Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Daniel Abia & Davies Iheamnachor Port Harbor — The threat to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara from office has caused strife among sections of the All Progressives Congress, or APC, in Rivers State.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
The court-recognized leadership of the party in the state, loyal to former governor Rotimi Amaechi and led by Chief Emeka Bekee, has retaliated against Okocha for having the audacity to demand that Governor Fubara resign or face impeachment, while the faction led by Mr. Tony Okocha, acknowledged by the party’s national leadership, warned Fubara to honorably resign from office or face disgrace through impeachment, accusing him of numerous impeachable offenses.
This came as Governor Fubara urged the people to stay peaceful and law-abiding for the benefit of the state as a whole, saying that the Rivers people will eventually emerge stronger despite the political conditions that are currently working against his administration. Additionally, yesterday, Fubara convened a peace meeting at Government House, but Mr. Martins Amaewhule, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, and the other 26 MPs refused to attend.
In a further development, the state House of Assembly, led by Amaewhule, has fulfilled its threat by issuing an arrest warrant for Justice Adolphus Enebeli, the chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), along with four other commissioners. In light of the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding the holding of the state’s local government elections on October 5, 2024, Ibierembo Thompson, another RSIEC Commissioner, resigned from his position as an electoral body member.
Concerned by the events, former state governor Chief Rufus Ada-George has urged all parties involved in the ongoing political crisis to put down their weapons and refrain from making provocative remarks, issuing needless demands, or threatening to destroy the state’s peace. “The APC remains the major opposition party in Rivers State, we are the voice of the voiceless,” said Mr. Tony Okocha, the party’s factional chairman, who was acknowledged by the party’s national leadership, in an address to reporters in Port Harcourt yesterday. “When we said Fubara is clueless, we were not joking. The evidence is clear.”
Fubara recently invited the 27 MPs to a meeting, which Okocha criticized and dismissed as meaningless. Despite his puritanical demeanor, the governor is a poisonous snake. His agenda for the lawmakers’ meetings is pathetic. Is he asking them to talk about the Supreme Court ruling? Furthermore, why was the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) rather than the governor himself signing the invitation letter? It’s a deviation. He emphasized that the party will not tolerate the governor’s alleged mismanagement of the state.
Because he has disrespected Mr. President and run the state aground, Okocha stated that Fubara had two options: he should be impeached or he should resign honorably. He cautioned that Fubara’s stance is vulnerable, asserting that the conclusions of the Supreme Court are sufficient justification for his removal. His refusal to step down will result in his impeachment. It is not necessary for me to be a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly to be aware of the many crimes he has committed that could lead to his impeachment. In Rivers State, there is no government.
Political instability could result from the governor’s prolonged tenure in power, Okocha added. He is sitting on a keg of gunpowder already, and he will blow up with a tiny spark. Therefore, let him quit with honor,” he cautioned. Impeachment threat: Okocha is told by Emeka’s APC that you are an outlaw. On the other hand, Okocha has been assailed by the rival group of the party loyal to the former governor, Rotimi Amaechi, led by Chief Bekee. They claim that the APC executive committee he is standing on has since been dissolved for holding the election that made him chairman in violation of a court order.
Okocha claimed that Fubara had held council elections in violation of a federal high court ruling, but the Beke-led APC elected exco’s publicity secretary, Darlington Nwauju, reminded Okocha that he was also breaking the law. He said that although the court had declared Okocha’s caretaker committee (CTC) invalid, he continued to operate without a legitimate counter-court order. He claimed that the high court in Port Harcourt had ordered the APC to cancel the congress that had brought Okocha in, but that Okocha had succeeded in holding the congress with the help of a powerful man and had become the state chairman in opposition to a state executive council that had been recognized by the court.
According to him, Okocha has persisted in ruling and serving outside the law notwithstanding the high court’s scrutiny of the activities and nullification of the state executive he established for disobeying the court’s order. “Recall that part of the grounds which the Supreme Court latched on to sustain the FHC judgment which nullified the local government elections in Rivers State was that elections went ahead despite the court’s judgment stopping the process,” Nwauju wrote in a WhatsApp message to reporters in response to Okocha’s demand that Fubara step down immediately or face impeachment.
We now ask why Tony Okocha, who continues to pose as the APC chairman in Rivers notwithstanding the court’s ruling, should be the one lecturing about misuse of or disregard for the legal system if we are not a people in Rivers State experiencing collective amnesia. “What kind of doctor treats patients while experiencing a medical emergency? In terms of Rivers State’s political history, individuals like as Tony Okocha are conflict entrepreneurs, and future generations will never forget the despicable roles he is playing in undermining democracy and the rule of law in the state.Rivers crisis: APC factions at war over threat to impeach Fubara
Nwauju attacked Fubara, saying Okocha couldn’t explain why he had been at the NDDC since his “unfortunate” appointment. In order to conceal his blind stray into the NDDC, he methodically uses reverse psychology to blind the Rivers people. Rivers residents are urged by Fubara to not give up. Knowing that God does not initiate a project by enthroning his administration and then allow it to be cut short midway through the journey, the governor encouraged his supporters and the Rivers people to remain optimistic despite the current turn of events.
Fubara gave remarks yesterday at the opening of the Palace of Nyeweali Akpor Kingdom and the state’s splendid living quarters for King Eze Levi Amos Oriebe, which were constructed and supplied by his government at Ozuoba, in the Obi/Akpor Local Government Area. “I want to say to our throngs of supporters, I know some of you are in a good mood, and some of you are in a bad mood,” the governor stated. However, I want to reassure you of one crucial reality about life: God never begins something and then stops it midway.
“Regardless of the circumstances that may arise today, I promise that we will emerge stronger and more resilient. Keep walking in my footsteps; they will always be the road of peace. We are the biggest losers in the event of an incident, thus we need it. “The overall well-being of Rivers State is what drives our concern for this state, not our personal financial gain. I therefore urge everyone to abide by the law. I will not support any violent or disobedient behavior. However, that does not imply that we shall condone wickedness. We will never condone evil.
According to Fubara, his administration is committed to good governance and would keep its word to consistently execute development initiatives that have an impact on people. “We will continue to provide programs and projects that have an impact on our people’s hearts, souls, and spirits. And we will not break the pledge we made to the decent people of Rivers State, regardless of the circumstances surrounding our predicament,” he declared.
Considering that this was the first palace built for the Akpor Kingdom in more than 200 years, Fubara viewed the project as significant. The Royal Father added, “The Akpor Kingdom operated without a palace for more than 200 years that it has existed, and I was so moved by his words that I shed a few tears.” “God, however, is error-free. Perhaps He sent it to our government to complete so that Akpor Kingdom would live on in history for all time.
Knowing full well that the palace belongs to everyone, we not only constructed the palace but also gave the Nyeweali a private dwelling. However, his family will undoubtedly not be present when his term ends or when nature calls. “So, what happens to the family when they live in such a lovely, lovely place? He needs a place, and we must offer it. Please take note that we did not finish this project by merely constructing the palace; instead, we went one step further and gave the Eze his own home so that he may leave with the same level of comfort that he currently enjoys.
Lawmakers reject a meeting at Government House, and Fubara’s attempt at peace fails. Yesterday’s anticipated peace meeting called by Governor Fubara was unable to take place. The lawmakers who were invited to the meeting then declined to attend. In a letter sent by Secretary to the State Government Dr. Tammy Danagogo, the governor invited Amaewhule, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, and the other 26 lawmakers to a peace meeting yesterday at Government House.
The Assembly’s 2025 budget presentation, legislators’ allowance payments, the assembly’s seating arrangement, and other matters were at the top of the agenda. However, it was determined that the MPs’ failure to appear prevented the meeting scheduled for 10 a.m. at Government House in Port Harcourt from taking place. However, it was previously reported that the politicians had declined the government’s invitation, citing improper handling and merely social media posting.
According to a social media video, one of the invitees—allegedly Lolo Isaiah Opuende, the member of the Rivers State House of Assembly representing Akuku-Toru Constituency II—said that the MPs would not accept the invitation. It’s time for us to “dey our dey,” he declared. Our principal stated when “Dey your Dey started” that the moment will arrive, and it has. “How can you expect us to come after writing a letter and sharing it on social media? We’re not children, no. All the governor needs to do is write the Assembly properly.
Other reports, however, said that the government, which invited the parliamentarians to the conference, was not prepared. The sources questioned why the governor would have a project commissioning nearly at the same time as setting up a meeting at 10 a.m. Assembly issues an arrest warrant for Enebeli, the chairman of the RSIEC, and four other people. After the Assembly gave them a 72-hour ultimatum to appear before it today, the arrest warrant was issued. The deadline of 48 hours ended last Friday.
During plenary on Monday, the House, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, unanimously approved the arrest warrant for retired Justice Enebeli and four of his commissioners. Ibiemebo Thompson, the RSIEC commissioner in charge of Transport, Logistics, and Stores, resigned from the commission earlier on Monday, citing the Supreme Court’s recent decision to declare the October 5, 2024, council elections void.
Two other commissioners, Lazberry Nnah and Prof. Simeon Weli, had resigned last week for the same reason—a Supreme Court ruling—prior to this development. Since Justice Enebeli, the commission’s chairman, has not yet stated that he intends to accept the invitation, it is unclear what will happen next.
Citing a Supreme Court ruling, another RSIEC commissioner steps down. “I write to formally resign my appointment as a member of RSIEC in charge of Transport, Logistics, and Stores,” Thompson stated in the resignation letter, which was sent to the RSIEC chairman on March 9, 2025.The Supreme Court’s recent ruling, which revoked the Rivers State council elections held on October 5, 2024, and the events that followed within the state, made this decision necessary.
“I am still incredibly appreciative of the chance to serve, as well as the worthwhile experiences and knowledge I acquired while I was there. “I wish the commission all the best,” the letter of resignation said. Ada-George to Fubara/Amaewhule: Put an end to all threats, demands, and divisive remarks
Rufus Ada-George, the previous governor, reminded the political gladiators in the crisis “of the rich history and the remarkable progress made over the years in our state,” expressing a deep sense of duty and devotion to the peace and well-being of the state. We seem to be drifting far out into the ocean at the moment. However, we must continue to strive for greater advancements and harmonious coexistence.
In light of the Supreme Court’s ruling and obviously heated political statement, the former governor declared, “I declare that peace is our top priority.” To prevent raising the fever pitch tension, I urge all sides to immediately cease making any threats, provocative remarks, or ultimatums and to use restraint while speaking. He urged everyone to “draw lessons from history, particularly from the then 1962 Western Regional Crisis as recently emphasized by one prominent citizen of that area,” when speaking to reporters in Port Harcourt yesterday.
Such preventable crises might have far-reaching effects on the entire country, not just Rivers State, if they are not handled equitably and quickly. We can’t afford to get into another crisis like this. “Even if the Supreme Court has handed down its decision, sensible and compassionate choices can still be made. These can lessen the negative effects of the decision on the populace.
Due to the significant withholding of monthly appropriations to the state, the number of flash lights is already growing daily. Anger and the final product are clearly seen on the faces of the average street person. We must always foster a mindset of compromise as a people. Compromise has been shown to be an effective strategy for settling disputes and promoting peace, even in the most hostile and war-torn areas.
In light of this, I think it is essential that all past governors and their deputies band together and speak out in favor of Rivers State, which I think they all adore. “It’s time for us to come together as one cohesive, united people in our quest for peace and prosperity,” he said, urging all 32 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to put the welfare of the state above their own and their respective sections’ interests.
A group gives Fubara seven days’ notice to sue Amaewhule and twenty-six other politicians for perjury. For lying under oath that they never switched from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Awaewhule and the other 26 lawmakers have been given a seven-day notice to file a lawsuit against Fubara. The governor was given seven days to bring charges against the lawmakers in a letter from Mr. Chizy Enyi, President General of the Initiative for Transparent Strategy and Good Leadership, a non-governmental organization.
“I give you a seven-day pre-action notice to prosecute the underlisted individuals who are Rivers State House of Assembly officials who committed perjury by lying under oath.” Enyi gave the governor his word that all the records pertaining to the crime’s commission, including the date, time, and location, “are hereby attached to enable you to prove your case beyond reasonable doubt.”CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
