Saving Rivers From Political Crisis

The ongoing political happenings in Rivers State have unfortunately brought the state into the public eye for dis
reputable reasons. The situation escalated to hazardous levels when the state House of Assembly was ravaged by a devastating fire, displaying an unacceptable level of daredevilry.
We denounce this act of arson and implore the security operatives to swiftly identify and bring to justice those responsible for this criminal action. It disgracefully violates the sanctity of the legislative institution.
Trouble began last Monday when 24 legislators, led by Speaker, Rt Hon Martin Amaewhule, who was allegedly impeached, and loyal to Nyesom Wike, attempted to suspend the Majority Leader of the House, Rt Hon Edison Ehie, for undisclosed reasons. The lawmakers were also alleged to have perfected plots to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara, for another set of undisclosed reasons.
However, the situation took an unexpected turn when 26 of the lawmakers who initially sought to impeach Fubara, changed their position. They held a plenary session same day in Port Harcourt during which they suspended Martin Amaewhule and the Deputy Speaker, Hon Dumle Maol, and immediately elected Ehie as the new speaker before adjourning indefinitely, citing the fire that destroyed the Hallowed Chamber of the House, and the festing political crisis.
Indeed, the daring attempt to impeach the governor by certain members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, just five months into his tenure, is no doubt, a concerning development that does not serve the best interest of Rivers people. This move has the potential to impede the peace and advancement of the state, which is detrimental to the overall welfare of its citizens. We reprobate the role of security agents in this matter, and urge them to exercise caution and impartiality when dealing with political cases and actors.
We say so because in 2013, a similar situation unfolded when five lawmakers attempted to impeach former Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, but their efforts were unsuccessful. This political turmoil reached its peak when the focus shifted to the state House of Assembly, resulting in a chaotic scene. A free-for-all broke out as an attempt was made to impeach the Speaker, Hon. Otelemaba Amachree. Unfortunately, the Leader of the House, Hon Michael Chinda, and Amaewhule, sustained injuries during the altercation. Of course, police’s lack of neutrality was evident when they allowed certain legislators access to the Assembly building for the impeachment proceedings. That drama did not place the state and its people in good light.
This is why we insist that law enforcement agents must remain loyal to the Chief Security Officer and Governor of the state, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and his administration as well as the people of the state, at all times, without being influenced by political actors. Using water cannons and teargas canisters on the governor is unacceptable. It shows utter disrespect to the Office of the Governor. We, therefore, insist that the officers responsible for these actions should be identified and appropriately sanctioned.
Fubara should be provided the opportunity to govern the state under the mandate freely given to him by the people. Those who are pushing for his impeachment should provide concrete evidence of his alleged offences to Rivers people and the Nigerian public. We are aware that even the opposition, which normally would have taken advantage of the drama to criticise the government, condemned, in its entirety, the attempted removal of a governor that has shown commitment to provide good governance and service to the people.
Since taking office on May 29, 2023, Fubara has proven himself to be a capable leader, satisfying the needs and desires of the people. He has taken positive steps such as lifting the promotion embargo for civil servants, paying salaries and pensions of workers and retirees, rehabilitating abandoned State Secretariat Complex and reviving the Civil Service Week, making moves to revive the moribund Songhai Integrated Farms, and conducting numerous employment exercises, among others.
Up to this point, the administration under his leadership has demonstrated unwavering determination and made consistent advancements, successfully upholding each ambitious pledge made throughout the campaigns, even in the face of economic difficulties. He placed a top priority on the safety of the populace and effectively worked with security agencies to sustain a tranquil and secure atmosphere for individuals, businesses, and assets. He has continued to consolidate progress and complete infrastructure projects inherited from the previous administration in fulfilment of the Consolidation and Continuity mantra of his new Rivers Vision government. It would be prudent for those advocating for his ouster to re-evaluate their stance.
We appreciate President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the Rivers State political crisis, as he has urged all parties to cease hostilities. Tinubu must act fast and avert the unfolding catastrophe in the state in the interest of his administration, the nation’s democracy, and the country at large. We also commend the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), especially its governors forum for stepping in and addressing the issue. They must work towards resolving the matter. We are also aware of the intervention of Niger Delta Elders’ Forum in the interest of peace.
We urge stakeholders and elders in the state to pursue peace, setting aside any biases or loyalties towards individuals involved in the crisis. The declaration by the Rivers PDP Elders Forum, as reported by a national newspaper, aligning themselves with the former governor on this matter is regrettable and premature. What is truly needed to end this ticking time bomb is a fair and just approach, devoid of any political favouritism. Let us remember that our goal is to achieve lasting peace, and it is through unprejudiced actions and decisions that we can attain this objective.
Those who give ethnic colouration to the face-off in the state must discontinue. No one should attempt to bestow an ethnic dimension on this issue, as it can only lead to further division and conflict. No one should exploit this dispute for political or tribal gains. Instead, we should focus on a speedy return to normalcy in our government and legislative processes for the benefit of our citizens and the business community.
Rivers people deserve commendation for standing to protect the interest of the state. Their unwavering support for the governor, particularly during this critical period, is desirable. They should continue their backing for the governor, because he was popularly elected, and has not disappointed the electorate. They need to reject violence but stand firm against any form of intimidation. The state will suffer, if we, the people, cannot back the governor because whatever happens to him will affect the peace and governance of the state. Rivers State is a collective entity, and it is everyone’s duty to uphold democracy within its borders.
Parties involved in the current imbroglio should, therefore, put down their swords and adhere to the interim injunction issued by Justice O. Ben-Whyte of the Rivers State High Court in Isiokpo as well as the one issued by the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt. These court orders mark the latest development in the ongoing political drama. Rivers people have already endured numerous political crises, and we must prevent the state from descending into its dark past, which could have dire consequences not only for the stability of the region but also for the national economy.
Let us work together to ensure a peaceful resolution and avoid further turmoil. The governor’s apology on November 3 to the people of the state for the avoidable crisis is a necessary step forward. It shows his humility, wisdom, and peaceful disposition, in spite of the fact that the Constitution has bestowed immunity on him as the Chief Executive Officer and Number One Citizen of the state.
This is our stand!