Civil society organisations, media professionals, and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday staged a protest at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, calling for urgent intervention by the National Assembly in the political situation unfolding in Rivers State.
The protesters urged federal lawmakers to invoke Section 11(4) of the Constitution to assume the functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which they claimed has suffered a loss of credibility and legitimacy amid ongoing disputes and impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Speakers at the rally criticised the impeachment efforts, describing them as an abuse of legislative authority capable of undermining democratic governance in the state. Chief Eze Chukwuemeka, spokesperson for the APC Leaders Forum, said the development had moved beyond legislative oversight into what he called a destabilising political struggle.
The group commended the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, for declining requests to constitute a probe panel, describing the decision as supportive of due process. Civil society representatives also argued that the allegations against the governor did not meet the constitutional threshold for impeachment and accused some lawmakers of disregarding court orders.
The protesters alleged that 27 lawmakers aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and led by Martins Amaewhule, were central to the crisis. They further claimed misuse of public funds by some legislators, though no independent verification of the allegations was presented at the rally.
Participants said they would continue peaceful demonstrations until the National Assembly takes action, while calling on Nigerians to support lawful measures aimed at restoring stability in the state. They also reiterated their support for Governor Fubara, describing his administration as focused on the welfare of Rivers residents.
The protest drew participants from several civil society groups and APC stakeholders, including Comrade Ifeanyi Okorie, Dr. Maryann Douglas, Mr. Collins Akpofure, Engr. Ibrahim Danjuma, and Elder Akpan Ekpeyong, among others.
