Civil society organisations, media practitioners and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have called on the National Assembly to urgently intervene in the escalating political crisis in Rivers State by taking over the legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly, in line with Section 11 of the 1999 Constitution.
The call was made on Friday during a one-week, nonstop rally held at the APC Secretariat on January 23, 2026, where the groups accused the Rivers State House of Assembly of losing credibility, legitimacy and public trust following what they described as repeated abuse of legislative powers and an alleged attempt to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Addressing journalists, the coalition warned that Rivers State was sliding into a full-blown constitutional crisis, insisting that the impeachment process had gone beyond legislative oversight and had become a calculated move to destabilise democratic governance in the state.
They stressed that democracy in Rivers was under serious threat and cautioned that silence at this stage would amount to complicity.The groups commended the Chief Judge of Rivers State for declining to constitute a probe panel, saying the decision showed respect for subsisting court orders and reaffirmed the rule of law.
They argued that no evidence of gross misconduct, as required by the Constitution, had been presented against Governor Fubara, describing the allegations as unsubstantiated and politically driven.
They further accused the Rivers State House of Assembly of procedural lawlessness, vendetta politics and disregard for judicial authority, noting that such actions had rendered the Assembly incapable of performing its constitutional duties.
On this basis, they urged the National Assembly to invoke Section 11(4) of the Constitution and assume the legislative functions of the state assembly to restore order and democratic stability.
The APC Leaders Forum and 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 the coalition, the lawmakers allegedly received constituency project funds estimated at about ₦350 million each, luxury SUV vehicles and up to one year’s salary in advance, yet remained determined to frustrate the current administration.
They accused the lawmakers of prioritising personal interests over the welfare of Rivers people and diverting public resources instead of supporting governance.
The coalition vowed to sustain its protests until decisive constitutional action is taken, including the takeover of the Assembly’s legislative functions by the National Assembly. They also called on Nigerians to peacefully mobilise, maintain civic presence around the National Assembly and resist what they described as legislative anarchy.
Reaffirming their support for Governor Fubara, the groups said the governor had demonstrated prudence and commitment to the welfare of the people, warning that Rivers State must not be sacrificed to political desperation.They concluded by calling for unity in defence of democracy and pledged to continue the struggle until constitutional order is fully restored in Rivers State.
