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  • Fubara denies reports of PANDEF, Obasanjo’s visits

    Fubara denies reports of PANDEF, Obasanjo’s visits

    The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has denied viral reports that a delegation of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and former President Olusegun Obasanjo visited him in Government House at the weekend.

    A statement signed by Fubara’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, said there was a need to debunk the fake news to avoid creating erroneous impressions on the minds of gullible and unsuspecting members of the public.

    The statement said: “For that reason, let it be clarified that there was no such visit by any delegation of PANDEF to Governor Fubara on the said date, neither did Chief Obasanjo visit him as claimed by our detractors. 

    Read Also: El-Rufai and Fubara: Accidental politicians?

    “So, whatever the purveyors of the vexatious narratives are pushing on social media are only the imagination of enemies of the State, who do not want peace, good governance and even development that the present administration has been working hard to bequeath to the present and future generations. 

    “The governor has made it abundantly clear that he would comply and implement to the fullest the judgment of the Supreme Court on the political crisis in the state.  

    “He has already initiated processes to ensure that orders of the Apex Court are implemented, but the Rivers State House of Assembly has refused to cooperate with the Governor to facilitate the resolution of all issues raised by the Court. 

    “As stated earlier, the governor is ready any day, any time to do the needful to ensure the resolution of the issues and smooth functioning of all arms of government in the State.”

  • Assembly lists Fubara’s ‘19 sins’

    Assembly lists Fubara’s ‘19 sins’

    • Lawmakers ask governor, deputy to defend gross misconduct allegations 
    • ’No letter received  by govt’

    Lawmakers yesterday served allegations of gross misconduct against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.

    In the latest twist to the Rivers logjam, the lawmakers listed 19 constitutional infractions allegedly committed by the duo.

    The notice was signed by 26 members of the House of Assembly.

    However, the state government said no such correspondence had been received.

    The lawmakers said their action is in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

    The section states:

    “(1) The Governor or Deputy Governor of a state may be removed from office in accordance with the provisions of this section:

    “(2) Whenever a notice of any allegation in writing signed by not less than one-third of the members of the House of Assembly stating that the holder of such office is guilty of gross misconduct in the performance of the functions of his office, detailed particulars of which shall be specified.

    “The speaker of the House of Assembly shall, within seven days of the receipt of the notice, cause a copy of the notice to be served on the holder of the office and on each member of the House of Assembly, and shall also cause any statement made in reply to the allegation by the holder of the office, to be served on each member of the House of Assembly.

    “(3) Within fourteen days of the presentation of the notice to the speaker of the House of Assembly (whether or not any statement was made by the holder of the office in reply to the allegation contained in the notice-, the House of Assembly shall resolve by motion, without any debate whether or not the allegation shall be investigated.

    “(4) A motion of the House of Assembly that the allegation be investigated shall not be declared as having been passed unless it is supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds majority of all the members of the House of Assembly.

    “(5) Within seven days of the passing of a motion under the foregoing provisions of this section, the Chief Judge of the state shall at the request of the Speaker of the House of Assembly, appoint a Panel of seven persons who in his opinion are of unquestionable integrity, not being members of any public service, legislative house or political party, to investigate the allegation as provided in this section.”

    The infractions are listed as follows:

    •That Governor Fubara refused to present the 2024 Appropriation Bill to the House of Assembly contrary to Section 121(1)(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended and despite the order of the Federal High Court asking him to do so.

    •Governor Fubara withdrew and spent money from the consolidated revenue of the state in 2024 without any appropriation law.

    •Governor Fubara violated Section 122 of the Constitution by authorising expenditures from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State even after the Rivers State House of Assembly declared a shutdown on Rivers State Government expenditure in its resolution.

    Read Also: Nigeria, Brazil seal $1.1bn Green imperative project to boost agriculture

    •On February 28th 2025, the Supreme Court in its judgment validated the order of the Federal High Court confirming that the governor spent money without appropriation in 2024 and still had no appropriation in 2025 as well as ordered the CBN and Accountant-General of the Federation not to release the state’s allocation.

    •Hindering or obstructing the Rivers State House of Assembly which is another arm of government protected by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) from performing her constitutional duties.

    •Governor Fubara ordered and personally supervised the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly Hallowed Chamber and Auditorium at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt on the 13th day of December 2023, against the 2023 order of the Federal High Court, which prohibited him from interfering in the activities of the Assembly.

    •That in the judgment of the Federal High Court delivered in January 2024 by Justice Omotosho, Fubara was indicted when the judge said: ‘This court finds it strange that the 11th defendant as Chief Executive of the State would go to the extent of stopping the authentic House of Assembly from sitting through devious means such as destroying the House of Assembly Complex’.

    •That the Supreme Court’s judgment took note of the demolition when it said: ‘Surprisingly on 13-12-23, in gross violation of the subsisting Order of the trial court, the appellant demolished Rivers State House of Assembly complex at Moscow Road and secretly arranged four members of the 15 Respondent led by Rt. Hon, Ehie Ogerenye Edison to a place outside the premises of the said House of Assembly and held a sham sitting of the 1st Respondent.’

    •Appointment of persons to occupy offices/positions in the Rivers State Government without allowing for the requirement of screening and confirmation as prescribed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), other extant laws but making the request for screening to persons other than the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly.

    •Governor of Rivers State made several appointments which are in contempt of the order of the Federal High Court in a judgment delivered in 2023 that prohibited him from dealing with any other persons or House other than the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule as Speaker; the judgment that was upheld by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

    •Governor Fubara failed to forward the name of a nominee for appointment as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in line with Section 192(2) & (6) as well as Section 195(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended to the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly.

    •That Sir Siminalayi Fubara illegally swore in several other persons who were purportedly confirmed by certain individuals for appointment into the Rivers State Executive Council, amounting to a total number of 19 persons parading themselves and misleading Rivers people that they are commissioners with your tacit approval.

    •That Sir Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State illegally swore in members of the Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement without screening and confirmation by the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly.

    •That Sir Siminalayi Fubara engaged persons as members of the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission without screening and confirmation by the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly.

    •That Governor Fubara made the illegal appointments and refused to rescind his actions even after several letters were sent to him and published in the electronic and print media following resolutions of the house.

    •That Governor Fubara seized the salaries of some members of the Rivers State House of Assembly which were hitherto paid monthly from the Ministry of Finance of Rivers State. The month of April 2024 was the last time monthly salaries were paid to them.

    •That Governor Fubara seized funds standing to the credit of the Rivers State House of Assembly since the month of April 2024 in a bid to frustrate the House and cripple her activities as well as relegate the Judgment of the Federal High Court.

    •That Governor Fubara illegally withheld the salary of the Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly contrary to the Judgment of the Federal High Court.”

    The lawmakers alleged that the governor was not prepared to govern in line with the Constitution and his oath of office.

    They said the Supreme Court condemned the governor’s actions when it said: “The 8th respondents fear of impeachment by the House of Assembly is no justification for his attacks on the House of Assembly, the Constitution, the Government of Rivers State and the rule of law.

    “Political disagreements cannot justify these attacks and contempt for the rule of law by the Governor of a State or any person. What the 8th respondent has done is to destroy the government because of fear of being impeached.”

    The 26 lawmakers, who signed the notice are Dumle Maol, Gokana Constituency; Major Jack, Akuku-Toru 1; Linda Somiari-Stewart, Okirika Constituency; Franklin Uchenna Nwabochi, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni; Christopher Ofiks-Kagbang, Andoni; Azeru Opara, Port Harcourt III; Enemi Alabo-George, Asari-Toru II; Tonye Smart Adoki, Port Harcourt II; Granville Wellington, Asari-Toru I and Solomon Wami, Port Harcourt I.

    Others are Benard Mgbar, Tai Constituency; John Iderima, Abua-Odua; Queen Williams, Ahoada East I; Lolo Opuende, Akuku-Toru II; Peter Abbey, Degema; Igwe Aforji, Eleme; Justina Emeji, Emohua; Ignatius Onwuka, Etche; Chimezie Nwankwo, Etche; Lemchi Nyeche, Ikwerre; Barile Nwakoh, Khana 1; Emelia Lucky-Amadi, Obio-Akpor II; Nkemjika Ezekwe, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni II; Davida Okobiriari, Ogu-Bolo; Sylvanus Nwankwo, Omuma and Gerald Oforji, Oyigbo.

    Fubara yet to receive notice, says aide

    Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joe Johnson, faulted the claims of the House of Assembly that the governor was not willing to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill in line with the Supreme Court judgment.

    Johnson said the Assembly’s actions could lead to severe economic, social, and political upheavals in the state.

    He said: “It is now common knowledge that members of the Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly have by their actions refused to allow Governor Fubara to fully implement the judgment of the Supreme Court on the long-drawn political and legal battle that has lingered since after the ill-fated attempt to impeach him on October 30, 2023.

    “Right from when this unjustified onslaught against Governor Fubara started, the gentleman has never left anyone in doubt about his unwavering commitment to peace and resolute determination to put Rivers people FIRST over and above personal and/or sectional interests.”

    Johnson warned that the consequences of the Assembly’s actions would be dire, adding that civil servants, retirees, and the people of the state would be exposed to unimaginable economic hardship.

    He said the government would not be able to pay salaries, pensions, and other emoluments, as well as perform other obligations, due to the seizure of revenue allocations by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation.

    Johnson said the non-release of warehoused revenues due to the state from the Federation Account would ultimately ground the government.

    He accused the Assembly of impeding Fubara’s efforts to implement the Supreme Court judgment.

    Johnson said Fubara was prepared to re-present the 2025 budget and implement the Supreme Court judgment, but the Assembly’s actions were portraying him as unwilling to comply.

    Police debunk alleged arson, riot in Rivers

    The Rivers State Police Command debunked the rumours about riots and arson in Rivers, describing them as false and misleading.

    There was a false online report that the residence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT), Nyesom Wike, was set on fire by unknown arsonists.

    But, the Police Spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police (SP), said in a statement that there was no report of arson in any part of Rivers, adding that the state was very peaceful.

    The Police said the report was fabricated by mischief makers to cause unnecessary fear and create tension among residents.

    They warned those whose stock in trade is to fabricate falsehood to desist forthwith and engage themselves with reasonable and legitimate activities.

    “The Command categorically states that this report is entirely false, baseless, and a deliberate attempt by mischief makers to incite unrest and spread fear among law-abiding residents.

    “There is no record of any such incident, and normalcy prevails across the state.

    “The general public is urged to disregard these unfounded claims, which are clearly intended to cause panic and destabilise the relative peace and security enjoyed by the good people of Rivers State.

    “Furthermore, the Police Command sternly warns those responsible for spreading such incendiary falsehoods to desist from engaging in activities capable of inciting public disorder.

    “The full weight of the law will be brought to bear on individuals or groups found guilty of spreading misinformation or attempting to disrupt the peace in any form.

    “The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

    “We urge members of the public to rely on credible sources for information and to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies. Citizens should remain calm and go about their lawful activities without fear.”

  • El-Rufai and Fubara: Accidental politicians?

    El-Rufai and Fubara: Accidental politicians?

    When Mallam Nasir El-Rufai referred to himself as an accidental public servant, it resonated with the public, because he approached public service with the mind-set of a private pursuit. A person who works for himself/herself determines what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. But a public servant does not hold all the aces. Public servants are guided by laid down procedures, interests and factors which sometimes are beyond their control. 

    This column recalls that after El-Rufai was propelled by forces to become the Director General of Bureau of Public Enterprise and later Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, he operated substantially as an accidental public servant. As Minister of FCT, Abuja, he cared not whose ox is gored in his single-minded determination to restore Abuja to its original master plan. While his bulldozers roared, those who appointed him were taking the heat and cleaning the fallout mess. 

    To get him to pass through the senate to become minister, former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, who nominated him, had to dye the wool, while El-Rufai was enjoying his night sleep. However, when El-Rufai saw that his godfather and benefactor, Atiku, had fallen out with President Olusegun Obasanjo, he shifted allegiance to the president and that shift allowed him to continue his pursuit of public service with the mind-set of a private person.

    With his intellectual sagacity, El-Rufai was able to endear himself to President Obasanjo, such that he became a member of the inner circle, otherwise called the kitchen cabinet of the president. While not knowledgeable in the crafty nuances of the public service and/or politics, his capacity to deliver on assignments, which served the purpose, shone brightly. So, with his work as the DG of BPE and Minister of FCT, El-Rufai acquired enough reputation to dream dreams and to assert himself.

    When Obasanjo’s successor, President Umaru Yar’Adua showed complete lack of appetite to the idiosyncrasies of El-Rufai, of running with the hare and hunting with the hounds, the accidental public servant saw danger and fled. With Yar’Adua, a scion of the northern oligarchy in power, there was no space for blackmail and shenanigans, and so El-Rufai decided to put his combustible energy to further studies abroad. Hibernating abroad and biding his time, an opening came with the death of Yar’Adua, and the subsequent President Goodluck Jonathan’s bid for a second term.

    Read Also: How economic predators ganged up against Tinubu over fuel subsidy removal, by Bamidele

    El-Rufai again put forward his sagacious intellect to the service of the emergent coalition of forces which metamorphosed into the All Progressive Congress (APC), the political behemoth that ousted the incumbent president and the candidate of his former party, the PDP. Since he was at the table where the sharing took place, he cornered for himself, Kaduna State as its gubernatorial candidate. With the bandwagon of Sai Baba, El-Rufai, swept into power as Kaduna State governor in 2015; and with the power of incumbency at state and federal levels, coupled with his religious divide and rule tactics, El-Rufai secured a second term in 2019.

    Out of power for merely two years, El-Rufai’s impudence and impatience is once again at play. Angry that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu refused to make him a minister, he has left the APC and has joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and is inviting every aggrieved member of APC, PDP and the distraught Labour Party (LP), to join in his new sojourn. Former President Buhari, who learnt the political ropes the hard way, quickly disassociated himself from the gamble.

    Of course, it would amount to political hara-kiri for Atiku Abubakar to accept to become a boy to his former boy (El-Rufai), by agreeing to follow him to his new gamble. The candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, will likely not take the bait considering the mess that El-Rufai as governor made of his relationship with the people of Kaduna south, mainly Christians. Considering the religious bigotry that El-Rufai left behind in Kaduna, which his successor, Uba Sani, with the help of President Tinubu is trying to clean up, with strategic appointments and social reengineering, no farsighted politician will jump ship with El-Rufai.       

    Unlike the time of his being an accidental civil servant when he had employers who were ready and willing to clean the mess he lives behind as his bulldozer rumbled through human and material resources in his political endeavour, in SDP, as he was in Kaduna as governor, he would either clean any mess he rakes up, or it will live with him. Going forward, even his past mess will be stirred by his adversaries and the stench may be quite overwhelming. One major explanation he owes Nigerians is his connection with the killer Fulanis whom he admitted he had paid to stop killing Nigerians, and why despite the bribe, they never stopped.

    The other accidental politician in the public space presently is Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State. Drafted from his perfunctory civil service duties as an accountant, Fubara was foisted on the highly octane gubernatorial post of the combustible Rivers State. To further compound his challenges, after winning, he immediately entered into a dogfight with his rambunctious former godfather-turned-foe, Nyesom Wike. A political warrior’s warrior, Wike, has shown himself a rancorous marathon fighter with the capacity to deliver upending uppercuts with devastating precisions.

    This column had wondered how Fubara managed to become a governor after he threw away the peace deal President Tinubu had helped him negotiate with Wike. Not only that, he told the president that he was a meddlesome interloper, and he was not obligated to obey his ‘unconstitutional’ peace deal. This column had wondered how Fubara wandered into the government house. Even when the loquacious Wike boasted that he would keep pushing Fubara, to keep making mistakes, like a man afflicted by Cyprian Ekwensi’s sokugo or wandering spirit, Fubara kept stumbling from one error to another.

    When the jungle was merely at its infancy, Governor Fubara naively claimed that the jungle has matured. Now that the Supreme Court has withdrawn the carpets he was standing on to grandstand and boast, he was locked out of ‘his property’ (the state legislative quarters) by the (legislators) he had naively inferred were ‘his tenants’. To show that he is an accidental politician, Fubara made a shameful visit to the estranged legislators, in the daytime, with his sirens blaring and the cameras clicking.

    If Fubara had any modicum of political sagacity, or even reasonable knowledge of history, philosophy, sociology or political science, he would have sent emissaries to make peace behind the scene, before the showboat of the disgraceful lockout. This column hopes Governor Fubara and Mallam El Rufai are not driving political cars without brakes?

  • FULL LIST: 19 reasons Rivers Assembly served Fubara, Deputy notice of misconduct

    FULL LIST: 19 reasons Rivers Assembly served Fubara, Deputy notice of misconduct

    Rivers House of Assembly has served a notice of alleged misconducts on Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu.

    The lawmakers claimed the action was in line with the Nigerian Constitution.

    The notice reads: “In compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other extant laws, we the undersigned members of the Rivers State House of Assembly hereby forward to you a Notice of Gross Misconduct by the Deputy Governor of Rivers State in the performance of the functions of her office”.

    Below is the full list of allegations against Fubara:

    1. “That His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State refused to present the Rivers State Appropriation Bill, 2024 to the Rivers State House of Assembly contrary to Section 121(1)(2) of the Constitution and disobeyed the order of the Federal High Court in Suit no. FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023 which declared that “thus as it stands in law, no Appropriation Bill of Rivers State has been presented neither has any of such Bill being passed into law as the purported presentation, passage and signing into law of the Appropriation Bill 2024 of Rivers State is void ab initio” and ordered him to present the Appropriation Bill 2024 to the House.

    2. “That His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State authorised or approved withdrawals from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State in the 2024 financial year of Rivers State without an appropriation law duly passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly contrary to Section 120 of the Constitution.

    3. ”That His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State violated Section 122 of the Constitution by authorising expenditures from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State even after the Rivers State House of Assembly declared a shutdown on Rivers State Government expenditure in a resolution passed at the 4′ Legislative day of the Second Session of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly which held on Monday the 15* day of July 2024, thereby relegating the constitutional resolution passed by the House to the background.

    4. ”That on Friday the 28th of February 2025, the Supreme Court of Nigeria before their Lordships Uwani Musa Abba Aji JSC, Ibrahim Mohanned Musa Saulawa JSC, Emmanuel Akomaye Agim JSC, Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme JSC and Jamilu Yammama Tukur JSC in Suit no. SC/CV/1174/2024 restored the kudgment of the Federal High Court in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/984/2024 which confirmed that Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State never presented an Appropriation Bill for 2024, still does not have an Appropriation Law for 2025 so, ordered that “the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant General of the Federation should forthwith stop releasing and paying to the Government of Rivers State, its organs, departments and officials any money belonging to Rivers State until an Appropriation law is made by Rivers State House of Assembly constituted as prescribed by the 1999 Constitution”.

    5. “Hindering or obstructing the Rivers State House of Assembly which is another arm of government protected by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) from performing her constitutional duties.

    6. “That His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS ordered and personally supervised the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly Hallowed Chamber and Auditorium at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt on the 13th day of December 2023. This action was in contravention of the ex parte order of the Federal High Court in Suit No.: FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2013 issued on the 30* of November 2023 which declared “that the Rivers State House of Assembly is a constitutional institution that needs to be preserved pending the determination of the Motion on Notice dated and filled 29th November, 2023.”

    7. “That the judgelment delivered on the 220d of January 2024 in favour of the Rivers State House of Assembly where the presiding judge-Justice J.K Omotosho in Suit No.: FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2013 condemned the act of demolition and stated that “this court finds it strange that the 11th defendant as Chief Executive of the State would go to the extent of stopping the authentic House of Assembly from sitting through devious means such as destroying the House of Assembly Complex” is noteworthy.

    8. “That the Supreme Court in Suit No.: SC/CV/1174/2024 delivered on the 28 of February 2025 took judicial notice of the illegal demolition and condemned the action of the Governor of Rivers State wherein it was stated that “surprisingly on 13-12-23, in gross violation of the subsisting Order of the trial court, the appellant demolished Rivers State House of Assembly complex at Moscow Road and secretly arranged four members of the 15 Respondent led by Rt. Hon, Ehie Ogerenye Edison to a place outside the premises of the said House of Assembly and held a sham sitting of the 1s Respondent”.

    9. “Appointment of persons to occupy offices/positions in the Rivers

    State Government without allowing for the requirement of screening and confirmation as prescribed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), other extant laws but making the request for screening to persons other than the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly.

    10. “That His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State made several appointments which are in contempt of the Order of the Federal High Court in a Judgement delivered in Suit No.: FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023 that prohibited him from dealing with any other persons or House other than the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule as Speaker.

    This judgement which was upheld by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court stated among other things that “AN ORDER is hereby made restraining the 11th Defendant from howsoever or in whatsoever manner making any request, presentation or nomination to the Rivers State House of Assembly except to the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the 2d Plaintiff as Speaker”.

    READ ALSO: BREAKING: Rivers Assembly serves letter of misconduct on Fubara, Deputy 

    11. “That His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State failed to forward the name of a nominee for appointment as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in line with Section 192(2) & (6) as well as Section 195(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended to the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly as declared by the Judgement of the Federal High Court in FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023 but chose to announce one Mr. Dagogo Iboroma to assume the said position.

    12. “That His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS illegally swore-in several other persons who were purportedly confirmed by certain individuals for appointment into the Rivers State Executive Council on Tuesday 21st May, 2024 namely- Prince Charles O. Beke; Collins Onunwo; Solomon Eke; Peter Medee; Elloka Tasie-Amadi; Basoene Joshua Benibo; Tambari Sydney Gbara and Ovy Orluideye Chinendum Chukwuma without screening and confirmation by the Rivers State House of Assembly in full compliance with Section 192(2) & (6) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. Others who were sworn in on Tuesday 13th of August 2024 are Illamu Arugu; Rowland Obed Whyte; Samuel Anya; Samuel Eyiba and Austin Emeka Nnadozie while Israel Ngbuelu; Evans Bipi;

    Otamiri Ngubo and Benibo Alabraba were sworn in on Monday 7th October 2024. Emmanuel Frank-Fubara was sworn-in on the 8th of July 2024 amounting to a total number of 19 persons parading themselves and misleading Rivers people that they are Commissioners with your tacit approval.

    13. “That His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State illegally swore-in Mr. Lawrence Oko-Jaja as Chairman; Earnest Ibekwe Ekwe; Mina Ogbanga; Iseleye Amachree and Adokiye Oyagiri as members of the Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement on Friday 30th of August 2024 without screening and confirmation by the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly as stipulated in Section 4(a) of the Rivers State Public Procurement Law No. 4 of 2008. Others are Gift Alex-Hart; Grace Osaronu and Selinah Amonieah as members.

    14. “That His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State engaged Mr. Goodlife Ben as Chairman;

    Emmanuel Jaja; Betty Warmate; Jerome Chimenem; Prince Ohochukwu; Philip Okparaji and Christian Amadi as members of the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission without screening and confirmation by the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly contrary to Section 44(3) of the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018.

    15. “That His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State made the illegal appointments and refused to rescind his actions even after several letters were sent to him and published in the electronic and print media following resolutions of the house.

    16. “His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State seized salaries of some members of the Rivers State House of Assembly which were hitherto paid monthly from the Ministry of Finance of Rivers State. The month of April, 2024 was the last time monthly salaries were paid to Rt. Hon.

    Martin Chike Amaewhule; Rt. Hon. Dumle Maol; Hon. Major Jack; Hon. Franklin Uchenna Nwabochi; Hon. Christopher Ofiks Kagbang; Hon. Azeru Opara and Hon. Enemi Alabo George. Others in the same fate are Hon. Granville Tekenari Wellington; Hon. Solomon Wami; Hon. Bernard Mgbar; Hon. John Dominic Iderima; Hon. Queen Uwuma Tony Williams and Hon. Lolo Isaiah Opuende. Hon. Peter Abbey; Hon. Igwe-Obey Aforji; Hon. Justina Emeji; Hon. Ignatius Onwuka; Hon. Chimezie Nwankwo; Hon. Lemchi Prince Nyeche as well as Hon. Barile Nwakoh; Hon. Emilia Lucky Amadi;Hon. Nkemjika Ezekwe; Hon. Davids Arnold Okobiriari; Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo and Hon. Gerald Oforji are also affected.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Rivers Assembly serves letter of misconduct on Fubara, Deputy 

    17. “His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State seized funds standing to the credit of the Rivers State House of Asembly since the month of April 2024 in a bid to frustrate the House and cripple her activities as well as relegate the Judgement of the Federal High Court in Suit No.: FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023 to the background. The Judgement stated that ” AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION is hereby granted restraining the Governor of Rivers State (the 11th Defendant) whether by himself or his servants or agents and/or the executive arm of the Government of Rivers state, including the 12th, 13th and 14th Defendants (by themselves individually or collectively), or by their servants or subordinates from withholding any amount standing to the credit of Rivers State House of Assembly in Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State including salaries and emoluments due and payable to the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and other members of staff of the House or in any manner whatsoever denying the Rivers State House of Assembly of the due fund for running its affairs including the payment of salaries, allowances, emoluments and meeting its financial obligations no matter how described.”

    18. “His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State illegally withheld the salary of the Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly contrary to the Judgement of the Federal High Court in Suit No.: FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023 which stated that ” AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION is hereby granted restraining the Governor of Rivers State (the 11h Defendant) whether by himself or his servants or agents and/or the executive arm of the Government of rivers state, including the 12th, 13th and 14th Defendants (by themselves individually or collectively), or by their servants or subordinates from withholding any amount standing to the credit of Rivers State House of Assembly in Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State including salaries and emoluments due and payable to the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and other members of staff of the House or in any manner whatsoever denying the Rivers State House of Assembly of the due fund for running its affairs including the payment of salaries, allowances, emoluments and meeting its financial obligations no matter how described.”

    19. “Mr. Speaker, we conclude by stating that the Governor has shown that he is not prepared to govern Rivers State in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and his oath of office. The Supreme Court in Suit No.: SC/CV/1174/2024 condemned his actions when it stated that “the 8th respondents fear of impeachment by the House of Assembly is no justification for his attacks on the House of Assembly, the Constitution, the Government of Rivers State and the rule of law. Political disagreements cannot justify these attacks and contempt for the rule of law by the Governor of a State or any person. What the 8th respondent has done is to destroy the government because of fear of being impeached”.

  • BREAKING: Rivers Assembly serves letter of misconduct on Fubara, Deputy 

    BREAKING: Rivers Assembly serves letter of misconduct on Fubara, Deputy 

    Rivers House of Assembly has served a notice of alleged misconducts on Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu. 

    The lawmakers claimed the action was in line with the Nigerian Constitution. 

    The notice reads: “In compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other extant laws, we the undersigned members of the Rivers State House of Assembly hereby forward to you a Notice of Gross Misconduct by the Deputy Governor of Rivers State in the performance of the functions of her office”.

    Details Shortly…

  • Fubara, Lawmakers stand-off lingers

    Fubara, Lawmakers stand-off lingers

    Rivers State Government and the House of Assembly yesterday clashed over Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s purported letter to the lawmakers on 2025 budget re-presentation

    The lawmakers denied ever receiving a letter on the governor’s plan to laid the budget before the Assembly, urging him to follow the due process.

    But the Commissioner for Information, Joe Johnson, insisted that Fubara had sent a memo to the Assembly intimating the lawmakers of his readiness to present the budget.

    He said the lawmakers cannot deny the correspondence.

    The governor stated in the letter that has been disputed by the Assembly that he would present the budget on March 19.

    The proposed budget presentation is one the elements of the Supreme Court judgment, which reprimanded the governor for recognising the Oko-Jumbo four-man Assembly instead of a properly constituted Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule.

    Last week, the Assembly proceeded on an indefinite recess.

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    Miffed by the protracted crisis, Rivers women, who organised a prayer session for peace, urged Fubara and Federal Capital Territory (FCT)Minister Chief Nyesom Wike to close ranks and resolve the logjam.

    Fubara frustrating court judgment, say lawmakers

     The Assembly accused the governor of frustrating the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment, especially the order on budget presentation.

    It urged members of the public to compel Fubara to sincerely follow the due process in presenting the appropriation bill instead of playing to the gallery.

    According to the Assembly, the governor is whipping up public sentiment with a motive to demonise the lawmakers.

    The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Dr. Enemi Alabo George, who spoke in Port Harcourt, the state capital, challenged the governor to produce the acknowledged copy of the letter he said he sent to the Assembly.

    George said: “ Last week, we were told that on his way to Ogoni for a programme, the governor made a stopover at the gate of the House of Assembly Quarters to grant an interview to the press.

    “In that interview, he claimed that he had sent a letter to the House of Assembly indicating his intention to visit and present the appropriation bill, a claim we found rather astonishing as no such letter was received by the House of Assembly.

    “His aides later alleged that they forwarded a letter through whatsapp to some members of the House, which was also awkward, unprofessional and embarrassing.

    “As I speak, the social media space is awash with stories about a purported letter from the governor to the House of Assembly expressing his intention to visit the House to present the appropriation bill for the year 2025.

    “Nothing can be farther from the truth. We want to state categorically that there is no such letter before the House of Assembly nor any of its staff. We challenge the governor and his aides to produce an acknowledgement copy of such a letter or any evidence that such a letter was sent or received by the House of Assembly. It is absolutely untrue and unfortunate. The general public must as a matter of importance ignore such claim.

    “It is now very obvious that if at all there was such a letter, the intended recipient was not the legislature, but the public, and the clear intention was to play to the gallery, whip up public sentiment, demonise the House of Assembly and set the public against us. This is demeaning, denigrating and perilously unfortunate.”

    George said  the governor had frustrated the lawmakers’ efforts to work with him to resolve the lingering crisis immediately after the Supreme Court judgment.

    He added: “After the recent Supreme court judgment on the budget of our state, it became absolutely necessary for the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Joseph Fubara, to present the appropriation bill to the legislature for consideration and passage.

    “Also, immediately after the judgment, this House wrote to the governor, calling on him to immediately present the budget for speedy consideration.

    “It was our hope that by the 15th of March, 2025, we would have concluded the process of passing the appropriation bill into law, so as to give us enough time to approach the Federal Government to release funds meant for our state  which have been seized by the judgment of the Supreme Court.

    “This we did in the interest of our dear state and in pursuit of peace, recognising that no government can function optimally without a harmonious co-existence between the executive and the legislature.

    “This letter was rejected and the staff of the House of Assembly who attempted to deliver the mails were brutalised at the gate of the Government House and sent back.  Undeterred by this, the House resorted to use a courier service to deliver the mail. The governor did not heed to our call, nor did he demonstrate any intention to.

    “The judgment of the Supreme Court invalidated the appointment of most of the commissioners of the state. To bridge this gap and avoid a vacuum, this House immediately wrote to the governor to submit the list of commissioners for immediate screening.

    “Our letter was again rejected at the Government House and we once again resorted to deliver the mail through a courier service. Rather than heed our call, the governor instructed them to go to court against us, which they have now done.

    “The governor went further to instruct all ministries, agencies and departments of government not to receive any correspondence from the Rivers State House of Assembly nor communicate with us in any manner.”

    George said the House of Assembly is not an appendage of the Executive and the lawmakers are not his slaves, bondservants and serfs.

    He stressed: “We are an independent arm of government in line with the principles of horizontal separation of powers as expressed in Section 4, Section 5, and Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    “It is in responding to the attitude that the supreme court said in its judgement:

    ‘A government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of the state under the 1999 Constitution. In this case, the Executive arm of the government has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him govern without the legislature as a despot. As it is, there is no government in Rivers State’.”

    George said the  Assembly hoped that such strong words from the Supreme Court would help “purge the governor of such despotic ways”.

    He said the lawmakers were  severely solicitous of progress of the state, adding that one man should not be allowed to hold everybody to ransom because of his ego.

    George called the public to collectively call on the governor to do the right thing in the right and lawful way so that the state make progress.

    He said the Assembly was the worst hit in the ongoing crisis, lamenting that the lawmakers had suffered untold hardship.

    George said: “This Assembly has borne the brunt of this crisis. We have endured immense hardship. We have been battered almost beyond our carrying capacity. We have been punished unduly and unfairly for trying to perform our constitutional duties. Our governor must not extend this punishment to Rivers people.

    “We have seen hell. Our hallowed chamber was burnt down by the governor. The House of Assembly Complex was brought down by the governor, totally demolished alongside our personal effect and belongings..Our Speaker’s residence was brutally attacked. Our residential quarters was brutally invaded by the governor

    “Our allowances have been seized for about a year and six months. We still continue to suffer. Yet we have resolved to put all of these behind us in the interest of our state, so that our state can move forward. We cannot afford to punish our people because of our ego and personal interests.   

    “We have our aged pensioners who must receive their pensions. We have our teachers in public schools who we depend on for our children to be educated. They must be paid their salaries. We have government hospitals and health centers which our people depend on for discounted and affordable medical services.

    “We have public schools which depend on public funds for their daily running. The governor is toying with the lives and livelihoods of Rivers people. Let us please all call on him to do the right thing in the interest of our dear state and its people.”

    Rivers govt: Fubara sent letter to Assembly

    The Commissioner for Information insisted that the governor sent a letter to the Assembly, adding that the lawmakers cannot deny it.

    Johnson said: “The Speaker cannot say that. We have formally communicated to the House. I am aware we have done that as required by law. There hasn’t been any doubt. The first one they got it via whassap. This time, we have communicated formally in compliance with the provisions of the law”.

    When asked whether, they had the acknowledged copy of the letter, Johnson said there was no doubt the governor had done the needful.

    IYC demands Wike’s sack

    The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, called for the removal of Wike as minister by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying that he is a threat to democracy and peace in Rivers State.

    Its spokesman, Binebai Yerin Princewill, said in a statement said if there is a breakdown of law and order in the state, the minister should be held responsible.

    “Finally, it is our resolve that, while the IYC has its plan on this matter, it is now time for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sack Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory for clearly painting the current government in bad light, for becoming a threat to peace, and a danger to our democracy as a country.

    “This time, he has chosen the wrong battle. We have tolerated the excesses of Wike enough.”

    The spokesman said it was imperative to state that whatever happens in Rivers State, the FCT minister should be held responsible.

    He said: “The free reign of impunity perpetrated by Wike in Rivers, his careless rantings, and outright disregard for the elderly and the insults rained on the entire Ijaw nation and our highly revered leaders, like the late Pa Clark, the Governor-General of the Ijaw nation, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, the Governor of Bayelsa State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, and others, is a fight we will fight to the end.

    “Wike is too infinitesimal to dare the Ijaw nation, the fourth-largest ethnic group in Nigeria, the largest in the Niger Delta, and in Rivers State as well.

    “However, it is essential to let the Nigerian state and the world at large know that Wike’s continued insults on the Ijaw nation, his political gimmicks to impeach Governor Fubara by all means, the shooting and injuring of Ijaw youths at Abalama, is an open declaration of war against the Ijaw nation.

    “In the coming days, we advise the military, the police, and all security agencies to steer clear, as the Ijaw people will be taking it up with Wike.”

    Women pray for Rivers

    Thousands of women from the 23 Local Government Areas began a three-day prayer for peace at the weekend.

    They assembled at the Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt, under the auspices of Rivers Women Unite for SIM (RWUS).

    The women appealed to Wike and the lawmakers to settle their differences with Fubara  in the interest of the state.

    The women, who titled the solemn Assembly:  “Women Arise and Pray, “said there was an urgent need for peace.

    A former Vice-Chairman, Ogu/Bolo Council, Christiana Tamunoberetoari, blamed the lingering political crisis on the devil

    She said: “In Rivers State, the devil is seriously fighting against the peace of the state, and we all know that without peace, there will be no development. That is why we are here under this rain, interceding for the state. We need peace in Rivers State.”

    Tamunoberetoari said the women would persevere in the prayers until there is peace 

    She said:  “The governor is working with the move of the Holy Spirit, I advise him to always remain peaceful, and by God’s grace, that peace will be achieved under his administration.

    “For the Assembly members led by Martin Amaehwule, I advise them, now that they are back, they should give peace a chance and work with the governor and we all will enjoy it in the state.”

    One of the women leaders,  Mrs. Gloria Kalatanoju, prayed to God to touch the hearts of the lawmakers to cease hostilities with the governor.

    She said:  “The women also prayed God to touch the hearts of the assembly members so that they will do the needful. When that is done, both the governor and the lawmakers will have peace. We are also praying God to intervene. This is not just a church gathering, you can see that it is an interdenominational gathering.”

    She commended the convener of the group, Mrs. Sotonye Fulton, for utilizing the inspiration given to her by God to work for the progress and development of the state.

    She appealed to all Rivers people to join in praying for sustainable peace to return to Rivers.

    On her part, former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and ex-Caretaker Committee (CTC) Chairperson of Ahoada East Council, Dame Beatrice Awala said the governor should be allowed to his job.

    She said: “I am here as an elder. It has never been like this in Rivers State. So, we are praying for peace, unity, progress and development in Rivers State. We are also saying that only one governor should be allowed in Rivers State at a time. There had never been two governors at the same time.

    “So, I urge the Assembly members to sheath their sword and work with the governor for the interest of the state and her people. The women, we are crying because if this crisis grows above this stage and anything happens, the effect will be more on the women and the children.”

  • Budget presentation: We haven’t received any letter from Fubara, says Rivers Assembly

    Budget presentation: We haven’t received any letter from Fubara, says Rivers Assembly

    …accuses governor of frustrating budget presentation

    The Rivers State House of Assembly has accused Governor Siminialayi Fubara of frustrating the implementation of the Supreme Court’s ruling, particularly the directive requiring him to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the lawmakers.

    In a statement on Sunday, the Assembly urged the public to pressure the governor into adhering to due process rather than engaging in actions aimed at swaying public sentiment and portraying lawmakers in a negative light.

    Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Assembly Spokesperson, Dr. Enemi Alabo George, challenged Governor Fubara to provide proof of the acknowledged copy of the letter he claimed to have sent to the House regarding the budget presentation.

    George said: “Last week, we were told that on his way to Ogoni for a programme, the governor made a stopover at the gate of the House of Assembly Quarters to grant an interview to the press.

    “In that interview, he claimed that he had sent a letter to the House of Assembly indicating his intention to visit and present the appropriation bill, a claim we found rather astonishing as no such letter was received by the House of Assembly.

    “His aides later alleged that they forwarded a letter through whatsapp to some members of the House, which was also awkward, unprofessional and embarrassing.

    “As I speak, the social media space is awash with stories about a purported letter from the Governor to the House of Assembly expressing his intention to visit the house to present the appropriation bill for the year 2025.

    “Nothing can be farther from the truth. We want to state categorically that there is no such letter before the House of Assembly nor any of its staff. We challenge the Governor and his aides to produce an acknowledgement copy of such a letter or any evidence that such a letter was sent or received by the House of Assembly. It is absolutely untrue and unfortunate. The general public must as a matter of importance ignore such claim.

    “It is now very obvious that if at all there was such a letter, the intended recipient was not the legislature, but the public, and the clear intention was to play to the gallery, whip up public sentiment, demonize the House of Assembly and set the public against us. This is demeaning, denigrating and perilously unfortunate.”

    George said the governor frustrated all the efforts of the House to work with him to resolve the lingering crisis immediately after the Supreme Court judgement particularly on the aspect of presenting the Appropriation Bill in the interest of the state.

    George said: “Recall after the recent Supreme court judgement on the budget of our state, it became absolutely necessary for the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Joseph Fubara to present the appropriation bill to the legislature for consideration and passage.

    “Also recall that immediately after the judgement, this house wrote to the Governor, calling on him to immediately present the budget for speedy consideration.

    “It was our hope that by the 15th of March, 2025, we would have concluded the process of passing the appropriation bill into law, so as to give us enough time to approach the Federal Government to release funds meant for our state which have been seized by the judgement of the Supreme Court.

    “This we did in the interest of our dear state and in pursuit of peace, recognizing that no government can function optimally without a harmonious co-existence between the executive and the legislature.

    “This letter was rejected and the staff of the House of Assembly who attempted to deliver the mails were brutalised at the gate of the Government House and sent back. undeterred by this, the house resorted to use a courier service to deliver the mail. The Governor did not heed to our call, nor did he demonstrate any intention to.

    “Recall again that the judgement of the Supreme Court invalidated the appointment of most of the Commissioners of the state. To bridge this gap and avoid a vacuum, this house immediately wrote to the Governor to submit the list of commissioners for immediate screening.

    Read Also: Tinubu celebrates Osakwe’s historic UK cybersecurity award

    “Our letter was again rejected at the government house and we once again resorted to deliver the mail through a courier service. Rather than heed our call, the governor instructed them to go to court against us, which they have now done.

    “The Governor went further to instruct all ministries, agencies and departments of government not to receive any correspondence from the Rivers State House of Assembly nor communicate with us in any manner”.

    George said the governor must be reminded that the House of Assembly is not an appendage of the executive and its members are not his slaves, bondservants and serfs.

    “We are an independent arm of government in line with the principles of horizontal separation of powers as expressed in Section 4, Section 5, and Section 6 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended.

    “It is in responding to the attitude that the supreme court said in its judgement:
    ‘A government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of the state under the 1999 constitution. In this case, the executive arm of the government has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him govern without the legislature as a despot. As it is, there is no Government in Rivers State’.”

    George said the House had hoped that such strong words from the Supreme Court would help “purge the governor of such despotic ways”.

    He said as an Assembly, the lawmakers were severely solicitous of progress of the state adding that one man should not be allowed to hold everybody in the state to ransom because of his ego.

    George called on everybody to collectively call on the governor to do the right thing in the right and lawful way to allow the state make progress.

    He said the Assembly was the worst hit in the ongoing crisis lamenting that the lawmakers had suffered untold hardship insisting that the governor must be stopped from extending such punishment to Rivers people.

    George said: “This Assembly has borne the brunt of this crisis. We have endured immense hardship. We have been battered almost beyond our carrying capacity. We have been punished unduly and unfairly for trying to perform our constitutional duties. Our governor must not extend this punishment to Rivers people. No, please no. We must not allow it.

    “We have seen hell. Our hallowed chamber was burnt down by the governor. The House of Assembly Complex was brought down by the Governor, totally demolished alongside our personal effect and belongings…
    Our Speaker’s residence was brutally attacked. Our residential quarters was brutally invaded by the governor

    “Our allowances have been seized for about a year and six months. we still continue to suffer. Yet we have resolved to put all of these behind us in the interest of our state, so that our state can move forward. We cannot afford to punish our people because of our ego and personal interests.

    “We have our aged pensioners who must receive their pensions. We have our teachers in public schools who we depend on for our children to be educated, they must be paid their salaries. We have government hospitals and health centers which our people depend on for discounted and affordable medical services.

    “We have public schools which depend on public funds for their daily running.
    The governor is toying with the lives and livelihoods of Rivers people. Let us please all call on him to do the right thing in the interest of our dear state and its people”.

  • Fubara and Politics 102

    Fubara and Politics 102

    In a 31 December, 2023 article titled “Fubara and Politics 101,” this column outlined aspects of politics that Governor Fubara needed to pay attention to. These include: “One, the interest of the Governor and the state, on one hand, and those of the Governor’s presumed supporters, on the other, may be diametrically opposite. … Two, a good politician knows that genuflections and affectations of love for an incumbent office holder are superficial and usually end as the tenure of the holder ends. … Three, as in play-fighting by goats, real politicians do not normally fight with their eyes closed, do not fight to finish and rarely hurt one another fundamentally while fighting. … Four, political feuds between political associates are like elixirs.”

    With his governance style, it is not clear how much Governor Fubara has given these lessons consideration. But his standing in the eyes of the law is clear. The Supreme Court in its lead judgement of 28 February, 2025 delivered by Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, Justice, Supreme Court, remarked: “The Appellant [Governor Fubara] that has passion in violating the provisions of the Constitution that he swore to uphold with impunity, disobeying Court’s order at all will using his immunity under Section 308 of 1999 Constitution as a cover is breaking the bridge over which he himself will cross. … My Lords, democracy is anchored on the rule of law not on the rule of might.”

    Justice Agim further noted: “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. In this case, the Head of the Executive arm of the government has chosen to collapse the Legislature to enable him govern without the Legislature as a despot. As it is there is no government in Rivers State.”

    The first lesson in Politics 102 which Governor Fubara therefore needs to hold dearly is that, whatever his motives may be, he should subject his actions to the test of due process and the rule of law.  In this regard, the lead judgement by Jamilu Yammama Tukur, Justice, Supreme Court, held that “In consequence of the failure to abide by the extant provisions of the Electoral Act Regulating the conduct of the election to the Local Government Areas in Rivers State of 5th October 2024 the said election is hereby declared invalid pursuant to the Provision of Section 150(3) of the Electoral Act 2022.”

    Read Also: The case for a Tinubu second term

    Moreover, on the presumed defection of the 27 lawmakers, the Judgement delivered by Uwani Musa Abba Aji, Justice, Supreme Court, ruled: “Similarly, the media was agog also with the charade and façade of defection from PDP to APC by the Hon. Martin Amaewhule-led members of  the Rivers State House of Assembly. However, while the media most times may deal with public opinions and comments, the court of law deals with facts, which are sacred. … In the instant case, the evidence of defection of the 27 lawmakers of Rivers State House of Assembly to APC has been left in the limbo or completely not present for this court to act upon.”

    Citing Section 96 of the 1999 Constitution which provides that “The quorum of the House of Assembly shall be one third of the members of the House,” Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, Justice, Supreme Court, noted: “4 out of 31 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly cannot by any stretch of imagination constitute required quorum for transacting a legislative business of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The conduct of the Appellant in presenting the Appropriation Bill to 4 out of 31 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly is a gross violation of Section 91 of 1999 Constitution as amended he swore to uphold when he took the oath of office and oath of allegiance of the Constitution.”

     As a result, the Court ordered as follows in the lead judgement read by Justice Agim: “(1) The Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant General of the Federation should forthwith stop releasing and paying to the Government of Rivers State, its organs, departments and officials any money belonging to the Rivers State until an Appropriation Law is made by Rivers State House of Assembly constituted as prescribed by the 1999 Constitution. (2) The Right Honorable Martin Chike Amaewhule and the other 26 members should forthwith resume unhindered sitting as Speaker and members respectively of the Rivers State House of Assembly. (3) The Rivers State House of Assembly should resume sitting with all elected members forthwith.”

    The second lesson in Politics 102 which Governor Fubara has, incidentally, learnt through direct experience is that political relationships are dynamic, and that old mindsets cannot be used to conduct new businesses.   This is exemplified in the Governor’s visit to the Rivers State House of Assembly on 12 March, 2025 without a clear and mutually agreed understanding of what the preliminary processes should be.

    According to the Governor, speaking in front of the locked gates of the Rivers State House of Assembly, he was at the House “to comply with the Supreme Court judgement. Before my arrival, I’ve already made several attempts by phone call to reach the Speaker and other members. I also did a letter personally which was transmitted to the Honourable Speaker for this particular invitation. But it’s unfortunate that, at the gate, you can see that the place is completely sealed and there’s no sign that anything is going to happen today. … Well, I don’t think there’s anything to worry about. Maybe, they’re working on the letter. I expect to hear from them, maybe after this hour.”

    In the letter personally signed by the Governor and dated 11 March, 2025, and published by Channels Television on 12 March, 2025, he wrote: “[We] wish to notify Mr. Speaker of our desire and intention to present the 2025 Rivers State Appropriation Bill to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday 12 March 2025 by 10:00 a.m.” It appears as if this letter and the unsettlingly short ‘notice of meeting’ rather than ‘request for meeting’ did not make allowance for due bureaucratic processing of the letter. It also seemed to have been underlain by the attitude that the Governor, rather than the Speaker, had the overriding say in the scheduling of the legislative budget presentation meeting. The Governor himself probably recognised the problem with this presumption when he said: “Maybe, they’re working on the letter.”

    Moreover, was an advance party of the Governor’s aides not expected to have been at the House of Assembly to assess the situation on ground and advise their principal appropriately? The spectacle created at the gate to the legislative complex where a helpless Governor Fubara was shut out was not sufficiently elevating, especially considering the fact that he had in the past called that same complex “my property”. The status of the legislators has been immensely enhanced since the 28 February, 2025 Supreme Court judgement. The Governor should therefore desist from any conduct that has the potential to demystify him or attract indignities to his office.

    The third lesson is that any politician who intends to go far should identify successful or influential politicians and read their lives like a book. Governor Fubara should realise that the only shortcut to experience is vicarious experience. He needs to ask himself the following questions: How have or do they handle benefactors, ingrates and political peers? How have or do they navigate obstacles? How have or do they deploy silence? And when they decide to speak, how have or do they do it to ensure that their opponents pay attention?

    To cite one example, if Governor Fubara didn’t know of President Tinubu’s political sagacity as at 18 December, 2023 when he brokered a peace deal between the feuding sides in Rivers State, at least he knows the President’s political far-sightedness now that the Supreme Court has settled the legal issues in the Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party crisis. In both the Abuja resolutions and the Supreme Court judgement, Governor Fubara has been asked to recognise the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers and re-present the state’s budget to the whole House of Assembly to repair the travesty of having questionably presented it to only 4 or 3 lawmakers loyal to him. At a meeting with a delegation of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) at the Presidential Villa on 11 March, 2025, President Tinubu advised Governor Fubara to obey the Supreme Court judgement, and enjoined PANDEF to help him to do so.

    The fourth lesson of Politics 102 is that a politician needs to maintain a very sharp focus. The focus dictates consistency, prioritisation of interests and sacrifice. Governor Fubara has noted that a lot of the state’s resources have been wasted on the crisis. It was therefore hope-inspiring that while commissioning the Judges’ Quarters on 11 March, 2025, the Governor acknowledged, with due deference, the presence of legal luminary Sir O.C.J. Okocha, SAN, whom he had publicly demeaned in the past. However, he followed this with the crisis-perpetuating act of treating the House of Assembly members with less than due respect with regard to the ill-advised hasty attempt to visit the legislature to re-present the budget on 12 March, 2025.

    Governor Fubara needs to be advised that paying the 27 legislators their withheld salaries and entitlements does not require a meeting between them and the Governor.  There are records of the value of each legislator’s salary and the number of months for which it was withheld. As a measure of goodwill, the Governor should just direct the appropriate financial officers of the state government to pay the outstanding salaries and entitlements. He should avoid any foot-dragging that could question his sincerity regarding working towards enduring reconciliation.

    The fifth lesson is that, as William Shakespeare put it, sweet are the uses of adversity. All of the crisis in Rivers State may yet make the state a model of democratic practice. Since there seems to be a balance of forces between the Executive and the Legislature in the state, it may not be misplaced to hope for free and fair Local Government elections. If that happens, it would present the nation with a salutary model different from the cases in some states where, in their Local Government elections, election victors emerge without election figures.

    The situation has become so bad that there are widespread calls for the scrapping of the so-called State Independent Electoral Commissions charged with organising Chairmanship and Councilorship elections. Should proper Local Government elections be held in Rivers State, Governor Fubara would be the acknowledged champion of that democratic rebirth.

    In the coming days, the Governor will be receiving all sorts of advice. May the ones which will ease his troubles be sweeter to his ears.

  • I won’t stop Rivers Assembly from performing constitutional duties – Wike 

    I won’t stop Rivers Assembly from performing constitutional duties – Wike 

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has said he will not stop the Rivers House of Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule from performing its constitutional functions.

    Wike also blamed the Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, for instigating the main issue that led to the ongoing political crisis in the State.

    The minister spoke at Abalama Town where a crowd of Kalabari Ijaw trooped out in their numbers to treat him to a grand civic reception and thanksgiving.

    The event held despite protests by some women groups, who tried to block the road to stop people from accessing the venue of the programme.

    Security operatives, especially the police fired teargas cannisters at the protesters to disperse them  to avoid the disruption of the programme.

    Wike, who was cheered by the crowd, said he came because some persons threatened him not to attend the event, noting that the occasion was an indication the opposition was a mere radio noise.

    He said: “I heard some people say I won’t come here. Who are they and how many are they? What you have done today is to tell the world all these noise in the radio is not the real thing. If you are of the Kalabari and of the Ijaw nation and you are receiving me today, God will continue to bless you. I will continue to stand by you and to support you.”

    He explained some persons had misunderstood and misinterpreted his recent interview on Ijaw but clarified that he only meant that an Ijaw man becoming a governor in Rivers was made possible and agreement to work together.

    He said at the final day of deciding who would be his successor, Fubara said he was not interested and urged them to give the position to his then Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu.

    He recalled the process that led to Siminalayi Fubara becoming the Governor adding that Chief Alabraba, Chief Seargent Awuse and OCJ Okocha mounted pressure on him to allow Fubara in the principle of live and let live.

    He said: “What I said on my interview people will want to misinterpret it. However they want to misinterpret it is their business. I want to repeat what I said. I said we are all working together if we don’t work together it would have been difficult to produce the governor. That was what I said. Chief Alabraba did not allow me to rest; he nearly fainted when we were deciding who would be governor. 

    “Himself, OCJ Okocha and Seargent Awuse and this boy Celestine Omehia when we met, that day was the primary, this governor today said he was not going to run that my Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu, should be the one to run. Celestine Omehia said it should be Isaac Kamalu that this governor cannot carry out effectively, the functions of the governor. 

    “OCJ Okocha and Chief Awuse said live and let live. Let us not do something that people will begin to say why must it be only one sided. What I mean was that it was not because of the strength or the power of Ijaw. It was because we worked together. 

    “Nobody should associate anything evil to Ijaw. Ijaw people are not evil people. You cannot everything be saying I will blow pipeline. No. Engage people intellectually and diplomatically and you get what you want. In the world we are in today we have passed the stage of threatening people.”

    Wike said those around the Governor encouraged him to seize the salaries and allowances of the House of Assembly members for over a year telling the governor that nothing would happen.

    He said: “They told you to seize Assembly members salaries and allowances for more than one year. They have no income to feed their families and pay their children school fees. And you were jubilating and people were encouraging you and telling you that nothing would happen. 

    “Now something has happened. I am not going to stop the assembly from performing their constitutional duties. The Assembly should be allowed to perform their duties. People who love peace don’t threaten people.”I told you that the House of Assembly will not lose their seats. I told you that the shenanigans of local government would not stand. I don’t need to be a governor. I know what is illegal is illegal. We fight it constitutionally and by following due process. What did we do wrong? 

    “We said all these chairmen and the assembly members suffered, national Assembly members suffered for you to become governor. Therefore, don’t abandon them. But they said I was asking for money. Has the money come? Those you are sharing the money, how far? 

    “Remember yesterday. A man is bad, a man is crook and a man is a criminal. But it was that same man that made you against all odds. If I hate Ijaw I wouldn’t have done that and nothing would have happened. I followed my principle of live and let live. 

    “If you watch all those around the governor are people who are natural ingrates. Nobody who is not an ingrates will associate himself with what is going on. I told the governor to eat what God had given to him peacefully that it is not good for him to face this crisis. But they told him, you are governor you have money. I agree but money is not everything. All these people have nothing to offer. See where we are. Now how far?”

    Wike highlighted all the projects he initiated and handed over to Fubara to make him popular including the Port Harcourt Ring Road adding that whatever the governor’s team was parading were his initiatives.

    Tracing the genesis of the crisis, the minister said: “Who started this problem? Danagogo SSG used his elder brother, who is a judge. They sat down under ex parte order saying 27 members have defected; ex parte not on notice. 

    “SSG lured his brother judge to give ex parte order that the government can present budget to three or four people. Secretary is Danagogo, the judge who gave the order is Danagogo. Look at how people can destroy a state. 

    “That is the genesis of all this crisis; how a judge will sit down under ex parte order saying that people had defected and you can present budget to three people. This is Danagogo who wanted to be governor. He was so pained that he was not given. 

    “He is the one leading you and he will lead you to hellfire. You surround yourself with people who wanted to be governor; who I stopped because they don’t mean well for Rivers State. They are the ones surrounding you giving you advice. Why do you think you will succeed?

    “They will give you bad advice and see what the bad advice is doing to you. This is 2:0 and more will come. I haven’t seen this kind of politics where you surround yourself with those who want your seat. Will it work? They come they and abuse me and you are happy. You don’t know they are destroying you”.

    He remembered that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu invited them for peace but that while he and other leaders got the assembly members to withdraw the impeachment notice they issued to the governor, those around Fubara stopped him from implementing the decision.

    He said: ” You can abuse me as.muxh as you want. I have never bothered myself because abuse doesn’t kill anybody. What is important is the result. Who now has High blood pressure? They are the ones. This was what I was avoiding. 

    “Mr. President invited all of us for peace and after that day we the leaders sat and told the assembly go back and withdraw that impeachment notice since the president has intervened for peace. Instead of them to do their own part they instigated many court actions and used them as an excuse. 

    *When they won in court of Appeal they held a thanksgiving. Today we won and they said we should not do Thanksgiving. Are they being fair. The judgement day has come. OCJ  Okocha said judgement day would come and judgement day has come. 

    “When the president intervened people like Sarah Igbeh went to court challenging Mr. President that he has no power. I was told Sarah Igbeh was in the villa for the president to intervene; you that went to court against the President you are now going back to the President. You must be consistent”.

    Wike insisted that his team that worked for Fubara to become the governor would not be pushed aside adding that there must be an end to use-and-dump politics.

    He said all those, who tried to stop Fubara from becoming the governor were the ones collecting his money and saying they would decide for Rivers.

    The Minister said: “Politics comes with good and bad. When the good comes you take it when the bad comes you face it. We cannot be pushed out after all our efforts and sweats. All of you suffered.

    “All those, who said they would not serve a master and his son, are the ones waiting on the road opening doors for the son. People have no conscience at all. Those who wrote petitions to EFCC against this governor for him not to be governor are the ones saying they would decide. Decide for who for us? They are not yet born. I have defeated them before and I have continued to defeat them”.

    Wike vowed to support the reelection of President Tinubu and wondered what would have become of his team of the President had not given the ministerial position.

    He said: “I am supporting President Ahmed Tinubu. I don’t say one thing in the afternoon and say another in the night. Anybody who remembers you in the rainy season you also remember him. Assuming Mr. President did not give us this position we occupy we were hoping that we had a governor who would take care of us. 

    “What would have happened to us? Will someone come and preach to us to tell us to support another person? Politics is interest. People must not use people and dump them. The politics of use and dump must stop.”

    The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, heaped praise on Wike for his political sagacity and his love for the Ijaw people.

    Alabraba said Wike had resolved the political crisis in Rivers by following the dispute up to the Supreme Court praying that peace would return to the state through the process.

    He told the Minister that the people of Kalabari Kingdom would continue to stand by him and support him.

    He said; “May this achievement serve as a foundation for massive peace and may you continue to lead with wisdom.and integrity. We extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering leadership. The Kalabari people will be with you at every time.

    ” We will continue to support you at all times and uphold collabiration as a veritable force that will drive rhe interest of all sections of rje state. We assure you that your footprints in Kalabari land will remain indelible for many generations”.

  • ‘Wike’s comments desecrate Ijaw nation, undermines Fubara’s authority’

    ‘Wike’s comments desecrate Ijaw nation, undermines Fubara’s authority’

    The Ijaw Nation Development Group (Ijaw Peoples Assembly) has condemned the recent remarks by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike. 

    Wike had reportedly said that the Ijaw people “were a minority of minorities in Rivers and other South-south states except Bayelsa.”

    The INDG/IPA asserted that the Minister’s comments did not only desecrate the dignity of the  Ijaw Nation but also undermined the authority of Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara. 

    In a statement on Saturday by the Chairman, INDG/IPA, Dennis Banigo, and the Board of Trustees President, Prof Prosper Ayawei, they said the Ijaw people, as the largest ethnic group in Rivers State with the highest number of local government areas, could not and would not be relegated to the background or regarded as a minority. 

    The statement reads: “It is a historical fact that Ijaw Patriots played a pivotal role in the creation of Rivers State, and we will not allow our contributions 

    and sacrifices to be dismissed or disrespected. 

    “It is particularly disheartening that Mr. Wike, who rose to power through the benevolence and support of the Ijaw people, has chosen to cast aspersions upon the very community that stood by him. 

    “Such actions are not only ungrateful but also divisive and unbecoming of a leader who once held the highest office in the state. 

    “We issue a strong warning to Mr. Wike to cease and desist from further careless altercations and inflammatory comments that have the potential to incite tribal conflict and disrupt the peace and harmony of 

    Rivers State. The Ijaw Nation will not tolerate any attempt to sow discord or destabilize Rivers State.”

    The INDG called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene and caution Mr. Wike against actions and rhetoric that could spark communal and political unrest capable of threatening the survival of 

    Nigeria’s nascent democracy and economic prosperity.

    The group asserted: “Leadership demands responsibility, and it is imperative that all public figures act with the utmost decorum and respect for the unity of our nation. 

    “The Ijaw Nation Development Group (INDG/IPA) remains steadfast in our commitment to fostering unity, promoting development, and safeguarding the rights and dignity of our people.

    “We will continue to work tirelessly with the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and other well-meaning people and organizations to ensure that the Ijaw Nation and Rivers State thrive in peace, harmony, and prosperity.”