Metro
Satguru Maharaj Ji calls for Resignations of VP Shetimma Over Rivers Crisis
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The Founder of One Love Family and Living Perfect Master, Satguru Maharaj Ji has called for the resignation of Vice President Kashim Shettima over his recent comments on the unconstitutionality of the Federal Government’s emergency rule in Rive state.
Recall, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had foisted a state of emergency on the oil-rich Rivers on March 18, 2025, following a protracted political impasse between two gladiators in the state, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike and Sir Siminilayi Joseph Fubara.
Consequently, Tinubu suspended democratic governance in the state and sent Governor Fubara, his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, and the 32-member legislature parking for an initial six months period.
To avoid a vacuum, the president appointed Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas, Rtd, a former Chief of Naval Staff, as the sole administrator of the state.
But on Thursday, 10 July, 2025, Shettima, at a book launch in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, seemingly declared that the president did not have the constitutional authority to suspend a Councillor, not to talk of a sitting state governor.
Maharaj Ji reiterated that as the Vice President to Tinubu, he ought to be defending whatever his boss, President Tinubu says but because of the ethnic mentality “pay the Southerner money and control their attitude” that has always been the thinking of the Northern leaders who believed Presidency is their sole right, has been going against him in recent times.
According to Maharaj Ji, the President hinged his decision on Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, saying he could not continue to watch the political situation in the state escalate without taking any measures.
He stated that the President had received security reports of “disturbing incidents of vandalism of pipelines by some militants without the governor taking any action to curtail them.”
“Section 305 of the Nigerian constitution interprets a state of emergency as a situation of “national danger, disaster or terrorist attacks in which a government suspends normal constitutional procedures to regain control.”
“A state of emergency allows the president to immediately make any desired regulations to secure public order and safety.
“The unfolding insecurity, he warned, if left unchecked, can precipitate anarchy and a collapse of law and order.
Maharaj ji posited that for President Tinubu to seal his move as required by the constitution, he had written separate letters to the upper and lower chambers, seeking approval for the imposition of his emergency rule in Rivers State.
“Tinubu’s decision comes amid escalating political chaos in the state involving Governor Fubara against his predecessor and current Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, as well as pro-Wikelawmakers.
He said: “Tinubu stated in his broadcast that he is “greatly disturbed” by the political situation in Rivers State, adding that he has “watched with concern the development with the hope that the parties involved would allow good sense to prevail at the soonest, but all that hope burned out without any solution to the crisis.”
“Tinubu also referenced the Fubara’s controversial demolition of the state House of Assembly in December 2023, which, according to Tinubu, had left the state without a functioning legislature for over 14 months.
He stated; “I have made personal interventions between the contending parties for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, but my efforts have been largely ignored by the parties to the crisis. I am also aware that many well-meaning Nigerians, Leaders of thought and Patriotic groups have also intervened at various times with the best of intentions to resolve the matter, but all their efforts were also to no avail. Still, I thank them.
“He noted that with the crisis persisting, the state has been “at a standstill” since the crisis started, with the people of the state not being able to have “access to the dividends of democracy.”
“A government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state under the 1999 Constitution as amended. In this case the head of the executive arm of the government has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him to govern without the legislature as a despot. As it is there is no government in Rivers State.”
“On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court, in a judgement in respect of about eight consolidated appeals concerning the political crisis in Rivers State, based on several grave unconstitutional acts and disregard of rule of law that have been committed by the Governor of Rivers State as shown by the evidence before it pronounced in very clear terms:
Maharraj Ji defended the suspension, arguing, “Most people don’t understand what Tinubu did in Rivers State for peace. The Governor, deputy, and lawmakers are all suspended. So, there are no winners here before you start threatening Tinubu.”
“Tinubu actually saved Fubara from being uprooted by the 27 legislators of the sate through impeachment. If not for the timely intervention of Tinubu, Fubara would have kissed his Governorship good bye.
“Tinubu didn’t remove Fubara. He only created a space to ease tension. Fubara openly appreciated such a kind gesture from Tinubu which has brought progress to Rivers. Obasanjo couldn’t remove Tinubu despite all attacks by Obasanjo to distablize his government in Lagos, because Tinubu was and still an active politician who understands the plights of the people and the political terrain.
“Fiscal Federalism has started with the Tax Reforms already passed. Now population is not the main yardstick to measure Federal Government resource allocation but productivity.
“The devious games and criminal plans of Northern politicians against Nigeria’s progress and existence are all known and it is on the basis of My unwavering Divine commitment to protect and salvage Nigeria from their satanic agenda, as co-scripted and approved by Britain and Saudi Arabia, both being their principal external cohorts, that I have allowed Nigeria to evolve in a way that appears to them as evidence of thier invincibility. Evolution as against revolution stands-out as the appropriate route to guide booty-trapped Nigeria through to its destined shore of grace and glory. The option of revolution plays straight into the Annihilation Plan of the Northern political oligarchy against Nigeria!
“As we enter the second half of the 1st tenure of 8years rule by the Grace of Maharaj Ji of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, it is time to straighten up things for Nigerians to know that we cannot sit down and watch those touts, who are bent in destroying this God given President’s administration,” He maintained.
“The quest for a united and prosperous Nigeria is a patriotic strive that requires the hardwork of patriots. Public officers appointed or elected on the premise of religious sentiments cannot but be loyal to the parochial and troublesome sentiments that got them the offices they occupy. This has been a major weakness of our country’s tasking evolution so far”.
“In the light of the above, it is highly imperative for Shettima to resign now due to his lack of faith in our President by global standards to enable the government operate at full capacity, because political chicanery and debauchery of any type at this crucial state of this great nation should not be allowed”.
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…Convener vows massive grassroots mobilisation for APC in 2027 general elections; commends members for dedication, steadfastness and commitment.
The Ogun State-based political movement, Omoluabi, led by its Convener, Armstrong ‘Tope Akintunde on Sunday paid a courtesy visit to the revered royal icon of Yorubaland, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, at his palace in Ile-Ife.
The visit was aimed at receiving royal blessings and guidance as the group prepares for the 2027 general elections. During the visit, the movement also unveiled 26 newly acquired buses to strengthen its political mobilization efforts across Ogun State.
The delegation, which included selected executive members, local government coordinators, and the State Coordinator, Hon. Olusegun Kaka, was warmly received by the monarch.
Speaking during the visit, Akintunde described the Ooni as a father figure whose leadership and character inspired the name “Omoluabi.” He noted that seeking the monarch’s blessings was a significant step in the movement’s journey toward the next political phase in Ogun State and nation at large.
“We visited our royal father whose his character has demonstrated Omoluabi in all spheres of humanity. He was part of the idea when we started, Ooni is a father to us all, therefore moving into political journey, it’s important for us to seek for his royal blessings.
“This journey we have embarked upon is aimed at supporting the second-term aspiration of our party’s national leader and President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his re-election bid. We are equally committed to supporting all our party’s candidates in Ogun State following the primaries.
“We are prepared to mobilize massively across the length and breadth of the state. The second-term race of our dear President, Asiwaju, remains our primary assignment, followed by unwavering support for all candidates who emerge in the forthcoming elections, just as we did prior to the 2023 general elections.
“This is a begining exercise for us all in the Omoluabi Political Movement in Ogun State, I appreciate our members, coordinators both the state and local governments levels, their unwavering commitment is top notch, may we continue to grow in strength and as we prepare towards the coming elections in Ogun State” – Akintunde said.
In the same vein, the State Coordinator, Hon. Olusegun Kaka, commended the convener’s vision, commitment and dedication, emphasizing that the newly branded buses would enhance grassroots mobilization and facilitate participation in the forthcoming national convention in Abuja.
In his remarks, the monarch, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, expressed joy at receiving the group and offered prayers for continued growth, unity and success in their future endeavours.
The political movement, Omoluabi has continued to distinguish itself as a fast-growing, grassroots-driven political platform committed to leadership development, community engagement and progressive governance in Ogun State.
With a strong presence across local governments and a clear mobilization structure, the group has positioned itself as a formidable force dedicated to empowering citizens and fostering inclusive political participation.
Under the leadership of Armstrong ‘Tope Akintunde, Omoluabi has demonstrated resilience, strategic organization and a people-centred vision aimed at sustainable development and democratic advancement.
The unveiling of the 26 buses further reflects the movement’s readiness, coordination and commitment to structured political engagement as it steadily builds momentum toward 2027.
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The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of workers and retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) with the approval of an Additional Pension Benefit (APB) designed to enhance retirement security and significantly close the existing gaps in the scheme.
This was made known during a meeting chaired by the Honourable Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, following a series of strategic engagements between the State Government, representatives of labour unions, Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), and members of the Pension Fund Management Committees to address concerns surrounding the implementation of the CPS and strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders.
In his remarks, the Commissioner emphasised that compliance with the CPS law was not only mandatory but also beneficial to both employees and the State. He explained that the Defined Pension Scheme (DPS) and the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) were fundamentally different, adding that the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration was committed to bridging any identified gaps in order to protect workers’ interests.
He disclosed that Governor Dapo Abiodun, had approved the introduction of the Additional Pension Benefit (APB) in line with extant laws. According to him, the APB was specifically designed to close the gap between the CPS and the old Defined Pension Scheme, particularly in relation to gratuity, which was not provided for under the CPS.
Mr. Okubadejo further explained that lump sum withdrawals which often resulted in reduced monthly pension payments, informed the Government decision to develop a more sustainable structure, saying that with the introduction of the APB, Government intended to seek necessary approvals from the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) to ensure that pension contributions held by PFAs were preserved primarily for enhanced monthly payments, while the APB would serve as a one-off payment upon retirement.
“Unlike gratuity under the DPS, the APB would not be a fixed percentage. Instead, it will be computed based on specific criteria, including years of service and gross emoluments, to ensure fairness and equity among retirees. The benefit is scheduled to take effect from July 2026,” he said.
The Commissioner charged the Ministries involved in pension, PFAs, Labour unions to improve service delivery, intensify public enlightenment campaigns, and organize regular pre-retirement training sessions for workers at least six months before retirement to enhance their understanding of the pension scheme.
In their opening remarks, Permanent Secretaries of the State and Local Government Pension Offices, Mrs. Arinola Adetayo and Engr. Olufisan Osiyale, explained that the engagements were convened to deepen relationships, resolve emerging challenges and ensure seamless access to retirement benefits.
They described the CPS as a tripod, resting on three critical stakeholders, the employer, the employee and the Pension Fund Administrators, stressing that effective synergy among them was essential for the success of the scheme.
Noting further, the Permanent Secretaries said that government had consistently demonstrated goodwill in addressing workers’ concerns, ensuring that retirees do not face uncertainty or financial hardship after years of service.
Responding on behalf of the Labour Unions, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ogun State Council, Mr. Ademola Benco and Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr. Akeem Lasisi, commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for what they described as a bold, thoughtful and worker-friendly initiative.
They noted that labour’s longstanding concern had been the sustainability and adequacy of monthly pension payments under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), but expressed satisfaction that the introduction of the Additional Pension Benefit (APB) had effectively addressed those fears.
Describing the initiative as innovative and unprecedented, the labour leaders affirmed their full support for the reform and the proposed structure for retirement benefits, adding that it reflected the administration’s commitment to the welfare and financial security of workers in the State.
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The Director-General of the Oyo Gaming and Lottery Board, Olajide Boladuro, has extended warm birthday wishes to Joseph Adeseye Famojuro, describing him as a key strategist, selfless philanthropist, and a unifying force within the community.
In a congratulatory message issued on behalf of himself and his family, Boladuro praised Famojuro popularly known as JAF for his quiet but impactful contributions to society, noting his tireless efforts in mobilizing people and fostering cooperation across political, ethnic, and religious divides.
He commended Famojuro’s enduring commitment to unity and service, saying his leadership and humanitarian spirit continue to inspire many.
Boladuro prayed for greater strength, wisdom, good health, and renewed capacity for service as Famojuro marks another year.
“May the years ahead be filled with joy, peace, and remarkable achievements,” the message concluded.
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