A coalition of civil society organisations, media professionals and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the National Assembly to assume the legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly, warning that the state is facing a deepening constitutional crisis.
In a joint press statement, the groups said their demand was anchored on Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the National Assembly to intervene when a state legislature is unable to function effectively.
The statement was signed by civil society leaders Ifeanyi Okorie (Convener), Dr Maryann Douglas (Director of Programmes) and Collins Akpofure (Chairman) on behalf of media professionals. APC Leaders Forum signatories included Engr. Ibrahim Danjuma (National Leader) and Akpan Ekpeyong (National Secretary).
Speaking during a one-week, non-stop rally at the APC Secretariat, the groups declared that the Rivers State House of Assembly had lost credibility, legitimacy and public trust. They accused the lawmakers of persistently abusing their powers and engaging in what they described as a reckless attempt to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
They warned that Rivers State was sliding into a dangerous constitutional crisis, arguing that the impeachment process had gone beyond legislative oversight and had become a calculated move to destabilise democratic governance. According to them, democracy in the state is under serious threat, and silence at this stage would amount to complicity.
The coalition praised the Rivers State Chief Judge for declining to constitute a probe panel, saying the decision showed respect for existing court orders and underscored a commitment to the rule of law. They described the action as a firm rejection of illegality.
They also insisted that no evidence of gross misconduct—as required by the Constitution—had been presented against Governor Fubara, adding that the allegations against him were unsubstantiated and politically motivated.
Further accusing the House of Assembly of procedural lawlessness, vendetta politics and disregard for judicial authority, the groups argued that such conduct had rendered the Assembly incapable of carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
As a result, they urged the National Assembly to invoke Section 11(4) of the Constitution and temporarily take over the legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly to restore order and democratic stability.
The coalition vowed to sustain its protests until decisive constitutional action is taken. It called on Nigerians of goodwill to peacefully mobilise, maintain civic presence around the National Assembly and resist what it described as legislative anarchy.
They maintained that Governor Fubara had demonstrated prudence and commitment to the welfare of Rivers people, warning that the state must not be sacrificed on the altar of political desperation. The groups concluded by calling for unity in defence of democracy, pledging to continue the struggle until constitutional order is fully restored in Rivers State.
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