Civil society organisations, media professionals, and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday staged a protest at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, urging the National Assembly to urgently intervene in Rivers State’s escalating political crisis.
The protesters called on lawmakers to invoke Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution to take over the functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly, citing what they described as a total loss of credibility and legitimacy by the lawmakers. They condemned the Assembly’s impeachment move against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing it as a reckless abuse of legislative power that threatens democratic governance.
Speaking on behalf of the APC Leaders Forum, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka said the Assembly’s actions had gone beyond oversight and amounted to a deliberate vendetta aimed at destabilising the state. He warned that continued silence by the National Assembly would amount to complicity.
The coalition praised the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, for declining to constitute a probe panel, describing the decision as a bold defence of the rule of law.
Coordinator of the civil society coalition, Comrade Blessing Ibama, said there was no evidence of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara, adding that the impeachment allegations were politically motivated. She accused 27 lawmakers loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, led by Martins Amaewhule, of procedural lawlessness and disregard for court orders.
The protesters further alleged that the lawmakers received large sums for constituency projects, luxury vehicles, and advance salaries. They vowed to sustain peaceful protests until the National Assembly acts to restore constitutional order in Rivers State.
The protest was attended by leaders of various civil society organisations, APC leaders, and media professionals.
