Rivers Coalition to Assembly: Abandon Governor Fubara Impeachment or Face Anarchy

The Coalition of Rivers State Leaders of Thought has urged the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly to abandon its plan to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara to prevent anarchy in the state.

The coalition stated that the actions of 27 lawmakers loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, could lead to a severe crisis in the state.

On July 4, the Appeal Court ruled that Amaewhule and 24 other lawmakers remained members of the House of Assembly, overturning an earlier High Court order that restrained them. Following this judgment, Amaewhule, during a plenary session on Monday, issued a seven-day ultimatum to Governor Fubara to re-present the 2024 Appropriation Bill.

In response, Governor Fubara, during a visit from stakeholders of Etche and Omuma Local Government Areas on Wednesday, asserted that Amaewhule and his faction were no longer Assembly members. He also stated he would not re-present the 2024 budget, as he was already working on the 2025 budget focused on healthcare, education, and agriculture.

High Chief Sunnie Chukumele, Convener of the Coalition, warned the Amaewhule-led Assembly on Thursday against actions that could lead to anarchy in the state. In a press conference in Port Harcourt, Chukumele expressed concern over the deteriorating political crisis in the state and urged Amaewhule and his colleagues to abandon their impeachment plans.

The coalition called on President Bola Tinubu to address the role of Wike in the ongoing tension. Chukumele emphasized that the political situation in Rivers State was unacceptable and could lead to severe consequences. He urged Wike to control his supporters, particularly the state legislators loyal to him and former local government chairmen involved in the crisis.

The coalition also called on the judiciary to exercise caution in handling cases related to Rivers State, noting negative public perception of their management of such matters. They urged the National Judicial Council to take immediate action to uphold the judiciary’s image.

The coalition reaffirmed its support for Governor Fubara and encouraged him to continue focusing on delivering good governance to the people of Rivers State.