Ijaw groups threaten violence against plot to impeach Fubara
The parties expressed their willingness to defend Fubara’s authority, warning that any attempt to remove him would destabilize the Niger Delta and hinder oil production in the region.
The warning came after the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, gave a 48-hour deadline for Fubara to resubmit the 2025 budget for approval.
The Assembly’s attitude follows a Supreme Court decision on Friday, February 28, 2025, that reaffirmed its validity, escalating the current political conflict between the governor and parliamentarians loyal to his predecessor and Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
The Supreme Court ruled that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission’s October 5, 2024, local government election was invalid.
The Assembly asked Fubara to present the budget within 48 hours, as it would begin its 12-week recess on Friday, March 7, 2025. The deadline is March 5, 2025.
The Assembly also criticized the governor for directing the heads of local government administration to take over the business of the state’s 23 council offices.
In advance of the Assembly’s announcement in plenary today, the INC, IYC, and other state groups warned that removing Fubara would result in a crisis.
Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President of the INC, issued a statement condemning the impeachment threats, stating that the Ijaw people would not stand by while their first riverine governor in decades was undermined.
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He also criticized the Supreme Court verdict on the Rivers political issue, claiming that it failed to recognize the historical and political sacrifices made by the Ijaw people in the government of Rivers State.
He threatened that any attempt to undermine Fubara would have dire consequences for national peace and economic stability, especially in the crude oil and gas-rich region.
“If Governor Fubara’s tenure is truncated by the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly or anybody else, the INC cannot guarantee the sustenance of the current peace in the Niger Delta, nor the continued rise in oil production,” Prof. Okaba said.
Speaking on the contributions of the Ijaw people in the governance of Rivers State, he said, “In 1999, an Ijaw leader, Chief Marshal Harry, was instrumental in securing the Peoples Democratic Party ticket for Dr. Peter Odili, despite a formidable challenge from Sergeant Awuse.
“Harry further ensured Odili’s victory against a Kalabari opponent, Chief Ebenezer Isokariari of the All Peoples Party.
“In 2003, the INC recalled that when Marshal Harry backed Sergeant Awuse’s governorship ambition, it was not Awuse but Harry himself who was assassinated, marking a painful loss for the Ijaw people.
“By 2007, Ijaw leaders such as Soboma George and Farrah Dagogo played a decisive role in securing victory for Sir Celestine Omehia, while Prince Igodo, a Kalabari-Ijaw warlord, was killed during Omehia’s swearing-in to prevent security breaches.”
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In 2011, Rotimi Amaechi attempted to nominate Pastor Tonye Cole as a minister, but Mrs. Patience Jonathan, wife of the then President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, blocked the nomination. Despite the Ijaw people’s sacrifices, a political elite from the Ikwerre ethnic group attempted to sabotage the first riverine governor in decades. The Ijaw nation vowed to defend Fubara “with every pint of beer.”
He also stated, “In 2011, when Rotimi Amaechi sought to nominate Pastor Tonye Cole as a minister, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, wife of the then President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, ensured that Nyesom Wike took the slot instead.”
He regretted that, despite the Ijaw people’s sacrifices, a political elite from the Ikwerre ethnic group attempted to undermine the first riverine governor in decades.
Okaba vowed that the Ijaw nation would defend Fubara “with every pint of blood in their veins.”
Despite the INC’s efforts to maintain peace in the Niger Delta, which increased oil production and revenue, the same resources were being used to marginalize the people.
He noted that the pattern went beyond Rivers State to Ondo, Edo, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states, where the Ijaw remained politically excluded.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to rise to the occasion, emphasizing that the current political situation in Rivers State should not be dismissed as ordinary politics.
He stated that the Ijaw people, who number more than 40 million worldwide, will not tolerate any attempt to undermine their position in Nigerian politics.
Nnamdi Kanu returns to court, apologises over attacks on judge, others
The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja for the latest hearing in his ongoing trial for alleged treason. This session marked a transition in the case, with Justice James Omotosho now overseeing proceedings.
Additionally, Kanu’s defense team saw a leadership change, with senior lawyer Kanu Agabi (SAN) stepping in as the new lead counsel, while the prosecution remains led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN).
At the outset of the hearing, Agabi requested permission to address the court, where he extended an apology on behalf of his client. He acknowledged past tensions, emphasizing that it was necessary to offer regrets to Justice Binta Nyako, the prosecution team, and Kanu’s own legal representatives.
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He noted that Kanu had harbored anger for an extended period and admitted that criticisms directed at Justice Nyako had been unwarranted. The defense counsel also apologized to the prosecution team, led by Awomolo, as well as to the chairman of the Body of Benchers, acknowledging their respected positions.
Describing Kanu as a good man, Agabi stressed the importance of allowing room for human error, urging that efforts should be focused on resolution rather than conflict.
In response, the prosecution accepted the apology and assured that efforts would be made to expedite the trial. Awomolo acknowledged the complexities and emotions surrounding the case, recognizing the pressures involved.
Justice Omotosho also weighed in, remarking on the toll the lengthy legal battle may have taken on Kanu. He pointed out that Kanu, who was 47 when the trial began in 2015, is now 57 and remains uncertain about his future. The judge suggested that the prolonged nature of the case could have contributed to some of Kanu’s previous remarks.
Additionally, Justice Omotosho extended an apology to the prosecution on Kanu’s behalf.
Akpabio told me I’d make good movements with my waist – Natasha
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of making repeated lewd and suggestive remarks towards her, both in and outside the Senate chamber.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for what was described as “gross misconduct and unruly behavior” following a seating arrangement dispute with Akpabio.
However, her suspension came just a day after she formally submitted a sexual harassment petition against the Senate President on the Senate floor.
In an interview with the BBC, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that the allegations of misconduct were merely a cover to silence her.
She alleged that Akpabio frequently made inappropriate advances toward her, sometimes in the presence of other senators.
“He would squeeze my hands in a very suggestive way,” she said.
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Recalling a particular incident, she stated, “There was a time I forgot to wear my ring because I rushed to work. And there were about five senators there. And Akpabio said, ‘Oh Natasha, you are not wearing your ring… is this an invitation to treat?’”
She further alleged that Akpabio made sexually charged comments about her marriage.
“There was another time he made a statement like, ‘Natasha, your husband is really enjoying. It looks like you’d be able to make good movements with your waist.’”
“He makes such sexist statements. And then they (other senators) all laughed,” she added.
During the interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan broke down in tears when asked about the impact of her allegations and the backlash she has faced.
“People don’t understand what it means to carry this. Maybe we don’t talk about it enough in Nigeria or Africa,” she said, her voice breaking.
“I just want a place where I would just work. I thought the worst was over, but I guess for a woman, it’s never really over, right?”
Despite the challenges, the senator said she has received support from female parliamentarians across Africa, who have reached out to share their experiences of similar struggles in male-dominated legislative environments.
Why we want Natasha out of Senate – Kogi Central constituents
The Constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District has explained why they want to recall Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, their representative in the Nigerian Senate back home.
“For us as Ebira people, we are determined to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan. While she is at home, she may learn the rudiments of representing her constituents better” the indigenes across the five Local Government Areas of the Senatorial district, under the aegis of Kogi Central Elites Forum (KCEF), said in a statement jointly signed by Alh. Ibrahim Abdulazeez Ibrahim (President) and Prince Akerejola Johnson (Secretary) in Lokoja.
The concerned indigenes, who are of Ebira extraction like the embattled senator, said they resolved to bring the embattled senator back home, given the alleged embarrassment she had caused the senatorial district internationally.
They condemned, in strong terms, insinuations that the recall process against the lawmaker representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, was not endorsed by majority of the electorate in the area.
They urged Nigerians to disregard the deliberate mischief suggesting that people were deceived to come out for the recall exercise.
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“No one is sponsoring this recall. Our people are largely united on this cause. From the history of Ebiras, you know we cannot be deceived.
“Even some of us that supported Natasha on social media then are no longer with her. We cannot trade the integrity of the state and Nigeria.
“A matter as simple as not taking an assigned seat in the senate should not be one that would warrant a “sexual harassment” national embarrassment of this nature. This is not who we are as Ebiras.”
On the issue of INEC disclaiming the exercise, the constituents said the response was misconstrued.
“INEC has no official role until after this signature collection phase. We are the ones that are doing the recall, the petitioners. We have to ensure that the required threshold is met before formally presenting it for verification. This is where INEC comes in.”
They urged the public to disregard any mischievous interpretation of the recall process, saying some politicians would always release statements based on their leanings and interests.
“Ordinarily, we would never have allowed anyone to intimidate our daughter if she was on her right. But in this particular instance, she disrespected the senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which has clear rules and went on to introduce slants that have never been heard of in the history of the senate.
” This is not about content creation like many people have said.”
The national assembly has been hit by allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, after Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly refused to respect the senate rules and was penalised.
(NAN)
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