The Rivers Peace Agenda Forum (RPAF) has sent an urgent “Save Our Soul” appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, warning that Rivers State is under sustained political siege orchestrated by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and his loyalists.

The forum described today’s fresh impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara as a direct assault on democratic governance and the collective will of the people of Rivers State.

In a statement released this evening, the RPAF condemned the impeachment notice read on the floor of the Rivers State House of Assembly by lawmakers widely regarded as being under Wike’s control.

“We, the concerned citizens, elders, and stakeholders united under the Rivers Peace Agenda Forum, are raising this SOS to Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief because our dear state is being held hostage by undemocratic forces,” the statement declared.

“The impeachment move initiated today against Governor Siminalayi Fubara is a brazen affront to the institution of democracy in Rivers State. It is a calculated attempt to overthrow the people’s mandate through the backdoor and impose chaos for selfish political interests.

“This latest action is only the most recent chapter in a prolonged campaign to destabilize the administration of Governor Fubara. Since the political disagreement emerged, Minister Wike has remotely directed a faction of the Assembly to act in ways that paralyze governance and deny Rivers people the dividends of democracy.

“The peace agreement personally brokered by President Tinubu in 2023 was meant to restore calm and allow governance to thrive. Regrettably, that accord has been repeatedly violated by Wike’s camp, with lawmakers loyal to him refusing to honour its provisions and instead pursuing actions that deepen division.

“Today’s impeachment notice is proof that the forces opposed to peace and progress will stop at nothing. They have turned the House of Assembly into an instrument of vendetta rather than a platform for lawmaking and oversight in the interest of Rivers people.

“We are particularly pained that this siege continues despite Governor Fubara’s demonstrated commitment to peace, development, and inclusive governance. His administration has focused on delivering projects, paying salaries promptly, and uniting the state, yet it faces relentless attacks from those who cannot accept the reality of a new leadership.

“Mr. President, we appeal to you as father of the nation to intervene decisively. Rivers State cannot continue to bleed because of one man’s unwillingness to let go of power. Rein in those using federal influence to undermine a sitting governor elected by the people.”

The forum called on President Tinubu to enforce strict compliance with the 2023 peace accord, protect democratic institutions in Rivers State, and ensure that no individual is allowed to hold an entire state to ransom.

***Commend House of Reps for Leading Transparency in Governance

Three prominent civil society organizations, led by the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET), have named Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, as the Man of the Year 2025 for his exemplary leadership in promoting transparency, particularly in handling the controversial tax reform laws.

The groups praised Abbas for his pivotal role in championing transparency within Nigeria’s governance framework, particularly through the swift and public release of certified tax reform documents amid swirling controversies.

In a joint statement issued here in Jos on Saturday, the organizations highlighted Abbas’ dedication to accountability as a beacon for Nigerian democracy in their annual review of 2025’s key figures and events.

Signed by Dr. Adebayo Lion Ogorri, Executive Director of CESJET, Comrade James Awe and Danladi Danjuma, the statement described Abbas as a “trailblazer in restoring faith in public institutions.”

It emphasized his decisive actions in overseeing the disclosure of four critical tax reform laws, which were signed into effect by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

These measures, the groups argued, not only quelled misinformation but also set a new standard for legislative integrity.

“Abbas’ leadership exemplifies why he deserves this honor,” the statement read. “In a year marked by fiscal challenges and public skepticism, he steered the House toward unprecedented openness.

“By mandating the immediate release of verified copies of the tax acts—including the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the National Revenue Service Establishment Act, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Act—he ensured that Nigerians could access authentic records without delay.

“This move directly addressed concerns over discrepancies in circulating versions, proving his commitment to evidence-driven reforms that prioritize fairness and national development.”

The CSOs built a compelling case for Abbas as Man of the Year by pointing to his hands-on guidance throughout the tax reform journey.

From facilitating broad consultations with stakeholders to leading intense committee reviews and plenary discussions, the groups said Abbas insisted on processes that were inclusive and grounded in Nigeria’s economic needs.

They added that his prompt response to a lawmaker’s alert about inconsistent document versions—triggering an internal probe and public dissemination—demonstrated proactive vigilance.

According to them, this not only safeguarded the laws’ authenticity but also reinforced public trust in the National Assembly as a custodian of accurate records.

“In an era where opacity breeds distrust, Abbas has shown that transparency is not just a policy but a principle,” the statement added, urging other leaders to emulate his approach.

Beyond the tax reforms, the organizations lauded Abbas for navigating numerous political and institutional challenges in 2025, maintaining unity in the House despite intense pressures.

The groups pointed to his role in fostering harmony among diverse interests, facilitating progressive legislation, and championing initiatives like open parliament events that enhanced public engagement and earned global acclaim.

Abbas’ efforts in supporting youth and women empowerment through policies and constituency projects, as well as his active parliamentary diplomacy—positioning Nigeria prominently in regional and international forums—were also highlighted as key achievements.

The CSOs described 2025 as a defining year for the 10th House under Abbas, where he emerged as a pillar of stability, service, and accountability.

A coalition of civil society organisations has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disregard what it described as divisive comments attributed to the National Scribe of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bashiru Ajibola, over the political relevance of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike.
The coalition, operating under the banner of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity and Justice, said the remarks were ill-timed and capable of weakening internal cohesion within the ruling party as political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to take shape.

The position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Comrade James Okoronkwo, Dr Chinemerem Iwuanyanwu, Comrade Aisha Mohammed, Barrister Samuel Eze, and Mr. Ibrahim Abdullahi, on behalf of member organisations of the coalition.

According to the statement, Wike’s tenure as FCT Minister has been marked by visible and measurable infrastructural development across the Federal Capital Territory, including extensive road construction and rehabilitation, renewed attention to public housing, urban renewal initiatives, and the restoration of administrative order in key districts of Abuja.

The coalition noted that the pace and scale of project delivery under Wike’s leadership have significantly transformed the outlook of the nation’s capital, enhancing public confidence in governance and service delivery.
Beyond infrastructure, the CSOs said Wike’s deep grassroots network in Rivers State and his growing political influence within the FCT remain strategic assets in President Tinubu’s re-election considerations.

The group also drew attention to governance developments in Rivers State, arguing that the current administration has struggled to replicate the level of cohesion, momentum, and visible impact associated with Wike’s leadership.

While cautioning against internal party disagreements, the coalition urged President Tinubu to prioritise performance, competence, and national interest over internal dissent.

“The President should remain focused on proven performers who have demonstrated capacity, loyalty, and broad-based public appeal,” the statement said, adding that internal party distractions should not derail governance or electoral strategy.

The coalition concluded by stressing that as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections, unity, results-driven leadership, and strategic political alliances will be crucial to sustaining the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda.