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Following what appeared to be a brief respite, the political crisis engulfing Rivers State took on a new significance on Monday when 27 of the 32 members of the State House of Assembly defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which is in power, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to observers, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s purported mediation of the conflict between Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike failed, as evidenced by the current issue.

The State Assembly attempted to impeach the governor as a result of the stress and division caused by the irreconcilable political differences between Fubara and Wike.

In the process, a bomb was dropped on the House of Assembly compound.

Fubara was charged by Wike with planning the fire that destroyed a portion of the State House of Assembly building.

He asserted that Governor Fubara made the action upon discovering that he was the target of an impeachment attempt.

When Fubara and a few aides visited the complex to evaluate the extent of the explosion’s damage, the police used tear gas on them. This gave rise to a split among state lawmakers, with one faction supporting Wike and the other remaining loyal to the governor.

Previously, attorney and Pan-Africanist Chetam Thierry Nwala had claimed that Rivers State’s political turmoil resulted from unmet demands made by Wike.

Speaking on Arise Television, Nwala claimed that the ongoing conflict started from Governor Fubara’s refusal to give Wike, his immediate predecessor, a quarter of the State’s budget.

He asserted that Wike had insisted on receiving twenty-five percent of the funds allotted to Rivers State.

Nwala continued by claiming that Wike sought N2 billion from the N5 billion that the federal government had just given the states as palliative measures to lessen the impact of the elimination of gasoline subsidies.

The majority of the governor’s assistants, including commissioners and the chief security officer, were reportedly appointed by the FCT Minister.

Wike requested a quarter of Rivers State’s allotment. We’ve heard that the governor even extended an offer to give him ten percent. This is the situation that exists in our state.

Not only that, but Wike also named the governor’s chief security officer in addition to nearly all of the commissioners.The governor ought to be concerned about these personal matters. These are factors that ought to incite him to rebel.

We have observed instances in which Wike’s appointed commissioners disdain the governor. Everyone will, of course, rebel. You can’t count on the governor to honor any pre-election agreements.

Let me also startle you: Wike wanted N2 billion from the N5 billion in palliative funds that were delivered to Rivers State. This is the reason why some of us applaud Fubara’s moves,” he said.

In response to the claim, Wike stated that his disagreement with Governor Fubara was solely political.

If the Minister was asking for N20 billion a month, he claimed it was politics. He questioned Fubara’s whereabouts throughout their argument.

Wike also promised to uphold his framework and continue to be politically relevant.

“It’s politics if I demand N20 billion every month and even give myself all the contracts. When I was battling, where was he?

“I need to preserve my political framework and remain politically relevant. I can’t let someone cut me off right away.

The minister responded, “If you like, accuse me all you like; I won’t have a sleepless night because the right thing must be done.”

Additionally, Wike had previously asserted that the Peoples Democratic Party, or PDP, was investigating the political turmoil in the State.

In keeping with the theme, Fubara also claimed that there was nothing wrong with a “father and a son” having disagreements. This seemed to be a reference to the split that existed between him and Wike, who assisted in his installation as governor.

I understand that everyone is curious about what is and is not happening in our beloved State. There is no issue; we are fine,” he remarked.

“If there is an internal problem, it will be fixed, and business as usual will resume.

The governor declared, “If there is a problem, it is between a father and a son, but I don’t think there is anything wrong with it; whatever it is, we will definitely resolve the issue.”

Fubara, however, has recently adopted a more accommodating stance and promised never to let intimidation or blackmail to take the State.

He maintained that the State belongs to the people and that he would defend it against extortion.

At the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers’ quarterly general meeting in Port Harcourt on Monday, he gave a speech.

“Remember that Rivers State is our collective inheritance, and it is my responsibility as governor to safeguard, defend, and enhance it.

“I promise that I will fulfill my obligations to you and that I will not give up on our mission in favor of coercion, extortion, and intentional damage.

The governor declared, “There is nothing to gain in a state of unnecessary crisis. I reaffirm my earlier statement and recommit myself to the path of peace.”

Nevertheless, the issue that is roiling the State took a fresh turn on Monday when twenty-seven State House of Assembly members who support Wike defected to the APC from the PDP.

The lawmakers said that the main cause of their departure to the APC was internal PDP strife.

Around eight in the morning, the decision was made with the defecting members sitting under heavy security at the entrance to the Assembly compound along Moscow Road in Port Harcourt.

In an apparent countermove, Fubara also called a meeting of the executive council to discuss an emergency. The 2024 budget plan was agreed at the meeting, which was also anticipated to address the resignation of 27 State House of Assembly members from the PDP to the APC.

In the meantime, the Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC, has received a letter from the PDP national leadership requesting new elections to replace the 27 Rivers lawmakers.

This was stated in a press release that Debo Ologunagba, the party’s national publicity secretary, signed.

Ologunagba claims that because the defecting MPs ran for office in their respective areas on the party’s platform, their seats are now empty.

“The seats of the respective 27 former lawmakers have become vacant by virtue of the provision of Section 109 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended),” Ologunagba stated, citing the party’s constitution.

The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly has been asked by the Labour Party (LP) to declare vacant the seats of the 27 members who left the party that supported their election.

In a further development on Tuesday, Edison Ehie was formally recognized as the Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly by a sitting high court in Port Harcourt.

Fubara has the support of four legislators, including Edison Ehie.

The Wike-supporting colleagues of Edison suspended him and took away his leadership position in the house.

Martins Amaewhule and Dumle Maol were instructed by Judge M.W. Danagogo, who rendered the decision, to cease representing themselves as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The court issued a warning against trying to access the Assembly Complete with the help of police officers and goons.
The subject, a Peaceland University, Enugu, Nduka Odo communication scholar and public affairs analyst, asked the governor of Rivers to win over people’s hearts by spearheading transformative initiatives throughout the state.

“Running to the people of the state is the best way to fight ruthless godfathers,” he said.

Odo advised Nigeria set up a structure that checks this kind of diversion by political godfathers, even as he questioned why such a drama should be permitted to carry on at the expense of the state’s growth.

“You’re asking me what my view is,” he said. In response to you, I would like to know if this is the first time we’ve had this shift in power between the parties.

Not at all. It’s not. Regrettably, politicians and powerful men will sadly continue to alter the political landscape for their own selfish ends.

“I would have chosen a side in the dispute, but as of right now, there is no evidence to suggest that one of the two sides to the Rivers State conflict is acting in the public interest. Everyone is exerting great effort to maintain their position of power.

“Let’s observe to see how long Fubara can continue fighting. The story will eventually run its course and we shall witness the entire thing.

“My honest recommendation to him is to follow Chris Ngige’s path when he faced attacks from godfathers while serving as governor. Running to the people of the state is the strongest defense against vicious godfathers.

“Start transforming lives throughout the state by gaining people’s hearts.

“The other choice is to engage in dirty warfare. Enugu’s Sullivan Chime did it in opposition to Chimaroke Nnamani. The political issue in Rivers State is centered on Nyesom Wike, who treated Chibuike Amaechi similarly in the past. He ought to take his cue from Obaseki of Edo, who had to contend with Oshiomole, his predecessor.

“Fubara’s third choice is to give in and follow Wike’s wishes. Finally, Wike makes the decision to remain or be banished, just like Ambode of Lagos.

The 27 state legislators have demonstrated their allegiance to Wike. The outcome of the fight will determine their fate. Wike or Fubara?

“We are unaware of the arrangement that Wike and the President had, but he is firmly depending on his support of the Jagaban’s mandate. In a recent video, of course, he danced and sang along to it.

However, Mr. President—not Fubara—will be the one to bring him to his knees.

“Fukara could easily come to an agreement with Mr. President as an incumbent governor. That’s it. Nobody who values their position wouldn’t want to defend it against someone who has openly demonstrated they will stop at nothing to obtain authority.

For this reason, I think the president wouldn’t want Wike to keep having unrestricted authority over Rivers. Not in response to Rivers, but rather to protect his position at Aso Rock.

“I suggest that Nigeria set up a mechanism to prevent this kind of diversion. How can we let these tragedies go on at the expense of the state’s advancement?

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, swore in nine new Resident Electoral Commissioners on Tuesday.

On November 1, 2023, the Senate approved the appointment of seven of President Bola Tinubu’s nominees to the Commission as RECs.

Tinubu requested approval of the nomination of the RECs for INEC in compliance with Section 154(1) of the Constitution.

Yakubu told the nine new RECs at the INEC headquarters in Abuja that conducting elections was not only a big burden but also a sacred obligation, encouraging them to be led by the electoral legislative framework, the REC code of conduct, and good conscience.
“Conducting elections is not only a huge responsibility, but also a sacred duty,” he remarked. As RECs, you will be the Commission’s representatives in the several states where you will be sent shortly.

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“I implore you not to get involved in a pointless debate that adds nothing to your work.” At the same time, you must not be impervious to valid criticism. You must continue the Commission’s practice of regular discussions with key stakeholders.

“You must always be firm in ensuring fairness and transparency to all.” Let me state unequivocally that you must always be led by the election legal framework, the REC code of conduct, and your good conscience.

Mahmood went on to say that this was the first time multiple INEC career officers had been selected as RECs, and he urged them to get started right away.

“Four of the nine new RECs are career officers of the Commission who have advanced to the rank of Director.” They have been involved in elections and electoral activities both in the field and at the headquarters.

on the part of any REC.”

The INEC chairman further stated that the 10th REC-designate would be sworn in next month, following the expiration of the mandate of the REC representing Akwa Ibom State, who is now deployed to Delta State.

“Today, nine out of the ten RECs screened and confirmed by the National Assembly were sworn in at this ceremony,” he stated.

“The tenth REC-designate will be sworn in next month, following the expiration of the tenure of the REC representing Akwa Ibom State, who is currently deployed to Delta State.” Because of the proactive decision made by the appointing authority, there will be no extended waiting period until the vacancy is filled.Similarly, I must caution you to recognize and work within the boundaries of your authorized authorities and obligations. Our state offices are an integral component of the Commission, and we will not hesitate to deal with acts of defiance, indiscretion, or transgression.

“Let me therefore take this opportunity to thank the outgoing REC in Delta State, Reverend Dr Monday Udo Tom, for his selfless and dedicated service to the commission and the nation.” The same gratitude is extended to all the other RECs whose tenure ended after honorable service.”
“Their backgrounds included electoral operations, election and party monitoring, and electoral litigation.” This is the first time that multiple INEC career officers have been appointed as RECs. You’re not new to election administration. There is no learning curve for you.

“As a result, there are no excuses for failing to get off to a good start and making a significant difference in the quality and transparency of elections.” The other five RECs were sworn in today and have diverse experience in public service at both the national and state levels. We will hold you to the same standard as the Commission’s career officers.”

The new RECs have been deployed as follows: Abubakar Dambo Sarkin Pawa, Kebbi; Abubakar Ma’aji Ahmed, Borno; Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, Edo State; Ehimeakhe Shaka Isah, Akwa Ibom; Aminu Idris, Kaduna; Mohammed Sadiq Abubakar, Kwara; Barr. Oluwatoyin Babalola, Ondo; Olubunmi Omoseyindemi, Ekiti; and Shehu Wahab, Nasarawa.

Barr. Oluwatoyin Babalola, who addressed on behalf of the newly sworn-in RECs, committed to stay true to their duties while acknowledging their responsibilities as RECs in Nigeria.

Barr. Oluwatoyin Babalola of Ekiti State was the Director of Legal Services at the commission’s headquarters prior to her appointment.

Aminu Idris of Nasarawa state retired as the director of the Election and Political Parties Monitoring Department at the INEC headquarters.

Shehu Abdulwahab was the INEC’s administrative secretary in Benue State before being named a REC.

The cop shown in a widely shared video asking for a N5,000 bribe at New Terminal, the departure area of Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport, is the subject of a thorough investigation, according to the Nigeria Customs Service.

NCS’s National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwad, denounced the unprofessional behavior in a statement following the incident and promised to discipline the officer appropriately following a thorough investigation.

In order to prevent any misconduct or corruption, he urged the public and passengers to report it immediately.

“An officer was seen asking a passenger for a bribe of N5,000 at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, and the Nigeria Customs Service is actively looking into this incident.” People are concerned about this behavior, and we are determined to hold everyone fully accountable.

The event happened at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos’ New Terminal, and the concerned passenger recorded it on camera, according to the preliminary investigation. Inappropriately, N5000 is requested on the recording in exchange for quick customs processing.

In order to properly assign the accused officer to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Area Command, we would like to verify that he is a member of the Nigeria Customs Service.

“This unprofessional behavior is strongly condemned by the NCS, which is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. All relevant measures will be implemented after a thorough investigation into the incident has been conducted.

The aforementioned conduct completely contradicts the fundamental principles of our organization, and we are committed to upholding an open and responsible customs process.

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The public and travelers are urged to report any wrongdoing or corruption as soon as possible. For our service to remain honest and for officers to follow the strictest moral guidelines, these reports are essential. Fostering an environment of accountability and transparency is something that the NCS will always be committed to doing. The public will be informed of the investigation’s findings as soon as feasible, according to the statement.

On Tuesday, Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, visited the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) housing project in the FCT’s Idu district.

IDPs in states would be able to live in the one- and two-bedroom homes as part of the country’s attempts to combat multifaceted poverty, according to Edu.

The minister claims that each house will be built for N3 million using direct labor from the intended recipients.

“The Tinubu administration in Nigeria is dedicated to offering refuge to a minimum of five million displaced and vulnerable households.”

“Recall that the humanitarian trust fund, which has 70% contributions from individuals and donor organizations and 30% from the federal government, was recently approved by the federal government.”

According to the minister, Benue has started working on an initiative similar to this one for IDPs.

“This project had its groundbreaking in Benue, and as we speak, the clearing of roughly 10 hectares for the construction of 40 houses has been completed,” Edu stated.

She claimed that because the buildings are simple to erect, the process of providing IDPs in various parts of Nigeria—particularly Borno, Zamfara, Adamawa, Yobe, and other regions—with homes would be accelerated.

Party leaders expressed disapproval of Wike’s alleged selection of Fubara, the state’s accountant general at the time, claiming that Fubara was not a politician and was not involved in the conflict.

However, when Wike-supporting MPs attempted to impeach the current governor, Fubara and his predecessor split apart a few months ago. A portion of the state House of Assembly was destroyed by fire in the midst of the crisis.

The House became divided over the governor’s impeachment efforts; Speaker Amaewhule led the majority, while House Leader Edison Ehie led the other party.

In response to the lawmakers’ defection, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba stated in an interview on Monday that the party will investigate all possibilities to recover its seats in the state House of Assembly.

“We will write to INEC tomorrow (Tuesday) to make our position known,” stated Ologunagba, who characterized the PDP as a law-abiding party.

The PDP press secretary said, “You cannot pre-empt our steps and our party,” in response to a question about what the party would do if INEC denied its request. We comprehend and are aware of the law. We shall proceed one state at a time. You can count on the PDP to investigate every possibility.

In an earlier statement, Ologunagba claimed that the provisions of Section 109 (1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution as amended had rendered the seats of the corresponding 27 parliamentarians empty as a result of their departure from the PDP.

For the avoidance of doubt, a member of a House of Assembly shall resign from the House if, as a person whose election to the House of Assembly was sponsored by a political party, he joins another political party prior to the end of the term for which that House was elected, the party added, according to Section 109 (1) of the 1999 Constitution.

According to the Supreme Court’s understanding, Ologunagba said, the 27 defecting members had vacated their seats and lost all of their associated rights, benefits, recognition, and obligations as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

As the parliamentarians switched to the APC, the governor remained silent.

Regarding the lawmakers’ departure from his party, the governor, who chaired the state executive council meeting on Monday and oversaw the approval of the N800 billion budget estimate for 2024, remained silent.

When the state legislators decided to abstain on Monday, it was noted that the plenary meeting was held under tight police surveillance beginning at approximately eight in the morning.

Majority Jack, the House Leader and representative for the Akuku Toru Constituency, sponsored the Rivers State Local Government Law (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which was also given a second reading by the House during the session.

During the bill’s debate, all members agreed that certain parts of the main legislation, which were contrary to democratic principles, ought to be changed. This would guarantee that elected officials in local government were not subject to the whims and avarices of a single person.

The Speaker handed the measure to the House Committee on Local Government, directing them to have a public hearing and provide additional legislative suggestions in a fortnight.

Additionally, a motion to denounce the state governor’s refusal to turn over suspects who set fire to the Assembly’s hallowed chamber to security agencies and the seizure of funds for the Assembly’s management was adopted by the House, sponsored by 26 members and moved by Sylvanus Nwankwo, the member representing Omuma constituency in the House.

The House vigorously denounced the illegal attack on the members and the Rivers State Assembly as an organization after adopting the motion’s prayers.

They demanded that the factional Speaker, Edison Ehie, Chijioke Ihunwo, and other people they believed to be suspects in the explosion in the Assembly be turned over to the state governor right now.

In addition to demanding that the governor release funds intended for the management of the Assembly for November 2023 immediately, they emphasized that the House would no longer grant Fubara’s requests for approval because his actions were no longer compliant with the state’s current laws and the 1999 Constitution as amended.

The defection of the PDP lawmakers, according to Darlington Nwauju, the spokesman for the disbanded APC Executive Council in Rivers State, justified the party.

Nwauju said that the five APC executive members who sued to have the now-dissolved party suspended, together with the party’s legal counsel, did so in order to undermine the party and turn it over to Wike, in an interview with one of our journalists on Monday.

“Now when we also said that everything that was happening was illegal and was planned just to destabilize the APC in Rivers State and ultimately turn it over to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, people said it was a lie,” the speaker remarked.

CSOs alert cops

Olatunji Disu, the state commissioner of police, has been cautioned by the coalition of Rivers Civil Society Groups not to favor any one actor in the political crisis that the state is currently experiencing.

In an interview with reporters, the group’s spokesperson, Solomon Lenu, implored Disu to avoid going the way of a former CP member who had allegedly sided with acts of anarchy in the state in 2013.

He declared: “In this case, the Commissioner of Police and his officers should maintain their objectivity and follow the court’s directives by preventing either of the two sides from entering the Assembly complex.

“Instead of chaos, we desire calm in Rivers State. We stress that Mr. President ought to advise his ministry to prioritize peace and let Governor Fubara focus on his duties as an officially elected governor of the Rivers people.

“We might relocate to Abuja and take over Wike’s office in protest as a result of his actions. To him and his state legislators, this ought to serve as a warning.Lenu said that the FCT minister was determined to use the territory’s unruly MPs to plunge the state into chaos.

APC praises the lawmakers

However, the APC welcomed the departure of 27 members of the state’s 32-member House of Assembly from the PDP, which is currently in power.

A few hours after the 27 new converts were accepted at the party secretariat by the APC Caretaker Executive Committee in Rivers, there was cheering.

The APC’s national director of publicity, Bala Ibrahim, gave The PUNCH an exclusive phone conversation in which he ascribed the action to the party’s national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, having an open door policy and the political revolution occurring in Rivers.

It’s a state matter, he declared. On a national scale, however, we are keeping an eye. Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the APC’s National Chairman, has made it plain to everyone who will listen that he is bringing an open door policy to the organization.

“It is also his goal to expand the APC’s base of influence in a way that will allow new members and solidify the existing ones.

“Ganduje’s goal is to reach out and invite anyone who may still harbor resentment toward the party’s operations to join Mr. President’s agenda of Renewed Hope.

This suggests that what is taking place in Rivers State is, in my opinion, an acknowledgement or gratitude for the offer made by the national chairman. Additionally, I believe that attending the party will be the start of something better.

But this is a state matter, as was already indicated. The APC, a progressive party, will accept new members as long as they are willing to contribute to the advancement of Nigerian democracy, regardless of the motivation behind the defection.

One of our correspondents was informed by Edwin Olofu, Ganduje’s media assistant, that this was evidence of the revolution and changes his principal had implemented within the party.

“We welcome new members at all times as a political party. The President and the national chairman of the APC have been doing wonderful things since they took office, and it is clear that people have noticed this, he stated.

Acting Rivers APC State Chairman Tony Okocha pledged the party would treat the 27 legislators with the same decency and respect as each and every person of the state during his acceptance address at the secretariat in Port Harcourt.

The Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and his supporters were urged by the Ijaw National Congress to cease their efforts to remove Rivers State Governor Siminialayi Fubara from office by President Bola Tinubu.

The INC made this statement in response to what it described as the open support shown by security services to the Wike-supporting section of state lawmakers led by Martins Amaewhule.

The INC claimed that in defiance of an ongoing court order directing all parties to preserve the status quo and refrain from taking any official action until further notice, the police protected Wike loyalists in their attempt to have a sitting.

According to a Monday statement from INC and signed by Prof. Benjamin Okaba, the organization’s president, it was odd that Wike was determined to see that Fubara was impeached despite earlier interventions from Tinubu and other important parties.We humbly want you, Mr. President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to summon Mr. Wike and the Federal Government agencies and agents who are endangering Rivers State by allowing chaos to break out. These factors eventually pose a threat to Nigeria’s stability, according to Okaba.

A budget estimate of N800 billion that the government would spend in the 2024 fiscal year was discussed and approved by the Rivers State Executive Council on Monday.

Fubara chaired the meeting, which took place in the Executive Chamber of Government House in Port Harcourt. The council decided to rename the budget the “Budget of Renewed Hope, Consolidation, and Continuity.”

Following the meeting, state commissioner for information and communications Joseph Johnson told reporters that capital spending was expected to total N412 billion, while recurrent spending was estimated to be N361 billion.

“We had the fifth Rivers State council meeting,” he said. We discussed the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, which is often done before talking about the budget.

The budget estimate was also provided in an 83-page paper. The projected 2024 budget is worth N800 billion and is titled “Budget of Renewed Hope, Consolidation, and Continuity.”

According to a spokesman for the Rivers State Government, “the budget is essentially focused on some key areas with infrastructure taking the lead with N128 billion of the budget followed by education, health, and security.”

Dr. Tammy Danagogo, the secretary to the Rivers State Government, stated that the approved budget estimate aims to instill hope in the people of Rivers State, ensuring the ongoing development of human capital and projects.

The public would be able to view and comprehend all the forecasts and principles by the time it reaches the state House of Assembly, according to Danagogo, who stated that an anticipated budget of N800,392,485,433.33 kobo was approved.

“Providing the people and residents of Rivers State with the “Renewed Hope” and ensuring a consolidation and continuity in the harvest of projects we have been having in the State and of course other areas, particularly in human capital development, security, investment drive, and ease of doing business, is basically the essence of the budget.”