Protest Erupts at APC Secretariat Over Rivers Crisis Groups Demand NASS Action

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A coalition of civil society organisations, media professionals, and APC leaders on Friday staged a protest at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, calling on the National Assembly to intervene in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.

The protesters urged federal lawmakers to invoke Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which allows the National Assembly to assume the functions of a state assembly if it becomes dysfunctional.

They accused the Rivers State House of Assembly of losing credibility and legitimacy, claiming it has become a tool for political vendetta.

“The Rivers State House of Assembly has lost all credibility due to persistent abuse of legislative powers and a desperate impeachment plot,” the APC Leaders Forum said in a statement.

The coalition described the attempted impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara as a “reckless abuse of power” and a serious threat to democracy.

“This is no longer oversight; it is a vendetta aimed at destabilising governance. Silence now is complicity!” said Chief Eze Chukwuemeka, spokesperson for the APC Leaders Forum.

Comrade Blessing Ibama, coordinator of the civil society bloc, said there was no evidence supporting the impeachment proceedings.

“No shred of evidence indicates gross misconduct by Governor Fubara; these allegations are purely political fiction,” Ibama said, accusing the assembly of procedural lawlessness and defiance of court orders. He added that the legislature had become “unfit for duty.”

The group alleged that the 27 lawmakers loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, led by Martins Amaewhule, had received millions in constituency funds, luxury vehicles, and an advance of one year’s salary, claiming the financial incentives were tied to efforts to remove the governor.

The protesters also praised Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, for rejecting requests to establish a probe panel, calling his stance a “bold defence of the rule of law.”

“Governor Fubara has shown prudence for our people. Rivers will not be a sacrificial lamb to political desperation,” Ibama added.

The coalition vowed to continue protesting until the National Assembly intervenes.

“We call on Nigerians to mobilise peacefully at the National Assembly and put an end to this legislative anarchy,” the statement read.

The protesters reaffirmed their support for Governor Fubara and their commitment to defending constitutional order in Rivers State.

Notable participants included Comrade Ifeanyi Okorie, Convener of the Civil Society Coalition; Dr. Maryann Douglas, Director of Programmes; Collins Akpofure, Media Professionals Chairman; Ibrahim Danjuma, APC National Leader; and Elder Akpan Ekpeyong, APC National Secretary.