Civil society organisations, media professionals and key figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), operating under the platform of the APC Leaders Forum, have called for urgent constitutional intervention in the worsening political crisis in Rivers State.
The groups urged the National Assembly to assume the legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly in accordance with Section 11 of the 1999 Constitution, citing what they described as a breakdown of legislative order in the state.
They made the call while addressing journalists during a one-week, non-stop rally at the APC Secretariat on Friday, January 23, 2026.
According to them, the Rivers State House of Assembly had lost credibility, legitimacy and public confidence due to alleged abuse of legislative powers and what they termed a reckless attempt to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The coalition warned that Rivers State was drifting towards a grave constitutional crisis, stressing that the impeachment process had gone beyond legislative oversight and had become a calculated move to undermine democratic governance.
They argued that democracy in the state was under serious threat and cautioned that silence at this stage would amount to complicity.
The position of the groups was jointly presented by Engr. Ibrahim Danjuma, National Leader of the APC Leaders Forum; Elder Akpan Ekpeyong, National Secretary; Comrade Ifeanyi Okorie, Convener of the civil society organisations; and Dr. Maryann Douglas, Director of Programmes while the views of media professionals were aired by Mr. Collins Akpofure, Chairman.
They commended the Rivers State Chief Judge for declining to constitute a probe panel, describing the decision as a clear demonstration of respect for the rule of law and adherence to existing court orders.
The groups maintained that no evidence of gross misconduct, as required by the Constitution, had been presented against Governor Fubara, insisting that the allegations were unsubstantiated and politically motivated.
They further accused the Rivers State House of Assembly of procedural recklessness, vendetta-driven politics and disregard for judicial authority, arguing that such actions had rendered the Assembly incapable of discharging its constitutional responsibilities.
Based on this, they called on the National Assembly to invoke Section 11(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and take over the legislative duties of the Rivers State House of Assembly to restore order and democratic stability.
The APC Leaders Forum and the civil society groups also alleged that 27 lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, led by Martins Amaewhule, were responsible for the crisis.
According to them, the lawmakers had allegedly received huge amount of money for constituency projects, luxury SUV vehicles and salaries paid up to one year in advance, yet remained dissatisfied and determined to frustrate the current administration.
They claimed the lawmakers were more interested in diverting state resources for personal gain than allowing public funds to serve the interests of Rivers State residents.
The coalition vowed to sustain the protests until decisive constitutional measures were taken, including the takeover of the Assembly’s legislative functions by the National Assembly.
They also called on well-meaning Nigerians to mobilise peacefully, maintain civic presence around the National Assembly and resist what they described as legislative anarchy.
The groups maintained that Governor Fubara had demonstrated prudence and a strong commitment to the welfare of the people of Rivers State, warning that the state must not be sacrificed due to political desperation.
They concluded by calling for unity in the defence of democracy, declaring their determination to continue the struggle until full constitutional order is restored in Rivers State.
