Former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has called on Nigerians, especially those in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, to move beyond commenting on social media and take a more active role in the country’s political landscape.

In a post on X on Saturday, Sani encouraged Nigerians in the middle age to stop limiting themselves to online debates while younger politicians occupy elective offices.

He said surveys suggesting that Nigerian youths were more active on social media than in politics are not helpful, emphasising that true political engagement goes far beyond ‘likes, shares, and comments’ on social media.

Sani also encouraged aspiring politicians not to be discouraged by financial constraints, noting that many current officeholders faced significant challenges in their early political journeys.

“You are in your 30s, 40s or 50s, your Rep member is in his 30s and your House of Assembly member and Local Government Chairman are in their 20s. Excuse yourself from their comment section on Facebook, X and Instagram; register as a member of a political party and aspire to contest and give your people the kind of leadership you think they deserve. The recent survey that suggests that Nigerian youths are more on social media than in politics is not helpful. Don’t be discouraged or scared because ‘you don’t have money’ to join politics. You need to hear the story of most of those you see in power today; it wasn’t an easy ride from the beginning. If they can be, so you can,” Sani wrote.

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President Bola Tinubu and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have reportedly resolved to save the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, following the impeachment proceedings initiated against him and the Deputy Governor, Ngozi Odu, by the House of Assembly.

It was learnt that while Fubara, who is reportedly out of the country, has yet to be served with the impeachment notice and he has the backing of power brokers and APC leaders to retain his seat.

Multiple sources who spoke to Vanguard stated that the recent comments by the National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, commending Fubara and recognising him as the leader of the party in Rivers, capture the mood of critical power brokers in the presidency.

Those said to be favourably disposed to Fubara include the Imo State Governor and chairman of the APC Governors Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma and Transport Minister, Senator Dave Umahi.

Also, the Pan-Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political body of the South-South geopolitical zone, was among the critical stakeholders who waded into the matter.

Rivers State Elder and chieftain of the PANDEF, Anabs Sara-Igbe, in an interview with Vanguard, called on President Tinubu to save the state from unnecessary tension arising from the third attempt by the legislators to remove Governor Fubara and his deputy from office.

Wike Shuns Comment On Fubara’s Impeachment

Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has maintained a loud silence as the presidency, APC leaders and stakeholders weigh in to resolve the reignited political crisis following the commencement of impeachment proceedings against Fubara.

Prior to the latest impeachment threat by the lawmakers who are largely Wike’s loyalists, the former Governor of Rivers State was always seen dancing, singing and using every political gathering to criticise Fubara.

However, Wike, who shunned comments on the impeachment proceedings, appeared sober when his “thank you” train landed in Andoni LGA of the state on Friday.

Unlike Wike, the minister, who did not spend more than five minutes addressing the huge crowd that came out to welcome him, and did not speak publicly on the impeachment move.

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The Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday commenced fresh moves to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Oduh.

It was reports that lawmakers led by Majority Leader Major Jack levelled eight allegations against Governor Fubara

The Governor was accused of: (1) reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds; (2) unconstitutional misappropriation of public funds; (3) hindering the Rivers State House of Assembly from performing its constitutional duties; (4) illegal appointment of persons without screening by the Assembly as required by the constitution; and (5) seizure of salaries and funds meant for lawmakers.

Other allegations include: (6) seizure of the salary of the Clerk of the House, Emeka Amadi; (7) refusal to implement constitutional provisions on the financial autonomy of the legislature and the judiciary; and (8) withholding of funds meant for the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission, thereby hindering its operations.

Procedure to impeach a governor in Nigeria

1. Notice of allegations

A written notice alleging gross misconduct must be signed by at least one-third (1/3) of the members of the State House of Assembly. The notice is then presented to the Speaker.

2. Service of notice

The Speaker must serve the notice on the Governor within seven days. The notice must clearly outline the specific allegations.

3. Resolution to investigate

Within 14 days of receiving the notice, the House votes on whether to investigate. The motion requires the support of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of all members. If it fails, the process ends immediately.

4. Constitution of an investigation panel

If the motion passes, the Speaker requests the Chief Judge of the State to constitute a seven-member panel. Members must be individuals of unquestionable integrity and must not be politicians or public servants.

5. Investigation by the panel

The panel has three months to investigate the allegations. The Governor has the right to defend himself personally or through lawyers. A fair hearing is mandatory.

6. Panel’s report

The panel submits its findings to the House. If no misconduct is found, the process ends. If misconduct is established, the House proceeds to the next step.

7. Final removal vote

The House must pass a resolution supported by at least two-thirds (2/3) of all members. Once passed, the Governor is immediately removed from office.

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