A coalition of civil society organisations, media professionals, and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday stormed the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, demanding urgent intervention by the National Assembly in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
The group called on federal lawmakers to invoke Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers the National Assembly to take over the functions of a state House of Assembly in cases of legislative breakdown.
The protesters alleged that the Rivers State House of Assembly had lost credibility and legitimacy, accusing it of being used as a tool for political vendetta. They described the impeachment move against Governor Siminalayi Fubara as a reckless abuse of power and a serious threat to democratic governance.
The coalition claimed that no evidence had been presented to justify the impeachment process, insisting that allegations of gross misconduct against the governor were politically motivated. They further accused the assembly of procedural irregularities, disregard for court orders, and actions capable of destabilising governance in the state.
The group also alleged that 27 lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had received financial inducements, including constituency funds, luxury vehicles, and advance salary payments, which they claimed were linked to efforts to remove the governor.
During the protest, the coalition praised the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, for declining requests to constitute a probe panel, describing his decision as a bold stand in defence of the rule of law.
The protesters vowed to sustain their actions until the National Assembly intervenes, calling on Nigerians to mobilise peacefully to resist what they described as legislative anarchy. They reaffirmed their support for Governor Fubara and their commitment to upholding constitutional order in Rivers State.
Prominent figures present at the protest included Comrade Ifeanyi Okorie, Convener of the Civil Society Coalition; Dr Maryann Douglas, Director of Programmes; Collins Akpofure, Media Professionals Chairman; Ibrahim Danjuma, APC National Leader; and Elder Akpan Ekpeyong, APC National Secretary.
