Civil society groups, media professionals and leaders of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress on Friday staged a protest at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, urging the National Assembly to immediately intervene in the escalating political crisis in Rivers State.
The protesters called on federal lawmakers to invoke Section 11(4) of the Constitution to take over the functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly, arguing that the legislature has lost its credibility and legitimacy.
They condemned moves by the assembly to impeach Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, describing the effort as a reckless abuse of power that threatens democratic governance in the oil-producing state.
“The Rivers State House of Assembly has lost all credibility due to persistent abuse of legislative powers and a desperate impeachment plot,” APC leaders said in a joint statement.
Speaking to reporters, APC Leaders Forum spokesperson Chief Eze Chukwuemeka said the impeachment drive amounted to political vendetta rather than legitimate oversight.
“This is no longer oversight — it is a vendetta to destabilize governance. Silence now is complicity,” he said.
The protesters praised Rivers State Chief Judge Simeon Amadi for declining calls to set up a probe panel against the governor, describing the decision as a bold defense of the rule of law.
Comrade Blessing Ibama, coordinator of the civil society coalition, said there was no evidence of gross misconduct by Fubara, calling the allegations against him politically motivated.
“The assembly’s procedural lawlessness and disregard for court orders make it unfit to continue performing legislative duties,” Ibama said.
The coalition accused 27 lawmakers loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, of fueling the crisis. It alleged the lawmakers collected large sums for constituency projects, luxury sport utility vehicles and advance salary payments.
The protesters vowed to sustain pressure until the National Assembly intervenes, calling on Nigerians to mobilize peacefully at the federal legislature to oppose what they described as legislative anarchy.
“Rivers will not be a sacrificial lamb to political desperation,” Ibama said, adding that Gov. Fubara has shown restraint and commitment to the welfare of the state’s residents.
The protest was attended by representatives of several civil society organizations and APC leaders, including Comrade Ifeanyi Okorie, Dr. Maryann Douglas, Collins Akpofure, Engr. Ibrahim Danjuma and Elder Akpan Ekpeyong.
