Fresh crisis in Rivers as lawmakers threaten Fubara with impeachment

Lawmakers in Rivers State have said they will not hesitate to impeach the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara if it becomes the last resort to enforce its responsibility and uphold the constitution.

Rt. Hon. Martin Amaehwule, the Speaker of the House, made this declaration while addressing a news conference in Port Harcourt on Saturday. He was flanked by 26 of his colleagues.

You may recall that the 27 lawmakers who are said to be loyal to Nyesom Wike, the former governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, have been in discord with Governor Fubara since October last year.

This followed the dispute between Wike and his estranged political godson and successor, Fubara, whom the former considers treacherous.

Amaewhule continued as he accused Fubara of refusing to abide by all the peace agreements made in Abuja, pointing out that the governor had continued to act outside the law, including running the state without an approved budget.

The Speaker stated that the duties of the Assembly are constitutionally recognized by law and that it holds the mandate of its constituents to carry out its legislative tasks.

He also took a swipe at the former Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Council led by Dr Abiye Sekibo, former Minister of Transport, for casting aspersions on the FCT Minister in a bid to paint him black before President Tinubu.

He stated, “They must not forget that the Rivers State House of Assembly has the mandate of the people and that we swore an oath of allegiance to the Constitution to do the needful, including the impeachment of the governor as a last resort.”

Previously, Siminalayi Fubara, the Rivers State Governor, said his government was focused on delivering good services to the people and meant “no harm to anybody in the state.”

According to him, all the measures taken so far by his administration are in the best interest of the state and for the general good of the people.

The governor, who stated this while felicitating with Christians on the occasion of the Easter celebration, said, “As a government, our conscience is clear. We mean well for the Rivers people.

“We came prepared for seamless, people-oriented services to the state, and we intend no harm whatsoever to anybody in the course of providing good governance.

“Let me thank you for your support and cooperation, even as we continue to work collectively to keep our dear Rivers State safe and secure for every resident and visitor. So, as you celebrate Easter, remember the reason for the season.

“Also remember to continue to put our government in your prayers at this time and always, so that collectively, we can achieve the goals we have set for ourselves in efforts to deliver on our mandate.”

In the Easter message released through Nelson Chukwudi, his Chief Press Secretary, on Saturday, the governor congratulated Christians on the celebration and urged them to use the period to emulate Jesus Christ and walk in his footsteps by promoting peace, unity, and living in love.