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Rivers Assembly gives Gov Fubara fresh 48 hours to sack cabinet members, submit names for screening  •Summons RSIEC Chairman, others 

Published

1 week ago

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Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara
By Our Reporter
Following Supreme Court judgement in favour of sacked majority members of Rivers State Assembly lawmakers recently,State House of Assembly led by Martin Amaehwule on Wednesday gave Governor Siminalayi Fubara another 48 hours ultimatum to sack all his cabinet members that were not screened by them.
The Parliament also asked  also asked the governor to sack other appointees that were not screened by the them within the next two days.
The House further ordered Governor Fubara to submit a new list of nominees for appointment of commissioners and other appointees within 48 hours.
The lawmakers condemned Governor Fubara’s administration for making what they described as “illegal” appointments to various offices without required screening and confirmation.
The Assembly’s resolutions, adopted during plenary on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the 131″ Legislative day of the Second Session, highlighted several infractions of the Constitution and extant laws.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, in a letter to Governor Fubara, accused him of disregarding the nation’s constitution, adding that his actions are a threat to the state’s democracy.
“We have observed that the Governor has consistently disregarded the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended and other extant laws in making appointments to various offices,” Amaewhule said.
The Assembly specifically criticized the Governor’s failure to forward the name of a nominee for Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, instead parading Mr. Dagogo Iboroma as a member of the State Executive Council in that position, saying the action contravenes Section 192(2) & (6) and Section 195(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
They further condemned the Governor for swearing in 19 persons as Commissioners without screening and confirmation, contrary to Section 192(2) & (6) of the 1999 Constitution.
Other infractions highlighted by the Assembly include the swearing-in of members of the Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement and the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission without required screening and confirmation.
The Assembly urged the Governor to act quickly and comply with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and other extant laws.
They requested that the Governor submit a list of nominees for appointment of Commissioners and other offices requiring screening and confirmation in two days.
“We call on the Governor to respect the Constitution and extant laws to avoid threatening our democracy. We will continue to perform our oversight functions to ensure that the Governor’s actions are in line with the law.”
The letter reads: “the House amongst other matters once again deliberated on your numerous appointments of persons into positions that require screening and confirmation by the Rivers State House Assembly and resolved that your attention should once again be drawn to your illegal appointments of persons to serve in various offices without first forwarding their names for screening and confirmation as required by the 1999 Constitution as amended and other extant laws.
“That we should remind you of another infraction of the Constitution in which you illegally swore-in several other persons who are parading themselves as Commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council on Tuesday 21” May, 2024 namely- Prince Charles O. Beke; Collins Onunwo; Solomon Eke; Peter Medee, Elloka Tasie-Amadi; Basoene Joshua Benibo; Tambari Sydney Gbara and Ovy Orluideye Chinendum Chukwuma without screening and confirmation by the Rivers State House of Assembly in full compliance with Section 192(2) & (6) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
“Others who were sworn in on Tuesday 13″h of August 2024 are llamu Arugu; Rowland Obed Whyte; Samuel Anya; Samuel Eyiba and Austin Emeka Nnadozie while Israel Ngbuelu; Evans Bipi; Otamiri Ngubo and Benibo Alabraba were sworn in on Monday 7th October 2024. Emmanuel Frank-Fubara was sworn-in on the 8th of July 2024 amounting to total number of 19 persons parading themselves and misleading Rivers people that they are Commissioners.”
Amaehwule in the letter also pointed that, “another infraction of the law is the swearing in of Lawrence Oko-Jaja as Chairman; Earnest Ibekwe Ekwe; Mina Ogbanga; Iseleye Amachree and Adokiye Oyagiri as members of the Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement on Friday 30 of August 2024 without screening and confirmation by the Rivers State House of Assembly as stipulated in Section 4(a) of the Rivers State Public Procurement Law No. 4 of 2008. Others are Gift Alex-Hart; Grace Osaronu and Selinah Amonieah as members.
“The swearing-in of Goodlife Ben as Chairman; Emmanuel Jaja; Betty Warmate; Jerome Chimenem; Prince Ohochukwu; Philip Okparaji and Christian Amadi as members of the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission without screening and confirmation contrary to Section 44(3) of the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018 is another infraction.
“These appointments by you that are highlighted and other appointments made but not mentioned here for want of space that are not in consonance with extant laws are not only infractions but are seriously threatening our nascent democracy so, should and shall be remedied.
“The House therefore, requests you to submit a list of nominees for appointment as Commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council as well as list of nominees for appointment to fill vacancies in all the offices mentioned above or those not listed but require screening and confirmation by the Rivers State House of Assembly within 48 hours.”
Similarly, the Rivers State House of Assembly has also invited the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd.) and all the Commissioners of the Commission to appear before it in 48 hours, for questioning on their conducts in office, particularly, with respect to the Judgment of the Supreme Court in Suit No. SCICVI1105/2024, on the nullification of the October 5th, 2024 Local Government elections in the state.
The RSIEC Chairman was asked to come along with relevant documents empowering him and his Commissioners to spend any fund of the Commission without an Appropriation Law from January 1st 2024 to March 5th, 2025 or face arrest.
However, the RSIEC, in a letter by one Ibuchim Chambers to the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which circulated online, responding to the invitation, has asked the of Assembly to withdraw the 48 hours ultimatum given to the Chairman and it’s Commissioners to appear before the the House or face legal actions.
The letter reads, “According to the principles of fair hearing enshrined in both the Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and the case law of El-Rufai vs. House of Representatives, National Assembly (2003), at least seven (7) day notice would suffice to honour an invitation from any legislature according to the Legislative Houses (Powers and
Privileges)Act, 2018.
“Take notice that in the event that you and the honorable Rivers State House of Assembly fails to withdraw the said ultimatum we intend to take legal steps to approach a court of law to seek redress.
“We use this opportunity to remind you that we are in a democracy and not a dictatorship wherein ultimatums are issued without regard to the relevant laws such as the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges)Act, 2018.
“We respectfully suggest that both yourself and other legislators of the Rivers State House of Assembly undergo a re-orientation training workshop wherein you will be re-acquainted with the scope and ambits of your powers as a legislature as prescribed by the Nigerian Constitution.”
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Politics

IPU cannot consider Natasha’s petition – Jimoh Ibrahim

Published

21 hours ago

on

March 14, 2025

By

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Chairman of the Senate Inter-parliamentary Committee, remarked that the purported petition from the suspended Senator Natasha is “dead on arrival.”

He emphasised that Nigeria, rather than Senator Natasha, is the member of the IPU.

A petition can only be lodged against another member state by a member state.

This implies that the IPU cannot consider petitions from individuals who are not members.

The suspended Senator Natasha is not a member of the IPU, but Nigeria is!
Additionally, the suspended Senator cannot represent the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I served as the interim president of the IPU in Geneva in 2023, and I am familiar with how the IPU operates after presiding over its proceedings.

Furthermore, as Chairman of the Inter- parliamentary Committee in the Nigerian Senate, I did not approve or authorise the suspended Senator Natasha to attend the IPU on behalf of Nigeria to the Senate President.”

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Politics

Senate moves to establish Early Voting for Nigerians on essential duties during elections …..As Bill scales 2nd reading 

Published

22 hours ago

on

March 14, 2025

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By George Mgbeleke
The Senate on Thursday passed to second reading a Bill to amend the Electoral Act to provide opportunity for Nigerians on essential duties to perform their civic duties.
The Bill sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz zMusa Yar’adua seeks to amend the Electoral Act tagged “Electoral Act(Amendment -Early Voting Bill) 2024.

Senate in session in the chamber

In his lead debate Senator Yar’adua noted that the Bill seeks to enfranchise a significant group of Nigerians who, due to the nature of their duties on election days, are denied the opportunity to exercise their most fundamental democratic right; the right to vote.
He said,”This very important bill seeking to introduce early voting in the Electoral Act 2022 to enhance the inclusion, participation and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process, and for related matters, was read for the first time on Wednesday, the 15th day of May  2024.
“Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, due to the far-reaching nature of this Bill, let me crave your indulgence to extensively highlight the background, which I believe will not only provide a proper context for this legislative initiative but also motivate this hallowed chamber to accelerate the legislative process in enacting the Bill.
“Background and Rationale
In any democratic process, equal opportunity must be given to all citizens to participate in elections regardless of their gender, ethnicity, religion, occupation or socioeconomic status. This ensures the true reflection of the will of the people thereby enhancing the stability of the democratic process. Unfortunately, a huge number of Nigerians who are involved in making Nigeria’s elections a success are excluded from the crucial decision-making of choosing their leaders through the ballot.”
The lawmaker further observed that,”Over one million citizens who play critical roles in ensuring the smooth conduct of the elections are disenfranchised.
” These include INEC officials, including ad-hoc staff, the security personnel, journalists, observers and others who work on election day to uphold the integrity of the process are effectively denied their right to vote because they are deployed to polling units far from where they registered. This is an irony that should not be lost on us, and this bill seeks to correct that by making provision for early voting for such citizens.
“Mr President, Distinguished Colleagues, this exclusion has characterised all elections in the Fourth Republic and became more alarming in the 2023 General Elections with over 1 million ad-hoc staff, 310,973 police personnel, 93,495 military and Department of State Service (DSS) personnel, 51,000 personnel from the National Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), 21,000 from the Federal Road Safety Corps, 11,336 from the Nigeria Correctional Service, 9,447 from the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency and 350 personnel from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission who were actively engaged in election activities were disenfranchised. Similarly, the Independent National Electoral Commission reported that 144,800 observers were deployed by 196 national and domestic organisations, with the implication that those citizens were also unable to vote. This is in addition to journalists and others involved in elections in various capacities. The number of those excluded from voting could change the outcomes of election results.”
Continuing he said,”Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, the figures highlighted above makes this bill a necessity to address the ‘disenfranchisement’ of eligible voters. As lawmakers, it is our duty to ensure that every Nigerian citizen, regardless of their profession or duty on election day, has the opportunity to participate fully in the electoral process. Incorporating early voting in our electoral legal framework shall strengthen universal adult suffrage as our Constitution guarantees every eligible Nigerian the right to vote.
” Furthermore, this Bill strengthens democratic values as democracy thrives when participation is broad, inclusive, and representative. By preventing those on election duty from voting, we are limiting the breadth of participation and undermining the very principles of democracy.
“Distinguished Colleagues, here are the highlights of the bill:
Provision for eligibility and registration of early voters:  Political parties will receive a list of registered early voters to ensure transparency.
Eligible individuals include security personnel, electoral officials and those deemed eligible by the commission who must apply 30 days before the early voting date (Clause 44A (2)-(6)).
“Implementation and Voting Procedure.
A designated early voting date will be set, not more than 7 days before the general election (Section 44A (1)).
Voting centers will be established in every ward, with early votes counted on the official election day (Section 44A (10)-(17))Cross-Country Survey.”
The Lawmaker noted  that early voting has been part of the electoral legal frameworks in other jurisdictions with its attendant huge success stories in promoting voter participation, reducing election day pressure, and increasing accessibility.
” In the United States, early voting varies by State, with some states allowing a few days to several weeks (up to 45 days) in advance of election day. In Australia, early voting starts about 2-3 weeks before the election, with the 2019 federal election recording 40% of voters that cast their ballots early. In Canada, early voting takes place 12 days before election day allowing voters greater flexibility. In Germany, Postal voting is initiated four to six weeks before the election, enabling voters to participate ahead of time.
“Distinguished Colleagues, it is interesting to note that early voting has also gained traction in several African countries as a tool to improve electoral efficiency, increase voter turnout, and enhance inclusivity, especially for marginalized groups. In South Africa, the Independent Electoral Commission allows early voting 2 days before the general election for individuals such as the elderly, disabled, pregnant women, security forces, and those working on Election Day.
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Politics

No Individual Bigger Than PDP, Says Diri

Published

2 days ago

on

March 13, 2025

By

PDP zonal caretaker C'ttee members with Gov Douye Diri (2nd from the Rt)

By David Owei ,Bayelsa

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was bigger than any individual and that its internal challenges would be fixed once the members resolve to tackle them.

Speaking to journalists at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja on Thursday after the inauguration of the party’s South-South zonal caretaker committee led by Elder Emma Ogidi, the Bayelsa Governor said the political will to confront those fomenting trouble in the party resided with the members and not solely on the leadership.

Diri, who is also Chairman of the South-South Governors Forum, stated that for the party to be competitive as the oldest in the country, it must look inwards and fix its internal issues.

He said: “For me, we have to look inwards before accusing those outside our party. We have to first fix our internal issues.

“It is very easy to point accusing fingers. But the PDP has to sit back and tackle its internal challenges. That is only when we can stand to compete with others.

“I want the PDP to be competitive with other political parties. We are the oldest political party in Nigeria. So we have no reason to be accusing outsiders.”

On whether the party’s leadership had the political will to discipline those fomenting trouble, Governor Diri averred that such will resided with the members.

“We are all members of the party. The moment we all resolve that we need to fix our party, there cannot be any one person that is bigger than the party.”

He stressed that the newly inaugurated zonal caretaker committee had the mandate of the National Working Committee to look into every issue affecting the party in the South-South.

The Bayelsa helmsman expressed the hope that the event was a step forward for the party.

“In our zone, which is the only area in the country you have four governors of the party, we have all resolved and are together on this. You can see the deputy governor of Delta State, who represented the governor. I have also received messages from the governors of Akwa Ibom and Rivers. It shows that we are together and what we need to do is to show leadership and work with the zonal committee so that our zone will again become safe and strong for the PDP.”

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