Rivers State Political Crisis 2025: Leaders And INC React

As political tensions intensify in Rivers State, state leaders have firmly rejected the ultimatum issued by the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the House of Assembly, demanding the presentation of the 2025 budget. They assert that complying would be a strategic move to entrap Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has strongly opposed any attempts to undermine Governor Fubara, warning that such actions could destabilize national peace and economic growth. The INC condemned the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Rivers crisis, cautioning that it could trigger widespread instability in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.

Rivers Government Prepares for Fresh Local Council Elections

Following the annulment of the 2024 local council elections, the Rivers State government has finalized plans to conduct fresh elections. The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has scheduled a meeting today to unveil the electoral guidelines and timetable.

Meanwhile, the state government is awaiting a certified true copy of the recent Supreme Court ruling to determine its official response.

Additionally, the local government chairmen dismissed from office in 2015 have declared their intention to reclaim administration of the 23 local councils in the state.

Leaders React to Assembly Ultimatum

Reacting to the ultimatum, APC chieftain Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze criticized the move, describing it as a ploy to orchestrate the governor’s impeachment. He advised Fubara to disregard the demand, arguing that the lawmakers lacked the constitutional authority to issue such directives.

He emphasized that even if the Appeal Court upholds their legitimacy, the governor should not engage with them, referring to the lawmakers as a “leprous 27-group.” He further described the Supreme Court’s ruling as “unholy” and an exposure of Rivers State’s true political adversaries.

Similarly, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Ambassador Oji Ngofa, condemned the ultimatum, stating that the Assembly’s demand reflects a hostile agenda. He vowed that supporters would defend Governor Fubara against any political maneuvers aimed at removing him.

Ijaw Nation Defends Fubara Against Impeachment Threat

INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, expressed deep concerns over the Supreme Court ruling, stating that it failed to recognize the Ijaw people’s historical contributions to Rivers State’s governance. He recalled the role of key Ijaw leaders in past elections, highlighting their sacrifices in securing political stability.

Okaba warned that if Governor Fubara’s administration is disrupted, the Ijaw Nation will resist with unwavering determination. He stressed that the INC has played a crucial role in maintaining peace in the Niger Delta, which has resulted in increased national oil revenue. However, he cautioned that the continued political marginalization of the Ijaw people across Rivers, Ondo, Edo, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states could have serious consequences.

Directly addressing President Bola Tinubu, Okaba emphasized that the Rivers political crisis should not be dismissed as routine politicking. He warned that any attempt to unseat Governor Fubara could destabilize the Niger Delta and threaten oil production, hinting at possible disruptions in the petroleum sector.

Fresh Council Elections: RSIEC Announces Stakeholder Meeting

In response to the annulment of previous local government elections, the RSIEC has taken steps to organize fresh polls. According to a memo issued by RSIEC Chairman Justice Adolphus Enebeli, all stakeholders, including political leaders, security agencies, civil society groups, and traditional rulers, are invited to a crucial meeting on March 5, 2025, at the RSIEC Headquarters in Port Harcourt.

The meeting will focus on unveiling the election timetable and guidelines for the upcoming 2025 local government elections.

Dismissed and Reinstated Rivers LGA Chairmen Determined to Reclaim Council Secretariats

The former chairmen of the 23 local government areas (LGAs) in Rivers State, along with their deputies and councillors, have declared their intention to reassume leadership of the councils following a recent Appeal Court ruling. The ruling overturned their removal by the Nyesom Wike administration in 2015, affirming their rightful claim to the positions.

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) had conducted local government elections on May 23, 2015, towards the end of the Chibuike Amaechi administration. However, upon assuming office, Governor Wike dismissed all 23 elected chairmen and councillors. Subsequently, the Federal High Court nullified the election on July 9, 2015.

Nearly a decade later, on February 28, 2025, the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt reversed the lower court’s ruling, stating that the 2015 election was conducted without any legal hindrance.

Speaking on behalf of the reinstated chairmen, Benson Imie, the elected chairman of Andoni LGA, asserted that the recent Supreme Court verdict, which invalidated the council election held in 2024, had created vacancies in the local governments.

Imie emphasized that the Appeal Court had already set aside the Federal High Court’s 2015 ruling that nullified their election. The appellate court, in its judgment on February 28, 2025, in Appeal Number CA/PH/172/2024 (Augustine Ngo & 22 Ors v. PDP & Ors.), determined that the Federal High Court had violated the appellants’ right to a fair hearing as guaranteed by Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution. The court ruled that the 2015 election results remained valid and free from legal complications.

Imie further argued that, given the Appeal and Supreme Court rulings, the 2015 elected officials were the legitimate administrators of the councils. He noted that, at the time of the Appeal Court judgment, no vacancies existed in the LGAs. However, the Supreme Court, on the same February 28, 2025, ruling, annulled the October 5, 2024, council elections for violating RSIEC laws. This decision, he asserted, resulted in vacancies across the councils, making the 2015 elected chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors the rightful successors, as judicially recognized.

Similarly, Reginald Ukwoma, who was elected chairman of Etche LGA, stated that the previously removed officials did not require a fresh swearing-in ceremony since they had already taken the oath of office before their dismissal in 2015.

“We don’t need to be sworn in again,” Ukwoma said. “We have already taken the oath of office. Our next step is to obtain the Certified True Copies of both the Appeal Court and Supreme Court judgments, after which we will determine the appropriate time to resume office.”

Conclusion

The unfolding political crisis in Rivers State continues to fuel concerns about governance stability and regional peace. While stakeholders remain divided over the legitimacy of the House of Assembly’s actions, the Ijaw Nation has reiterated its commitment to protecting Governor Fubara’s tenure. As the Rivers government moves forward with fresh council elections, all eyes are on how the situation will evolve in the coming weeks.