Rt. Hon. Leyii Kwanee, the former Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, has called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to utilize constitutional provisions to address individuals or groups inciting political unrest in the state.

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In his statement, Kwanee also urged state elders and leaders to denounce the actions of certain politicians who are intent on causing unnecessary tension and undermining the democratic process in Rivers State.

This call comes in response to the recent turmoil stemming from the extension of local government chairmen’s tenure.

Kwanee criticized the actions of former Speaker Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers for hastily enacting Law No. 2 of 2024, which sought to extend the tenure of the outgoing council chairmen.

“I have observed the avoidable escalation of political crisis that has plagued our state for nearly a year, particularly the uproar caused by the so-called tenure extension for outgoing council chairmen. The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, is superior to any lower-level government law. The constitution is supreme,” Kwanee stated.

He highlighted that Section 7(1) of the constitution mandates the system of local government by democratically elected councils, with a defined tenure.

Kwanee argued that Law No. 2 of 2024, enacted by the sacked 27 lawmakers, was not valid as their seats had already been declared vacant by a competent court.

Kwanee, who was the governorship candidate for the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in the 2023 elections, urged the outgoing council chairmen to respect the constitution and acknowledge that their tenure ended at midnight on Monday, June 17.

He emphasized that there remains an opportunity for some to seek a second term.

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He commended Governor Fubara for maintaining a peaceful stance amidst these challenges and called on state leaders to condemn the rising crisis and encourage those responsible to seek peace for the state’s development.

“If these provocateurs continue to defy good counsel and disrupt the state, I urge the Governor to invoke necessary constitutional measures to address these enemies of the state, regardless of their status,” Kwanee concluded.

The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Rt. Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo, has scheduled a screening session for nominees to serve as Caretaker Committee (CTC) Chairmen and members for the state’s 23 local government areas.

The session will take place today, following the expiration of the tenure of the elected chairmen and councillors.

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Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara had previously directed the Heads of Local Government Administration to assume leadership of their respective councils temporarily.

This directive came after the tenure of the current LGA officials ended, leading to tensions as the outgoing chairmen refused to vacate their offices.

On Wednesday morning, a memo signed by the Clerk of the House, G.M. Gills-West, was circulated, summoning 23 individuals to appear before the Assembly for screening as CTC chairmen.

Additionally, the memo invited seven nominees from each of the 23 LGAs for screening as CTC members.

The memo stated: “The Rivers State House of Assembly hereby invites the following nominees for screening and confirmation as Chairmen and members of Caretaker Committees of the Twenty-Three (23) Local Government Areas of Rivers State, pursuant to Section 9(5) of the Rivers State Local Government Law, No.5 of 2018.

“Names of Nominees and their Local Government Areas (See Attached): Date: Wednesday, 19th June, 2024. Time: 8:00 a.m. Venue: Hallowed Chamber, Rivers State House of Assembly, Auditorium, Admin. Block, Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt.

“The nominees are to come along with twelve (12) sets of their Curriculum Vitae (CV) and the originals and photocopies of their credentials.”

The screening is set to take place at the Hallowed Chamber, Rivers State House of Assembly, in the Government House, Port Harcourt.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has called for the arrest of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement and presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

In a statement issued by Kano APC chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, the party accused Kwankwaso of making baseless allegations against the Federal Government.

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During the flag-off ceremony for the construction of an 85-kilometer rural road in his hometown, Madobi, Kwankwaso claimed that the APC-led federal government was attempting to disrupt peaceful coexistence in Kano. Abbas responded that Kwankwaso’s threats would not intimidate the government.

“The embattled NNPP chieftain, who is visibly disturbed by the dismal performance of his protégé over the last year, should be arrested by security agents to reveal those he claims are recruiting Boko Haram terrorists,” Abbas stated.

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Abbas further asserted that Kwankwaso’s comments suggest a sinister motive to cause unrest in Kano.

He accused Kwankwaso of being a long-term security threat, running a cult-like movement that recruits youth to incite violence.

Abbas claimed that during the 2023 election, thousands of youths were empowered to intimidate the public and that Kwankwaso’s associates had threatened judges during the legal battles over the governorship election.

The APC chairman also alleged that since the reinstatement of Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi as Emir, weapon-brandishing thugs have been stationed at the Emir’s Palace, posing a threat to local residents.

In light of these accusations, the Kano APC is urging security agents to arrest Kwankwaso to uncover the truth behind his allegations and to maintain peace and security in Kano State.

Former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South leader, Chief Edwin Clark, has urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to focus on his duties in Abuja and leave Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state’s affairs alone.

Clark made these remarks in an interview with African Independent Television (AIT) on Tuesday, accusing Wike and his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi, of initiating what he described as “politics of madness” in Rivers State.

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Clark emphasized the need for political godfatherism to be eradicated and for politics to be practiced for the development and growth of democracy in Nigeria.

He noted that he has never met Governor Fubara and is only advocating against injustice and oppression.

The interview, held to commemorate Clark’s 97th birthday, also featured a documentary on his life and achievements.

Clark dismissed the notion of settling disputes between Wike and Fubara, attributing the conflict to egocentricism and the issue of political control.

Clark recounted past political conflicts involving Wike and Amaechi, highlighting incidents of violence and legislative disruption during their tenures.

He criticized Wike for his role in these conflicts and urged him to remain in Abuja to fulfill his ministerial responsibilities.

Regarding the recent defection of Rivers State House of Assembly members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Clark called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct elections to fill the vacancies within 90 days, as mandated by the constitution.

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Reflecting on his legacy, Clark expressed his desire to be remembered as a staunch advocate for equality and unity in Nigeria.

He highlighted his contributions during the civil war, including the provision of teachers to northern states and the establishment of educational exchanges.

Clark also mentioned his efforts to combat corruption and his initiative to establish a private university aimed at fostering national unity and producing responsible citizens.

Clark called for forgiveness from those he may have offended during his long career and reiterated his commitment to the principles of equality and national unity.