Former Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), representing Abia South, has emphasized that the National Assembly must approve any state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, as required by the Constitution.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, Abaribe was asked about the role of the National Assembly in the process.

He responded, “Well, I think the Constitution says very clearly that the National Assembly will have to approve it. And then, of course, if there’s any other regulation that needs to be made or anything else in line with the Constitution, that is what we will have to address in the National Assembly.”

When asked to explain the procedure, he said, “Well, the process will be that tomorrow, the Senate President and the Speaker will read the political commission and words.”

Addressing whether the process would require a joint sitting of both legislative chambers, Abaribe clarified, “I don’t think so. Joint sittings are usually held only when we have to receive the budget. So, I think the deliberations will take place separately, and we will see what happens. Eventually, we must reach a consensus. No one wants a situation where there is anarchy in the country. Nobody wants that.”

Reflecting on the situation, Abaribe admitted that he did not anticipate such a move. “I didn’t see it coming. I thought there was still a window to fix things—a window for a political settlement. But well, it has happened. We have to deal with it.”

The Rivers State Government has expressed shock over President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara while allowing Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to remain in office, despite allegations that he has been the key figure behind the state’s political crisis.

In a statement issued by the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, the government described the decision as unjust, stressing that Governor Fubara has remained committed to constitutional order, peace, and good governance despite the political turbulence in the state.

Johnson noted that since assuming office, Fubara has prioritized the protection of lives and property while ensuring the continuous development of Rivers State.

He emphasized that, even amid political instability, the governor upheld his constitutional responsibilities, always putting the interests of the people above personal or political considerations.

Following President Tinubu’s intervention in the crisis, the Rivers State Government implemented the agreed terms in good faith, including reinstating commissioners who had previously resigned.

Additionally, Johnson pointed out that the government promptly complied with the Supreme Court’s ruling upon receiving the certified true copy of the judgment, reinforcing its commitment to legal and democratic principles.

Despite these efforts, the commissioner lamented that lawmakers loyal to Wike, the immediate past governor of the state, have continued to obstruct peace and stability.

Expressing his disbelief at the turn of events, he stated, “It is shocking that Mr. President sacked the governor and left his minister, who is the principal actor.”

Reassuring the people of Rivers State, Johnson emphasized that governance remains effective despite the ongoing political crisis.

He confirmed that salaries have been paid, developmental projects are progressing, and the state remains secure.

At this critical time, the government urged Rivers residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding while reaffirming its commitment to working with relevant institutions to uphold democracy and ensure the state’s continued growth.

“We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process,” Johnson added.

The Rivers State Government reiterated its commitment to prioritizing the well-being and prosperity of its people as it navigates the evolving political situation.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has responded to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, emphasizing that despite political disagreements, governance in the state remains uninterrupted.

He assured residents that salaries are being paid, development projects are ongoing, and the state remains peaceful and secure under his leadership.

Apparently addressing concerns over the necessity of the emergency declaration, the governor urged citizens to remain law-abiding while affirming his commitment to engaging relevant institutions to uphold democracy and ensure the state’s continued progress.

In a statement personally signed by him, Fubara highlighted the resilience of Rivers people and expressed confidence in their ability to navigate the situation with patience, wisdom, and faith in democratic processes.

He reiterated that his administration prioritizes security and the well-being of the people.

Press statement by suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara on the state of emergency declared in Rivers State:

“My dear Rivers People,

I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history.

Since assuming office as your Governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.

We prioritized the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear State.

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.

This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition.

Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy.

These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear State.

Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult.

Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.

Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch.

At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.

We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.

God bless Rivers State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS”

Two members of the House of Representatives have resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers, Adamu Tanko of Suleja, Gurara, and Tafa Federal Constituency in Niger State, and Jallo Husseini Mohammed of Igabi Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, formally announced their defection through a letter read on the House floor by Speaker Dr. Tajudeen Abbas.

In their letter, the lawmakers attributed their decision to internal crises within the PDP, stating that their political beliefs now align more with the APC.

Their defection adds to the growing number of lawmakers who have switched parties in the 10th House of Representatives, with over ten members leaving their original platforms to join the ruling APC since the House was inaugurated.

The Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Eke Ward, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, has petitioned the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Abdulahi Ganduje, over what they described as the illegal and unilateral dissolution of their ward executive by the embattled state chairman, Barr. Ugochukwu Agballa.

The petitioners urged the party’s national leadership to prevent what they termed a blatant violation of the APC Constitution.

The petition was signed by key ward officials, including Chairman Chibuzo Onyeama, Vice Chairman Ikechukwu Okafor, Secretary Ezi Ebere, Youth Leader Chidi Eneh, Publicity Secretary Onyeka Nnedu, Legal Adviser Ifeanyi Okeh, Deputy Women Leader Joy Ogbonna, and 20 other executive members.

“We, the undersigned members of the Executive of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Eke Ward in Udi LGA of Enugu State, wish to bring to your attention the alarming attempt by the state chairman, Barr. Ugochukwu Agballa, to destabilise and undermine the strong structure and presence of the APC in Eke Ward.”

The petition, also addressed to Chief Emma Eneukwu, APC Deputy Chairman (South), and the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, alleged that Agballa unilaterally announced the dissolution of their legitimately constituted executive.

“On Tuesday, 25th February 2025, some members of the APC, including Mr. Stanley Nebo, Dr. Anthony Nebo, and Mr. Jude Offu, came to our ward, Eke, at the behest of Agballa, to inaugurate Mr. Remigius Aniagba, a member of the PDP/Labour Party who has yet to join the APC, as the new Chairman of APC Eke Ward, claiming that Agballa has dissolved our legitimate Exco.”

They maintained that the APC Constitution does not empower a state chairman to unilaterally dissolve an existing ward executive, replace it with a new one, or appoint an outsider as chairman.

They also accused Agballa of engaging in anti-party activities.

The petitioners called on the National Chairman to urgently address the issue, noting that Agballa had been involved in similar disruptions in other wards across the state.

According to them, “During the gubernatorial and state assembly elections in 2023, APC won in only five wards in Enugu State: Eke Ward in Udi LGA, Ngwo Uno Ward in Udi LGA, Umuna Ward in Igbo-Etiti LGA, and Nimbo 1 and Nimbo 2 Wards in Uzo Uwani LGA.”

“We achieved this success through unity, determination, and commitment to the ideals of the APC, even in the face of the Obidient movement and the PDP’s influence in Enugu State. It should be noted that Barr. Agballa did not secure a win in his polling unit, much less his ward, Udi Agbudu, in any of the 2023 elections.”

“Rather than helping us strengthen our presence and focusing on building functional ward executives in the 260 wards of Enugu State, where APC lacks active leadership in over 15, Agballa seems determined to destabilise and dismantle our stronghold in Eke Ward, seemingly to drag us down to the level of his ward, Udi Agbudu, where the APC is unsuccessful. He once said to our chairman, Chibuzo Onyeama, ‘You people are boasting because you win elections; I will dissolve your Exco and form a new one.’”

Expressing disappointment, the petitioners also called out Dr. Anthony Nebo, the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University, Ndufu Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State, for participating in what they termed an illegal exercise.

“What is particularly disheartening is that a respected elder in our party, Dr. Anthony Nebo, Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University, Ndufu Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State, allowed himself to be employed in this blatant illegality. It is baffling that Dr. Nebo, given his status and age, would condescend to Eke to facilitate the dissolution of a functional and industrious executive and to inaugurate a non-member of the APC, who has already been rejected by the PDP and Labour Party, as chairman. We strongly feel such actions are beneath him.”

“We cannot work under an imposed non-member as our chairman unless he joins our party and subsequently emerges through the proper congress.”

Reaffirming their loyalty to the party’s leadership in Enugu State, the petitioners urged swift intervention to prevent Agballa from further undermining the APC’s presence in the state.

“We wish to take this opportunity to express and reaffirm our unwavering support and loyalty to Chief Uche Nnaji Nwakibie, the leader of the party in Enugu State, and Chief Emma Eneukwu, OFR, the Deputy National Chairman of APC (South). We humbly implore them to intervene before Barr. Ugochukwu Agballa completely undermines our cherished party, the APC, in Enugu State,” they concluded.

President Bola Tinubu has withdrawn the appointments of two Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and has submitted a revised list of nominees to the Senate for confirmation.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, during Tuesday’s plenary, read a letter from Tinubu announcing the withdrawal of Mohammad Ngoshe, representing Borno State, and Owede Kosioma Eli, representing Bayelsa State.

The two individuals were initially nominated in a letter sent to the Senate on March 12.

However, in the revised list, Tinubu reappointed Umar Mukhtar as the REC for Borno State while nominating Johnson Alalibo Silnikiem for Bayelsa State.

Other nominees, including Umar Yusuf Garba (Kano), Saad Umar (Bauchi), and Chukwuemeka Ibeziako (Anambra), remain unchanged.

Explaining the revision, Tinubu stated that the changes were necessary following his decision to approve a second term for the Borno State commissioner.

“In compliance with the provisions of section 154(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I am pleased to forward for Senate confirmation the appointment of the following five nominees as Resident Electoral Commissioners in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),” the letter states.

“The distinguished Senate is invited to note that this letter, which supersedes my earlier one referenced presidency134/2 dated 12 March, is necessitated by my consideration and approval of the commissioner from Borno State for reappointment for a second term.”

The president urged the Senate to approve the revised nominations “in the usual expeditious manner.”

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State are intensifying efforts to remove Honourable Gabriel Dewan, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, who is the only member of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) in the House.

The party is urging its 22 members in the Assembly to take over the leadership.

The situation arose following the 2023 Appeal Court ruling that nullified the elections of 22 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers, declaring APC candidates as the rightful winners.

This decision left Dewan, who had assumed the speakership after the PDP seats were vacated, in charge even after the APC members were inaugurated.

The development has sparked controversy, with APC leaders arguing that it is undemocratic for a party with only one representative to preside over a House where APC holds an overwhelming majority.

Speaking on the matter, APC state chairman Honourable Rufus Bature described the situation as an anomaly, stating, “In a democracy, the majority will always have their way, the minority their say. But if by the numerical strength of the House, the APC has 22 members, YPP one, and the Labour Party one, and the YPP member is the one presiding over the affairs of the House, it is undemocratic. All they need to do is move for a motion to change the leadership.

“It is either the Speaker is asked to resign or be voted out at the plenary. The party is not instigating disorder or a violent removal, but that is the practice everywhere; Plateau State cannot be an exception.”

Bature further noted that the zoning arrangement in the state had been disrupted, as both the Speaker and the Governor now hail from the same senatorial district—something he said had not happened before.

Reacting to the calls for leadership change, the chairman of the House Committee on Information, Honourable Matthew Kwarpo, acknowledged the APC’s position but urged patience.

“It was a clarion call from the Plateau State APC chairman, Honourable Rufus Bature. He argued that the Speaker should come from the majority party in the House. Currently, the Speaker is from the YPP, a minority party,” Kwarpo stated.

He explained that discussions were ongoing at the party level, with input from the PDP and YPP, emphasizing that the current leadership structure was a result of court judgments.

“As a House, we will remain coordinated and patient. At the right time, I know the APC will take charge of the leadership. Yesterday, during his birthday, the governor appealed for calm. There was a lot of social media chaos regarding the speaker’s future. The Governor’s appeal was simple: be patient and allow the process to unfold naturally.”

Kwarpo stressed the need for a smooth transition to avoid political instability, citing crises in other states as a cautionary example.

“The Court of Appeal judgment changed the House’s leadership structure. It will take a gradual process to realign things properly. Even the Speaker himself has acknowledged that he will one day give way to the majority party. I strongly believe that the change should not be rushed or done in a way that would destabilise the state. If you look at what is happening in Rivers State and other states, we do not want that kind of crisis.”

He added that while removing the Speaker could be done quickly, lawmakers were committed to a peaceful transition.

“We want an amicable leadership transition so that members can focus on executing projects in their constituencies. The 23 members in the House are mature, reasonable people. They understand that change must happen—but it should happen at the right time and in the right way.”

Kwarpo added that although the exact timing of the leadership change was uncertain, it would be done in consultation with key stakeholders, including the Governor, to ensure stability in the state.