Rivers Assembly alleges plot to stop proceedings
“I am unperturbed by the impeachment proceedings initiated by the House of Assembly,” Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara declared yesterday.
He spoke during the Inter-Denominational Church Service in commemoration of 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day at St Cyprain’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt.
He also said that he would not comment on the resurgence of political crisis.
Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, have been served with impeachment notice by the Assembly over alleged gross misconduct.
Although the governor insisted that he would not complain about the logjam, the House of Assembly raised the alarm that his agents have began moves to truncate the procedures through a court order.
He said the order is targetted at preventing lawmakers from hold plenary.
A statement by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Dr Enemi Alabo George, said the plot was to obtain the exparte order from the state High Court outside Port Harcourt, the state capital, against the process.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, chided critics who have called for his removal by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and reaffirmed his leadership of the state.
‘Why I am not disturbed’
Fubara urged Rivers people to remain calm, assuring that peace will be restored “by God’s grace”.
He alluded to his New Year remarks that “dogs bark when they don’t understand,” insisting that many people in the state lacked comprehension.
Fubari said: “At the new year banquet, I said something, that dogs bark when they don’t understand. A lot of you don’t understand. The reason why I don’t shout and I don’t complain is that I know what I have. I know that I have what is Supreme and that is God.
“So, I want everyone to be relaxed. What is important is peace for this our dear state and we will get it by the grace of God.”
Odu, who was also asked to address the congregation by the governor, hailed the priest, Rev. Blessing Enyindah, for his message that “we are remembered by what we have done.”
She said: “It is a thing that we should go back and reflect on in our heart, and it should guide our attitudes, how we relate to people bearing in mind that there will be a day of reckoning. A day when people will reflect on what you have done, whether it be good or bad. But let us by God’s grace be remembered for good.
“Let’s leave this Cathedral and let it resonate in our hearts that we should think of the good we should be remembered. It doesn’t matter whatever else, but let’s be remembered for good. What we do that we look at life more positively and do things more positively and more impactful”.
Plot to stop removal thickens
House of Assembly Spokesman George alleged plots by some persons linked to the executive arm to get a court order stopping the lawmakers from performing its functions.
He said the move was dead on arrival because it would amount to an attempt to subvert the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
George said the move was illegal, insisting that it ran foul of Section 272 (3) and 188 (10) of the constitution as well as some judicial decisions of the Court of Appeal.
He said instead of running from pillar to post, the governor and his deputy should respond to the allegations of gross misconduct.
Wike knock critics over call for sack
Wike took an exception to the calls for his sack, describing those behind it ‘jokers’.
He said it is not within their power to advise Tinubu on what to do on his appointment as minister.
The minister also dismissed criticisms trailing his political choices, insisting that politics is driven by interests, power and the will of the people, and not sentiment or emotions.
Wike, who spoke during his “thank you” tour of his home local government – Obio/Akpor – said that his decision to venture into politics was deliberate and not accidental.
The minister explained that he chose to be a politician and not a pastor, a trader, a public commentator or journalist, urging them to allow him play his politics.
He said: “I did not say I wanted to be a journalist. I did not say I wanted to shape public opinion through writing. I said clearly that I wanted to be a politician and that is what I am.
“For those who are crying left, right,and centre, it’s your business. You can not be a politician and the same time a trader, and the same time a pastor. No, you must choose what you want to do”.
Wike said his visit to Obio/Akpor was borne out of gratitude, noting that acknowledging support is a fundamental principle of leadership.
The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, said Obio/Akpor has over 684,000 votes of the 3.5 million registered voters in Rivers State.
Chinda, who represents the LGA in the Green Chamber, said that with the voting strength, nobody would challenge the power of the LGA in the state.
Turning to Wike, he said: “Just go home. Tell us what you want us to do and we will do it.”
The chairman of the council, Dr Gift Worlu, described Wike as a “gift” to the local government, the state and the country, due to his outstanding performance in public service at the local, state and national levels.
The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, reassured the minister of the full support of people in the local government area.
He said the lawmakers would continue to pray for him and support his call for the President’s re-election.
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