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Rivers Crisis: Clark Writes Strong Worded Letter To INEC, Demands By-election

Published

8 months ago

January 23, 2025

Elder statesman Edwin Clark has written to Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, demanding immediate by-elections to fill 27 vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA).

This situation stems from the defection of lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), which Clark argues violates Section 109(1)(g) of Nigeria’s Constitution.

Clark stated, “The prolonged absence of representation deprives the people of their rightful voice in governance,” emphasising the need for INEC to fulfil its constitutional obligations.

He criticised the ongoing political strife, asserting that the actions of the defectors have undermined the integrity of governance in Rivers State.

The political landscape is further complicated by rival factions within the RSHA. The faction led by Martin Amaewhule claims that their seats remain valid, while the faction under Victor Oko-Jumbo insists that those who defected have lost their positions.

Oko-Jumbo expressed frustration over INEC’s delay in organising by-elections, stating, “The seats belonging to former Speaker Amaewhule and others are vacant following their switch from PDP to APC.”

Governor Siminialayi Fubara has also weighed in, declaring that “we have only one Rivers State House of Assembly,” and labelling those who defected as having embarked on a “Sinbad journey.”

Clark urged Yakubu to act swiftly, saying, “Your name will be etched in history if you take this step.”

The political crisis in Rivers State has deepened since Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration claimed legitimacy over the RSHA. Fubara has consistently asserted that only the faction led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo is recognised. “We have only one Rivers State House of Assembly, and that Assembly is headed by Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo,” Fubara declared during the signing of the N1.188 trillion 2025 budget.

In contrast, former Speaker Martin Amaewhule’s faction has declared several seats vacant, citing prolonged absences from legislative duties. Amaewhule stated, “We are acting within our constitutional rights to ensure accountability among lawmakers.”

However, Oko-Jumbo dismissed these declarations as “an exercise in futility,” arguing that Amaewhule and his colleagues had already lost their positions due to their defection.

The ongoing conflict reflects a broader struggle for power within Rivers State, exacerbated by tensions between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. As both factions vie for legitimacy, Clark’s plea underscores the importance of adhering to constitutional mandates and restoring proper representation for the people of Rivers State.

Clark said: “It is mandatory on INEC to conduct by-election to fill the vacant seats in the RSHA. Section 13 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended states:

“If any other law is inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution, this Constitution shall prevail, and that other law shall to the extent of the inconsistency be voided”.

“Therefore, it is not enough for INEC to say that it is precluded from conducting by-election for the vacant seats in RSHA, because such stance portrays sectional loyalty which is against Section 14 (4) of the Constitution.

“In concluding this Open Letter, I plead with the Chairman of INEC, to without delay, conduct by-election to fill the vacant seats and give adequate representation to the people of the affected constituencies.

“What is really happening in Nigeria where the presidency, legislature and judiciary are committing a breach of the 1999 Constitution which has empowered them to occupy the offices they are today? “Nigerians are asking what is happening, particularly the defiance with the number one law of the country, the Constitution, which binds the nation together.

“This is no longer politics; it has nothing to do with politics. This is an obvious case of people who think that they are above the law, people who are entrusted with our patrimony, our natural assets, using these same resources to circumvent the laws of the land, dominate and oppress others.

“The President of Nigeria, his Ministers, members of the National Assembly, etc., who came into power by the provisions of the Constitution, seem no longer to be in a position to defend the Constitution.

“There cannot be a government in any country if the constitution that binds everyone together is being bastardised. Nigeria is no doubt heading to a failed state. God forbid. This will not happen because the Nigerian people will defend it.

“The supreme laws of the country must be obeyed if there must be a country called Nigeria.”

News

FG Makes History Compulsory Subject In Primary, Secondary Schools

Published

13 hours ago

September 17, 2025

Editor

The Federal Government has announced the reintroduction of Nigerian History as a compulsory subject from primary to senior secondary school, 16 years after it was removed from the curriculum in 2009, under the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua administration.

The Federal Ministry of Education announced this in a statement posted on its X handle on Wednesday.

It said the reintroduction aimed at strengthening national identity, unity, and patriotism among diverse citizens.

“For the first time in decades, Nigerian pupils will study History continuously from Primary 1 to JSS3, while SSS1–3 students will take the new Civic and Heritage Studies, integrating History with Civic Education.

“Primary 1–6: Pupils will learn about Nigeria’s origins, heroes, rulers, culture, politics, economy, religions, colonial rule, and post-independence governance.

“JSS1–3: Students will study civilisations, empires, trade, European contacts, amalgamation, independence, democracy, and civic values,” the statement read.

The Ministry said the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, CON, together with the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for championing the reform.

“They emphasised that History is not merely a record of the past, but a vital foundation for shaping responsible and patriotic citizens.”

According to the Ministers, the reform is a priceless gift to the nation, reconnecting children with their roots while inspiring pride, unity, and commitment to national development.

The Ministry has released the revised curriculum and will retrain teachers, provide resources, and strengthen monitoring.

The former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua-led government in 2009 removed history from Nigeria’s basic education curriculum.

Then, it was justified that students were avoiding it with the claim that there were few jobs for history graduates, and that there was dearth of history teachers.

In 2022, the Ministry of Education under former Minister Adamu Adamu inaugurated the reintroduction of the subject.

The Ministry also trained history teachers at the basic education level in Abuja.

However, history has always remained optional in the few schools that offer it.

News

Police Announce Burial Arrangements For Ex-IG Arase

Published

13 hours ago

September 17, 2025

Editor

The Nigeria Police Force has released the burial arrangements for former Inspector-General of Police Solomon Ehigiator Arase, who died on August 31, 2025, at the age of 69.

Arase, who served as the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police, was described by the Force as a dedicated officer remembered for his leadership, philanthropy and commitment to police reforms.

According to the programme of events signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, released on Wednesday, the burial rites will begin in Abuja on September 24 with a Day of Tribute at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Jabi.

A requiem mass will follow on September 26 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, while a lying-in-state is scheduled for September 27 at his Abuja residence. His body will then depart for Benin City, Edo State.

In his hometown, Sabongida Ora, a candlelight procession is slated for September 29.

A valedictory session organised by the Edo State judiciary and the Nigerian Bar Association will hold at the Edo State High Court, Benin, on October 2.

Other activities include a service of songs at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin, on October 2, followed by a family lying-in-state.

The funeral mass will take place on October 3 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, after which interment will be held at his private residence in Benin City.

A reception is planned at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, while a thanksgiving mass will round off the events on October 5.

Arase, who held national honours including CFR, and was also a PhD holder, was appointed Inspector-General of Police in April 2015 and retired in June 2016.

He died at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness.

News

Lagos Begins Monitoring As Schools Resume

Published

13 hours ago

September 17, 2025

Editor

The Lagos State Government, through the Office of Education Quality Assurance, has commenced the monitoring of schools for compliance with standards as students resumed activities this week.

The OEQA spokesperson, Adepeju Adeyemi, said in a Wednesday statement sent to newsmen that the inspection began on Monday across the state for schools below the tertiary level.

The monitoring team, led by the Coordinating Director of OEQA, Remi Abdul, visited several schools, including Dolphin Senior High School, Lagos Island, where the team was received by the Principal/Director, Comfort Agunlejika.

Abdul explained that the purpose of the monitoring was to ensure compliance with the approved resumption date as stated in the Year 2025/2026 Harmonised Academic Calendar.

The PUNCH reports that basic and secondary schools in Lagos resumed on September 15, 2025, for the First Term of the Y2025/2026 session.

According to the approved 2025/2026 harmonised calendar made available to our correspondent, the First Half of the term is scheduled for September 15 to October 31, 2025, with a duration of 34 days. The second half will commence from November 10 to December 19, 2025, with a duration of 34 days. In between the halves are Open Day and Mid-Term Break.

Abdul noted that the monitoring team deployed was also verifying whether school administrators held pre-resumption meetings and whether key teaching and statutory records, such as lesson notes, diaries, and makeshift attendance registers, were in place for the smooth take-off of the new academic session.

“While addressing SSS 3 students, Abdul encouraged them to take their academics seriously, noting that how well they perform this term would determine their transition to higher education. He urged them to read well, stay focused, avoid skipping classes and begin early preparation for their WASSCE examinations,” the statement said.

He also encouraged teachers to remain dedicated and committed to delivering quality education.