Rivers Assembly Endorses Tinubu for Second Term Amid Criticism of “Sycophancy”

In a move many described as politically motivated, the Rivers State House of Assembly has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office. The endorsement, announced on Wednesday, was presented as a vote of confidence in appreciation of what the lawmakers called the “numerous Federal Government projects and interventions” in the state under Tinubu’s leadership. The motion, signed by 26 members and read by the House Leader, Mr. Major Jack (Akuku-Toru), claimed that Tinubu’s administration had demonstrated commitment to peace, stability, and development. In a controversial justification, the legislators cited Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency and the temporary suspension of the state legislature, moves widely criticized by Nigerians and international observers, as evidence of his “fatherly role” in restoring order. Speaker of the House, Mr. Martin Amaewhule (Obio/Akpor I), praised the president as a “compassionate father” working to reposition the nation for growth. He also lauded the appointment of Rivers indigenes into key federal positions, saying it reflected Tinubu’s inclusiveness and strengthened the state’s relationship with the Federal Government. The lawmakers further pledged loyalty to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and promised to mobilize grassroots support for Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

PDP Reacts As Rivers Assembly Threaten To Impeach Fubara

The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly for its recent threats to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The assembly, perceived to be loyalists of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, had issued the impeachment threat against Fubara, citing his alleged refusal to implement an eight-point Peace Accord signed with Wike on the orders of President Bola Tinubu. Among the accusations leveled against Fubara is the alleged failure to provide funding for the Rivers Independent Electoral Commission to conduct elections for local government councils in the state. In response, the state Publicity Secretary of Rivers PDP, Sydney Tambari Gbara, condemned the assembly’s actions, urging them to desist from disturbing the peace of the state. Gbara also called on the assembly members to address their legitimacy concerns, particularly in light of their defection from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the ongoing legal challenges questioning their status. Gbara emphasized that the assembly’s decisions and laws hold no significance to the people of Rivers State, labeling them as an “illegal assembly” whose actions are inconsequential. Furthermore, Gbara dismissed claims that Governor Fubara had failed to implement the Peace Accord, stating that the governor had taken steps to promote peace in accordance with the law.

Rivers Guber: S’Court dismisses APM’s appeal against Fubara

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the appeal of the Allied People’s Movement against the victory of Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara. The five-member panel of the apex court led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun also reserved judgment in the appeal by the All Progressives Congress and its candidate, Patrick Tonye-Cole. The counsel for the APM and its candidate in the March 18 election, Innocent Kere, at proceedings on Monday opted to withdraw the appeal. The appeal was subsequently dismissed by the apex court. Tonye-Cole and APC appeal was reserved for judgment, after the court listened to the arguments of the party involved in the matter. Tonye-Cole, among others, is asking the apex court to sack Fubara, adding that the governor did not resign as the Accountant General of the state under the deadline stipulated by the constitution and the Electoral Act. The lower courts had dismissed all appeals against Fubara and upheld his election.