- Factional lawmakers hold parallel sittings
- Fubara given seven days to re-present 2024 budget
- Governor swears in new commissioner, says he’s not an ingrate
- Appeal Court strikes out sacked pro-Wike LG chairmen’s suit
- The way things are going in Rivers is dangerous – Doyin Okupe
The political crisis rocking Rivers State deepened on Monday with shots fired from each side of the divide.
Rivers State has been engulfed in a political crisis over a power tussle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The rift has polarised the State House of Assembly, with lawmakers loyal to both political gladiators electing different Speakers to lead the House.
The Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule, on Monday handed a seven-day ultimatum to Governor Siminialayi Fubara, to re-present the 2024 budget to the House.
The faction of the state assembly loyal to Wike took the stand at its resumed sitting in a yet-to-be-disclosed location in Port Harcourt.
However, on Monday, Amaewhule, who presided over the plenary issued the ultimatum following a resolution of the House during Monday’s plenary.
This came following a motion by the House Committee Chairman, Dumped Mao, who is also the Deputy Speaker of the assembly.
Amaewhule had put the motion to vote, leading to the resolution agreed by the members present at the resumed sitting.
The lawmakers also resolved to communicate their decision to Governor Fubara through a letter.
Pro-Fubara lawmakers confirm one commissioner
Meanwhile, the House of Assembly, led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, has confirmed Emmanuel Frank-Fubara as a commissioner nominee.
The confirmation came after the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, requested the Assembly to screen and ratify the nominee.
At the plenary session on Monday, the Speaker read the governor’s correspondence, leading to Frank-Fubara’s confirmation.
The Assembly scrutinized the nominee’s credentials and qualifications before ultimately approving his appointment.
During his screening, Frank-Fubara affirmed that his experience serving on various committees in the state has equipped him to excel in any portfolio assigned to him.
He pledged to perform his duties with utmost dedication and commitment, promising a “hundred per cent serviceable” performance.
The Deputy Speaker, Timothy Orubieninmigha, echoed this sentiment, praising the commissioner nominee’s impeccable character and expressing confidence in his ability to serve the state with distinction.
At the end of the debate, the Speaker confirmed the nominee after a unanimous voice vote in his favour.
The lawmakers’ endorsements secured the commissioner’s appointment, and the house adjourned till Thursday.
A Court of Appeal in Abuja had, in a judgement last week, nullified the order of Rivers State High Court which stopped Amaewhule and 24 other legislators from parading themselves as lawmakers and sitting as legislators.
It also would be recalled that Fubara had presented an appropriation bill of about N800 billion for the 2024 Fiscal year to the House loyal to him, then led by Edison Ehie as Speaker, before his resignation to be appointed as Chief of Staff to the governor.
Ehie and others loyal to Fubara had deliberated on the bill, passed the budget, and was subsequently signed into law by the governor
But, President Bola Tinubu during an intervention into the crisis rocking the state and in an eight-point resolution, directed the governor to re-present the already passed 2024 budget of the state to the Amaewhule’s led assembly.
Fubara swears in new commissioner, says he’s not an ingrate
Also, Governor Fubara has expressed surprise at the Nigeria Police Force’s silence over the recent attempted detonation of an explosive device in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
The incident occurred during a protest by supporters demanding an extension of tenure for former local government council chairmen.
Fubara wondered why after many weeks, the police have yet to make a statement or take action.
The governor maintained that if the act was done by supporters linked to him, terrorism charges would have been slammed on them.
Fubara stated his worries shortly after swearing in Emmanuel Frank-Fubara as the new Commissioner for Finance at the Executive Chambers of Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Nelson Chukwudi, and made available to newsmen on Monday, the governor insisted that Rivers State, as known today, has only one enemy who is vehemently opposed to his administration, with others classified as his offspring, together making efforts to sink the state.
The governor, however, declared that God has continued to frustrate their plans.
He said, “You know, if it were a situation that (Governor) Fubara is involved in anything, or links Fubara’s associates, by now, Nigeria would have been hot. There would have been arrests, there would have been statements, there would have been counter this or that. There would have been press conferences.
“But, because it is from the other side, nothing is heard yet. But glory to God, they couldn’t hide it forever, even if I have not been hearing anything.”
Fubara emphasized, “I am wondering after how many weeks now, the Nigeria Police is still not able to come out and make a statement about the attempt by the man that tried to detonate dynamite in front of Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt.
“I am still wondering why it has not happened. But, maybe, if it was any other thing that has to do with us, they would have charged the person for terrorism.
“But, you see, this God that I serve, we are serving genuinely. This God that Rivers State has been dedicated to by our predecessors because when they make statements, they say: Rivers State belongs to God, and that is the God that is saving and lifting us.”
He pointed out that his administration is satisfied with its dealings with the Rivers State House of Assembly which is duly recognized by law to carry on with its legislative duties and provide the requisite support for the effective functioning of the executive without interruption of governance.
Fubara charged the newly sworn-in commissioner to ensure he did not disappoint.
He also urged him to use the opportunity to touch lives, while making the state proud with the quality of service he will render by always defending it.
He said, “It doesn’t matter how long or short I have known him. But within the short period of knowing him, he has proven himself to be a gentleman.
“So, Mr Frank, this honour that God has given to you today, it is not for you to wear one big cap and put one Rottweiler in front of your gate, no. Use the opportunity to touch lives.
“But, above all, make the state proud. Work in a manner that you’ve not worked before. Defend the interest of the state. That is what is important, and not to praise me. No. Don’t praise me.
“I strongly believe that you are going to do well and make us proud, and we will continue to make the state great.”
I’m not an ungrateful person, says Fubara
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara has declared that he is not an ungrateful person because he acknowledges and appreciates those who are instrumental to good gestures that have come his way.
The governor stated that it is due to such a well-breed lifestyle and personality that he had never contemplated throwing caution into the wind in handling the current political crisis in the state.
Fubara made the assertion when he hosted on a courtesy visit the Stakeholders of Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality, including the leadership of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide, the Supreme Council of Ikwerre Traditional Rulers, Ikwerre women, and opinion and youth leaders, at Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Nelson Chukwudi.
The leadership structure of Ikwerre stakeholders led other paramount rulers, political leaders, leaders of thought, women and youths on the visit to recommit the people of the ethnic nationality to the success of the administration.
Fubara stated that if he were ungrateful, with bad character as canvassed in some quarters, it would have been difficult to hide it for too long from everybody.
He said, “I want to also say this, Fubara is not an ungrateful person. If I were a bad person, you (one) can’t hide a character that is bad for more than one week, two weeks, one month, one year, two years, eight years, or even more than eight years. For 16 years, if I was a bad person, everybody would have known.
“But, even your own child that is in your house that you have given birth to let us start with even the girl child. It gets to a stage where your girl child will enter the bathroom and lock the door from behind.
“Even if they forcefully put a feeding bottle in my mouth, if I get filled up, won’t I pull it out? So, when people stand outside and say what they say, I want you people to ask them to tell you in their own good conscience, what is that bad thing, that wickedness, that ungratefulness that this man (Fubara) has ever shown or done? But, I leave that one to God, who will judge everybody.”
Fubara, however, said the visit was not a time to address issues surrounding the political crisis but a day to appreciate the delegation and God for what He has been doing for the state.
He recalled how people had generated the propaganda of ethnic politics into the crisis but noted that Ikwerre people have come to publicly show support, adding that the solidarity visit explains clearly that they are part of his government and are supporting it to the end.
Fubara said he has a culture of respect for people, no matter their status, and the larger number of Ikwerre people who acknowledge have come to demonstrate their support to his administration.
The governor assured his guests that his administration will continue to work with well-meaning people, to execute more development projects in the four local government areas where Ikwerre people are domiciled.
He said, “What kind of support do I need, when their fathers are here with me to say look, we support you? It is the greatest blessing that any son can get. So, let me thank all the royal fathers, and opinion leaders of Ikwerre (Nation) Worldwide for this support.
“I want to assure you that not minding what is happening, I will not throw caution to the wind. I will continue to appreciate the support you people gave and continue to give to me through one of your sons.
“It doesn’t matter whether the person accepts it or not. I will continue to appreciate it. That one alone is what makes me restrain my actions when it gets to that point when I need to act.
“The restriction is because I was a well-brought-up boy. My story is clear, I wasn’t disowned. I was a pure young man. I served people, and I have a genuine record of everything. So, I tell you with all boldness and strength that I am well brought up, and for that reason, I have respect for others.”
Fubara insisted that he will continue to show respect and appreciate people for what they are, and have done rightly.
He stated that he would not take the love of the people for granted, stressing: “I assure you that we are going to work together for the progress and development of our State.
“I just want to appeal to all of you, always stand for what is right. It doesn’t matter whether one million people are on the other side. If you are the only one standing on the right side, stand, you won’t get tired. But those people standing on the wrong side, definitely, will be exhausted.
“Let me also assure you people that are here and the people that you represent, our government will be a government that will give equal opportunity to everybody. It will be a government that will operate a system where no man is oppressed.
“I will not by any means, directly or indirectly, oppress anybody. I want to leave this office and be a peaceful man, walking the streets without security. That is the greatest achievement of a good leader,” he added.
Fubara, who promised, on behalf of the government, to take over and complete the Obiri Ikwerre Secretariat, donated N100 million for the operations of the organisation, as well as a car gift to the President General of Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide.
In his speech, the President General of Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide, Godspower Onuekwa, said as Ikwerre people, they have had their turn governing the state, and cannot sit by and watch an unknown person destroy the peace that the governor has ensured in the state.
While commending the governor for the numerous development projects being executed across the various local government areas, including those of Ikwerre, Onuekwa, pledged the unalloyed support of the good people of Ikwerre ethnic nationality to the administration.
On his part, the Chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, Chike Wodo, said the stakeholders of Ikwerre ethnic nationality visited to encourage Governor Fubara, who has shown sufficient capacity in governing the State, seen and heard by everybody.
Wodo urged Fubara not to be distracted but to remain focused, steer the affairs of the State fearlessly, and be sure of the Ikwerre support.
Also speaking, Senator John Mbata said the Ikwerre people had governed the state for 16 years with support given to them by other ethnic groups in the spirit of inclusive politics, explaining that they cannot, therefore, refuse to support others to peacefully steer the affairs of the state.
He assured the governor that all relevant leaders of Ikwerre ethnic nationality were present to pledge their support to Fubara against his detractors and ensure that the administration succeeds.
Appeal Court strikes out sacked pro-Wike LG chairmen’s suit
In a related development, the Court of Appeal, sitting in Port Harcourt, on Monday, dismissed two appeals instituted by the sacked Local Government Chairmen loyal to Wike.
The appeals, marked CA/PH/137M/2024 and CA/PH/145M/2024, were filed by the former Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro LGA, Enyiada Cookey-Gam, and six others, challenging the decisions of the High Court regarding the elongation of their tenure.
While delivering its ruling, the court ruled that the appeals lacked merit and consequently struck them out.
The judgement comes weeks after Governor Fubara swore in the Caretaker Committee Chairmen for the 23 LGA at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
The governor, on June 19, inaugurated the new caretaker chairmen hours after the House of Assembly, led by factional Speaker, Victor Jumbo, screened and confirmed the nominees.
Governor Fubara had forwarded the list to the state House of Assembly on Tuesday and the nominees were invited for screening as early as 8 am on Wednesday, according to a statement issued by the Clerk of the House, G.M. Gillis-West.
The nomination came amid a renewed political crisis in the state, as former council chairmen have refused to vacate their offices after their tenure expired.
While addressing the new council bosses, Fubara urged them to promote peace at all times and stated that they could work from anywhere for the time being.
The way things are going in Rivers is dangerous – Doyin Okupe
However, a former presidential spokesperson, Doyin Okupe, has described the political crisis in Rivers as a “total misfortune”, saying that it requires a political solution.
Okupe, a former Director General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Lagos.
He said the crisis in the state was caused by disregard for rules and laws.
The LP chieftain stated that while the judiciary can help to put things right, the best way to end the festering crisis is to proffer a political solution.
He said, “That is a total misfortune, and the real issue if we look at it properly, is that we do not obey our laws. If only we obey our laws, this situation cannot surface at all.
“The courts have to help; the judiciary must be consistent, fair and judge according to law, not any other sentiment
“Let us all obey our laws and our rules and let the court adjudicate according to the law and anybody who flouts the law should pay for it.
“The way things are going in Rivers right now is dangerous, but a political solution is what I will suggest, as a very experienced politician.”
Emphasizing the need for a political solution, Okupe said politics is about interest and that the crisis would end if the interests of the disagreeing parties were discussed and reconciled.
He said, “In all my years of politics, I have never seen anything in this world that a political solution cannot resolve in all political disagreements.
“Politics is about interest. What is the interest of A and what is the interest of B, and how can we marry them? That’s all.”
Lawmakers loyal to Wike recently dumped the ruling People’s Democratic Party to join All Progressives Congress, while a couple of commissioners loyal to the minister have quit Fubara’s cabinet.
A state High Court in Port Harcourt had in May barred the lawmakers from parading themselves as members of the state’s House of Assembly after their defection to APC.
The order followed a suit filed by a factional Speaker, Victor Jumbo, and two other lawmakers loyal to Fubara.
The court held that all of the laws made by the other factional Speaker, Martin Awaewhule, and the 24 other lawmakers loyal to Wike would amount to a nullity until the matter was determined.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, however, on Thursday, vacated the order that sacked 25 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who defected to APC.
The appellate court, in a unanimous decision by a three-man panel of Justices, held that the Rivers State High Court, which issued the order, lacked the requisite jurisdiction to do so.