…Rivers Assembly crisis, litmus test for Nigeria’s Judiciary, APC chieftain
Omiete Blessing
A humanitarian group, National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Pyrates Confraternity has called on the President Bola Tinubu’s led federal government to urgently end the escalating political crisis in Rivers State.
This is as a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Eze Chukwuemeka has described the ongoing Rivers State House of Assembly crisis as a litmus test for Nigeria’s Judiciary.
The Capon, Olympus Marino Deck, NAS, Nnamdi Ilochi who made the call yesterday, in Port Harcourt, condemned the violent crisis and call on all political actors to sheath their swords, noting that Rivers State, known for its resilience and economic potential, must not be dragged backward by the actions of a few.
Ilochi said “The recent wave of destruction of Local Government Secretariat offices across Rivers State by hoodlums has raised urgent concerns about the peace, progress, and development of our beloved state.
“These deliberate attacks, which have severely disrupted essential administrative functions, pose a significant threat not only to local governments but to the socio-economic well-being of the entire region.
“Our focus should remain on growth, unity, and the well-being of our citizens. Politics should serve as a tool for progress, not destruction. Now is the time for all parties to put aside their differences and work together in the interest of our state’s future”.
For reason of developments, the association urged the Federal Government to intervene without delay. “We call on the President to mandate the Inspector General of Police to take immediate and decisive action to curb this escalating menace.
“Those responsible for these acts of destruction must be swiftly brought to justice, and proactive measures must be put in place to prevent further occurrences. The safety of our citizens and the preservation of our infrastructure are paramount”.
He added that “Rivers State has long stood as a beacon of strength and opportunity. We cannot allow these setbacks to undermine the progress we have made. Let us unite in the spirit of peace and cooperation to restore order and ensure the continued growth of our state for the benefit of all”.
Meanwhile, Eze Chukwuemeka, an erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP) has stated that the crisis rocking Rivers State over leadership of State House of Assembly is a litmus test for the Nigeria’s Judiciary.
The Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who spoke in a press statement made available to journalists in Port Harcourt, highlighted that the crisis has continued unabated as a result of actions of some politicians in the State who are hell-bent on using the Judiciary to show power and might.
He recalled that the latest in the series of decisions from the Judiciary is the judgment of the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, delivered on October 10, 2024, which dismissed an appeal marked: CA/ABJ/133/CS/2024, filed by the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, challenging the judgment of Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered on January 22, 2024.
“It is instructive for Nigerians to note that during the pendency of the suit, and considering the worsening political altercation between the 27 Lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike and Governor Fubara, President Bola Tinubu had called for a truce.
“As a man of honour, peace loving, and very respectful, Governor Fubara heeded to the directive of President Tinubu that warring parties withdraw their cases in Court to pave the way for amicable resolution of the crisis and to allow peace reign in the Rivers State.
“However, in total disrespect for President Tinubu and his appeal, Martin Amaewhule and the 26 defected Lawmakers called bluff of Mr President, vehemently refused to withdraw suit No. FHC/ABJ/1613/CS/2023, and proceeded to obtain judgment against the Governor of Rivers State.
“At this point, it has become imperative to state from a legal standpoint that by the provision of Section 109(i) (g) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), Martin Amaewhule and 26 other Lawmakers having defected, automatically lost their seats as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly on the 11th day of December, 2023, as Section 109(1)(g) is self executory as no court order is required thereof.
“Nevertheless, in view of the judgment of Justice Joseph Oyewole led 3-man panel of the Court of Appeal on October 10, 2024, it is of paramount importance to quash the gale of misrepresentation and misinterpretation that Amaewhule & 26 other defected Lawmakers remain members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”
Eze argued that the appellate court did not adjudicate on the legitimacy or the defection of the embattled lawmakers. “In this regard, the fact remains that Martins AMAEWHULE and his co-Travellers have ceased to be Lawmakers and Fubara will not grant them any legality by representing any Budget before them”.
He said those celebrating should go ahead to celebrate on an issue that was dead on arrival as the plot to plunge Rivers State into darkness will not be accomplished
He advised the Rivers State Government to appeal against the judgement of the appellate court, “I equally appeal to the Judiciary to be circumspect of deft moves by self serving politicians to drag the Judiciary into the mud”.
He further argued the courts to ensure they deliver sound and time tested judgments devoid of technicalities, as well as stop every plot that will derail and expose the country’s fledgling democracy to public opprobrium.
Eze advised Governor Fubara to stand firm and not yield to intimidation, betrayal or judicial harassment from Wike and his adversaries.
He noted that there will be daring consequences if Rivers people and Nigerians in general fail “at this period to wrestle Rivers State from the firm grip of Wike”.
To President Tinubu, the APC chieftain said “is duty bound to ensure that Rivers State is not allowed to be destabilised due one man’s dictatorial tendencies. By withdrawing his counter affidavits and processes filed in the suit, Governor Fubara did not make any mistake in obeying the directive of President Tinubu.
He said the plot to set Rivers State on fire or attempt to impeach the Governor will be resisted.
“I urge people of the State, particularly, loyalists of governor Fubara to be calm and go about their normal duties as the suit bordering on defection of the 27 lawmakers is still pending in court”, adding that Amaewhule led House of Assembly members have lost their seats, having defected from the PDP to the APC