The People’s Democratic Party Governors Forum (PDP-GF) has summoned an emergency meeting over the ongoing crisis in Rivers State.
The political impasse in Rivers State started on Sunday night when the state’s assembly was set ablaze after a move by some members said to be loyal to Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike to remove the state’s governor, Siminalayi Fabura.
The development resulted in the deployment of security operatives in the assembly complex and other locations in Port Harcourt, the state capital, sparking tension and fear about a possible eruption of violence in the state.
Following the crisis, the state assembly was cordoned off by armed security personnel.
The cause of the crisis between Fubara and his godfather, Wike is yet to be known, but the impeachment plot blew open the alleged cold war between the two men.
Wike had singlehandedly supported the election of Fubara against the will of some stakeholders of the ruling People’s Democratic Party in the state.
He had yet to respond to a text message seeking his reaction to the impeachment plot against his successor as of the time of filing this report.
The stage for the crisis was set late Sunday night with the alleged firebombing of a section of the assembly complex by unknown persons in a futile bid to prevent the anti-Fubara lawmakers from having their plenary on Monday.
But the attack failed to stop the legislators who met early Monday morning and signed an impeachment notice against the governor.
Led by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, the anti-Fubara lawmakers held a meeting at about 6am on Monday, where they signed the impeachment notice against Fubara.
The lawmakers also removed the House Leader, Edison Ehie, who was strongly opposed to the impeachment of the governor and suspended three other members said to be loyal to Fubara.
The suspended members include Sokari Goodboy Sokari, representing Ahoada West, Adolphus Oruibienimigha, representing Opobo/Nkoro and Victor Oko Jumbo, representing Bonny.
Presenting the notice of impeachment, the member representing Omuma constituency, Sylvanus Nwankwo stated that the notice was brought pursuant to section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, adding that the impeachment notice was predicated on ‘’gross misconduct in the performance of the functions of the office of the governor.’’
The Speaker condemned the bombing of the House by those he described as ‘misfits’, stressing that the House would not condone any ‘indecorous, rascally and irresponsible’ conduct from any member.
He said the House would follow the constitutional provisions as enshrined in Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
The lawmakers thereafter left the assembly in a convoy accompanied by security operatives.
Shortly after, the governor accompanied by three Department of State Services operatives and supporters arrived at the assembly.
A viral video showed policemen firing gunshots, tear gas canisters and water cannons at the governor and scores of his supporters as they walked to the state assembly complex.
The governor and his loyalists were going to the assembly complex to assess the damage caused by the Sunday night arson attack at the complex when the incident occurred.
Following this sudden turn of events, the pro-Fubara house members announced the suspension of eight of their colleagues and the impeachment of Speaker Amaehwule.
Edison Ehie, who was earlier suspended as the leader of the House by the anti-Fubara lawmakers, was elected the factional speaker after the sitting held in the Government House.
The development came as part of efforts by pro-Fubara lawmakers to frustrate the bid to impeach the governor.
Addressing journalists at the Government House, Ehie said the House would give a fair hearing to the suspended members.
He stated, “As you can see, the House just rose from plenary and with all humility I must thank my colleagues, 26 assembly members, who have just elected me as the new speaker of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly.
“My commitment to Rivers people is that I will be fair and just to all and sundry. And I will ensure that the rule of law takes its course.
“I will not betray my colleagues; I will not betray Rivers people, I will not betray my constituents.
“I will also ensure the Independence of the Rivers State House of Assembly is adhered to with mutual respect to the judiciary and the executive arm of government.’’
Speaking further, he noted, “The honourable members that have been suspended as has been published will also be given a fair hearing. The Committee on Information will publish their names and the House urged the House Committee on Petitions to give them a fair hearing.
“The House has also adjourned sine die because the Parliamentary Association has served us a notice of indefinite strike from Abuja. So, we can’t sit again.
“It, therefore, holds that any sitting after now will not hold water because an official notice has been received. I tell the people if they have any grievances, approach the court. That is the resolution of the House. “
Meanwhile, following the crisis that has erupted in Rivers State, the Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum (PDP-GF) has summoned an emergency meeting of its members to deliberate on the issue.
The meeting will take place Tuesday at the Akwa Ibom State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.
The session is expected to assess the crisis said to have arisen because of a rivalry between the state governor, Mr Similaye Fubara, and Wike.
