Rivers State, Gov. Wike
The Political Crisis in River State Escalates as Cabinet Members Resign En Masse.
The Political Crisis in River State Escalates as Cabinet Members Resign En Masse.
By Anthony Beauty,
In the midst of the escalating political crisis between Governor Fubara and Wike in River State, a wave of resignations has hit the state’s cabinet, further intensifying the tumultuous situation.
Prominent figures among the resignations include:
Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor (SAN) – Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice: With an esteemed legal background, Adangor’s departure raises questions about the state’s legal leadership during this critical period.
Dr. Des George-Kelly – Commissioner for Works: The resignation of the Commissioner for Works adds a layer of uncertainty to ongoing infrastructure projects and development initiatives in the state.
Emeka Woke – Commissioner for Special Duties: Woke’s resignation from a key position dealing with special assignments suggests a broader dissatisfaction within the government.
Mrs. Inime Aguma – Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation: Aguma’s departure raises concerns about the continuity of social welfare programs and rehabilitation efforts in the state.
Isaac Kamalu – Commissioner for Finance: The resignation of the Finance Commissioner adds a dimension of economic instability to an already tumultuous political landscape.
Prof. Chinedu Mmom – Commissioner for Education: Mmom’s exit from the education portfolio raises questions about the future of educational policies and reforms in River State.
Dr. Gift Worlu – Commissioner for Housing: The departure of the Commissioner for Housing signals potential disruptions in housing projects and urban development plans.
Sources close to the government suggest that more resignations are on the horizon, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and speculation. The political turmoil is not only impacting the leadership but also casting a shadow over the effective governance of the state.
However, a source said this must be related to the Emergency Executive Meeting summoned by Gov. Fubara earlier this week. Our source believe that the Governor may have asked his commissioners to either choose to stay on his side or honourably resign.
As the crisis deepens, residents and stakeholders are closely watching the unfolding events, hoping for a swift resolution to restore stability and effective governance in River State.
Rivers State, Gov. Wike
RIVERS ASSEMBLY LED BY AMAEWHILE GIVES GOV. FUBARA 7-DAY ULTIMATUM TO RE-PRESENT 2024 BUDGET
IduwiniVoice
RIVERS ASSEMBLY LED BY AMAEWHILE GIVES GOV. FUBARA 7-DAY ULTIMATUM TO RE-PRESENT 2024 BUDGET
By Tobouke JEMINE
The tension in the political landscape of Rivers State is apparently getting worse by the day, as the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Hon. Martin Amaewhule and loyal to Chief Nyesom Wike, has given Governor Siminialayi Fubara a seven-day ultimatum to re-present the 2024 budget.
This demand follows a judgment by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which nullified a previous order from the Rivers State High Court preventing Amaewhule and 24 other legislators from acting as lawmakers.
Previously, Fubara had presented an N800 billion appropriation bill for the 2024 fiscal year to a different faction of the House, led by Edison Ehie, which passed the budget and had it signed into law.
However, President Bola Tinubu intervened in the state’s crisis, directing Governor Fubara to re-present the budget to Amaewhule’s led assembly. The assembly’s ultimatum was issued during a plenary session on Monday, following a motion by the House Committee Chairman, Dumped Mao.
The resolution to re-present the budget will be formally communicated to Governor Fubara through a letter. This situation reflects ongoing political dynamics and power struggles within the state.
Rivers Crisis: JUMBO, AND OTHER PRO-FUBARA LAWMAKERS HEAD TO SUPREME COURT
By Tobouke JEMINE
Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo and his colleagues in the Rivers State House of Assembly, who are loyal to Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara, have appealed the Court of Appeal’s decision that overturned a State High Court ruling granting them authority to serve as Speaker and legislators. They have taken their case to the Supreme Court, challenging the Appeal Court’s judgment, which stated that Justice Charles Wali of the State High Court lacked jurisdiction over the legislative matter.
The Court of Appeal had declared the High Court’s order barring Amaewhule and others from presenting themselves as speaker and lawmakers null and void. In a plenary session held at a temporary legislative facility in Port Harcourt, Jumbo clarified that they believe the Appeal Court erred in its decision regarding the jurisdiction of the State High Court.
Jumbo asserted his position as the legitimate speaker, emphasizing that there cannot be two Houses of Assembly in the state. He reiterated that the seats of Hon. Martin Amaewhule and 24 other former lawmakers remained vacant, following their defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2023.
He said, “There cannot be two Houses of Assembly in Rivers State or indeed any State in Nigeria. This House of Assembly, with me as the Speaker, is the ONLY House of Assembly in Rivers State.
“As the whole world knows, on the 11th day of December, 2023, Martin Amaewhule and his 24 friends defected from the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressive Congress, APC.
“On the 13th Day of December, 2023, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, declared the seats of Martin Amaewhule and 24 others in the RSHA vacant. That declaration by Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie has not been set aside by any court in Nigeria.”
He stated further, “Yesterday, the 4th of July, 2024, the Court of Appeal, in its lead Judgement, allowed the Appeal by Martin Ameawhule & 24 ORS on the ground that the Rivers State High Court lacked the jurisdiction to hear and determine the case.
“Accordingly, the Court of Appeal struck out Suit No. PHC/1512/CS/2024 and NOTHING MORE. The Court of Appeal did not make any declaration that Martin Amaewhule & 24 ORS did not defect from the PDP to APC.
“The Court of Appeal also did not make any declaration that Martin Amaewhule and 24 ORS are still members of the RSHA. We strongly believe that the Court of Appeal was in error when it held that the Rivers State High Court lacked the jurisdiction to hear and determine SUIT NO PHC/1512/CS/2024.
“Accordingly, we have instructed our lawyers and they have filed an appeal to the Supreme Court of Nigeria challenging the judgement of the Court of Appeal delivered on the 4th Day of July, 2024. Martin Amaewhule & 24 ORS, in spite of all their pretences, are no longer members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and they remain so until a court of competent jurisdiction says otherwise.
“Once again, we the legitimate members of the RSHA HEREBY call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to promptly conduct a bye-election to fill the vacant seats in the RSHA.”
By Admin.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State empathized with the newly sworn-in commissioners, acknowledging the weight on their hearts. Despite their earlier resignations amid political turmoil, Fubara assured them that he harbors no grievances against them. Addressing the commissioners at the Executive Chambers of Government House in Port Harcourt, the governor encouraged them to engage in activities that would be remembered positively in the future.
Having returned to serve in Fubara’s administration after a brief hiatus, the nine commissioners were urged to uphold and defend the constitution. Governor Fubara emphasized the importance of standing for justice and the interests of the state. Expressing understanding for the challenges they faced during the political crossfire, Fubara advised them to give their best, aiming to leave a legacy of goodness for the state and posterity.
The governor’s words sought to reassure and inspire the commissioners, emphasizing the need to contribute positively to the administration and be remembered for their commitment to justice and the welfare of the state.