Rivers Political Crisis Deepens As APC Calls For Governor Fubara’s Resignation.
The political crisis in Rivers State has escalated, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara to resign or face impeachment.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly, during its 133rd Legislative Sitting, has issued a warrant of arrest for the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), and his commissioners. The lawmakers cited Section 129(1)(d) of the Constitution as the basis for their action.
Growing Resignations Amidst Political Uncertainty
The ongoing political turmoil has seen a wave of resignations from RSIEC. Less than 48 hours after two commissioners stepped down, another official, Ibierembo Thompson, has resigned, citing the recent Supreme Court ruling that annulled the October 5, 2024, local council elections.
Thompson, in a resignation letter dated March 9, 2025, stated:
“This decision was necessitated by the recent judgment from the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which annulled the October 5, 2024, local council elections in Rivers, and the subsequent developments within the state. I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve and for the valuable experiences gained during my tenure.”
The resignations follow mounting pressure from the reinstated pro-Nyesom Wike lawmakers, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, who had earlier issued a 48-hour ultimatum for RSIEC officials to appear before the Assembly.
Calls for Peace and Constitutional Clarity
Former Rivers State Governor, Rufus Ada-George, has urged all parties involved to refrain from inflammatory statements and threats in the interest of peace. He emphasised the need for political leaders to focus on governance rather than conflict.
“It appears that we are drifting far into the ocean, but we must aim higher for peaceful co-existence and greater development,” Ada-George stated.
Similarly, Governor Fubara has assured the people of Rivers State that they will emerge stronger despite the political turmoil. Speaking at the inauguration of the Palace of Nyeweali Akpor Kingdom and a newly built residential quarter for King Eze Levi Amos Oriebe in Ozuoba, he urged citizens to remain law-abiding and resilient.
“Those pushing to disrupt governance have ungodly motives, but we will remain on the path of peace and development,” Fubara asserted.
Impeachment Threat and Assembly’s Legal Moves
Rivers APC, led by Chairman Tony Okocha, has accused Fubara of several impeachable offences, including allegedly running a government with only 12.5% of the Assembly. Okocha criticised the governor’s recent invitation to the Assembly as an “embarrassing and absurd” move.
He further claimed that Fubara had ignored multiple reconciliation efforts, including President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, and insisted that the governor must personally present the budget and list of commissioner nominees before the Assembly.
In a related development, the House of Assembly has issued a warrant of arrest for RSIEC Chairman Justice Enebeli and other commissioners for allegedly failing to appear before the lawmakers. The officials had been summoned to explain the commission’s handling of the October 5 elections and its financial plans for the proposed 2025 local elections.
House Leader Major Jack reminded the Assembly of its constitutional powers, while Speaker Amaewhule condemned the refusal of Enebeli and others to honour the summons.
“The House is empowered to investigate within its legislative competence. Those who eagerly appeared before us for screening and confirmation must not treat legislative summons with levity,” Amaewhule stated.
Following a unanimous vote, the House issued an arrest warrant for the RSIEC chairman and his commissioners.
Looking Ahead
With tensions rising, the coming days will be critical in determining the political future of Rivers State. As the APC pushes for Fubara’s resignation and the Assembly takes legal action against electoral officials, all eyes are on how the governor and his allies will respond to these mounting challenges.
