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APC Stakeholders Demand National Assembly Intervention Amid Rivers State Political Turmoil
On Friday, members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gathered at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja to protest the escalating political unrest in Rivers State. The demonstrators called on the National Assembly to invoke Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, urging federal lawmakers to assume control over the Rivers State House of Assembly’s responsibilities due to its alleged dysfunction.
Calls for Federal Oversight Over Rivers State Legislature
The protesters, comprising civil society activists, media representatives, and party officials, argued that the Rivers State House of Assembly has lost both its moral authority and constitutional legitimacy to govern effectively. They accused the assembly of deviating from democratic principles, transforming legislative oversight into a mechanism for political vendettas rather than governance.
Impeachment Plot Against Governor Fubara Sparks Outcry
Central to the protest was the contentious impeachment attempt targeting Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The APC group condemned the move as reckless, unconstitutional, and a threat to the stability of governance in the oil-rich state. They described the assembly’s actions as a “complete erosion of credibility and legitimacy,” especially in light of recent political developments.
APC Leaders Accuse Lawmakers of Personal Agendas
Representing the APC Leaders Forum, Eze Chukwuemeka criticized the Rivers lawmakers for prioritizing personal interests over the welfare of the state’s citizens. He cautioned that the National Assembly’s inaction could further undermine Nigeria’s democratic institutions. “This is no longer about oversight; it’s a vendetta aimed at destabilizing governance. Remaining silent now equates to complicity,” Chukwuemeka asserted.
Civil Society Rejects Misconduct Allegations Against Governor
Comrade Blessing Ibama, coordinator of a prominent civil society organization, addressed the media to refute claims of wrongdoing by Governor Fubara. She emphasized that no credible evidence supports accusations of gross misconduct, labeling the allegations as politically motivated fabrications.
Allegations of Corruption and External Influence in Assembly Crisis
The protesters implicated 27 lawmakers, reportedly aligned with the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, in orchestrating the political crisis. Led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, these legislators are accused of receiving substantial financial inducements, including millions of naira for constituency projects, luxury vehicles, and advance payment of a year’s salary.
Urgent Need for Resolution to Prevent Further Destabilization
Warning of potential escalation, the APC stakeholders pledged to maintain pressure on the National Assembly until decisive action is taken to restore order and uphold democratic governance in Rivers State. They stressed that without intervention, the political instability could deepen, threatening the state’s development and Nigeria’s broader democratic framework.
As of 2024, Nigeria continues to grapple with regional political conflicts that challenge institutional integrity. The situation in Rivers State exemplifies the urgent need for transparent governance and adherence to constitutional provisions to safeguard democracy.
