"It's a matter of taking the side of the weak against the strong, something the best people have always done." - Harriet Beecher Stowe.

Not as many people know the popular novel Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852), which depicts the harsh conditions experienced by enslaved African Americans, as they know its author, Harriet Elisabeth Beecher Stowe (June 14, 1811 – July 1, 1896). She was an American author and abolitionist. Coming from the religious Beecher family, her book reached an audience of millions as both a novel and a play. It became influential in the United States and Great Britain, energizing anti-slavery forces in the American North while provoking widespread anger in the South.

As an abolitionist—someone who sought to abolish slavery—and advocate for the full emancipation of enslaved people, Harriet stood by the weak. There is virtue in standing by the weak and vulnerable. It is also a core Islamic virtue, exemplified by Prophet Muhammad's actions and teachings. A virtue rooted in compassion, justice, and the protection of the vulnerable. He stood for the oppressed, including the poor, orphans, and widows.

But Natasha is neither poor nor a widow. The beauty who made heads turn on her first day in the Senate (recall the senator who had to be called to order when he started talking about her beauty on the Senate floor) is also not voiceless.

But despite a beauty so astounding that a former senator, who was also a minister, had to confess to the world that: “The beauty of Distinguished Senator Natasha is a problem to her,” and that “there is no way, when she is passing, that a man will not look at that woman,” my leaning towards her is because she is the underdog, and I am one person who loves to pitch his tent with the underdog. Some say this predilection is rooted in compassion, empathy, justice, and a commitment to protecting those who cannot defend themselves.

However, Natasha is an Amazon who can defend herself. Ask Yahaya Bello. I am sure he would tell you she is "one hell" of an uncommon woman he would never want to have as an opponent. And this is why I laughed when the Senate President (SP), Godswill Akpabio, lamented that her actions had traumatized the Senate. That ₦15 billion clinic he plans to build for senators should be a Trauma Centre because, with Natasha, as the Americans would say, "he ain't seen no trauma yet."

Even her name, Natasha, is uncommon in Nigeria. Though well-known and commonly used in Ukraine, it is Russian. It is a diminutive form of the Latin name Natalia, meaning "born on Christmas Day" or "birthday of the Lord." She might have gotten that name courtesy of her Ukrainian mother, Ludmila Kravchenko, from Rakitna, Chernivtsi, in Ukraine. But without a doubt, her beauty was inherited from her mother. It looks like it is not only the beauty she got from her mummy but also her fighting spirit. Did you not see how Ukraine took on Mighty Russia? We are not talking about the wisdom, but the "balls" to not back down from a fight.

Again, that fighting spirit may have come to her from two sides. Barrister Natasha Hadiza Akpoti, born on December 9, 1979, in Ilorin, was sired by a Nigerian Igbira father, Dr Jimoh Abdul Akpoti, from Ihima, of the Emani clan in Kogi State. The Igbira are known warriors, but those of Iheme, particularly the Emani, are more dreaded.

Many people tend to assume that Natasha was suspended—a suspension that is under contention—for six months because she alleged that the SP harassed her sexually. No, the "gadfly" belle of the red chamber was hammered with a six-month suspension purportedly because she went against a Senate rule. And going against Senate rules means your constituency would pay for it by your suspension! But we know West Idahosa, revealed that he heard the SP instructing that Natasha’s suspension be prepared even before the Ethics Committee deliberated on her “crime.”

One may want to know where the other female senators were when their colleague was being hounded. Rightly or wrongly, there is an unwritten law for kindred to look out for each other, even if they would talk the truth to themselves behind closed doors later.

However, those waiting to see that may wait till “Thy Kingdom Come” because Nigerian women are not known to stand by their ilk. Sarah Jibril can attest to that. Despite her advocacy for the emancipation and empowerment of Nigerian women and children, she got only one vote (apparently hers) at the 2011 Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential primary elections despite the many female delegates who voted. She fared better four years earlier when she got four votes.

Some would say most Nigerian women prefer to behave like the women in the following story: “Soldiers entered a village and raped all the women. Only one resisted a soldier, killed him, and cut off his head! After the soldiers completed their mission and returned to their barracks, all the women came out of their houses with torn clothes, crying, except her! She exited her house with the soldier's head in her hands. Her look was full of pride, and she said, ‘Did you think I would let him rape me without killing him or him killing me?’ The women in the village looked at each other and decided that she should be killed so that their husbands would not ask them why they did not resist like her! She was attacked and murdered. They murdered Honour so that shame could live.”

Perhaps this is why Bisi Fayemi, former First Lady of Ekiti State, condemned former senators Florence Ita-Giwa and Biodun Olujimi and serving senator Ireti Kingibe for not supporting Natasha. “Senator Kingibe, Olujimi, and Ita-Giwa's submissions on Senator Natasha are very disappointing,” she said.

There was a senator who even dragged the name of his former governor into the fray to score a point and perhaps look good in the SP's books, but his governor punctured his balloon; we have not heard from him since.

Most senators behaved like conspiring vultures circling over a kill to take their share of the flesh!

Beyond all this, one can see why women, the beautiful and the not-so-beautiful ones, are sceptical of joining politics, and why husbands, the good and even the not-so-good ones, are afraid to let their wives associate with politicians.

Natasha’s travail reveals that the opposition in Nigeria, whose vibrancy should be seen in the legislative house, is dying, if not dead. No senator from other parties was seen standing by her. It was a day when supposed vibrant senators went MIA (Missing in Action). And that is how they will each be picked, pecked, heckled, and cowered into a state of “Sidon look.”

The opposition, or probably all Senators, should read the story of the rat who called a meeting of farm animals in panic and told them that the farmer had set a rat trap. The pigeon, chicken, goat, and cow all “sympathised” with him but insisted it was his problem since they were not rats. The story ended tragically for them, minus the rat.

Natasha’s story is a lesson for all, not only politicians. Learn to fight your battles discreetly and gather enough facts. The moment your opponent not only deciphers but sees where you are going, you are a goner.

** Hassan Gimba, anipr, is the CEO/Publisher of Neptune Prime.

Police in Tennessee, United States, are looking for a crew of crooks who made off with $400 worth of cannabis oil from a local gas station convenience store — while armed with a menacing pair of pythons.

Surveillance footage released by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office shows the thieves at a truck stop on Highway 138 in Denmark, with one holding one of the snakes near the clerk at the counter, according to a new report by WREG-TV News.

One witness told the outlet it was a frightening experience.

“They were just waving them around and putting them on the counter,” store customer Mayur Raval said. “One person brought in one snake first, and then after that he brought in another snake. One is white and one is brown or a mix.

“They pulled their car up to the front of the door,” Raval told WREG. “I think they planned to successfully come here and rob the store. The snake is a weapon, you know.”

The crooks then snatched the cannabis oil and took off, fleeing the scene in a small four-door sedan.

Oddly enough, it’s not the first robbery by snake in the Volunteer State.

Last year, 26-year-old Reginald Cook was charged with attempted robbery when he tried to rob a Memphis gas station with a 5-foot snake — only to find himself out-gunned, the outlet said.

The Shell station clerk pulled out a gun and called 911.

New York Post

In a move that has sparked widespread criticism and raised questions about democratic processes, both chambers of Nigeria’s National Assembly approved President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State through voice votes, bypassing the constitutional requirement of a two-thirds majority. The decision has fueled accusations that the National Assembly is acting as a rubber stamp for the executive, with many Nigerians expressing outrage over the lack of transparency and adherence to constitutional provisions.

Constitutional Breach and Lack of Transparency

Section 305(6)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution mandates that a state of emergency declared by the president must be approved by a two-thirds majority of all members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. This would require 240 votes in the House and 73 in the Senate. However, during Thursday’s plenary sessions, both chambers opted for voice votes, making it impossible to verify whether the constitutional threshold was met.

The House of Representatives, presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, approved the emergency rule after a debate that saw lawmakers propose amendments to the declaration. Similarly, the Senate, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, conducted an 80-minute closed-door session before emerging to approve the measure via a voice vote. Neither chamber disclosed the actual number of lawmakers who supported the motion, leaving Nigerians in the dark about whether the required two-thirds majority was achieved.

Prominent Nigerians, including banker Atedo Peterside and activist Dele Farotimi, have condemned the use of voice votes for such a critical decision. Peterside stated on X (formerly Twitter), “A two-thirds majority cannot be achieved via a voice vote. Members voting for or against the resolution to ratify the President’s emergency actions must identify themselves and cast their votes individually.” Farotimi echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the vote must be clearly counted to ensure constitutional compliance.

Widespread Criticism and Accusations of Rubber-Stamping

The approval of the state of emergency has intensified concerns about the National Assembly’s independence, with many Nigerians accusing the legislature of being a mere rubber stamp for the executive. Critics argue that the rushed process and lack of transparency undermine democratic principles and set a dangerous precedent for federal overreach in state affairs.

The South-South Governors’ Forum has also weighed in, expressing concern that the political situation in Rivers State does not meet the constitutional criteria for declaring a state of emergency. In a statement signed by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, the Forum emphasized that the crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly should be resolved through legal and constitutional means, rather than executive intervention.

Details of the Emergency Rule

President Tinubu’s declaration suspends Governor Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, has been appointed as the sole administrator of the oil-rich state during this period.

The South-South Governors' Forum has expressed deep concern over the recent declaration of a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, calling into question the constitutional basis for the decision and urging a return to dialogue and legal processes to resolve the ongoing political crisis.

In a strongly worded statement signed by Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, who chairs the Forum, the governors acknowledged the President's constitutional duty to maintain law and order across Nigeria. However, they argued that the current political situation in Rivers State does not meet the threshold for declaring a state of emergency as outlined in Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution.

The Constitution stipulates that a state of emergency may be declared under specific conditions, such as war, external aggression, imminent invasion, breakdown of public order, existential threats to the nation, natural disasters, or other significant public dangers. The Forum emphasized that the political disputes between the Rivers State Governor and the State House of Assembly do not align with these criteria.

The governors also raised concerns about the suspension of democratic institutions in Rivers State, noting that the Constitution provides clear procedures for the removal of a governor, deputy governor, or members of the State House of Assembly under Section 188. They suggested that these constitutional guidelines may not have been fully considered in the current situation.

"The political disputes in Rivers State should ideally be resolved through legal and constitutional means, rather than by executive fiat," the statement read.

A Call for Rescission and Dialogue

The Forum proposed the rescission of the state of emergency as a critical step toward reducing tensions and establishing a foundation for lasting peace. They urged all parties involved to remain calm, uphold peace, and adhere to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"The moment for dialogue is now," the statement emphasized, underscoring the need for constructive engagement to resolve the crisis.

The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the Forum's commitment to securing peace and stability in the South-South region, while urging the Federal Government to reconsider its approach to the crisis in Rivers State.

A coalition of prominent political leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it an unconstitutional overreach and a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy. The coalition also accused the National Assembly of fraudulently approving the emergency declaration by bypassing the constitutional requirement of a two-thirds majority vote.

At a press conference on Thursday, Atiku, flanked by El-Rufai, Labour Party spokesperson Yunusa Tanko, and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Emeka Ihedioha, described Tinubu’s actions as illegal and a blatant violation of the 1999 Constitution. The coalition urged the judiciary to swiftly strike down the emergency declaration and called on Nigerians, civil society organizations, and political groups to reject the move.

Constitutional Violations and Fraudulent Approval

Atiku emphasized that Section 305 of the Constitution allows the president to declare a state of emergency only under extreme conditions, such as threats to public safety, national security, or Nigeria’s sovereignty. He argued that the political crisis in Rivers State, which pits Governor Siminalayi Fubara against his predecessor Nyesom Wike, does not meet these criteria.

“This action is not only unlawful but also a clear subversion of democracy and imposition of autocratic federal control over a duly elected state government,” Atiku stated. “Even if an emergency declaration were valid—which it is not—it would still require a two-thirds majority approval of all members of the National Assembly. If this approval is not secured, the proclamation must automatically cease to have effect.”

The coalition accused the National Assembly of failing to uphold its constitutional duty by approving the emergency declaration through voice votes rather than a transparent, counted vote. Section 305(6)(b) of the Constitution mandates that such a declaration must be supported by at least 240 members of the House of Representatives and 73 senators. However, both chambers opted for voice votes, making it impossible to verify whether the required majority was achieved.

“The National Assembly’s approval of this declaration is fraudulent and undermines the rule of law,” Atiku said. “By resorting to voice votes, they have denied Nigerians the transparency and accountability required in such a critical decision.”

A Dangerous Precedent

The coalition warned that Tinubu’s actions set a dangerous precedent that could be used to arbitrarily remove any governor or dismantle democratic structures in the future. They called on Nigerians to resist what they described as a brazen assault on the Constitution and the institutions of democracy.

“We strongly condemn this development and call on all Nigerians of good conscience to resist this brazen assault on the constitution of our country and the institutions of our democracy,” Atiku declared.

Background of the Crisis

On Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly. He appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, as the sole administrator of the state.

Tinubu cited “disturbing” violence in the state, including explosions and the vandalization of petroleum pipelines, as the basis for his decision. However, critics argue that the crisis is primarily a political dispute between Fubara and Wike, and does not justify the suspension of democratic institutions.

Calls for Judicial Intervention and National Resistance

The coalition urged the judiciary to act swiftly to nullify the emergency declaration and restore constitutional order in Rivers State. They also called on civil society organizations, political groups, and all Nigerians to reject the move and defend democracy.

“This is not just about Rivers State; this is about the future of our democracy,” El-Rufai said. “If we allow this to stand, no governor or elected official will be safe from arbitrary removal by the federal government.”

Nigerian port operators and shipping companies are expressing growing concern over declining cargo volumes, even as significant investments pour into port infrastructure development across the country.

Despite more than $10 billion being invested by state governments and private sector entities into new deep and river seaports, industry stakeholders report troubling downward trends in shipping metrics. Vessel calls to Nigerian ports decreased by 4.5% in 2023, dropping to 3,778 from 3,957 in 2022. Additionally, cargo throughput (excluding crude oil) fell by 6.4%, with totals declining from 75.27 million metric tons in 2022 to 70.47 million metric tons in 2023.

At a recent Lagos press conference, Boma Alabi, chairman of the Shipping Agencies, Clearing and Forwarding Employers Association (SACFEA), highlighted several factors undermining Nigeria's port competitiveness. She pointed to increased port charges, naira depreciation, foreign exchange instability, and volatile clearing rates as key contributors to the industry's challenges.

Alabi emphasized that Nigeria is losing cargo traffic to neighboring countries with more competitive pricing structures. "Nigerian ports have become uncompetitive because of the numerous charges customers must pay compared to neighboring ports like Cotonou and Lome, which collect relatively low fees," she stated.

The SACFEA chairman urged government intervention, specifically calling for an end to the dollarization of the economy and the removal of recent fee increases. "The 15% increment in shipping charges represents a triple increase on what we used to pay. Just as the Customs 4% was suspended, please help us remove this increase. We are pleading," Alabi said.

Industry experts worry that without addressing these cost and currency issues, both established and newly developed Nigerian ports may struggle to remain viable in the increasingly competitive regional shipping landscape.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The growing wave of insecurity in Nigeria continued early Wednesday as gunmen attacked a Hiace bus traveling from Abuja to Lagos along Obajana Road in Kogi State, abducting four passengers and injuring two others.

Police confirmed that the attack occurred around 1:20 a.m. on March 19, 2025, at Gada Biyu. According to intelligence sources, the gunmen ambushed the bus (Reg. No. FGG 21 XS) carrying 17 passengers. The assailants shot the driver and a passenger before forcing four individuals, including security personnel from the Border Patrol Unit, into the bush. A police inspector on board managed to escape unhurt.

The injured victims were taken to the Federal Medical Centre in Lokoja for treatment.

A Nation Under Siege

This latest attack in Kogi underscores Nigeria’s deepening security crisis, where highways, farmlands, and communities have become hotspots for criminal activities. Across the country, armed groups, including kidnappers, bandits, and insurgents, continue to operate with alarming impunity, targeting travelers, students, and rural dwellers.

Freed Israeli hostage tells UN, 'No more excuses,' says aid is feeding terrorists

Former Hamas hostage Eli Sharabi went before the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) with his heartbreaking story and a simple plea: "Bring them all home now."

Sharabi has been free for less than six weeks, but in that time, he has already advocated for the hostages and spoken with world leaders about the plight of those still languishing in Hamas’ hands.

"On Oct. 7, my heaven turned to hell," Sharabi, who was taken from Kibbutz Be’eri, recalled. "Sirens began, Hamas terrorists invaded and I was ripped away from my family, never to see them again."

Kibbutz Be’eri saw some of the worst of the Oct. 7 massacre. More than 100 of its residents were murdered, and 30 were taken hostage during the attacks, according to the Israel Defense Forces. Among those killed were Sharabi’s wife and two daughters. He only learned of their murders when he returned from Gaza.

"Then I arrived home. They told me my mother and sister were waiting for me. I said, ‘Get me my wife and daughters.’ And that was when I knew. They were gone. They had been murdered," Sharabi told the council. Sharabi’s brother, Yossi, was also taken hostage but was killed in captivity. His body is still in Gaza.

When Sharabi was released Feb. 8 alongside Or Levy and Ohad Ben Ami, the world noticed that all three men looked gaunt. At the time, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said it was "what a crime against humanity looks like." President Donald Trump said the men "looked like Holocaust survivors" and seemed to be "in horrible condition."

Sharabi told the council that when he got back to Israel after spending 491 days in Hamas captivity, he weighed just 44 kilograms (97 pounds). He spoke about the pain of starvation and how, through the beatings — including one so severe his ribs were broken — he was consumed by hunger.

Sharabi testified that he was only given a pita a day and would be forced to beg for extra food. That was when he told the council where the U.N. humanitarian aid was going.

"I know that you discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza very often. But let me tell you, as an eyewitness, I saw what happened to that aid. Hamas stole it," Sharabi said. "I saw Hamas terrorists carrying boxes with the U.N. and UNRWA emblems on them into the tunnel. Dozens and dozens of boxes, paid by your governments, feeding terrorists who tortured me and murdered my family."

Many hostages who have returned say Hamas would eat in front of them as torture, never giving any food to the captives.

"When you speak of humanitarian aid, remember this: Hamas eats like kings while hostages starve. Hamas steals from civilians. Hamas blocks aid from reaching those who truly need it," Sharabi told the council.

Sharabi also slammed the U.N., the Red Cross and the world for their silence and inaction. 

"Where was the United Nations? Where was the Red Cross? Where was the world?" he asked.

Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon echoed this point, saying the security council "erased the hostages" and failed to mention "the humanitarian crimes Hamas is deliberately inflicting on the hostages." Danon then accused the "entire U.N. system" of abandoning its responsibility and the hostages.

Danon emphasized the war would not end until the remaining hostages were returned home.

Sharabi concluded his remarks with one demand.

"Bring them all home. No more excuses. No more delays. If you stand for humanity — prove it. Bring them home," he said.

Fox News

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Ukraine strikes Russian strategic bomber airfield, triggering huge blast

Ukraine struck a major Russian strategic bomber airfield on Thursday with drones, triggering a huge blast and fire about 700 km (435 miles) from the front lines of the war, Russian and Ukrainian officials said.

Videos verified by Reuters showed a huge blast spreading out from the airfield, wrecking nearby cottages. Russia's defence ministry said air defences had shot down 132 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions.

Other verified videos showed a giant plume of smoke rising into the dawn sky and an intense fire.

The base in Engels, which dates back to Soviet times, hosts Russia's Tupolev Tu-160 nuclear-capable heavy strategic bombers, known unofficially as White Swans.

Roman Busargin, governor of Saratov, said there had been a Ukrainian drone attack on the city of Engels that had left an airfield on fire, and that nearby residents had been evacuated. He did not specifically mention the Engels base, but it is the main airfield in the area.

Ukraine's defence ministry said its forces had struck the airfield and triggered secondary detonations of ammunition. Kyiv said Russia had used the Engels base to carry out strikes on Ukraine.

Ten people were injured in the attack, local officials said. Some local residents expressed surprise at finding various parts of Ukrainian drones in their gardens. The Shot Telegram channel said that Ukraine struck with PD-2 and Liutyi drones.

Engels district head Maxim Leonov said that a local state of emergency had been declared but gave few details. Reuters was unable to independently confirm what had taken place at the airfield.

Ukraine has conducted previous attacks on the Engels air base dating back to December 2022. In January it claimed to have struck an oil depot serving the base, causing a huge fire that took five days to put out.

A Ukrainian security source said at the time that a drone attack had struck a storage facility holding guided bombs and missiles at the Engels base.

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Russian forces strike military train with Ukrainian ammo, armament over past day

Russian forces struck a military train with ammunition and armament for the Ukrainian army over the past day in the special military operation in Ukraine, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Thursday.

"Operational/tactical aircraft, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, missile troops and artillery of the Russian groups of forces struck military airfield infrastructure facilities, control posts and storage sites of unmanned aerial vehicles, a military train with ammunition and armament of the Ukrainian army, military hardware and materiel warehouses and massed enemy manpower and equipment in 153 areas," the ministry said in a statement.

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicts 150 casualties on Ukrainian army in Belgorod area

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 150 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy tanks in its area of responsibility in the Belgorod direction over the past day, the ministry reported.

"In the Belgorod direction, Battlegroup North units inflicted losses on formations of two mechanized brigades and two assault regiments of the Ukrainian army in areas near the settlements of Malaya Rybitsa, Ugroyedy and Stepok in the Sumy Region," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost an estimated 150 personnel, four tanks, 19 armored combat vehicles, including four infantry fighting vehicles, 12 motor vehicles, a Grad multiple rocket launcher and two artillery guns in that frontline area over the last 24 hours, it specified.

In addition, Russian forces destroyed an ammunition depot of the Ukrainian army, it said.

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicts over 240 casualties on Ukrainian army in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 240 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup West units improved their tactical position and inflicted losses among manpower and equipment of three mechanized brigades, an assault brigade of the Ukrainian army, a territorial defense brigade and a National Guard brigade in areas near the settlements of Tishchenkovka, Kondrashovka, Kupyansk, Novosergeyevka and Katerinovka in the Kharkov Region," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost more than 240 personnel, six motor vehicles and five field artillery guns in that frontline area over the last 24 hours, it specified.

"An electronic warfare station and two ammunition depots were destroyed," the ministry said.

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicts 180 casualties on Ukrainian army over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 180 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two US-made armored personnel carriers in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup South units gained better lines and positions and inflicted losses on formations of five mechanized brigades, an airmobile brigade of the Ukrainian army, two territorial defense brigades and three National Guard brigades in areas near the settlements of Seversk, Dronovka, Slavyansk, Chasov Yar, Konstantinovka, Ivanopolye and Shcherbinovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost an estimated 180 personnel, three armored combat vehicles, including two US-made M113 armored personnel carriers, three motor vehicles, a British-made 155mm FH70 howitzer and an ammunition depot in that frontline area over the last 24 hours, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicts over 495 casualties on Ukrainian army in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 495 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored fighting vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup Center units improved their frontline positions and inflicted losses on formations of a mechanized brigade, a jaeger brigade, an assault brigade, two assault regiments of the Ukrainian army, a marine infantry brigade and two National Guard brigades in areas near the settlements of Sukhaya Balka, Ulyanovka, Dimitrov, Krasnoarmeisk, Zverevo, Sribnoye and Alekseyevka in the Donetsk People’s Republic," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost more than 495 personnel, three armored combat vehicles, including two US-made MaxxPro armored vehicles, two pickup trucks and three field artillery guns in that frontline area over the last 24 hours, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicts 165 casualties on Ukrainian army in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted roughly 165 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup East units kept advancing deep into the enemy’s defenses and inflicted losses on formations of three mechanized brigades, a jaeger brigade and an airmobile brigade of the Ukrainian army in areas near the settlements of Bogatyr, Fyodorovka, Vesyoloye and Voskresenka in the Donetsk People’s Republic," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost an estimated 165 personnel, an armored combat vehicle, two motor vehicles and four field artillery guns, among them a Swedish-made 155mm Archer self-propelled artillery system in that frontline area over the last 24 hours, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr destroys 90 Ukrainian troops in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr destroyed roughly 90 Ukrainian troops and three enemy jamming stations in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup Dnepr units improved their tactical position and inflicted damage on manpower and equipment of a mountain assault brigade, four coastal defense brigades of the Ukrainian army and two territorial defense brigades in areas near the settlements of Malaya Tokmachka and Lobkovoye in the Zaporozhye Region, Tokarevka, Nikolskoye and Antonovka in the Kherson Region," the ministry said.

"As many as 90 personnel, eight motor vehicles, three field artillery guns, among them two US-made 155mm M777 howitzers and three electronic warfare stations were destroyed," it said.

Russian air defenses down 225 Ukrainian UAVs, five JDAM smart bombs over past day

Russian air defense forces shot down 225 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and five JDAM smart bombs over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Air defense systems shot down five JDAM guided aerial bombs and a rocket of the HIMARS multiple launch rocket system of US manufacture and 225 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles," the ministry said.

Overall, the Russian Armed Forces have destroyed 658 Ukrainian warplanes, 283 helicopters, 47,578 unmanned aerial vehicles, 601 surface-to-air missile systems, 22,374 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 1,530 multiple rocket launchers, 22,752 field artillery guns and mortars and 33,083 special military motor vehicles since the start of the special military operation, the ministry reported.

Reuters/Tass

President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of emergency rule in Rivers State on Tuesday surprised me for reasons different from those for which he has been severely criticised.

The mildest criticism is that Tinubu’s failure to call the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to order was responsible for the crisis. The more severe criticisms range from accusations that the president has subverted constitutional rule to charges of potential destabilisation at the behest of Wike.

A common point of agreement is that a civilian president should never have to declare emergency rule. That is the ideal. But Rivers State before Tuesday presented a dire and complicated situation that stretched idealism to its elastic limits.

Chaos in slow motion

It's convenient, especially for those who promoted and profited from the crisis, to pretend otherwise. Still, after the 27 state lawmakers loyal to Wike issued an impeachment notice, the outcome, if Governor Siminalayi Fubara had been impeached, might have been far worse for the state than can be contemplated under emergency rule. The proclamation was an unsolicited stitch in time.

If oil pipelines were already being blown up and militants deploying as the impeachment notice reached Fubara, what would have happened if the process had carried through? Rivers State has been chaos in slow motion for nearly two years, the only thriving business in the state being the politics of those who support Fubara and those who are against Wike.

The Supreme Court's judgment invalidated the budget passed by Fubara and nullified the local government election. It affirmed the position of the 27 lawmakers, making Fubara’s government a lame duck. Emergency rule saved the governor from gunpoint, created a pause for the people to get their lives back, and made room for Wike and Fubara to stop and reflect. It’s a messy situation, but the counterfactual could have been worse.

Between Wike and Fubara

Popular media has framed Fubara as the victim of a grasping, unforgiving godfather, which suits his comportment. But during this inconvenient pause, it might be helpful for the governor to reflect on what he might have done differently, something that pressure by those egging him on for their narrow, selfish reasons might not have given him the space to do.

In the public imagination, control of the state’s “political structure” is at the heart of the dispute between Fubara and Wike. Whether that is so, whether it’s about who the“authentic” party leader is, or it is more than what the public knows, Fubara and Wike know. We can only guess. But they both know.

Open war

The open war started after Fubara’s swearing-in when the governor wanted to install his candidate as speaker in the House of Assembly but failed. What was the point of demolishing the State House of Assembly complex built for hundreds of millions of naira with taxpayers’ money in December 2023 simply on the suspicion that the lawmakers were planning to impeach him there? Why did the governor think it was right to convene four of 31 lawmakers in his office to present the appropriation bill and then go on to implement it?

And why, after the peace deal brokered in Abuja, was it difficult for him to be his own man, free himself as the hostage of opportunistic local politicians and self-appointed opinion leaders and implement the decisions reached instead of caving into busybodies in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) whose primary interest is to continue the unfinished war of the 2022 Convention by other means?

Atiku No 2.

The PDP leadership and their cousins in Labour have never forgiven Wike for supporting Tinubu’s election. They have been quite loud in condemning the state of emergency. That’s their job as opposition. However, if the PDP is letting its testosterone rush get into its head and impair memory, we may need to remind the party how we got here.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has been quite vocal in condemning emergency rule in Rivers State. In his earnestness, he has forgotten that the government in which he was the Number Two man had a shambolic record of infidelity to constitutional rule. And that is saying it nicely.

One can argue that President Olusegun Obasanjo’s proclamation of emergency rule in Plateau State in 2004, though controversial, was inevitable because of the horrific deaths caused by the sectarian violence, which led to reprisals in other states. Yet, former Governor Joshua Dariye’s suspected links to the crisis made his suspension inevitable.

Bayelsa playbook

Atiku could not have forgotten that when his boss did it again in Ekiti State two years later, it was mainly to facilitate Obasanjo’s hijack of the state for his political convenience after lawmakers claimed to have impeached the governor. Fayose had become a thorn in his side, and he vowed to remove him by all means, fair and foul.

Atiku may argue that he had been estranged from the government then and could not bear vicarious liability. However, he remained a part of the government until the end and must endure its glory and shame.

Or perhaps he would have preferred the impeachment of Fubara from Obasanjo’s Bayelsa playbook? In that case, instead of an emergency rule, Tinubu would have provided a haven where the majority 27 lawmakers would have met under heavy security protection to remove the governor, as Obasanjo did under slightly different circumstances, in the case of former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.

Amaechi’s forgotten diary

Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, a longstanding foe of Wike, also weighed in, condemning the “power grab's illegality.” He has a right to intervene and speak his mind. However, since he called the proclamation “an affront” to the rule of law and a power grab, it might be helpful to remind him of a typical, but by no means isolated, example from his record as governor.

In 2013, when the position of chief judge in Rivers State was vacant, Amaechi appointed and swore in the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Peter Agumagu, against decency and the provisions of law. He joined issues with the National Judicial Commission (NJC), which was at its wit’s end to restrain him and keep him on the path of common sense. The state judiciary reeled under Amaechi’s blatant affront for one year, something he now conveniently forgets.

Apples and oranges

Parallels have been drawn between the state of emergency in Rivers State and the one in 1962 during the Western Region crisis, especially as the latter was believed to have led the country down the slippery slope that eventually ended in the removal of the Tafawa Balewa government and the Civil War.

The underlying currents may be similar – local politics gone rogue – but the consequences or potential consequences are not. Constitutional lawyers can debate the legal triggers because of the lack of clarity in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, compared with the 1960 Constitution, a pre-Republican document that gave the prime minister more expansive powers.

While the emergency rule in the Western Region was mainly an opportunistic intervention by the federal government to undermine the Obafemi Awolowo-led opposition, the emergency in Rivers State was an inevitable step to prevent a potential descent into chaos, where the governor was not an innocent bystander.

Water in the coconut

Since 1999, two administrations – Mohammadu Buhari’s and Umaru Yar’Adua’s being the only exceptions – have proclaimed emergency rule. Apart from 2013, when President Goodluck Jonathan left the governors of the three affected states in place because they had no link to the crises in their states, complicity has affected the scope of the application of emergency rule.

When Obasanjo threatened an emergency in Lagos, Tinubu said it was unacceptable because he was doing his best as governor to tackle the sectarian clashes in a small part of the state then. In Rivers, the governor is a part of the problem.

Those opposed to the proclamation should say how to leave Fubara in place and extract the water of peace from the coconut of Rivers State without breaking the shell on the head of the people.

** Ishiekwene is Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the book Writing for Media and Monetising It.