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  • Don’t uphold emergency rule in Rivers, Obi tells National Assembly

    Don’t uphold emergency rule in Rivers, Obi tells National Assembly

    Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate for the 2023 general election Peter Obi has called on the  National Assembly and all stakeholders not to allow emergency rule in the state.  

    Obi, in a post on his X handle, argued that decision by President Tinubu was not in the interest of democracy and the well-being of Rivers people.

    He added that the action was against the rule of law and capable of undermining Nigeria’s democracy.

    The former Anambra State governor warned that the development was capable of undoing the progress the country had made in its 26-year democratic journey.

    The post reads: “The situation in Rivers does not justify such an extreme measure, it is also a biased interpretation of Section 305(1) of the 1999 constitution.

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    “A state of emergency does not mean that an elected governor can be removed unilaterally.

    “The decision does not align with democratic norms and good governance. It appears to be a predetermined action serving specific interests rather than the collective good of Rivers people and Nigeria.

    “This action constitutes an unconstitutional overreach, setting a dangerous precedent that threatens democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers.”

  • Rivers awaits Sole Administrator Ibas as security tightened at Government House

    Rivers awaits Sole Administrator Ibas as security tightened at Government House

    Rivers State is anticipating the arrival of its newly appointed Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok Abas (retd), following his swearing-in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Initially expected on Wednesday evening, sources from the police later confirmed that Ibas would now arrive on Thursday morning.

    Meanwhile, security has been heightened at the Government House, with over 50 personnel from the Army, Navy, Police, Department of State Security (DSS), and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) conducting thorough checks.

    As part of the security overhaul, personnel attached to the Government House have been replaced, and minor renovations are reportedly ongoing, particularly in the Governor’s office.

    Read Also: NASS, judiciary urged to void suspension of Rivers’ governor, legislators

    “The Governor’s Office and his residence were being renovated. The walls were being repainted in expectation of the sole Administrator. Some things are being rearranged”, he said.

    Some domestic staff members of the Government House were seen washing the floor of some buildings. 

  • Reps fail to debate emergency rule in Rivers

    Reps fail to debate emergency rule in Rivers

    The much awaited debate on the emergency rule declared by the President in Rivers state failed to hold on Wednesday even as members appeared charged and prepared to engage the issues in the Presidential broadcast.

    The letter from the president which the House spokesman Akintunde Rotimi said has been transmitted to the House and will be read at plenary on Wednesday was also not read.

    The atmosphere inside the chambers was charged as members gathered in group discussing the development before the commencement of plenary.

    Two female members of the House Blessing Amadi (PDP, Rivers) and Marie Ebikake created a mild drama inside the chamber engaged in a shouting match over the constitutionality of the President’s decision before the commencement of plenary. 

    Members present, however, stepped between he two women to prevent further escalation of the shouting match while one members, Kama Nkemkanma was seen banging tables saying nothing will happen here today.

    Some other members were charged expressing their disappointment with the development, while awaiting the commencement of plenary.

    After approving the votes and proceedings of the day of the previous day, the Deputy Speaker who presided over plenary announced schools present on escortion before asking for submission of petitions from members, a clear indication that the letter from the President will not be read.

    However, after taking petitions and motions or urgent public importance, the charged atmosphere became calm as it was evident that the issue of emergency rule in Rivers state will not be discussed.

    Those who were poised for a show down as a result of the emergency rule left the chambers disappointed, but some expressed confidence that the issue will be tabled before the House during plenary on Thursday

     In an interview, Nasir Adegboyega (APC, Ogun) said constitutionally speaking, the issue has to be tabled before parliament within 48 hours. 

    He supported the emergency rule declared by the President in Rivers State, saying “I think that as a responsible leader, a step has to be taken toward resolving that impasse. 

    “As we all see, it was becoming very worrisome and a threat to our democracy itself. So I think that the step the President has taken is to ensure that we put a halt to that. In my view, that is in order. But there are opinions that it is against the constitution. I am not a lawyer and I have not looked at that very deeplly. 

    “But whatever it is, that has to be tested. But a leader has to do what needed to be done and I think that is what has happened. 

    “In terms of coming to the House, we expected that it will come today, but it has not happened. I think the law also allows that it should be done within 48 hours and we are still within that window. So, let us see what happen tomorrow and we take it up from there.”

    The Lawmaker said the decision of the President has brought down the tension in the state saying “from what I have heard so far, I think that this has brought down tension. The issue of whether somebody will be impeached or not is off the table now. 

    “Of course that cannot be the only solution because there are so many things that can be done. After that, we expect all those consultations and amend to be done. That is why we have a time frame of six months and within that period, we expect so many things to have been done and we also expect that some of the problems would have been resolved. By the time they are getting back, everything will be normal and that will douse tension.”

    On whether the President has transmitted the letter to the parliament, he said “the law say it must come and I know that the President is a democrat and he will do what the law says should be done. The important thing is that the communication has not come. 

    “But for now, we have to wait till the letter is read and depending on how the debate goes, I think the President will get the required support from the House especially when considered against the backdrop that it was taken to prevent a situation. Those who felt that it was not proper will come and say why they think so and it will be debated”.

     Deputy Spokesman of the House, Phillip Agbese (APC, Benue) said the parliament will not taken any decision on the letter until it is tabled before the House and debated by membere. 

    Agbese said “the letter from the President has not been debated and the parliament has not taken any decision. There is nothing we can do about it for now until it is debated. For us as a parliament, it is still the same way that Nigerians have seen it on the pages of newspaper even though the leadership of parliament was invited to parliament. But officially Mr. Speaker has not communicated that to the floor.  

    “Politics is about collaboration and partnership. This is about our democracy and I believe that there will be consultation across board. Nevertheless, as a people’s parliament, we will be guided by the dictate of the constitution. That has been our guiding philosophy and guiding principle.

    “We will remain true to our oath of office to continue to represent our people. The constitution in his broadcast mentioned section 305, but because the parliament has not taken a position. I am going to be very careful because as the Deputy Spokesman of the House, I must be guided by what has been discussed by the institution. 

    “I am a member of the Benue state and Northern caucus. We are going to be having consultations to decide on what position to take when the matter is debated on the floor of the House.

     Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP, Imo) said the President asking the military to take over a democratically elected government after declaring a state of emergency was undemocratic. 

    He said “Is there crisis in Rivers now? Are people dying on the streets of Rivers? Is there any danger? Yes, we saw smoke from one pipeline that we dont know whether it was broken. Is that enough for Mr. President to rush into declaring a state of emergency? 

    “When the governor called for a peace meeting did those lawmakers come? When he went to present budget, did they open the gate? When he wrote them, did they respond to him? The President did not even mention those ones in his speech. He was busy lambasting the governor as if he is an appointee of the federal government. That made some of us believe that he is baise. 

    “Section 305 which gives the President power to declare a state of emergency is not in doubt. But the President has no powers to suspend a democratically elected governor and deputy governor or a constitutional House of Assembly. 

    “I may not like that House of Assembly, but the President has no power to suspend them and appoint a sole administrator. He has no power to say a democratically elected government should be out of office for six months. Why six months? Is there war in that place?

    On whether the governor should challenge his suspension in court, Ugochinyere said “the governor should head to the courts. I am not going to speak for him, but some of us believe this should also be tested in court, it should also be resisted. Even with a gun to my head, I will not vote in support of that. Where does this leave us as lawmakers? 

    “Under section 11, if the state Assembly cannot function as a result of crisis in the Assembly, the power to make law in that state revert to the National Assembly.

    Read Also: Reps move to ensure accuracy of bills before presidential assent

    “Yes, this might be an offer for peace and I will support anything that will bring peace to Rivers state, but we cannot lay the foundation for constitutional crisis in the country. Nobody can take over any section of this country without adhering to the constitutional provisions. 

    “There is no place where the constitution gave him power to remove a seating governor. In legislative business, consultation is key. If he consulted some people, that is fine. When you finish consulting, they will brief us as contained in our rule books. 

    “I believe that when we go into executive session tomorrow, they will brief us on what they discussed and then we can see it from their own angle and match it with the visions of the constitution. But before you can do that, the parliament must be properly constituted with two third of members. Anything below that will not work.

    “There is no condition precedent for the emergency rule, but is this will led to peace we must act in accordance with the constitution and remove the issue of removing an elected officer. We believe that this is unconstitutional and unfair”.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu swears in Ibas as Rivers sole administrator

    BREAKING: Tinubu swears in Ibas as Rivers sole administrator

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in the new Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), into office at the State House, Abuja.

    The ceremony which took place in the President’s office was witnessed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; the Principal Private Secretary to the President, Hakeem Muri-Okunola; and the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

    The President performed the swearing in some minutes before 3 pm.

    It would be recalled that Tinubu, on Tuesday night, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

    In a national broadcast, Tinubu cited prolonged political instability, constitutional breaches, and security threats as reasons for the extraordinary measure.

    The crisis, which had paralysed governance in the oil-rich state, stems from a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

    As part of the directive, the President also appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs until normalcy is restored. Ibas served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu meets Rivers sole administrator

    “In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State having failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, March 18, 2025, and I so do.

    “By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.

    “In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate”, the President said.

    Details shortly…

  • Rivers crisis: PAP warns ex-agitators involvement

    Rivers crisis: PAP warns ex-agitators involvement

    The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has urged ex-agitators under the scheme to maintain responsible conduct in light of the recent developments in Rivers State.

    In a statement on Wednesday, PAP Administrator Dr. Dennis Otuaro advised all ex-agitators and beneficiaries to resist any attempts by individuals or groups, regardless of their status, to involve them in the ongoing situation in the state.

    He said: “I am appealing against engaging in violent activities or making yourselves available for acts capable of throwing the Niger Delta into chaos.

    Read Also: Rivers crisis: Emergency rule in Plateau, Ekiti

    “I am reminding you of your obligations as critical stakeholders as well as ambassadors of peace to maintain and safeguard the region’s peace and stability for the safety of the Niger Delta people and their means of livelihoods.

    “The PAP Office further wants all ex-agitators to beware that some merchants of violence will like to make political gains out of tensions in Rivers State and use them as cannon fodder to disrupt the peace for their selfish desires. You are urged to shun such temptations.

    “The Niger Delta has suffered enough on many fronts over the years, and all ex-agitators should realize this fact and ensure that the region is not plunged into further destabilization due to the developments in Rivers. 

    “Importantly, I am asking ex-agitators, beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, and the good people of the Niger Delta not to engage in the destruction of oil and gas and other government assets in the region.”

  • JUST IN: Explosion rocks Trans-Niger pipeline in Rivers

    JUST IN: Explosion rocks Trans-Niger pipeline in Rivers

    An explosion has rocked a section of the Trans Niger Pipeline in the Bodo Community in the Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers, compounding the ongoing crisis in the state.

    It was learnt that the explosion occurred late on Monday night near the Bodo-Bonny Road under construction. 

    A trending video showed thick black smoke in the atmosphere with a raging inferno spreading fast into the mangrove.

    Read Also: Rivers State and her fair-weather friends

    Unknown militants had threatened to attack oil facilities in the state following the ongoing political crisis in Rivers.

    When contacted, the police spokesperson in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, said she would find out and get back later.

    Details shortly…

  • I am open for total peace in Rivers, Fubara tells opponents

    I am open for total peace in Rivers, Fubara tells opponents

    Rivers State Governor, Siminialayi Fubara, has appealed to his opponents to consider the interest of the state, saying he is open to total peace in the state.

    The governor spoke on Thursday during the inauguration of the Grammar School, Okirika, which was remodeled by his administration.

    Fubara said: “It is important at this stage that we all embrace peace. The Supreme Court has made its judgment, we don’t have any option but to abide by it and by the grace of God we have started the process. 

    “We are appealing to the other parties to consider the interest of Rivers State. The only thing that we owe this state is peace and development. I am open any day, any time for total peace in our State because if I have to govern well there is need for peace.”

    The governor said his administration started the Okirika Grammar School project when the planning Committee of the 20th Anniversary of the Okirika Diocese visited him and pleaded with him to give the entire school a facelift.

    He said he consider their request against the backdrop of the school’s importance and problem quality education in the society.

    He said: “I felt that the least as a government that we can do is to upgrade the standard of this school. It is not out of place because it is part of our agenda.

    “The key thing of this administration is healthcare, education, and agriculture. So, we immediately keyed into it and to the glory of God we are here today to unveil one of the things that we have done even in the face of the situation in our state.”

    The governor said he was happy that the church appreciated the efforts of his government and assured the church he would complete whatever was remaining of the project.

    Describing Education as a means of crime reduction, Fubara expressed confidence that when all the facilities were all the facilities in the schools were put into full use, they would help to reduce crime rate.

    The governor assured that he would continue to do the b at for the state insisting that the “interest of our State is the most important thing” to his government. 

    He said since the school was being managed by the church, the management would protect and maintain all facilities in it.

    He said: “The church should see the facilities as its own as a matter of fact the school belongs to the church, it is not government anymore. What the government is doing today is to complement their efforts”.

    Read Also: Group warns Fubara against contempt, hails Rivers lawmakers as ‘heroes of democracy’ after Supreme Court victory 

    Fubara further harped on the roles of old boys, who had become successful in life, to their almer mater and called on the old students of the school to take up the project of expanding the Grammar School.

    He, however, said his administration would take up the Bishop’s request on shore protection. 

    In his speech, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Ovy said the contract for the remodeling of Okrika Grammar School was awarded in April 2024 to various contractors and was duly funded to completion by the Governor Fubara.

    The Head of Okirika Local Government Administration, Mrs. Lasiki Hart, said the schools had produced distinguished individuals, who had made significant contributions to the development of not only Rivers, but the world at large.

    She said the governor’s visionary leadership to remodel Okrika Grammar School with imposing structures was a clear demonstration of his administration’s commitment to providing quality education.

    She said the people of Okrika were immensely grateful to the governor for giving the school a Midas touch.

  • CSO seeks peaceful resolution of Rivers political crisis

    CSO seeks peaceful resolution of Rivers political crisis

    The Civil Society Council of Nigeria has called on all the political actors in Rivers State to seek a peaceful resolution to the political crisis in the state.

    The organisation, which is the umbrella body of all civil society organisations in Nigeria, warned that recent comments with regards to the Supreme Court judgment was capable of plunging the state into crisis.

    Executive Director NCSCN, Blessings Akinlosotu disclosed this during a press conference in Abuja.

    The Council also urged President Bola Tinubu to once again wade into the Rivers crisis.

    He said: “The bitter truth is that recent development in Rivers is capable of plunging the State into full blown crisis that may result to huge loss of lives and property, ending in a State of emergency being declared, which would be highly unproductive and would set the State decades back in development, while equally negatively impacting on the economic growth of the nation.

    Read Also: Persons with disabilities’ potentials untapped for too long, CSO coalition decries

    “NCSCN is totally against any utterance or act that could undermine the Rule of Law, Peace, Stability, and Democratic Integrity of Rivers State. Knowing fully well that statements that challenge the judicial system, incite violence, sow division, or undermine law enforcement, amount to treasonable felony.

    “The Civil Society Council out-rightly condemns the war-posture of the Ijaw Youth Congress, calling on them to tow legal options and lawful means of driving home their dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court Judgement.”

    He appealed to Governor Siminalayi Fubara to represent the state Budget to the Supreme Court recognised House of Assembly.

  • Unease in Rivers as two election agency commissioners quit

    Unease in Rivers as two election agency commissioners quit

    • Fubara to citizens: I can feel your support

    Two members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC)  have resigned  their appointments  as the effects of the recent  judgement of the Supreme Court on the political logjam in the state begin to unravel.

    Professor  Simeon Emenike Weli,Commissioner  in charge of  Political Parties/monitoring and Dr.Lazbery Nyebuchi Nnah ,Commissioner in charge  of Budget/Research and  Statistics , called it quits on Friday, citing the “unfolding  events in the commission” and the Supreme Court’s judgement as reasons for their action.

    But Governor Siminalayi Fubara called on the people of the state to keep standing firm on the side of the truth following the ongoing crisis in the state, saying he can feel their support for him.

    Prof Weli and Dr.Nnah in their identical letters  to the chairman of the commission,Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd) said they decided to resign “in view of the situation in  the  Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and the recent judgement of the Supreme Court which nullified the October 5th,2024 local government elections conducted by the commission in Rivers State.”

    They expressed gratitude to the commission for the opportunity given them to serve.

    A copy of the letters was sent to the Secretary to the State Government.

    A five-member panel of the Supreme Court had unanimously held that the election was conducted in violation of relevant laws.

    It held that there was no evidence that the voters’ registration continued until 90 days before the election and that the requisite notices were issued as required by law.

    There was no reaction from  RSIEC on the development at press time.

    The commission has already fixed fresh local government elections for August  9.

    Some residents are optimistic that the exit of the two RSIEC commissioners will have no effect on the August polls .

    They are of the view that it would have been a different story if the commission chairman were to resign.

    The camp of  ex-governor Wike  believes that  their resignation will  rattle the state government.

    Two former commissioners of RSIEC  Dr. Hope Barango-Tariah and Prof. Ken Nweke, said the resignations of Weli and  Nnah  would not incapacitate the commission.

    The former commissioners insisted  that RSIEC could only cease to function if its chairman resigned his position.

    They said the commission remained operational and capable of carrying out its duties despite recent developments.

    Others quoted Section 7 (7) of the RSIEC Law, which said: “The validity of any proceedings of the commission shall not be affected by a vacancy in its membership or by any defect in the appointment of a member.”

    They said: “This means RSIEC is legally empowered to function effectively, regardless of these resignations. The commission remains intact, focused, and fully prepared to conduct free, fair and credible elections on August 9, 2025.”

    The Rivers Chairman of Interparty Advisory Council (IPAC), Soema Osaro, urged political parties to prepare for the next local government elections scheduled for August 9.

    I can feel your support, Fubara tells Rivers

     Governor  Fubara, speaking during the inauguration of the rehabilitated Fire Service Station at Rumuodomaya, Obio-Akpo Local Government Area, on Friday, insisted that those supporting his administration were doing the right thing.

    He particularly hailed the people of  Obio/Akpor whose  support,he said, “I can feel it here.”

    He generally appreciated  “the support of the good people of Rivers State believing in us knowing that your trust is the right thing and that you are standing on the side of truth.”

    He added: “We want to assure you that we will continue to do what is right in our government. I thank God for the opportunity given to us to continue to provide services for our people.”

    Fubara said that the fire station was remodeled, rehabilitated and equipped  to show that the interest of the people remained most important in his administration.

    He said the essence of the project was to safeguard the lives of the people and the property of every citizen of Rivers.

    Inaugurating the project, the Special Guest of Honour, Chief Hanny Woko, called for an end to the crisis in Rivers saying it was giving the state a bad name.

    Woko asked the people of Rivers to emulate Lagos State where he said politicians quarreled but immediately found a solution to their problems.

    He said: “I want to use this opportunity to call on every reasonable Rivers son and daughter that there should be an end to every conflict. Rivers State has been always in the news for the negative purpose and we condemn that. We should borrow a leave from our sister states. The governors are governing their people without any friction anywhere.

    “Yes in human relations there may be room for frictions but what is important is to put the state first. No personal interest should override the collective interest of the state. I urge everyone using this opportunity to borrow a leave from Lagos State.

     “They quarreled but they came to a round table to sort out their problem and the state moves on. Rivers State should emulate Lagos. Right now our state is in a turmoil but we thank God that God will continue to give His Excellency the wisdom to manage this crisis and I am absolutely sure that he will come out unscathed and he will serve out his two tenures as statutorily provided in our constitution.”

    Woko commended the governor for all his laudable projects and for touching the lives of Rivers people despite the ongoing distractions.

    He said: ” It is important to know that at the heat of this time you are still going about commissioning projects. There are projects already lined up for two weeks. You have come to serve Rivers State and be assured that Rivers people will protect this democracy and you sir.

     “There is no pretence about it, the love is organic and we will make sure that we will continue to support you. As an Ikwerre man this state gave us the privilege and honour to serve for 16 years and some months without any disruptions. Equity and fair play demand that we allow our Ijaw ethnic group to serve out their tenure.”

     Senate President Godswill Akpabio said on Friday in Abuja that  he was working with  other South South Senators to broker peace in Rivers State.

    He assured  a delegation  of the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum who visited him in Abuja that South South senators would take up their request and see how they could restore  peace to Rivers State.

    He said any other part of the geo political zone experiencing   turmoil of any kind would  not be left behind.

    CSO seeks peaceful resolution of Rivers political crisis

    The Civil Society Council of Nigeria pleaded with  all the political actors in Rivers State to seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis in the state.

    The organisation, which is the umbrella body of all civil society organisations in Nigeria, warned that recent comments with regards to the Supreme Court judgment were capable of plunging the state into crisis.

    Executive Director NCSCN, Blessings Akinlosotu at a press conference in Abuja urged President Bola Tinubu, to once again wade into the Rivers crisis.

     “The bitter truth is that recent development in Rivers is capable of plunging the state into full blown crisis that may result to huge loss of lives and property, ending in a state of emergency being declared, which would be highly unproductive and would set the state decades back in development, while equally negatively impacting on the economic growth of the nation,” Akinlosotu said.

    “NCSCN is totally against any utterance or act that could undermine the Rule of Law, Peace, Stability, and Democratic Integrity of Rivers State. Knowing fully well that statements that challenge the judicial system, incite violence, sow division, or undermine law enforcement, amount to treasonable felony.

    “The Civil Society Council out-rightly condemns the war-posture of the Ijaw Youth Congress, calling on them to tow legal options and lawful means of driving home their dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court Judgement.”

    Read Also: Concerns in Rivers over resignations of RISIEC Commissioners

    He asked  Governor Fubara to represent the state budget to the House of Assembly and not to be pre-emptive of any plot of impeachment, but to rather pursue democratic tenets by re-presenting the state budget to the legally recognized House of Assembly in fulfillment of the Supreme Court decision, while seeking reconciliation of both factions of the House. He is the governor and all factions of the House of Assembly are his people and subject to his leadership.”

      He added: “We equally call upon all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to extend their cooperation with the Executive branch under Governor Fubara without any hidden agenda. By working together harmoniously, we believe that the Government of Rivers State can address the pressing issues facing the state and serve the best interests of the Rivers people and Nigeria in general. We repeat, it is never too late for peace, and no extent of crisis is beyond reconciliation.

    “We urge the 27-man House of Assembly to reconcile with the 4-man faction, and for all to strictly abide by constitutional provisions in all their conducts and avoiding unwarranted, hasty and unsubstantiated impeachment adventure, rather let the House set aside all grievances of the past and work harmoniously.

     “We use this medium to humbly and passionately appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to once again wade into the Rivers crisis. We are aware of the past frustrated attempts made by him. However, as a large hearted father and pillar of Democracy of Modern Nigeria, we enjoin Mr President never to grow weary in seeking peace, unity and progress of any state or constituency under his administration and oversight. Rivers cannot be allowed to plunge into anarchy as the consequences would be too expensive for the entire nation.”

  • Concerns in Rivers over resignations of RISIEC Commissioners

    Concerns in Rivers over resignations of RISIEC Commissioners

    The resignation letters of two Commissioners of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC) that surfaced at the weekend have sparked reactions in the state.

    Though RISIEC was yet to officially confirm the development, the two political camps reacted to the situations differently.

    The two resignation letters that trended early Saturday morning were those of Lazbery Nnah and Prof. Simeon Weli.

    Both letters were dated March 7,  2025 addressed to the Chairman of RISIEC and sent to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). 

    The two letters, which contained almost the same wordings predicated the reasons for the resignations on the Supreme Court’s judgement that nullified the October 2024 local government elections.

    Nnah and Weli extended their appreciation to the commission for the opportunity to serve the state.

    While the political camp against Governor Siminalayi Fubara claimed that the resignations would affect the conduct of the elections, the pro-Fubara group said their reported exit would not.

    Two former commissioners of RSIEC Dr. Hope Barango-Tariah and Prof. Ken Nweke have stated that the resignations of some members would not incapacitate the commission.

    Read Also: RISIEC to unveil timetable for fresh council poll today

    The former commissioners insisted  that RSIEC could only cease to function if its chairman resigned his position. 

    They said the commission remained operational and capable of carrying out its duties despite recent developments.

    Others quoted Section 7 (7) of the RSIEC Law, which said: “The validity of any proceedings of the commission shall not be affected by a vacancy in its membership or by any defect in the appointment of a member.”

    They said: “This means RSIEC is legally empowered to function effectively, regardless of these resignations. The commission remains intact, focused, and fully prepared to conduct free, fair and credible elections on August 9, 2025”.

    The Rivers Chairman of Interparty Advisory Council (IPAC), Soema Osaro, urged political parties to prepare for the next local government elections scheduled for August 9.