Four women-led advocacy groups have called for strict adherence to the rule of law in addressing the allegations circulating against the Minister of Works, David Nweze Umahi, insisting that the matter should be resolved through proper judicial channels rather than through social media campaigns.

At a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday, 1st March, 2026, the organisations, Women Advocates for Responsible Governance, WARG, Women for Justice and Institutional Integrity, WJII, Coalition of Patriotic Nigerian Women, CPNW, and National Women Alliance for Rule of Law, NWARL, collectively maintained that the accusations attributed to Mrs Tracy Nicholas Ohiri lack verifiable documentation and must be tested before a competent court.

Addressing journalists, the National President of WARG, Dr. Amina Yusuf, was reported to have expressed concern that unsubstantiated claims were being amplified in a manner capable of undermining governance. She reportedly stated that the issue was not about silencing any individual but about ensuring that serious allegations are backed by credible evidence. According to her, a ₦24.5 million transaction allegedly dating back to 2015 would ordinarily be supported by contracts, invoices, delivery acknowledgements, and traceable financial records.

She was quoted as questioning why, nearly a decade later, there appears to be no formal demand letter, civil action, or documented effort at recovery if the claim was genuine, stressing that public discourse must not replace legal procedure.

Similarly, the Executive Director of WJII, Hajia Halimat Bello, was said to have emphasized that institutional integrity depends on proof and process. She reportedly argued that commercial transactions of such magnitude cannot exist without documentation and challenged the claimant to present procurement records or evidence of civil recovery steps if the supply truly occurred.

The groups further cautioned against emotional narratives overshadowing legal standards, warning that sensational approaches risk eroding public trust in legitimate complaints.

Speaking for the CPNW, Mrs. Folake Adeyemi reportedly described the allegation as inconsistent with established commercial practice, noting that it would be unusual for a multi-million naira supply to remain undocumented and unlitigated for nearly ten years. She was said to have added that if the matter were purely about debt recovery, the appropriate legal remedies would have been pursued long ago.

On her part, Dr. Grace Onuoha, representing NWARL, reportedly drew attention to the broader democratic implications, stating that accountability must operate within the confines of lawful procedure. She was quoted as urging parties to file claims, present evidence, and allow the courts to determine the facts, warning against what she described as verdicts delivered in the court of public opinion.

Collectively, the four organisations reiterated that their stance was guided by principle rather than personality. They affirmed the presumption of innocence and underscored the need for due process in matters involving public officials.

They called on Nigerians to refrain from what they termed trial by ambush and to allow competent judicial institutions to examine the claims thoroughly.

The groups maintained that allegations, however serious, must ultimately be proven in court, not adjudicated through viral content.

Civil society organisations, media professionals, and leaders of the APC on Friday called for urgent constitutional intervention in the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, demanding that the National Assembly take over the legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly in line with Section 11 of the Constitution.

Addressing journalists during a one week non stop rally at the APC Secretariat on 23rd January 2026, the groups declared that the Rivers State House of Assembly had lost credibility, legitimacy, and public trust due to what they described as persistent abuse of legislative powers and a reckless attempt to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

They warned that Rivers State was sliding into a dangerous constitutional crisis, stressing that the ongoing impeachment process was no longer about legislative oversight but a deliberate effort to destabilise democratic governance. According to them, democracy in the state was under serious threat and silence at this point would amount to complicity.

The groups commended the Rivers State Chief Judge for refusing to constitute a probe panel and for respecting existing court orders, describing the decision as a clear affirmation of the rule of law and a rejection of illegality. They insisted that no evidence of gross misconduct, as required by the Constitution, had been presented against Governor Fubara, adding that the allegations were unsubstantiated and politically motivated.

They further accused the Rivers State House of Assembly of procedural lawlessness, vendetta politics, and disregard for judicial authority, arguing that such conduct rendered the Assembly incapable of performing its constitutional duties. On this basis, they urged the National Assembly to invoke Section 11 subsection 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and assume the legislative functions of the state assembly to restore order and democratic stability.

The APC Leaders Forum and civil society groups also alleged that 27 lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, led by Martins Amaewhule, were behind the crisis. They claimed the lawmakers had received constituency project funds estimated at about ₦350 million each, luxury SUV vehicles, and up to one year salary in advance, yet remained unsatisfied and determined to frustrate the current administration. According to the groups, the lawmakers were more interested in diverting state resources for personal benefit than allowing public funds to serve the people of Rivers State.

The coalition vowed to sustain the protests until decisive constitutional action was taken, including the takeover of legislative functions by the National Assembly. They called on Nigerians of goodwill to peacefully mobilise, maintain civic presence around the National Assembly, and resist what they described as legislative anarchy.

They maintained that Governor Fubara had shown prudence and commitment to the welfare of Rivers people, warning that Rivers State must not be sacrificed on the altar of political desperation.

The groups concluded with a call for unity in defence of democracy, declaring their resolve to continue the struggle until constitutional order is fully restored in Rivers State.

The Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA) has revealed that ₦152 billion was paid yesterday to contractors with verified contracts, as part of efforts to resolve a protest that disrupted activities at the Federal Ministry of Finance on Monday, January 19.

The protest, staged by indigenous contractors over outstanding payments for executed contracts, prevented access to the ministry’s premises and briefly blocked Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka Anite, from entering her office.

BAVCCA, in a press conference addressed in Abuja by its National Secretary, Tabuko Kennedy on Thursday, January 22, clarified that the issue predated Anite’s assumption of office and was already being addressed by relevant government structures. The association’s independent panel of enquiry found the contractors’ grievances genuine, with many facing financial difficulties due to delayed payments.

According to BAVCCA, about 80% of verified obligations have been processed and paid, with the balance at various stages of reconciliation and documentation. The Federal Government has agreed to convene roundtable discussions with contractor representatives to harmonize records and expedite outstanding payments.

BAVCCA commended Anite’s commitment to resolving the issue, emphasizing that she had appealed for patience and requested time to understand the issues. The association urged contractors to pursue grievances through lawful and structured engagement, while calling on the media to report responsibly and avoid inflammatory narratives.

The incident has highlighted systemic administrative challenges, rather than personal failure or negligence by the Minister of State for Finance, BAVCCA noted.

The association urged, “the Federal Government to conclude outstanding verified payments.
“Contractors to embrace dialogue and documentation driven resolution.
“The media to report responsibly and avoid inflammatory narratives.
“Constructive engagement, transparency, and respect for institutions remain the best path forward.

PART OF THE STATEMENT READS
It is important to state that Doris Uzoka Anite has held the office of Minister of State for Finance for less than one month at the time of this incident. Our findings confirm that the contractors’ protest predated her assumption of office and was already being handled under the supervision of the Coordinating Minister and relevant government structures. Personalising the issue against her was therefore unfair and misleading.

Upon assuming office, the Minister appealed to contractors for patience, requested time to fully understand the issues, and committed to working with all relevant institutions to achieve a sustainable resolution, demonstrating good faith and empathy.

BAVCCA Panel of Enquiry
BAVCCA constituted an independent Panel of Enquiry comprising experienced content creators, investigative journalists, civil society observers, and policy analysts. The panel engaged contractors, Ministry officials, and independent observers to establish facts and assess responsibility.

Our Findings
The grievances of contractors are genuine. Many have executed verified projects and are experiencing financial difficulties due to delayed payments.

Status of Payments
Payments have commenced and are ongoing. Several contractors confirmed receipt of payments or partial settlements. The Federal Government has stated that about 80 percent of verified obligations have been processed and paid, with the balance at various stages of reconciliation and documentation. We urge completion of the remaining verified payments.

Dialogue and Resolution
Engagements between contractor representatives and government officials have resulted in an agreement to convene round table discussions to harmonise records and expedite outstanding payments.

Ministerial Responsibility
Our findings confirm that the Minister of State for Finance does not unilaterally control payment execution, which involves multiple agencies and statutory processes. We found no evidence of bad faith, obstruction, or personal misconduct by the Minister.

Rule of Law and Conduct
While protest is a democratic right, blocking public offices and preventing officials from performing their duties undermines governance and public safety. Grievances must be pursued through lawful and structured engagement, the statement concludes.