Stakeholders have consistently expressed their views on the political crisis in Rivers, with the most recent input coming from the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, which has denounced attempts to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The forum’s stance was conveyed through a communique issued after its emergency meeting on Sunday. The Forum, which assessed recent developments in the political landscape of Rivers State, expressed regret over the ongoing deadlock.
“The attempt to impeach the Governor of Rivers State barely about six months in office without explaining to the good people of the State, the reasons and infractions of law are unacceptable,” it said.
They condemned an alleged attack on Governor Fubara by police operatives.
“The Forum reviewed the embarrassing and dangerous ongoing happenings in Rivers State and by extension, Nigeria, viz: attempt to impeach Sir Siminalayi Fubara, Executive Governor of Rivers State, the bombing of the Rivers State House of Assembly Chambers, attack on the life of the Executive Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara allegedly by some security agents on Monday 30th October 2023 and other acts of impunity and lawlessness which portend great dangers to the peace and security of Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole,” the communique signed by a former Governor Rufus Ada-George and His Highness Anabs Sara-Igbe amongst others read.
“The Forum reviewed the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly by the Rivers State Government and urged the Government to expedite action on rebuilding the demolished House of Assembly Complex so that lawmakers will continue their legislative business in the permanent site within the shortest possible time,” the Forum added.
Wike, currently serving as the Minister of the FCT, has been in a longstanding dispute with his successor, Fubara. However, the Forum expressed dismay that attempts to engage with both individuals have proven unsuccessful.
“The Forum regretted that neither Governor Siminialayi Fubara nor Chief (Barrister) Nyesom Wike responded to our letters seeking an audience with each of them,” it said.
However, they are urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the crisis in the oil-rich state.
The Forum acknowledged and disapproved of the circulating news on social media about Forum Shopping and the procurement of legal instruments outside Rivers State to instigate a crisis, posing a threat to human lives and property.
“An alleged already written/ premeditated court ruling by one Justice Donatus Okorowo of Federal High Court 8 Abuja on an exparte application secretly filled in the night by pro-Wike former lawmakers which the judge wants to deliver tomorrow been Monday where he wants to stop the declaration of their seat vacant (an action that has been done) and also give them the legitimacy to move in with DSS and police to start the illegal impeachment of Gov. Fubara,” the leaders said.
Currently, 27 members of the Rivers State Assembly have switched allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, the PDP contends that the seats of the defecting lawmakers are now vacant due to this development.
In spite of the defections, Governor Fubara presented the 2024 budget to the remaining members of the house at the Government House in Port Harcourt before officially endorsing it into law.