Politics
Pro-Democracy Group Condemns Mass Suspensions in Rivers, Says Administrator’s Actions Threaten Democracy
A pro-democracy group, the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG), has condemned the mass suspension of political officeholders in Rivers State by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Retd.), the state’s sole administrator, calling it a direct assault on democracy.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by Dr. Ahmed Abdullahi, CCG’s executive director, the group also criticized Ibas’s decision to dissolve the governing council of Rivers State University and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC)—two statutory institutions that, by law, are meant to function independently of political interference.
“The dissolution of RSIEC and the university governing council is not just an overreach of power—it is an outright violation of the constitution,” Abdullahi said.
“These institutions are isolated from politics for a reason: to protect democracy and ensure academic and electoral integrity. What the administrator is doing is nothing short of executive lawlessness.”
CCG warned that rather than restoring order, Ibas’s actions were pushing Rivers into deeper instability.
“This is not just an administrative decision; it is a blatant power grab. By removing an entire governance structure overnight and now tampering with statutory institutions, the sole administrator is attempting to freeze democracy in Rivers State. If unchecked, this could set a dangerous precedent for the country.”
The group further argued that the administrator’s moves echo Nigeria’s pre-1999 military era, when decisions were made by decree and without democratic consultation.
“The Rivers people are watching in shock as one man dismantles their institutions with the stroke of a pen,” Abdullahi said.
“This is a painful reminder of the military era when decrees and edicts replaced democratic processes. The administrator’s actions are a direct insult to the sacrifices of our heroes who laboured hard for our democracy.”
CCG called on the National Assembly, the judiciary, and civil society to intervene, warning that allowing the administrator unchecked powers would undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
“The National Assembly must not remain silent while Rivers State is turned into a political experiment. The courts must act to stop this dangerous overreach. The people of Rivers deserve governance, not dictatorship in disguise,” Abdullahi added.
The group also urged Nigerians and the international community to remain vigilant, warning that Rivers State must not become a testing ground for the erosion of democratic governance in Nigeria.
“The administrator is not just overstepping his mandate — he is provoking the peace of the land. His actions threaten the very foundation of democracy, and if not stopped, could have lasting consequences for the entire nation,” Abdullahi added.
Cover
Renewed Hope Group Welcomes Tinubu’s Appointment of Faleke as Deputy Secretary for Party Outreach
The Renewed Hope Advocacy Network (RHAN) has described the appointment of Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke as Deputy Secretary for Party Outreach, Engagement, and Mobilisation of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (South West zone) as a well-earned recognition of merit, loyalty, and proven capacity.
In a statement released today and signed by its Convener, Opialu M. Opialu, the grassroots organisation praised President Bola Tinubu for entrusting the strategic role to a man widely regarded as one of his most dependable and longest-serving political allies.
“Rt. Hon. James Faleke’s appointment is the logical elevation of a tested hand who has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, organisational brilliance, and rock-solid loyalty to President Tinubu and the Renewed Hope project,” Opialu stated.
The statement highlighted Faleke’s critical contribution during the 2023 presidential campaign, where he served as National Secretary of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.
Describing the lawmaker as the engine room coordinator of nationwide mobilisation efforts, the group credited him with bridging ethnic, regional, and ideological divides, galvanising party structures, and sustaining momentum even amid intense opposition.
“Despite daunting challenges, he never flinched. His strategic mind, tireless work ethic, and unshakeable belief in Asiwaju’s vision were decisive factors in delivering the Tinubu-Shettima victory,” the statement added.
RHAN also underscored Hon. Faleke’s legendary loyalty, noting that for over two decades he has remained a consistent pillar of support for President Tinubu across multiple political battles and campaigns.
“In an era when political fidelity is increasingly rare, Rt. Hon. Faleke stands out as a shining example of principle, sacrifice, and steadfastness.
“His faithfulness has inspired countless party members and remains one of the strongest proof to the enduring bond between him and our President,” Opialu remarked.
On the legislative front, the statement celebrated Faleke’s distinguished record as the representative of Ikeja Federal Constituency.
Looking ahead, RHAN expressed confidence that Faleke’s wealth of experience will now supercharge grassroots engagement, strengthen party structures in the South West, and deepen national support for the implementation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We are convinced that this appointment will inject fresh energy into our mobilisation efforts and set the stage for even greater electoral and governance successes in the years ahead,” Opialu concluded.
The Renewed Hope Advocacy Network wished Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke “resounding success” in his new assignment and prayed for continued wisdom, strength, and divine guidance as he discharges his duties.
Politics
RSHA continues impeachment of Fubara, writes Chief Judge
The Rivers House of Assembly has continued its resolution to impeach Gov. Siminalaye Fubara and his deputy, Nma Odu.
All 26 members of the Assembly on Friday unanimously resolved during plenary to proceed with the impeachment process against both Fubara and Odu.
Consequently, the lawmakers resolved to write to the Chief Judge(CJ) of the State, as enshrined in Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
They are urging the CJ to constitute a seven-man investigative panel to examine the alleged gross misconduct leveled against the governor and his deputy.
Politics
Sen. Yari’s constituency office lauds APC e-registration exercise in Zamfara
Hon. Sha’ayau Sarkinfawa, the Coordinator, Sen.. Abdul’aziz Yari Constituency office for Zamfara West Senatorial District, has commended the ongoing nationwide membership e-registration exercise of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Sarkinfawa, who stated this while speaking with journalists in Gusau on Thursday, stated that the exercise would promote integrity and credibility in the party membership.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the APC nationwide e-registration exercise commenced recently and would run until the end of this month.
He described the exercise as the bedrock for internal democracy.
“The APC e-registration would strength the party’s membership.
“The ongoing APC e-registration exercise is a wise political initiative and imperative determined to upgrade the data of the progressive party members electorally,” Sarkinfawa further said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for making the APC proud and wished him more strength ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
According to him, Yari and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, had already built a stronger political platform in the APC structure of the state.
“Therefore, we are expecting a tremendous success.at the end of the exercise” he added.
Sarkinfawa further said, the exercise would provide an ample opportunity for all the eligible members of the party to be duly captured in its digital register.
He added, “It will also ensure accuracy, transparency and integrity in the party’s membership.
“The exercise guarantees sanity and credibility of the party’s membership register.
“A data-driven membership registration is expected to capture every eligible member of the party across the 147 political wards of the state.
“Therefore, our members should participate fully in the exercise and make sure they are captured electronically.
“I therefore urge all APC members and stakeholders in the state to take full advantage of the e-registration and participate promptly and responsibly.$
Sarkinfawa further described the APC as the most dominant political party in Zamfara and Nigeria. adding that it would record massive victories in the 2027 General Elections.
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