Governor Siminalayi Fubara has acknowledged the Supreme Court’s ruling affirming Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule and 26 others as valid members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The decision marks a major development in the ongoing political crisis in the state.

In a statement released by Joe Johnson, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Fubara confirmed his awareness of the judgment and its implications on governance in Rivers State.

“At this time, we are awaiting a detailed briefing on the implications of the judgment. We will carefully evaluate the situation and determine the next steps to take in the best interest of Rivers State and its people,” the statement read.

While recognizing that the ruling effectively reinstates the 27 lawmakers, Fubara maintained that the key issue of their defection—which led to the dispute over their legitimacy—remains unresolved, as it is still pending before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.

“Since the issue of defection wasn’t on the table before the learned Justices, in their eyes, Amaewhule and the 26 others are still operating as lawmakers until that matter comes before them,” the statement noted.

Governor Fubara reassured Rivers residents of his commitment to protecting the state’s interests and upholding the rule of law.

He called for calm and urged citizens to remain law-abiding as his administration seeks further clarification on the judgment and its broader impact.

Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu and the Senate to thoroughly investigate the allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment leveled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central).

In a statement on Friday, Atiku described the allegations as serious and emphasized the need for a fair and transparent investigation.

“The Nigerian Senate represents the voice of the people. Those who serve in it—especially its leadership—must uphold the highest standards of integrity, dignity, and respect for the offices they hold and for the citizens they serve,” he said.

He stressed that the Senate President, as the third most powerful figure in the country, should exemplify unimpeachable character.

He further noted that sexual harassment in the workplace remains a significant obstacle to women’s progress and, by extension, national development.

“At a time when only four women serve in the Senate, it is imperative to foster an environment where female legislators can work without fear of harassment or intimidation,” Atiku stated.

The former Vice President urged President Tinubu and the Senate leadership to conduct an independent and credible investigation, arguing that the outcome of this case would reflect Nigeria’s stance on justice, accountability, and gender inclusion in governance.

“This moment demands careful and principled action to uphold the integrity of our institutions and ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of gender, is treated with dignity and respect,” he added.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier alleged that she experienced harassment and intimidation in the Senate after rejecting Senate President Akpabio’s advances.

The claims have sparked widespread reactions, with increasing calls for a formal inquiry into the matter.

The senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has criticized her colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over her recent allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Kingibe stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan had received more privileges than any other senator in the 10th National Assembly.

“The truth is, Senator Natasha has gotten the most privileges among all four of us (female senators). The seat I sit on now has been moved four times,” she said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, is one of the four female lawmakers in the Nigerian Senate. She recently clashed with Senate President Akpabio over changes in seating arrangements.

In a new development, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that Akpabio was targeting her because she had rejected his alleged sexual advances.

Reacting to the controversy during an interview with Arise News on Friday, Kingibe faulted Akpoti-Uduaghan for engaging in a heated dispute with the Senate President.

She pointed out that Natasha was not the only senator affected by the seating changes.

“The Senate is not a place where we are supposed to fight over trivialities like seating arrangements,” Kingibe said.

“This is about the rules of the Senate. So if I can point out that other women have been moved several times on that day, I wasn’t there, but I gathered that several men were also moved.”

Ekaette Akpabio, wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has refuted allegations of sexual harassment leveled against her husband by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing them as baseless.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, made the accusations during an interview with Arise Television on Friday.

She alleged that Akpabio not only sexually harassed her but also blocked her motions from being heard in the Senate because she rejected his advances.

She further claimed that her refusal subjected her to continuous harassment and character malignment.

Reacting to the allegations, Mrs. Akpabio, while speaking to newsmen at her Abuja residence on Friday, dismissed the claims as false.

“The allegations are unfounded, as she was present at her family residence on the alleged date 8th December, 2023,” she said.

She also emphasized the longstanding cordial relationship between both families, stating, “Both families enjoy a long-standing cordial relationship that predates Senator Natasha’s marriage to her husband.”

Mrs. Akpabio defended her husband’s character, highlighting his commitment to family values and his support for women’s inclusion in government.

She said, “The allegations are unfounded, as she was present at her family residence on the alleged date 8th December, 2023.”

She further warned against making false accusations and vowed to take legal action.

Additionally, the Senate President, through his media consultant Kenny Okolugbo, denied the allegations, maintaining that there was no truth to the claims made by the Kogi lawmaker.

The video

The Supreme Court, in its ruling on Friday, barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other agencies from releasing funds to the Rivers State Government until it complies with court orders.

The court described the state government’s actions as a “flagrant disobedience to court orders.”

A five-man panel of justices unanimously dismissed the cross-appeal filed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, which challenged the validity of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule as Speaker.

Additionally, the Supreme Court nullified the recent local government elections in the state, ruling that the election grossly violated the Electoral Act.

Following the verdict, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, addressed reporters, commending the judiciary for upholding the rule of law.

“If you allow this, one day one member will constitute an assembly and there is nothing you can do, it is unheard of. We must commend the judiciary for being bold to say this impunity must not be allowed,” Wike said.

“You failed to follow the Electoral Act in terms of conducting local government elections. People were hailing him (Governor Siminalayi Fubara) ‘Yes you have done well.’”

Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, also criticized the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, for supporting Governor Fubara in the ongoing crisis.

“I hope they will also hail him today. I hope the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum will also hail him today. Supreme Court has come out to say enough is enough, we must not truncate our democracy,” he added.

Wike further stated that the legal battle, which has lasted for over 15 months, has now been conclusively settled by the highest court in the land.

He asserted that the only possible appeal left is “to God.”

“People are saying Wike Wike, It’s not about me, how can a man demolish the edifice of the state assembly and take his fraction to his house, it is unheard of.

“For me, it is happiness for Nigerians as well as Rivers people, the impunity must stop. You can’t allow such to happen. We cannot allow anyone to truncate the democracy of the country,” he stated.

The FCT Minister also emphasized that legal competence, not the number of lawyers hired, determines the outcome of cases.

“It is not about hiring 40 Senior Advocates of Nigeria, it is about upholding the rule of law and having competent people to handle the case,” he concluded.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, alleging that he is punishing her for refusing his advances.

Speaking during an interview on ARISE TV on Friday, Akpoti-Uduaghan detailed her allegations against Akpabio, stating that her husband was a witness and that she had evidence, including printed screenshots of their conversations.

She challenged the Department of State Services (DSS) to retrieve their chat records, alleging that Akpabio frequently contacted her via WhatsApp.

“My issue with Akpabio started on 8th of December, 2023, when myself and my husband visited Akwa Ibom for Senator Akpabio’s birthday.”

“Akpabio was showing me around his house and was holding my hands with my husband following behind us when he said he wants me to come and be spending special moments in his house. My husband heard him and later told me not to travel abroad alone or be with the Senate President alone,” she stated.

She also linked her ongoing dispute with Akpabio to her push for a motion on the investigation of corruption in Ajaokuta Steel Company, claiming that he repeatedly blocked it.

“In February, I wanted to move a motion for the investigation on the ills of the corrupt practice in Ajaokuta Steel Company. I listed that motion five times. It was the sixth time that it was listed on the order paper that was approved. Many senators can testify to that.

“Before the motion made the order paper, I went to the Senate President in his office, and I said, ‘Senate President, you know how important this Ajaokuta Steel Company is to me, you know how important it is to my people and to Nigerians. I’ve noticed that you have stepped down this motion.’ As a matter of fact, a number of senators told me to see him and plead with him so that he would take it. I was like, ‘Sir, please, why can’t you take this motion? It’s very important.’ Then, it was listed the third time and stepped down.

“He then said, ‘Natasha, I’m the Chief presiding officer of the Senate, you can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me. Make me happy.’ At that point, I said, ‘Sir, I’ll pretend that I didn’t hear this.’ He said, ‘Well, the ball is in your court.’ I left his office.

“My case is a case of a student being punished by a lecturer for refusing to sleep with him.”

Her allegations come amid an ongoing dispute with Akpabio, which escalated after she protested the unauthorized change of her Senate seat.

The matter was referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun (LP, Edo South), for a review within two weeks.

Akpoti-Uduaghan has also filed a N100.3 billion fundamental human rights lawsuit against Akpabio.

Efforts to get a response from Akpabio’s media aide, Jackson Udom, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to multiple calls from Daily Gazette on Friday morning.

The Lagos High Court in Ikeja has ruled that all members of the Lagos State House of Assembly must be joined as parties in the legal battle initiated by former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who is challenging his removal from office.

Presiding over the case, Justice Yetunde Pinheiro also adjourned proceedings until March 7 to hear all pending applications related to the matter.

The decision comes as 35 lawmakers supporting the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, appeared in court for the hearing.

Obasa, who was removed by at least 36 of his colleagues on January 13, 2025, while he was reportedly out of the country, had filed the lawsuit on February 14, naming the Assembly and Meranda as defendants.

At today’s session, lawmakers backing Meranda submitted an application to be joined as defendants in the case.

Representing Meranda and her supporters is a team of senior legal practitioners led by Prof. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN).

Other counsels include Mr. Olu Daramola (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN), Mrs. Abimbola Akeredolu (SAN), Dr. Dada Awosika (SAN), Prof. Dayo Amokaye (SAN), Mr. Mofe Oyetibo (SAN), Mr. Olumide Oyewole, and Mr. Wunmi Okeremi.