# Tags

RIVERS STATE ADMINSTRATION SUMMONS SUSPENDED GOVERNOR FUBARA FOR INQUIRY

The Rivers State Administration has summoned suspended Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Dr. Ngozi Ordu, to appear before Sole Administrator Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas for an inquiry into appointments made during their tenure. The inquiry, scheduled for Friday, April 18, 2025, at 10:00 am, will take place in the Conference Room of the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt. In a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, the inquiry aims to investigate the appointments made under Fubara’s administration over the past two years. Fubara is expected to present all relevant documents and records pertaining to the appointments, including justifications and procedures followed during his tenure. Prof. Worika stated that attendance is mandatory. The session will also provide Fubara with an opportunity to explain why he believes he should be reinstated to office. Worika emphasized that this process forms part of the Sole Administrator’s efforts to restore transparency and accountability and lasting peace in the governance of Rivers State. Worika further noted that both parties are expected to appear in person, as the administration seeks to bring clarity to the governance of the state.

11 PDP GOVERNORS CHALLENGE PRESIDENT TINUBU’S EMERGENCY RULE IN RIVERS STATE

Eleven governors from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have approached the Supreme Court to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend elected officials and impose emergency rule in Rivers State. The governors argue that the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the State Assembly on March 18, 2025, which led to the appointment of retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator, is unconstitutional. The states involved in the suit include Adamawa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Delta, Taraba, Zamfara, and Bayelsa. The governors are seeking a ruling from the court on whether the President has the legal authority to interfere in state governance under the pretext of an emergency. The suit, filed by the Attorneys General of the respective states, references several constitutional provisions and questions the legality and implications of the President’s actions on federalism. The governors contend that President Tinubu’s decision violates the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and undermines the principles of federalism. The controversy began when President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing prolonged political instability. The declaration led to the suspension of Fubara’s government and the appointment of Ibok-Ete Ibas as administrator, marking the first military-led administration in Rivers State since 1999. The case is expected to have significant implications for Nigeria’s federal system and the relationship between the federal government and states. The Supreme Court’s ruling will determine whether the President’s actions are constitutional and whether the emergency rule in Rivers State can continue.

FORMER RIVERS STATE GOVERNOR AMAECHI CLAIMS CRISIS IN RIVERS IS ABOUT MONEY SHARING

Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has alleged that the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State is centered around the sharing of money. In an interview with DW on Saturday, Amaechi stated that the conflict between suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, stems from disputes over the allocation of funds from the oil-rich state. Amaechi questioned the nature of the disagreement, asking why the two leaders have not publicly explained the root of their feud. “The fight between the current governor of Rivers State and the FCT minister is about sharing money. If not, what is the quarrel? Nigerians don’t dislike corruption anymore. I’ve not seen anybody on the street questioning what the problem is. Can both of them speak to the public and tell us what the problem is about?” he said. The former governor also criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as unconstitutional. His remarks come amid heightened tensions in the state, with political factions clashing over control of governance and resources. Amaechi’s comments highlight growing concerns over transparency and accountability in the management of Rivers State’s finances, as the political standoff continues to escalate.

GOVERNOR DIRI URGES DIALOGUE IN RIVERS CRISIS, CALLS FOR RECONCILIATION COMMITTEE

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has called for peaceful dialogue to resolve the political crisis in Rivers State, urging President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to establish a reconciliation committee instead of declaring a state of emergency. Chief Press Secretary Daniel Alabrah confirmed the governor’s position in a statement released after Wednesday’s Emergency Stakeholders’ Congress of the Ijaw National Congress in Yenagoa. Alabrah reported that Governor Diri emphasized the Ijaw nation’s commitment to national unity while advocating for constitutional solutions to the Rivers crisis. “This is the time for dialogue because it is a lose-lose situation for Rivers State,” Alabrah quoted the governor as saying. “I urge Mr. President and the National Assembly to waste no time in inaugurating a committee of eminent personalities to restore peace.” The governor’s appeal came during a gathering of prominent Ijaw leaders, including Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, traditional rulers, and former Rivers State officials. Alabrah noted that INC President Professor Benjamin Okaba supported Governor Diri’s stance, describing emergency rule as “an assault on democratic governance.” Alabrah highlighted the governor’s warning against actions that might escalate tensions, while affirming the Ijaw people’s right to defend their dignity. Rights activist Annkio Briggs, in her keynote address, commended the unity shown in supporting Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, urging the current generation to uphold the legacy of Ijaw forebears. The meeting concluded with unanimous support for Governor Diri’s peace initiative, with Alabrah confirming the governor has formally communicated his recommendations to federal authorities. The statement emphasized the need to respect the constitutional rights of all parties involved in the Rivers crisis.

TINUBU’S STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE CONDEMNED BY PDP CHIEFTAIN

The Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee in Ekiti State, Hon. Dare Adeleke, has strongly condemned the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State. In a statement, Adeleke described the president’s pronouncement as illegal, warning that it could tear the country apart and plunge Nigeria into anarchy. In a statement, the Chairman of the PDP Ekiti Caretaker Committee, Hon. Dare Adeleke, said: “It is shocking that President Tinubu has embarked on a mission to weaken Nigeria’s democracy and destroy the very fabric on which it stands.” Adeleke stated that Tinubu’s actions are a desperate bid to seize Rivers State ahead of 2027, hand in hand with his loyalist, Nyesom Wike. Adeleke noted that Tinubu has blatantly ignored the 1999 Constitution by appointing a retired military officer, Admiral Ibokette Ibas, to govern Rivers State after suspending the governor and the state’s National Assembly under the guise of protecting national interests. “The president, who swore to protect democracy and the people, has embarked on a reckless mission that could tear the country apart and push it into anarchy,” Adeleke said. Dare Adeleke also condemned Wike’s role in the crisis, describing him as a traitor to his party, the PDP, who is shamelessly oppressing his own people. “All because he wants to play godfather, continue ruling Rivers by proxy, and continue to exploit its resources,” Adeleke added. Adeleke called on the judiciary to restore Nigerians’ trust in the institution and to put President Tinubu in check. He also urged the National Assembly to refuse to be complicit in this “disgraceful abuse of power” and called on the international community to intervene.

RIVERS STATE GOVERNOR ACCUSED OF INCITING MILITANT ACTIVITY

The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, has made a startling allegation against Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State. Fagbemi claims that the governor effectively encouraged militant groups to vandalize pipelines in the state. Fagbemi’s assertion is based on a statement allegedly made by Governor Fubara, in which he hinted at a future call to action for the militants. According to Fagbemi, this statement was effectively a telegraphed message to the militants, which they subsequently acted upon. The AGF emphasized the gravity of this situation, given Nigeria’s heavy reliance on oil. “Any attack on our pipelines is not just an attack on Rivers State, but on the entire nation,” Fagbemi said. Fagbemi defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the Supreme Court’s judgment as the basis for this action. The AGF argued that Governor Fubara and the state house of assembly had failed to maintain a stable environment for governance, necessitating their suspension. Fagbemi dismissed criticisms that the president’s action was premature, pointing out that the situation in Rivers State had become increasingly dire. “People are living in fear, and lives are being lost. This is an extraordinary situation that demands extraordinary measures,” Fagbemi said. The AGF noted that the National Assembly has the power to reverse the suspensions, but this would require a two-thirds majority vote. Fagbemi also suggested that the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State serves as a warning to other states, indicating that the government will take decisive action to maintain order and protect critical infrastructure.

AMAECHI CONDEMNS TINUBU’S SUSPENSION OF RIVERS STATE OFFICIALS AS UNDEMOCRATIC AND UNCONSTITUTIONAL

Former Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s suspension of the Governor of Rivers State, the Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Amaechi described the move as “brazen and unilaterally reckless” and a clear violation of the Nigerian Constitution. According to Amaechi, Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution clearly stipulates how a State Governor can be removed from office, and it does not include a fiat declaration, decree, or promulgation by the President. “A democratically elected State Governor cannot be removed from office by a proclamation of Mr. President,” Amaechi emphasized. Amaechi also expressed concern that the suspension of the two key democratically elected arms of Government in Rivers State by the President is an attempt to grab power by forces and persons who do not have such Constitutional powers. He urged all people of goodwill and conscience to rise to oppose this violation of the Constitution and rape of democracy. Furthermore, Amaechi called on politicians across divides to speak up and rise to halt the nation’s descent into totalitarianism. He also urged State Governors and Legislators to speak up now and commended those who have already spoken against the unlawful suspension. “The suspension is a very dangerous affront on Nigeria’s Constitution and democracy,” Amaechi warned ¹.

GOVERNOR FUBARA AND FAMILY HELD HOSTAGE AS TINUBU DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS

Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his family are reportedly being held hostage at the Government House in Port Harcourt by heavily armed soldiers following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The dramatic development occurred Tuesday night after the president invoked Section 180 of the Nigerian Constitution, citing a prolonged and escalating political feud in the state. The crisis stems from a bitter fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who orchestrated Fubara’s election in 2023 despite corruption allegations. Lawmakers loyal to Wike initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara last week, prompting the president’s intervention. Shortly after Tinubu’s announcement, soldiers barricaded all entrances and exits to the Government House, preventing Fubara and his family from leaving. “We are being held hostage,” an official at the scene said Tuesday night. “They said they don’t have instructions to let anyone leave the premises.” The soldiers also reportedly suppressed all movements around the Government House, refusing to allow the governor and his family to pack their belongings. It remains unclear whether the soldiers acted strictly on presidential orders or exceeded their mandate. Spokespersons for the Nigerian Army and Defence Headquarters have not yet commented on the situation. President Tinubu’s decision to suspend the feuding parties for six months, effective immediately, has sparked widespread controversy. Social media platforms are ablaze with debates over the constitutionality of suspending an elected governor who has not been formally impeached by state lawmakers. The impeachment process against Fubara began on Monday, just 24 hours before the president’s emergency declaration. Legal experts, including Inibehe Effiong and Folarin ‘Falz’ Falana, have criticized Tinubu’s actions, accusing him of disregarding constitutional provisions. “The president has taken the law into his own hands,” Effiong stated, echoing the sentiments of many who view the move as an overreach of executive power. In the interim, President Tinubu has appointed retired Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, as the military administrator of Rivers State. The situation remains tense as residents and political observers await further developments in the unfolding crisis.

RIVERS STATE GOVERNOR FUBARA CALLS FOR CALM AMID STATE OF EMERGENCY

Rivers State Governor Siminilayi Fubara has urged residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state. In a statement released on Tuesday, Fubara reiterated his commitment to constitutional governance and the well-being of Rivers residents, despite the ongoing political crisis. “Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else,” Fubara said. He emphasized that his administration has implemented peace agreements brokered by the presidency, including reinstating resigned commissioners and complying with the Supreme Court’s judgment to restore normalcy. However, Fubara accused the Rivers State House of Assembly of frustrating his efforts to achieve lasting peace. Despite the political tensions, he noted that his government has continued to prioritize security, infrastructure development, and prompt salary payments for civil servants. “The state remains safe, secure, and peaceful under my watch. Rivers people have always been resilient, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process,” Fubara added. President Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency comes after prolonged political turmoil in Rivers, which saw impeachment attempts against Fubara. Following the declaration, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the Sole Administrator of the state, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the Rivers State House of Assembly.

RIVERS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY SERVES GOVERNOR FUBARA AND DEPUTY IMPEACHMENT NOTICE

The Rivers State House of Assembly has taken a significant step towards impeaching Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, over allegations of gross misconduct. The lawmakers, who justified their actions based on the Nigerian Constitution, specifically cited Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other extant laws. According to a notice, the lawmakers accused the deputy governor of gross misconduct in the performance of her duties. A separate notice was also tabled for debate, accusing Governor Fubara of gross misconduct, particularly in the spending of public funds contrary to sections 120, 121, and 122 of the constitution. The notices, dated March 14, 2024, were tabled before the speaker on Monday, March 17, 2025, for debate. If the impeachment notices are successfully served and adopted, Speaker Amaewhule would be sworn in as the next governor, marking a significant shift in the state’s power dynamics. The move by the lawmakers is seen as a major development in the ongoing rift between the legislative and executive arms of government in Rivers State.