Politics
Tensions Erupt Again In Rivers As Fubara, Assembly Clash
Just weeks after Rivers State emerged from six months of emergency rule, the uneasy calm between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly has shattered, reigniting the political hostilities that have defined the state’s governance crisis for over a year.
The Assembly, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the governor are once again trading accusations, signalling that the peace pact brokered in September may be slipping away.
Assembly Accuses Fubara of Neglecting Schools
At its 31st Legislative Sitting, the Assembly sharply criticised the condition of public schools across the state, lamenting vandalised facilities and crumbling infrastructure. Acting on the findings of the House Committee on Education, lawmakers questioned Governor Fubara’s handling of state resources.
They revived claims that over N600 billion was left in the treasury by former Sole Administrator Rear Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas (rtd) and accused the executive of failing to use the funds to address basic educational challenges.
Speaker Amaewhule painted a grim picture: “Primary and secondary schools in Rivers are collapsing. One teacher to two classes, no water, no electricity—and this is happening right next to major institutions. It is abandonment.”
He said that while the government found money for protests, it had stalled the employment of 10,000 workers initiated by the previous administration.
“When it’s time to hire teachers, there is suddenly no money. But for protests, funds appear,” he charged.
Govt Counters: ‘That Notice Wasn’t Meant for Fubara’
In a quick response, the Rivers State Government dismissed reports that the Assembly had issued a notice of misconduct to Governor Fubara. According to the government, no such document was officially directed to or received by the governor, describing the circulating notice as part of an orchestrated narrative to escalate tension.
Fubara: ‘Employment Will Be Based on Real Needs, Not Politics’
Governor Fubara, speaking before the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, said the rot in the education sector did not begin under his watch and insisted his administration was already taking steps to address longstanding problems.
He rejected suggestions that he had abandoned the proposed employment of 10,000 workers:
“I will employ, but only according to what the state genuinely needs. I will not make political appointments just to please certain people.”
The governor insisted that education, healthcare and security remain priorities, citing ongoing work at major zonal hospitals as evidence of progress despite political pressures.
Assembly Declares Support for Tinubu, Reaffirms Loyalty to Wike
In a development that has stirred further controversy, the Assembly passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and called on him to seek re-election in 2027.
The motion, sponsored by House Leader Major Jack and supported by 25 lawmakers, also reaffirmed “unwavering loyalty” to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, regarded as the political godfather of the Assembly’s faction.
Speaker Amaewhule described the president as a “father who deserves continued support.”
Public Backlash: ‘Unproductive and Self-Serving’
The Assembly’s endorsement sparked sharp criticism online. Paul Ibe, spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accused the legislators of ignoring the needs of their constituents.
“No resolution focused on the people of Rivers. All centred on Wike and Tinubu. The most laughable was asking Tinubu to run for 2027 immediately.”
He suggested the lawmakers might be paving the way for renewed instability:
“Is Wike setting the stage for another state of emergency?”
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has claimed that he has been under pressure to contest for the Nasarawa North Senatorial seat in the 2027 election.
The governor made the disclosure during the visit of the state executive members to his country home in Akwanga LGA on Saturday, March 21.
Governor Sule also revealed the identity of those pressuring him to contest in the election, a development that has led to mixed reactions from Nigeria.
Abdullahi Sule, the governor of Nasarawa State, has claimed that he has been under pressure to contest for the Nasarawa North senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.
The governor made the revelation while hosting the state executive council members, led by Deputy Governor Emmanuel Akabe, at his residence in Gudi Country Home in the Akwanga local government area of the state.
According to Daily Trust, Governor Sule cited pressure from some stakeholders who are asking him to contest, and the need for Nasarawa North to have quality representation.
With all the pressure coming from our leaders, and so I don’t want them to feel offended that I have not been responding, I promise them I will contest when the time comes.”
Governor Sule disclosed that he had been planning to support one person, but had a change of mind when the person joined the call on him to contest for the position.
He went further to explain that he is consulting with stakeholders before he makes the final decision and that traditional rulers and senior politicians from Nasarawa North are also persuading him to contest for the senatorial seat.
However, the governor’s claim has started generating reactions from the people of the state. Below are some of their reactions:
Mohammed Zakariyau said it is the governor’s interest:
“You are interested in going and nothing else because that’s your sole choice, nobody can decide your future for you, and therefore, the issue of ‘under pressure from certain quarters is immaterial here'”.
Cos Mafuyai projected that the governor may not perform if elected as a senator:
“People who are pressured don’t perform once elected, but people who nurse the ambition into elective office and work hard to win do.”
Bem Haanya urged the governor to be wary of betrayal:
“Na so dem mount pressure on Darius Dickson Ishaku o. Groups from Southern Taraba were flocking to Government House, Jalingo, to persuade him to contest for the senatorial seat, yet on election day, they abandoned him.”
Emmanuel Yohanna Allu questioned the governor’s claim:
“If you want to contest, no one is stopping you, but don’t use the word pressure. If I may ask, who is pressuring you?”
Longji Goro Job criticised the governor:
“One or two clowns that they normally give pocket money will tell them, ‘Oga, why not go for senate,’ and they will say under pressure.”
The All Progressives Congress has scheduled Tuesday, March 24, 2026, for the screening of aspirants vying for national offices ahead of its forthcoming national convention.
In a notice released by the party’s Aspirants’ Screening Committee, all candidates who have purchased and submitted their Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms were invited to participate in the exercise.
According to the notice, the screening will take place at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, with proceedings expected to begin at 9:00 am.
The committee stressed that attendance is compulsory for all aspirants, who must appear in person with the necessary documents for verification.
The notice, signed by the Secretary of the Screening Committee, Isa Yuguda, was also shared via the party’s official X (formerly Twitter) platform, alongside contact details for further enquiries.
Aspirants were advised to arrive early and ensure they come with all required documentation to facilitate a smooth screening process.
The Nigerian Senate has clarified why it is yet to take a position on the proposed amendment to the Electoral Act seeking to criminalise dual party membership, insisting that the bill must first be formally transmitted from the House of Representatives.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Yemi Adaramodu, said the upper chamber could not deliberate on a bill that had not been passed to it.
Even if any amendment is coming, we are running a bicameral legislature. So, we can’t comment on it until it gets to us,” he said.
He explained that legislative procedures must be completed at the House of Representatives before the Senate can consider the proposal.
According to Adaramodu, the process requires that any bill must: Pass first and second readings in the House; Undergo public hearing; Be deliberated upon and passed; Be transmitted to the Senate for concurrence.
Speaking to The PUNCH, he stressed that until these steps are completed, the Senate cannot officially engage with the amendment.
The proposed amendment to the Electoral Act 2026 seeks to: Prohibit individuals from belonging to more than one political party; Void any dual party membership; Impose stricter penalties on offenders.
Under the bill: Offenders risk a ₦10 million fine; Or up to two years imprisonment; Or both penalties upon conviction.
It also provides that anyone found to hold dual membership will lose recognition in all political parties until their status is regularised.
The move is aimed at addressing long-standing concerns over: Political defections; Manipulation of party membership registers; Weak enforcement of party discipline.
Although current laws discourage multiple party memberships, enforcement has largely been administrative, with little or no criminal consequences.
For the amendment to become law: It must be passed by both chambers of the National Assembly of Nigeria; It will then be forwarded to the President for assent.
Until then, the Senate maintains it cannot take any official position on the proposal.
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