• National Assembly approves of emergency rule, Tinubu applauds their efforts
• Ibok-Ete Ibas assumes the role of sole administrator in Rivers State, demands civility
• Nigerian passport rises in global ranks, secures 91st position
• Atiku announces coalition of parties against 2027 general election
• Minister of Interior reveals that FG pardoned 4,000 prisoners, saving ₦1 billion on feeding

Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the five top Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.

National Assembly approves of emergency rule, Tinubu applauds their efforts

The National Assembly has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to impose emergency rule in Rivers State, leading to the dissolution of the state government and the appointment of a sole administrator for a six-month period.

In response, President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the National Assembly for what he described as a “patriotic decision.” His comments were shared in a statement released by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

“The situation in Rivers State had reached a critical point, posing a serious threat to essential oil and gas infrastructure security. This instability risked undermining the national economy and jeopardising the progress achieved through the reforms implemented since our administration began in May 2023,” Tinubu stated.

Ibok-Ete Ibas assumes the role of sole administrator in Rivers State, demands civility

Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers State, has warned that his administration will not allow anyone to disrupt the peace and stability of the state.

Speaking in a state-wide address from Port Harcourt, the state capital, Ibas said there would be no place for disorder under his leadership.

He explained that his main goal is to bring back law and order while creating the right conditions for democracy to return to the state.

“Let me be clear, under my leadership, people’s rights and freedoms will be respected and protected. The rule of law will be strictly followed,” Ibas said.

Nigerian passport rises in global ranks, secures 91st position

Nigeria has climbed one spot to 91st place in the latest global passport ranking out of 199 countries.

While this marks a small improvement in the country’s global standing, travel remains challenging for Nigerian citizens, as visa-free access is still limited to 45 countries, the same as last year.

According to the Henley Passport Index for 2025, Nigeria shares the 91st position with Ethiopia and Myanmar, both of which are dealing with conflicts involving armed groups.

Atiku announces coalition of parties against 2027 general election

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has announced forming a coalition to remove President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from office in the 2027 elections.

Speaking at a meeting of key opposition leaders in Abuja, Atiku made the declaration during a press conference attended by several opposition figures, including former APC members who have defected.

When asked if this new coalition would serve as the main opposition against the APC in 2027, Atiku responded, “Yes, this marks the beginning of the opposition coalition ahead of 2027.”

Minister of Interior reveals that FG pardoned 4,000 prisoners, saving ₦1 billion on feeding

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced that the Federal Government released over 4,000 inmates from correctional facilities as part of efforts to reduce overcrowding, saving ₦1 billion in feeding costs.

Tunji-Ojo explained that many of those released had been jailed over minor fines, and the initiative ensured their swift freedom.

“Last year, just over 4,000 inmates were released in one day. We conducted a detailed analysis and found that many inmates were there due to petty fines. This project allowed us to release over 4,082 inmates, saving the government ₦1 billion in feeding costs,” he stated.