Politics

HURIWA Warns Against Impeachment Plot In Rivers

Published

1 year ago

March 14, 2025

Editor

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has warned against attempts to impeach Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing such a move as futile.

The rights group, in a press statement signed by the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko cautioned that the majority of Rivers people democratically elected Governor Fubara and that any plot to remove him through unconstitutional means would be met with stiff resistance from the people.

HURIWA specifically admonished the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, against instigating the 27 lawmakers loyal to him in the Rivers State House of Assembly to initiate an impeachment process against Governor Fubara.

The group said: “Under political instability, it is the people who suffer the most, as governance is disrupted and critical development projects are stalled.”

“The Minister, having served as Rivers State governor for eight years, should be a statesman rather than engaging in divisive and destabilizing political maneuvers.

“The FCT Minister should see himself as a national leader, a unifier, and not a divider. It does not befit his current status as a senior cabinet member in the government of President Bola Tinubu to be at the centre of an intra-state political crisis.

“History will not be kind to him if he encourages his loyalists in the Rivers State House of Assembly to attempt an impeachment that could plunge the state into prolonged political instability,” HURIWA added.

The group reminded the minister that Rivers State is bigger than any individual and that all political actors must put the state’s interests first.

It argued that peace, stability, security, and good governance should be the priority of all parties involved in the current political debacle rather than personal or factional interests.

“We urge all political gladiators to place Rivers State first and refrain from actions that could elevate personal ambitions above the collective interests of the people,” the group added.

HURIWA further warned the security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Department of State Services (DSS), to remain neutral in the political crisis and not allow themselves to be used as tools in any unconstitutional attempt to remove the governor.

“The security forces have a constitutional responsibility to maintain law and order without taking sides in political disputes. We caution against any situation where federal security agencies are considered partisan players in Rivers’ political crisis.”

The rights group also condemned the recent allegations of age falsification against the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Simeon Amadi, describing them as a desperate attempt to destabilise the state’s judiciary for political gain. It expressed shock that the 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike would attempt to undermine the judiciary’s integrity to achieve their political objectives.

“The judiciary is the last hope of the common man, and all well-meaning Nigerians should resist any attempt to drag it into partisan politics,” HURIWA stated.

The group recalled that the Rivers State political crisis escalated following the defection of 27 lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This move triggered a legal and political standoff, with Governor Fubara maintaining that the defected lawmakers had lost their seats under constitutional provisions.

Despite this, the lawmakers have continued to claim legitimacy, setting the stage for a prolonged confrontation.

HURIWA stressed that the Supreme Court’s contradictory stance on legislative defections has further complicated the crisis.

It cited past rulings, such as the case of Hon. Michael Dapianlong & Ors v. Chief (Dr) Joshua Chibi Dariye & Anor, in which the Supreme Court held that defected lawmakers lose their seats and cannot participate in legislative functions until by-elections are conducted.

The group questioned why the same principle was not applied in Rivers State, where the defected lawmakers continue to exercise legislative functions despite their contested legitimacy.

The rights group emphasised that any impeachment attempt would not only fail but also worsen political tensions in the state, potentially leading to security challenges.

“An impeachment attempt against a sitting governor, especially under such a contentious atmosphere, is a recipe for chaos. It could lead to violent protests, economic stagnation, and anarchy. The people of Rivers State deserve peace and stability, not political turmoil,” HURIWA warned.

It called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure that political actors in Rivers State uphold democratic principles.

“The President must take a firm stand to ensure that the crisis in Rivers State does not escalate further. He must caution his appointees and other political actors against actions that could destabilize the state,” the group stated.

“As a civil rights organisation committed to promoting democracy and good governance, we will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary actions to ensure that democracy is not subverted in Rivers State.”
(VANGUARD)

Politics

Peter Obi Meets US Consul General, Hopes For Credible Polls In 2027

Published

9 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Chieftain of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi on Tuesday held a meeting with United States Consul General, Mr Rick Swart.

Obi made this known via his X handle.

He said “This morning, in Lagos, I met with the U.S. Consul General, Mr Rick Swart, where we discussed strengthening the bilateral relationship. We focused on promoting credible elections in Nigeria, ensuring they are free from interference, and fostering a space where all political parties, especially opposition parties can thrive, and contribute.

“We also discussed trade and business opportunities between our countries. Accompanying me to the meeting was Dr Adefolaseye Adebomi Adebayo.

“The discussion was very productive, and we are hopeful that, moving forward, Nigeria’s elections will be even more credible and transparent.”

Politics

BREAKING: 17 ADC Reps Follow Join NDC

Published

15 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

About 17 African Democratic Congress, ADC, lawmakers in the House of Representatives have defected to the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC.

This was disclosed by Speaker Abass Tajudeen on the floor of the House on Tuesday.

Tajudeen also announced the defection of Leke Abejide from the ADC to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Lawmakers who defected to the NDC include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande and Munachim Umezuruike.

Others are Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene and Abdulhakeem Ado.

This comes barely a day after former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso defected from the ADC to the NDC.

Obi and Kwankwaso have pledged to continue their pursuit for a better Nigeria in the NDC.

Politics

JUST IN: Why I left ADC For NDC With Kwankwaso – Peter Obi Opens Up

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

A former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has given reasons why he resigned from the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to join the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, alongside a former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

In a long post on X on Monday, Obi insisted it was not out of anger or ambition.

Rather, he said the move is a continuation of the quest to build a new Nigeria.

Obi wrote: “Yesterday, I formally joined the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), alongside my dear brother, Engr. Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, with one clear purpose: to continue the struggle for a new Nigeria built on justice, competence, accountability, and compassion for the ordinary Nigerian.

“As I stated yesterday, this decision was not made out of anger, personal ambition, or convenience. It came after deep reflection on the present condition of our nation and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from the dangerous path it is currently heading.

“Over the years, I have remained steadfast in my conviction that politics should never be about individuals, positions, or personal gain. It must be about the people, especially the millions of Nigerians who today can no longer afford necessities, whose businesses are collapsing, whose children are losing hope, and whose future is becoming increasingly uncertain.

“I left the ADC for the same reason I left the Labour Party: the severe, orchestrated litigation and internal crises deliberately designed to ensure that I, alongside many other notable individuals, do not effectively participate in the electoral process. I sincerely appreciate and remain deeply grateful to the Leadership of ADC for the opportunity to work together in pursuit of a better Nigeria. I am particularly grateful to ADC Chairman Senator David Mark for his exceptional Leadership. I also deeply appreciate my Leader and elder brother YE, Atiku Abubakar, as well as other respected leaders within the party.

“As we join the NDC, I sincerely appeal to the Nigerian Government against the encouragement of unresolved litigations and the infusion of crises within political parties. Democracy must never become a weapon against the people. A healthy democracy thrives on strong institutions, credible alternatives, and the freedom of citizens to make choices without intimidation, manipulation, or fear. Opposition parties must not be weakened or destroyed, because when democracy loses balance, the people ultimately suffer.

“Nigeria today is passing through one of the most difficult periods in its history. Poverty is rising. Hunger is widespread. Insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods. Businesses are shutting down daily. Our young people are becoming discouraged, and many citizens have lost faith in the system. At a time like this, leadership must be driven not by propaganda or division, but by competence, capacity, character, and compassion.

“Our decision to join the NDC is therefore not an abandonment of values, but a continuation of the same mission we have always stood for: building a Nigeria where leadership is about service, where public resources are managed responsibly, where institutions function independently, and where every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, religion, region, or social status, can live with dignity, security, and hope.

“I remain committed to working with all Nigerians of goodwill across political, ethnic, and religious lines. The task before us is bigger than any individual or political party. It is about the future of our children and the survival of our dear nation.

“I thank Nigerians, especially our youths and women, for remaining peaceful, resilient, and hopeful despite the enormous challenges confronting the country. I urge you not to lose faith in Nigeria. Nations do not change because people surrender to hopelessness; they change because people continue to believe, continue to sacrifice, and continue to stand for what is right.”