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 protesters urged federal lawmakers to invoke Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers the National Assembly to assume the functions of a state assembly in the event of a legislative breakdown.
They alleged that the Rivers State House of Assembly had lost all credibility and legitimacy, accusing it of acting as a tool for political vendetta.
“The Rivers State House of Assembly has lost all credibility due to persistent abuse of legislative powers and a desperate impeachment plot,” the APC Leaders Forum stated.
The coalition described the attempted impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara as a “reckless abuse of power” and a grave threat to democracy.
“This is no longer oversight, it’s a vendetta to destabilise governance. Silence now is complicity!” said Chief Eze Chukwuemeka, spokesperson of the APC Leaders Forum.
Speaking at the protest, Comrade Blessing Ibama, coordinator of the civil society bloc, said no evidence had been presented to justify impeachment proceedings.
“No shred of evidence shows gross misconduct by Governor Fubara; the allegations are pure political fiction,” Ibama said.
He accused the assembly of procedural lawlessness and disregard for court orders, insisting it had become “unfit for duty.”
The group alleged that the 27 lawmakers loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, led by Martins Amaewhule, had received millions in constituency funds, luxury SUVs, and an advance of one year’s salary.
They claimed the financial incentives were linked to attempts to oust the governor.
The protesters praised Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, for rejecting requests to set up a probe panel, describing his stance as a “bold defence of the rule of law.”
“Governor Fubara has shown prudence for our people, Rivers won’t be a sacrificial lamb to political desperation,” Ibama added.
The coalition vowed to continue protesting until the National Assembly intervenes.
“We call on Nigerians to mobilise peacefully at the National Assembly and crush this legislative anarchy,” the statement read.
They pledged continued support for Governor Fubara and reaffirmed their commitment to defending constitutional order in Rivers State.
Those present at the protest included Comrade Ifeanyi Okorie, Convener, 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.