Pipeline Attacks
The Federal Government has placed the responsibility for the state of emergency in Rivers State on suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accusing him of encouraging militants to destroy oil pipelines.
5. NNPC Debunks Reports of Explosion at Port Harcourt Refinery
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has dismissed reports of an explosion at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), assuring the public that operations remain normal.
6. Labour Demands Reversal of Rivers Emergency Rule
Organized labour has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling for its immediate reversal.
7. Nigerian Govt to Direct Rivers Allocation to Sole Administrator Amid Emergency Measures
The Federal Government announced that all funds allocated to Rivers State will now be directed to the state’s sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.), following the declaration of a state of emergency.
8. Tinubu’s Emergency Rule in Rivers a Rape of Democracy – Amaechi
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State, calling it an assault on democracy.
9. EFCC Arrests Bauchi Accountant-General, 3 Others for Alleged N70bn Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the Bauchi State Accountant-General, Sirajo Jaja, and three others over allegations of misappropriating N70 billion.
10. Fuel Price Hike Looms as Dangote Refinery Suspends Sale of Petroleum Products in Naira
The recent reduction in petrol prices may be short-lived as Dangote Petroleum Refinery has temporarily suspended the sale of petroleum products in naira to match its crude oil purchase obligations.
11. Attorney-General Leads Nigerian Team in £15bn Petro Union Fraud Case
The Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has taken personal charge of Nigeria’s legal team in the Petro Union Oil and Gas Limited case at the Supreme Court to prevent a potential £15 billion fraud against the country.
12. Troops Kill 10 Suspected Terrorists in Katsina, Zamfara
Nigerian Army troops have killed 10 terrorists in separate operations in Katsina and Zamfara States, intensifying efforts to combat insecurity in the region.
13. Meningitis Outbreak in Kebbi State Claims 55 Lives
A meningitis outbreak in Jega, Gwandu, Aliero, Bunza, and Birnin Kebbi local government areas of Kebbi State has resulted in the deaths of 55 people, according to state health officials.
14. Gas Explosion at Karu Bridge in Abuja Leaves Many Injured
A gas explosion at Karu Bridge in Abuja on Wednesday night left multiple people injured, with hospitals in the city currently treating victims. Several vehicles were also affected in the incident.
15. Naira Appreciates to 1530.52/$ in Foreign Exchange Market
The naira strengthened slightly in the foreign exchange market, appreciating by 0.16% to 1530.52/$ from 1532.93/$ in the previous trading session, according to Central Bank of Nigeria data.
16. Edo LG Chairmen Defect from PDP to APC
Seventeen out of the 18 local government chairmen in Edo State have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The acting Chairman of Oredo Local Government, Harrison Izekor, was absent from the defection ceremony.
18. Police Kill 12 Bandits in Benue, Lose One Officer in Gun Battle
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the death of 12 bandits and one police officer, Inspector Terfa Anyiatse, during a gun battle in Buruku Local Government Area.
19. PAP Cautions Ex-Agitators Against Involvement in Rivers State Crisis
The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has cautioned ex-agitators and beneficiaries of the programme to resist any attempt to involve them in the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State
20. Ondo Police Arrest 12 Suspects Linked to Kidnapping, Criminal Activities
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested 12 individuals suspected of involvement in various criminal activities, including working for kidnappers operating in the state.
21. Cameroon Held to Shock Draw by Eswatini in World Cup Qualifier
Cameroon suffered an unexpected setback in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign after being held to a surprising draw by Eswatini.
