Lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly have alleged that they uncovered a plot by certain individuals linked to the executive arm of the state government to obtain a court order preventing the legislature from performing its functions.

This comes as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, ended his tour of the 23 local government areas of the state.

A statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Dr Enemi George, said the alleged plot involved securing an ex parte order from a Rivers State High Court operating outside Port Harcourt, the state capital.

Last Thursday, the lawmakers, led by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, formally commenced impeachment proceedings against the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.

The Majority Leader, Major Jack, presented a notice signed by 26 lawmakers, outlining multiple allegations of gross misconduct against the governor.

The allegations include extra-budgetary spending of over N800bn without legislative approval, withholding funds allocated to the Assembly Service Commission, demolition of the Assembly complex, and defiance of Supreme Court rulings on legislative autonomy.

A separate notice was also read against the deputy governor for allegedly conniving in unconstitutional expenditures.

Amaewhule announced that the notices would be served on the governor and his deputy within seven days, in line with the Constitution.

The development marks a renewed escalation of the protracted political crisis in Rivers State, stemming from the fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Previous impeachment attempts in 2023 and 2025 were halted by presidential interventions, before a state of emergency was declared by President Bola Tinubu last March.

However, the House said in Sunday’s statement to journalists that the alleged attempt to halt the impeachment proceedings was dead on arrival, as it amounted to an effort to subvert the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

The lawmakers described the alleged plot as illegal, saying it violated Sections 272(3) and 188(10) of the Constitution, as well as existing judicial decisions of the Court of Appeal.

George said that instead of running from pillar to post, the office holders served with notices of allegations of gross misconduct should respond accordingly.

He said, “The Rivers State House of Assembly has received information of plots by certain persons to utilise some Rivers State High Courts, especially those outside the Port Harcourt Judicial Division, to issue ex parte orders to illegally stop the Rivers State House of Assembly from performing its constitutional duties.

“These persons are fully aware of the provisions of Section 272(3) of the Constitution, which states that, ‘subject to the provisions of Section 251 and other provisions of the Constitution, the Federal High Court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine the question as to whether the term of office of a member of the House of Assembly of a state, governor or deputy governor has ceased or become vacant.’

“Also, Section 188(10) states that ‘no proceedings or determination of the panel or of the House of Assembly or any matter relating to such proceedings or determination shall be entertained or questioned in any court.’

“These persons are also fully aware of judicial pronouncements on this matter, especially recent decisions of the Court of Appeal involving similar ex parte orders by Rivers State High Courts contrary to Section 272(3) of the Constitution. A word is enough for the wise.”

The Assembly called on those behind the alleged move to exercise restraint and refrain from actions inimical to the Constitution.

The lawmakers added, “Therefore, with the leave of the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, I call on those concerned to exercise restraint and refrain from acts inimical to the Constitution and the rule of law.

“All that is required is for the office holders who have already been duly served with the notices of allegations of gross misconduct to respond to them item by item, rather than deploy subterranean moves to subvert the law or use proxies to malign members and the Rivers State House of Assembly in the media.

“We remain committed to the Constitution and the rule of law, and may God bless our dear Rivers State and Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, Governor Fubara has returned to Port Harcourt after a recent trip abroad.

Unconfirmed reports claimed that the governor travelled to France to meet with the President over the impeachment move, though the reports were not confirmed by official state sources.

On Sunday, the governor attended a church service to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at St Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt.

Also in attendance were his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and other senior government officials.

The service marked the first public appearance of Governor Fubara and his deputy since fresh impeachment proceedings were initiated against them by the Rivers State House of Assembly last Thursday.

The latest move by the lawmakers is the third impeachment attempt against the governor in less than three years.

Despite the renewed political tension in the state, Governor Fubara and members of his administration have remained silent on the allegations of gross misconduct levelled against them by the Assembly.

Wike asserts grip

Following the development, accusations surfaced that Wike was the mastermind behind the impeachment move, recalling comments he made during his recent tour of local government areas in the state, where he described the governor as a “mistake” he planned to correct in 2027 — remarks later echoed by the Speaker.

“Siminalayi Fubara is a mistake; Rivers State has never had it this bad,” Amaewhule had said, also faulting the governor and his deputy for allegedly failing to submit the 2026 budget to the Assembly.

Meanwhile, Wike said political power was earned through strength and strategic interests, insisting that Obio/Akpor Local Government Area remained a decisive force in Rivers State politics.

Wike spoke during a thank-you visit to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Sunday, where he addressed party leaders, traditional rulers, women and youths from the council.

The minister concluded his tour of the 23 local government areas of the state with the Obio/Akpor visit to appreciate residents for their support in the 2023 elections and to canvass continued backing for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls.

Addressing the gathering, Wike stressed that politics should not be driven by sentiment. He said, “There is no sentiment; there is no emotion. Politics is about interest — the interest of your people.

“Power is not dashed; we struggle for it. After all, if Donald Trump does not have power, would he go to Venezuela to pick a president? He would not. Because he has power, that is why he could go to Venezuela, whether it is wrong or right.

“So, for the people of Obio/Akpor, we have the power to dictate who becomes governor. Those commenting from the sidelines should ask themselves if their local government, which produced only 5,000 votes, can challenge a local government that produced 40 per cent of the votes. Let us see how that will work.

“We will use our strength to punish them. Nobody has become governor in this state without Obio/Akpor making a pronouncement. Nobody has become a senator of Rivers East without Obio/Akpor making a decision.

“So, if you like abusing us, after abusing us, come and look for the votes, and we will punish you with the votes.”

The former Rivers governor dismissed calls for his removal from office, saying such decisions rest solely with the President.

“So, don’t bother about people who say, ‘Sack him.’ If my appointor believes that I can no longer offer anything, he has the right, not you. But I am very proud that the people of Obio/Akpor are proud, that Rivers people are proud, and we can tell Nigerians that we have not disappointed them as far as the FCT is concerned.

“I said it yesterday in Port Harcourt: if you’re not doing well, nobody will talk about you. But because we’re doing well, they will talk about us,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Gift Worlu, praised Wike’s political career and influence, describing him as a major asset to the council, the state and the country.

Worlu also commended Wike’s performance across various public offices, noting his roles as council chairman, chief of staff, governor and minister.

He added, “You asked the PDP to account for the support Rivers State has given the party since 1999. Till now, nobody has answered.

“When it comes to who should be President of Nigeria in 2027, we know where to go. When it comes to who should be the governor of Rivers State, we don’t know where to go, but we know where not to go.

“We will not go the way of ingratitude, disappointment or disloyalty.”

Also speaking, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, reaffirmed the legislature’s support for Wike and President Tinubu.

He said, “On behalf of the RSHA, we want to once again reassure you of our prayers and support as you continue to support Mr President. Your Excellency, we are proud of you.

“Don’t bother about your detractors. The real people of Nigeria know your worth. They know you are helping Mr President to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Presidency to intervene

Speculation over a fresh intervention by President Bola Tinubu in the Rivers political crisis deepened on Friday after the 26 lawmakers initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy.

Amid rising tension, sources close to the Presidency told The PUNCH that President Tinubu was planning to intervene and had invited both Wike and Fubara for a meeting.

On Sunday evening, Wike departed the Port Harcourt International Airport for Abuja, dispelling rumours of a planned trip to Dubai to meet the President for another intervention session.

He arrived at the airport at about 4:30 pm and proceeded to the VIP lounge in the company of friends and loyalists.

Efforts to reach Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, for confirmation of a meeting with the President were unsuccessful. However, a source close to the minister said Wike had returned to Abuja to receive President Tinubu, who is currently abroad, upon his arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

“He returned to Abuja today. He has to receive the President when he arrives, as usual. Whether there will be a meeting — and specifically one on Rivers State — I cannot confirm at this time.

“Outside his official duties and meetings with the President as minister, I am not aware of any other meeting,” the source said.

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There are at least N3.50tn new projects in the proposed 2026 budget, according to an analysis by The PUNCH.

This is despite earlier budget preparation guidelines that directed Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to carry over 70 per cent of their 2025 capital allocation into 2026 and avoid introducing new capital projects.

Figures collated from the 2026 Appropriation Bill show that new project entries amount to N844.49bn across MDAs, while the total rises to N3.50tn when Service Wide Votes are included.

Against the proposed capital budget of N23.21tn for 2026, the combined new project provision of N3.50tn represents 15.09 per cent of total capital expenditure.

The Service-Wide Votes component within the new project portfolio totals N2.66tn, reflecting the concentration of the largest single allocations outside conventional ministerial capital lines.

Earlier in December 2025, The PUNCH reported that the Federal Government ordered ministries, departments, and agencies to carry over 70 per cent of their 2025 capital budget into the 2026 fiscal year as the administration moves to prioritise the completion of existing projects and contain spending pressures in the face of weak revenues.

This directive is contained in the 2026 Abridged Budget Call Circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and circulated to all ministers, service chiefs, heads of agencies, and top government officials in Abuja.

According to the circular, “MDAs are to upload 70 per cent of their 2025 FGN Budget to continue in FY2026. All such rollover and uploads MUST be in line with the immediate needs of the country as well as the government’s development priorities that align with the policy direction of the new administration, which hinges on National Security, the Economy, Education, Health, Agriculture, Infrastructure, Power & Energy, as well as social safety nets, women & youth empowerment.”

It stated that ministries and agencies must continue with the allocations already approved in the 2025 budget rather than seeking fresh projects. The circular said all expenditure would be properly scrutinised to allow only essential spending and to ensure value for money

However, The PUNCH observed that no fewer than 82 MDAs have at least one fresh capital or programme item included in the budget.

Across these MDAs, the proposed budget contains over 400 new project lines, ranging from large multibillion-naira infrastructure and health investments to smaller constituency-level interventions such as boreholes, training schemes, and equipment supply.

Also, the review of the Service Wide Votes, with 18 new projects in the 2026 appropriation bill, shows that a significant share of the new project portfolio is tied to financing programmes, security-related provisions, liabilities, and central initiatives.

The largest single line item is the provision for 2024 outstanding contractors’ liabilities put at N1.70tn. This allocation alone accounts for about 48.55 per cent of the N3.50tn total new projects, including Service Wide Votes.

Also, the bill includes three N100bn provisions under Service Wide Votes for the Nigeria Development Finance Corporation, the Economic Transformation Finance Programme, and the Nigeria Growth Investment Fund, bringing the total for these three funding lines to N300bn.

The Service Wide Votes entries also include capitalisation of INFRACO of N20bn, a DSS special operations fund of N30bn, and N110.31bn for the Nigerian Air Force to meet outstanding obligations on six T-129 ATAK helicopters and three Mi-35 helicopters. Another large entry is presidential air fleet logistics and management, including operation of the National Forest Guard, put at N283.85bn.

There is also a recurrent related take-off grant line for new MDAs at N41.12bn and a capital take-off grant line for 12 new MDAs, most in health and education, at N19.50bn, alongside other service-wide provisions such as pension increases due to consequential adjustment and payment of gratuity to civil servants.

Within the MDA level items, the five MDAs with the highest value of new projects, based on the figures provided, are the Budget Office of the Federation, the Federal Ministry of Transport headquarters, the National Library of Nigeria, the National Blood Service Commission, and the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority.

The Budget Office of the Federation has the largest MDA level new project provision at N375bn for a multilateral or bilateral tied loan line for the Power Sector Recovery Operation, additional financing. This single item is larger than the combined new project allocations of most other MDAs listed.

As a share of the N844.49bn MDA total, the Budget Office provision accounts for about 44.41 per cent. As a share of the total new projects, including Service Wide Votes, it accounts for about 10.71 per cent.

The Federal Ministry of Transport headquarters has N210.53bn in new projects, made up of N68.50bn for consultancy services for the Lekki Ijebu Ode Ore Kajola railway and coastal railway, Badagry Apapa Tin Can, and N142.03bn for the construction of six bus terminals and transportation facilities in the six geopolitical zones under national public transportation.

The ministry’s two entries together represent about 24.93 per cent of the N844.49bn MDA new project total and about 6.01 per cent of the N3.50tn total, including Service Wide Votes.

The National Library of Nigeria has a new project provision of N24bn for structural renovation and space upgrade of the National Library of Nigeria across the six geopolitical zones. This is the third largest MDA new project amount in the list and accounts for about 2.84 per cent of the total MDA new projects.

The National Blood Service Commission has N15bn in new projects for the construction and equipping of a national blood service centre and strategic national blood reserve in Abuja, valued at N10bn, and the reconstruction or rehabilitation of NBSC state offices valued at N5bn. The combined total represents about 1.78 per cent of the MDA new project total.

The Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority has N9.14bn in new projects. These include construction of solar mini grids in selected locations in the catchment area at N2bn, construction of all in one solar street lights as security lighting points at N1bn, construction of rural roads to selected rural communities at N3bn, and supply of water pumps for irrigation to Isa and Sabon Birni federal constituency at N140m.

Others include the supply of 3 inch solar powered water pumping machines to farmers in Kebbi State at N1bn, provision of small town water supply system with reticulation at N1bn, and provision of empowerment materials to support the livelihood of youths at N1bn. This portfolio accounts for about 1.08 per cent of the total MDA new projects.

Beyond the top five, the next tier of MDAs by size includes health and social sector institutions clustered around N5bn to N6.22bn per entity, as well as several teaching hospitals and medical centres.

The PUNCH further observed that N5.85bn in new projects is for vehicle purchases, led by N1.5bn for vehicles at FUT Iyin Ekiti, N600m at FUADSI, and N500m at JUTH.

Furnishing and office equipment account for N2.93bn, driven by N1.18bn for two medical complexes at NAUTH Nnewi, N435m at the Air Power Centre of Excellence, and N250m for a Pharmacy Council zonal office. Renovation and refurbishment total N29.88bn, dominated by the N24bn national library upgrade and N5bn for blood service offices.

Residential and staff accommodation projects reach N25.29bn, anchored by N16.48bn for Defence Headquarters facilities and N7bn for DSS housing.

The PUNCH further observed that this was not the first time the Federal Government had restricted the addition of new projects into the national budget.

In December 2024, The PUNCH reported that the Federal Government directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to exclude new projects from their budget submissions for 2025 unless they can be linked to the completion of ongoing initiatives, according to the 2024 Federal Government Budget Call Circular.

The 2024 Budget Call Circular clearly states that no new projects will be admitted into the 2025 capital budget unless MDAs can demonstrate that sufficient resources have been allocated to complete ongoing projects.

The document read, “Again, the thrust of the FGN’s capital expenditure programme in 2025 will be the completion of as many cardinal ongoing projects as possible, rather than starting new projects. Thus, MDAs are hereby advised that new projects will not be admitted into the capital budget for 2025 unless adequate provision has been made for the completion/work programme of all ongoing projects.”

Also, MDAs have been instructed to carefully scrutinise and justify their proposed projects and programmes, ensuring that these align with the country’s immediate needs and the government’s key development priorities.

These priorities, as set out in the circular, include national security, economy, education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, power and energy, as well as social safety nets, with a focus on women and youth empowerment.

However, it appears that MDAs often flout this directive without any scrutiny from the Budget Office of the Federation or the National Assembly.

The National President of the Nigerian Economic Society, Professor Adeola Adenikinju, earlier argued that the late budget presentation prevents the National Assembly from carrying out proper scrutiny.

Adenikinju said, “The 2026 budget should have been in the National Assembly for consultation so that we can keep to this January 1st thing. That makes our fiscal system predictable.”

The economist said the rush to approve budgets “does not allow for proper analysis” and prevents ministries and departments from fully defending their plans. He warned that the practice was creating a disorganised fiscal environment.

A development economist and Chief Executive of CSA Advisory, Dr Aliyu Ilias, told The PUNCH that the Federal Government has “fiscal discipline problems.”

He insisted that government performance on fiscal and budget discipline “for now has not done well” and suggested that the lapses were deliberate. “I am sure I want to say that it is intentional because you could have seen that this is becoming an error,” he said.

Ilias said the problem also rested with the National Assembly, which he accused of failing in its oversight duty.

He said the legislature was tolerating inefficiencies, adding that “The National Assembly is also failing, failing in the sense that it is their own responsibility to make sure that those things do not really fly.”

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