As 27 Others Meet At Assembly Quarters
Commissioners Resign
THE political crisis in Rivers State assumed a new dimension with the 27 members of the House of Assembly who on Monday defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) sitting at the auditorium of the Assembly quarters.
Recall that the state government early on Monday morning began the demolition of the House of Assembly complex, while on Wednesday Justice Justice M.W. Danagogo of the State High Court granted an ex-parte injunction brought by the state government
Relying on the injunction, four members of the House met, received and passed Fubara’s 2024 Appropriation Bill, which he signed into law on Thursday.
In the ‘Budget of Consolidation,’ Fubara proposed over N410billion as capital expenditure and N361billion for recurrent projects.
According to him: “This budget shows that we have a plan for our dear state. One of the reasons why our budget is in the volume of N800 billion is that we intend, not just by desiring, to ensure that one key request of our dear state is met.
“God, being our helper, we will commence immediately, by next year, flagging off the actual and main Trans-Kalabari road project Phase 2.
“I want to assure you that this administration has the best interest of our people. It is an administration that wants everyone to have hope.
“We have keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of our dear President Bola Tinubu to continue to assure our people of hope. The best of us will be seen by everyone. We will continue to protect the interest of our people, do the best for everyone, not minding your position or class. Our government is responsive and inclusive.
“Our eyes and ears are open to the needs of our people. We will not disappoint you.”
He commended the legislature for its support for his administration, assuring that God who has continued to make way out of the challenges facing the state will continue to embolden them.
Leader of the House of Assembly, Adolphus Orubienimigha, said members diligently deliberated on each item before passing the budget.
Also, Ehie pointed out that the items as articulated were in line with current realities and demonstrated the resolve of Fubara to provide more infrastructure and strengthen sectors like education, health, and the economy to deliver optimal services including youth empowerment.
While the signing of the budget was ongoing, the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers gathered at the auditorium of their Legislative Quarters where they passed two Bills.
Meanwhile, the former attorney general and commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zaccheaus Adangor, in his resignation letter dated November 24 and addressed to the governor, said: “I hereby give Your Excellency notice of my resignation as the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Rivers State with effect from the date of this letter.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the resignation is based purely on personal principles.
“I wish to thank Your Excellency for the opportunity and privilege granted me in your administration to serve as a member of your cabinet (exco).
“My family and I are indebted to Your Excellency in gratitude. I wish Your Excellency a successful tenure.”
Adanor, a long-time friend of the Minister of the Federal capital territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, was among the first set of Fubara’s appointees and held the same position during the administration the FCT minister as governor.
Others who resigned from the State Executive Council include George Kelly-Alabor (Works); Isaac Kamalu (Finance); Emeka Woke (Special Duties); Inime Aguma (Special Welfare and Rehabilitation); Prince Chinedu Nmom (Education) and Gift Worlu (Housing).
Kelly-Alabor, who held the same post under Wike, attributed his decision to conscience, personal principles and professional ethics, even as he thanked Fubara for the opportunity to serve the state, saying he came to the point after deep introspection.
About the same time, the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers, led by Martins Amaewhule as speaker, reconvened in what his media aide described as the 88th legislative sitting of the Assembly, and passed the State House of Assembly Funds Management (Financial Autonomy) Bill, 2023 and the Local Government Law, No. 5 of 2018 (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
The lawmakers also adopted a motion to convert the Auditorium of the Assembly quarters into their hallowed chamber, while condemning the demolition of the Assembly complex without their approval and knowledge as heartless and brazen.
The lawmakers drew the attention of the Federal Government, the Inspector General of Police and the international community to the constant attack by the governor on the state legislature.
MEANWHILE, a former governor of the state, Chief Rufus Ada-George, and other leaders have called on politicians to embrace peace and stop provocative comments in the interest of the state.
Ada-George, in a statement, said: “I am deeply pained and worried over these embarrassing events and flagrant demonstration of impunity, power, and lawlessness because of the grave danger they portend to the peace and security of Rivers and Nigeria as a whole.
“As the oldest former governor of Rivers State, I call on all former governors and their deputies to close ranks, come together, and collectively and frankly speak to our younger colleagues in the best interest of the state.
“Remember, we are duty bound to intervene in times like this by prioritising Rivers State first and above all other personal, sectional, and parochial interests.”
In a related development, some leaders under the aegis of the Coalition of Rivers Leaders of Thought, warned that the political tension in the state could abort the dividends of democracy.
The group, in a statement by its Convener, Sunnie Chukwumele Fosha, and Secretary, Josiah Onoriode, said: “It has become necessary for the coalition to continue to cry for peace in the face of the heinous political conflict that is threatening to engulf the state.”
