The Rivers State House of Assembly has raised the alarm over an alleged plot by unnamed individuals to frustrate its legislative duties through the procurement of ex parte court orders from High Courts outside the Port Harcourt Judicial Division.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Dr. Enemi Alabo George, said the Assembly had received credible intelligence suggesting that the moves were aimed at halting the legislature’s constitutional functions amid the ongoing political crisis in the state.

The development comes against the backdrop of the Assembly’s recent decision to investigate the financial and administrative activities of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Lawmakers had accused the governor of failing to submit the Mid-Term Expenditure Framework as required by law and of authorising expenditures without legislative approval, actions they described as grave constitutional breaches.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, insisted that the Assembly was acting strictly within the confines of the law and would pursue the impeachment process in line with due process.

He said the House would allow the Constitution to take its full course.

Following the plenary session, notices of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, circulated on social media.

The Assembly later confirmed that formal notices had been issued to both officials in accordance with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), noting that their responses were being awaited.

In its latest statement, the Assembly alleged that those behind the purported plot were attempting to exploit courts outside Port Harcourt to secure injunctions stopping legislative proceedings.

It cited constitutional provisions, including Section 188(10), which bars courts from entertaining matters relating to impeachment proceedings, and Section 272(5), which defines jurisdiction in such cases.

The House warned that similar attempts had been struck down in the past, referencing recent Court of Appeal judgments nullifying ex parte orders issued in violation of constitutional provisions.

It urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of undermining the rule of law and democratic governance.

While the governor and his cabinet have remained silent, several groups, including the Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum and civil society organisations, have expressed concern over the impeachment move.

The elders described impeachment as a serious constitutional process that should not be driven by political vendetta, warning that the crisis could further polarise the state and weaken public confidence in democratic institutions.

The Assembly, however, reaffirmed its commitment to constitutionalism and urged residents to remain calm as events continue to unfold.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised politicians who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, insisting they lack the moral authority to assume leadership roles within structures they did not help build.
Wike spoke on Saturday during a “Thank You” visit to Phalga Local Government Area, where he also urged residents to sustain their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

He faulted the influx of former political opponents into the APC, arguing that their late entry does not entitle them to dictate the party’s direction.

Using a culinary metaphor, Wike said those who were absent at the formative stage of the political struggle cannot suddenly seek control now that the groundwork has been laid.

“You were not there from the beginning. You didn’t buy the pepper, salt or oil. Now that the food is ready, you want to take charge. Is that how it works?” he asked.

The former Rivers State governor emphasised that his support for Tinubu was deliberate and rooted in conviction, noting that he and his allies backed the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda from the outset of the 2023 election cycle.

“We led the struggle here in 2023. From the very beginning, we aligned with the Renewed Hope family and stood firmly by President Tinubu,” Wike said.

Drawing from his political experience, Wike recalled a legal dispute from 1999, which he said underscored the importance of participation from the start in any political process.

He further dismissed suggestions that recent defections could weaken his political influence in Rivers State, maintaining that his camp remains firmly in control.

“Nobody can push us out of this state. We have stayed the course since 2023, despite intimidation and threats,” he declared.

The remarks come amid heightened political tensions in Rivers State following Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC and the commencement of impeachment proceedings against him by the State House of Assembly over delays in presenting the 2026 budget.

Wike has openly opposed Fubara’s re-election bid and accused the governor of breaching a peace agreement reached prior to the lifting of emergency rule in the state.

A sociopolitical group, Agugu Anioma (Odi Anyi Mma), has endorsed former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, for a return to the Senate, citing his track record in public service, integrity, and commitment to the development of Anioma land.

The group said the endorsement followed extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the region, including traditional rulers, artisans, and youth groups.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the group’s Director of Publicity, Solomon Ebinum, the Convener, Louis Ndukwe, described Okowa as the most suitable candidate for the senatorial seat, pointing to what he called his exemplary performance both as a former senator and as governor of Delta State.

According to the group, Okowa demonstrated uncommon leadership qualities during his time in office, prioritising people-centred policies and sustainable development initiatives that positively impacted the lives of residents.

Ndukwe said the group had resolved to mobilise massive grassroots support for the former governor ahead of the election.

“We will move from door to door, unit to unit, ward to ward, and local government to local government to ensure a decisive victory,” he said.

He stressed that Okowa remains deeply connected to Anioma, noting that his values, vision, and political philosophy are rooted in the aspirations of the people.

“This endorsement is not based on sentiment but on substance,” Ndukwe added.

“Senator Okowa understands Anioma, believes in Anioma, and has consistently defended the interests of Anioma people. Returning him to the Senate will guarantee strong representation and effective advocacy at the national level.”

The group expressed confidence that Okowa’s experience and leadership would once again translate into tangible benefits for the Anioma region if elected.

Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s current trajectory, warning that the country is facing a grave crisis that requires collective action to overcome.

Tambuwal made the remarks on Saturday while speaking at a colloquium organised to mark his 60th birthday.

He said Nigeria’s present state reflects a troubling departure from the ideals, vision and sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers, stressing that sincere leadership, responsible governance and national unity are essential for recovery.

According to him, meaningful progress can only be achieved when Nigerians collectively acknowledge that the country’s governance structure and political practices are fundamentally flawed.

“We must first agree that something is seriously wrong with how Nigeria is being governed today,” Tambuwal said.

“Only then can we begin the difficult task of working together to rescue the country. Nigeria is in peril, and salvation can only come through a collective effort.”

The event drew a broad spectrum of political leaders and public figures from across the country.

Among those in attendance were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, and the Catholic Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah.

Also present were former Speakers of the House of Representatives, Patricia Etteh and Yakubu Dogara; Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe; Minister of Housing Ahmed Musa Dangiwa; and former governors Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Masari, Udom Emmanuel, Ibikunle Amosun and Gbenga Daniel.

Others included former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola.

Speaking virtually, former President Goodluck Jonathan acknowledged that his administration had disagreements with the House of Representatives during Tambuwal’s tenure as Speaker but praised his leadership capacity.

“When he was Speaker and I was President, we had our differences,” Jonathan said.

“But one thing is clear: the members of the House trusted him, and he was able to keep the institution united.”

Former Senate President David Mark also commended Tambuwal’s leadership qualities and wished him success in his future political endeavours.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who reportedly cut short a vacation abroad to attend the event, described Tambuwal as a promising national figure and urged him to continue to live up to the expectations placed on him.

Former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole equally praised Tambuwal’s ability to manage a politically divided House of Representatives and recalled his personal support following the death of his wife.