Politics

Fubara Insists On LG Poll Amid Protests By Wike Allies

Published

12 months ago

October 4, 2024

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Thursday, insisted that the state’s local government election scheduled for Saturday, October 5, will proceed, despite protests from loyalists of his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The governor warned against any attempts by groups or individuals to disrupt the electoral process, emphasising that he would not tolerate any actions aimed at creating confusion or instability in the state.

The Peoples Democratic Party members loyal to Wike and a faction of the All Progressives Congress led by Chief Tony Okocha (also a known Wike’s loyalist), had earlier announced their decision to withdraw from the election, citing irregularities and a lack of due process by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.

However, the APC faction loyal to former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, led by Emeka Beke, maintained its participation, handing over party flags to candidates in 22 of the 23 local government areas in the state.

The Okocha-led APC faction had taken legal action against the RSIEC at the Federal High Court in Abuja, resulting in a temporary injunction that prevents the Independent National Electoral Commission from releasing the voter register for the election.

The court also restrained security agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services, from providing security for the exercise.

Despite the legal hurdles, the RSIEC expressed its readiness to conduct the election on Saturday, claiming to have access to the voter register, contrary to INEC’s position.

On Thursday, prominent PDP politicians and thousands of their supporters took to the streets to protest against the planned conduct of the election by RSIEC.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House, Governor Fubara criticised the protesters, acknowledging that he was also at a disadvantage because his party (the PDP) was not participating in the election.

“You know, in this election, I am the greatest loser because my party is not participating. But due to the Supreme Court ruling that there must be elected officials to manage the affairs of local governments, as governor, I have to comply,” Fubara stated.

He explained that following the Supreme Court ruling, a meeting was held with President Bola Tinubu, where they agreed to comply with the ruling within a 90-day timeframe. As a result, Fubara insisted that the local government election must proceed, even though the PDP was not involved.

The governor expressed frustration over the resistance to the election in Rivers State, noting that other states across the country had conducted local government elections using the 2023 voter register without such controversies.

“Ten states of the federation have conducted elections with the 2023 voter register. I don’t know why things in Rivers State are always different. Is it that when it comes to the law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is interpreted differently for Rivers State?” Fubara asked.

He also alleged that some of the protesters were outsiders brought into the city from boundary towns between Imo State and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, and Akwa Ibom State, to foment trouble.

“No matter the guise or level of ‘aluta continua’ posture that the detractors adopt, the local government election will proceed as planned,” the governor emphasised.

Fubara concluded by urging registered voters and political leaders to be present at their polling units on Saturday to participate in the election and ensure the smooth conduct of the process.

PDP members protest

Earlier on Thursday, the Rivers State chapter of the PDP, led by its Chairman, Aaron Chukwuemeka, staged a protest against the planned conduct of the local government election by the RSIEC, despite a court order restraining it.

The protesters, including current and former members of the National Assembly as well as immediate-past local government chairmen, are allies and loyalists of Wike. Among them were the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda; the member representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency, Dumnamene Dekor; his counterpart representing Etche-Omuma Federal Constituency, Kelechi Wogu; and a former chairman of the PDP in the state and former Nigerian Ambassador to South Korea, Desmond Akawor.

Other notable figures at the protest included a former federal lawmaker, Emma Deeya; a former Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Fred Kpakol; and the immediate-past chairmen of Eleme, Gokana, Andoni, and Emuoha Local Government Areas, Obarimate Ollor, Confidence Deko, Erastus Awortu, and Chidi Lloyd, respectively.

The protest began around 7 a.m. at the PDP secretariat along Aba Road, Port Harcourt, with participants defying heavy rainfall as they marched through the old GRA area to the Department of State Services office to lodge their complaints.

Some of the placards carried by the protesters read: “RSIEC, obey court order,” “Rivers State is not lawless,” “We say no to impunity,” and “Police and Army must not support RSIEC.”

A group of youths among the protesters chanted slogans such as, “Under the rain, under the sun, we will follow Wike,” “No election in Rivers State,” and “On your mandate we shall stand,” as they made their way to the DSS office, where they were addressed by an official.

From there, the protest continued through the streets of Port Harcourt, passing the popular UTC Junction, Azikiwe Road, Bank Road, and Moscow Road, before finally converging at the state police command headquarters.

There, they submitted a petition to a representative of the state Commissioner of Police.

Speaking at the command headquarters, Chukwuemeka stated that the protest was to remind the police about a Federal High Court judgment delivered on September 30, 2024, which restrained RSIEC from conducting the local government poll and directed security agencies not to provide any support for the election.

“We are here to submit a petition to you from the Peoples Democratic Party, led by my humble self, the state chairman, Aaron Chukwuemeka,” he said.

“Attached to this letter is a judgment from the Federal High Court on September 30, 2024. In that judgment, it was expressly stated that RSIEC should not conduct the election. The Independent National Electoral Commission should not release the voter register to RSIEC, and the security agencies were told not to participate in the election.”

Chukwuemeka emphasised that the PDP would not participate in the election and warned that if RSIEC went ahead with the poll, the party would not stand by if it led to a crisis.

“No man is bigger than the law. We as a party are not going to participate, and if they go ahead with the election and cause a crisis, we as the PDP will not fold our hands,” he stated.

Responding on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations, Olusegun Adepoju, commended the protesters for their peaceful conduct and for informing the police ahead of the protest.

“I want to thank you for sending the letter earlier regarding this protest, for us to provide security, and for following due process,” he said. “We appreciate you, and we want you to continue like that. I will definitely send your letter to the Commissioner of Police, who will pass it across to the necessary quarters, and we will give you feedback. Please continue to remain peaceful.”

As the protest progressed, the number of participants swelled at the police headquarters, demonstrating the level of support for the party’s stance against the local government election.

Pro-Wike lawmakers oppose poll

Also, the faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Wike opposed the conduct of the LG poll.

The Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly cautioned RSIEC against defying the court order to proceed with the Saturday poll.

During its 55th legislative sitting of the second session on Thursday, the Assembly, comprising 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike, called on RSIEC, chaired by Justice Adolphus Enebeli, to suspend the upcoming local government poll.

In a statement issued by the media aide to the Speaker, the Assembly urged RSIEC to comply with the ruling delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, which directed RSIEC to halt the election until all legal provisions and procedures for its conduct were fulfilled.

The House condemned RSIEC’s refusal to respect the court’s directive, describing it as a violation of the rule of law.

The concern was raised after the Chairman of the Committee on Commissions and Agencies, Barile Nwakor, presented a report on the status of the proposed local government elections.

Speaking on the matter, the Speaker, Amaewhule, expressed disappointment over the development, stating that under Governor Fubara’s leadership, the state risked being seen as a “Banana Republic” due to RSIEC’s apparent disregard for judicial orders.

While reiterating the Assembly’s support for conducting the election, the Speaker stressed that the process must strictly adhere to the legal framework and relevant laws governing the exercise.

Following deliberations, the Assembly unanimously voted to send a formal letter to the RSIEC Chairman, urging the commission to suspend the Saturday poll in compliance with the court’s ruling.
PUNCH

Politics

Why I Refused To Challenge Emergency Rule – Fubara

Published

2 days ago

September 20, 2025

Editor

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has explained why he resisted the pressure from his supporters to challenge the emergency rule declared in the state by President Bola Tinubu, saying his decision was guided by a desire to secure peace, stability, and progress for the people.

Fubara stated this on Friday during a statewide broadcast after his return to the state following the expiration of the emergency rule.

The governor and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the Chief of Staff, Rivers State Government House, Edison Ehie, arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, two days after President Bola Tinubu lifted the state of emergency imposed on the state and ordered his reinstatement.

Their aircraft with number 5N-BTX touched down at 12:15 pm and they were received to a heroic welcome.

On the ground to receive Governor Fubara were several of his supporters, including a former Commissioner for Information and Communications, Emma Okah; former Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh; former Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Orji Ngofa; former Commissioner for Environment, Sydney Gbara; and former factional Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Victor Oko-Jumbo.

Others present were former Commissioner for Youths, Chisom Gbali; former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Evans Bipi; former President of NUPENG, Igwe Achese; former Commissioner for Education, Dr. Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja; as well as former council chairmen of Port Harcourt City, Ezebunwo Ichemati, among others.

President Tinubu, on Wednesday, announced an end to the emergency rule, which ended the six-month tenure of ex-naval chief, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), as Rivers State sole administrator.

Rivers State has faced one of Nigeria’s fiercest political crises, pitting Fubara against his predecessor and FCT minister, Nyesom Wike.

Once allies, their fallout over control of state structures and resources split the House of Assembly, sparking impeachment moves, protests, and violence, including the burning of the Assembly complex.

President Tinubu intervened with a peace deal, which failed to calm frayed nerves, before the declaration of emergency rule.

In a statement on the cessation of the emergency rule on Wednesday, made available by the Presidency, the President said, “The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from September 18, 2025.

“It, therefore, gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today (Wednesday).”

Fubara was expected to resume on Thursday as many of his supporters thronged the gate of the Government House along Azikiwe Street, Port Harcourt, as early as 6am on Thursday, but the governor failed to resume.

On Thursday, at its first plenary after six months, the state House of Assembly called on the governor to immediately forward the list of commissioner-nominees to it for screening and confirmation.

The plenary was presided over by Speaker Martin Amaewhule at the Conference Hall of the Legislative Quarters in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

The Assembly also called on the governor to submit the Rivers State Appropriation Bill, while noting that members would review how funds were spent during the six months of emergency rule.

In a statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media to the Speaker, Martins Wachukwu, the Assembly gave details of the resolution.

The statement read, “Returning from a six-month emergency rule induced by the political impasse in the state in the recent past, the Rivers State House of Assembly, on Thursday, at its first legislative sitting, through a motion, set the legislative agenda for the remaining part of the third season of the 10th Assembly.”

The statement indicated that the House Leader, Major Jack, on behalf of eight co-sponsors, in a motion, averred that the House considered it imperative to set the agenda to reflect current realities, while House members, in their contributions to the debate on the motion, applauded the motion and expressed support for all the prayers therein.

Addressing the state, Fubara described the emergency rule period as “enormously challenging” but said he willingly abided by the declaration to allow room for peace to be restored.

“As your governor, I accepted to abide by the state of emergency declaration and chose to cooperate with Mr President and the National Assembly, guided by my conviction that the sacrifice was not too great to secure peace, stability, and progress of Rivers State.

“This was why I also resisted the pressure to challenge the constitutionality of the declaration of the state of emergency, the suspension of democratic institutions and all other actions that we endured during the difficult period,” he said.

The governor commended President Tinubu for brokering a peace deal between all parties involved in the crisis, noting that the intervention helped reconcile him, Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“Our leader, Nyesom Wike, all members of Rivers State House of Assembly, and I as your governor have all accepted to bury the hatchet and embrace peace and reconciliation in the best interest of our dear state,” Fubara said.

Expressing gratitude to Tinubu, the governor reaffirmed his loyalty to the president, promising never to take his intervention for granted. He also appealed to residents who remain sceptical about the peace process.

“To those who have expressed genuine fear, frustration and uncertainty over the nature of the peace process, I assure you that your concerns are valid and understood.

“However, nothing has been irretrievably lost. There remain ample opportunities for necessary adjustments, continued reconciliation, and inclusiveness,” Fubara assured.

Fubara, however, charged political leaders, stakeholders, and institutions in the state to ensure that the peace achieved endures.

Fubara noted that with peace restored, his administration’s focus would now return fully to governance and service delivery.

‘Bond with Rivers continues’

Speaking shortly after he arrived at the Government House, Port Harcourt, the governor assured the people of the state that his government would continue to work in their best interest.

He expressed his gratitude to the people and residents of the state for the warm reception he received earlier at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa in IKwerre local government area of the state.

However, no prominent politician loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike or any of his known supporters were present at the airport to welcome the governor.

Meanwhile, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, thousands were already jubilating when the news of the governor’s arrival at the airport became public knowledge.

The celebration changed into singing and dancing as musical bands supplied appropriate tunes to sustain the tempo as the governor’s convoy drove into the abode where he had been absent for the last six months.

Right inside the Government House, the atmosphere was also electric as workers also celebrated the governor’s return.

Fubara immediately inspected some offices and facilities in the seat of power before answering questions from the Government House press crew, where he expressed happiness with the show of love by the people and residents of the state.
(PUNCH)

Politics

Nigeria Sliding Into One-party State – Catholic Bishops Warn

Published

2 days ago

September 20, 2025

Editor

Catholic Bishops in Nigeria have raised the alarm over what they described as the suppression of opposition voices, warning that Nigeria is gradually sliding into a one-party state.

The bishops expressed this concern in a communiqué issued at the end of the plenary meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria held in Akwa Ibom State, which ended on Friday.

The communiqué was signed by the Archbishop of Owerri and President, CBCN, Lucius Ugorji; and Bishop of Uromi and Secretary, CBCN, Donatus Ogun.

The bishops cautioned politicians against pushing the nation towards a one-party state which they argued is unhealthy for democracy.

The bishops expressed dismay at the growing preoccupation of politicians with securing and retaining power ahead of the 2027 general elections, rather than delivering good governance.

They noted that this obsession with political dominance had fuelled corruption, inefficiency, and the neglect of citizens’ welfare.

The bishops further criticised political defections, alignments and realignments, describing them as self-serving moves by politicians with little intention to serve the people.

The communiqué read, “In the face of many live threats, politicians are more preoccupied with securing and retaining power and less concerned with good governance for the common good of the electorate.

“Abandoning their duties, they seem more concerned with the pursuit of their personal political agenda and perfecting strategies to grasp power in 2027.

“In fact, there seems to be suppression of opposition as Nigeria appears to be tilting to a one-party state, the development of which is not a good omen for democracy.

“We observe that many politicians are merely strategising, aligning and realigning, defecting from one party to another; and posturing for future political offices with little or no intention to contribute to the common good and make better the lives of the citizens.”

Ahead of the 2027 elections, the bishops demanded electoral reforms that should not only ensure electronic transmission of results from the polling units, but also their electronic collation in real time.

They also urged the judiciary to remain impartial in electoral matters, stressing that judicial credibility was vital to national stability.

Politics

Edo PDP Urges Police To Steer Clear From LG By-election

Published

3 days ago

September 19, 2025

Editor

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party on Friday called on the state police command
not to lend any form of support, deployment, cover, or legitimacy to Saturday’s bye election.

On Tuesday, an Edo State High Court sitting in Benin restrained the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission and the state government from going ahead with planned local government by-elections across 59 wards in the state.

In the court papers made available to journalists on Thursday in Benin, the Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice was also a party to the suit.

Justice Mary Itsueli, sitting as a vacation judge, granted the order on Tuesday following an ex-parte motion brought by the Peoples Democratic Party.

The PDP, through its counsels, Oluwole Osaze Uzzi, Michael Ekwemuka and P. W. Akwuen, in the suit, B/247M/2025, had prayed the court for leave to apply for judicial review of EDSIEC’s decision to conduct by-elections to fill councillorship positions in the affected wards.

The party argued that the councillors’ tenures remain valid until September 2026, making any attempt to declare their seats vacant unlawful.

Justice Itsueli, who held that the applicants had shown sufficient grounds for the court to intervene, also referred the matter to the Chief Judge of Edo State for reassignment to a regular court, fixing September 30, 2025, for the return date.

In a letter by the PDP chairman, Tony Aziegbemi to the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika on Friday , he described the election as an illegal exercise.

The statement reads, “I write on behalf of the Peoples Democratic Party, Edo State Chapter, to bring to your attention and emphasize the subsisting order of the High Court of Edo State restraining the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission and the Edo State Government from conducting any purported Local Government by-elections in 59 wards across the state.

“On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Justice Mary E. Itsueli, sitting as a vacation judge of the Edo State High Court, granted an order in Suit No. B/247M/2025, restraining EDSIEC and the State Government from going ahead with the planned by-elections.

“The Honourable Court further held that the tenures of the duly elected councilors in the affected wards subsist until September 2026, and therefore, any attempt to declare their seats vacant or to conduct fresh elections would be unlawful and unconstitutional.

“The Court categorically ordered that the Respondents “are to stay further actions and are restrained from conducting the election or taking any further steps in connection with the planned Local Government by-election across 59 wards in the Local Government Areas of Edo State, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive matter.”

“The substantive matter has since been referred to the Honourable Chief Judge for assignment to a regular court, with a return date fixed for September 30, 2025.

“In the light of the foregoing, we respectfully call on your esteemed office to refrain from lending any form of support, deployment, cover, or legitimacy to this illegal exercise. Any participation by security agencies in the purported elections would amount to aiding and abetting contempt of court and undermining the rule of law.

“We trust that, as neutral institutions of state committed to upholding law and order, you will ensure that your men and officers do not participate in or provide security for this unlawful process. The integrity of our democracy, the sanctity of judicial pronouncements, and the credibility of security institutions must be preserved.

“Copies of the court order are attached here in,” he added.