A South-South women’s advocacy group has urged the National Assembly to assume the legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly to resolve the ongoing political tension in the state.
The South-South Professional Women Association International (SSPWAI) argued that Rivers State lawmakers have failed to act in accordance with their constitutional responsibilities, warning that the political unrest could have wider economic and social implications beyond the state.
“Anything that happens in Rivers State affects the national economy; peace, accountability, and the rule of law must prevail,” said Dr. Mrs. Constance Mbang, President of the 27,000-member group, during a press conference in Abuja.
Dr. Mbang stated that SSPWAI, with members across 26 countries, including Nigeria, the USA, Europe, and Asia, opposes any impeachment efforts against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu. She described the ongoing political maneuvers as a threat to democratic norms and fiscal prudence.
The group highlighted that the controversy stems from the governor’s rejection of proposals to allocate funds in the state budget for certain political projects, emphasizing that the current budget, running from June 2025 to June 2026, already covers approved expenditures.
SSPWAI further commended the Rivers State Chief Judge for rejecting an order to establish an impeachment panel, noting concerns over the simultaneous targeting of the Governor and Deputy Governor, which they described as a potential move to position the Speaker to take control.
The group pledged to continue advocacy efforts to safeguard constitutional governance and promote stability in Rivers State.
“The current Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, is an Ikwere man, the ethnic group that has ruled Rivers State for a long time before the emergence of Fubara, an Ijaw man. Why not allow an Ijaw man to enjoy his full term of office, as every other ethnic group has done?
“Furthermore, we also call on the National Assembly to immediately take over the legislative duties of the RSHA since they have proved incapable of carrying out their legislative functions in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she said.
SSPWAI also alleged that intelligence available to it indicated that much of the tension may have been driven by promises of N500 million to facilitate the impeachment of the governor and his deputy.
Speaking further on the political undercurrents, the group lamented that the undue influence of an Abuja-based political figure on the Assembly and the frustration of reconciliation efforts, including a peace panel set up by the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and chaired by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN.
“The lawmakers were reportedly directed not to honour invitations from the panel. Is that the pathway to peace?” Mbang asked.
The association praised the Rivers State Chief Judge for declining to set up an impeachment panel, describing the move as courageous and constitutionally grounded; it also questioned the logic of moving against both the governor and his deputy simultaneously, adding that such a “hidden agenda” to install the Speaker, Hon. Martins Amaewhule, as governor, may stir serious inter-ethnic tensions.
Explaining concerns over ethnic tensions, SSPWAI noted that while the Ikwerre ethnic group has historically held sway in the state’s leadership, Fubara, an Ijaw man, was being denied the opportunity to serve out his mandate.
“This is not just about personalities; it is about equity, justice, and the right of Rivers people to accountable governance,” the group said.
SSPWAI called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the international community to intervene urgently, warning that continued instability in Rivers could threaten investor confidence, particularly among international oil companies, and damage Nigeria’s global image.
