Rivers State lawmakers have explained why they are pressing ahead with the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, despite calls for political reconciliation.
Speaking during a press conference on Friday at the temporary Rivers State House of Assembly complex on Aba Road, Port Harcourt, Hon. Looloo Opuende, who represents Akuku Toru Constituency II, accused Governor Fubara of working behind the scenes to destabilise the legislature.
According to Opuende, while stakeholders and some lawmakers were exploring political solutions to resolve the crisis, the governor was allegedly inducing constituents to initiate recall processes against Assembly members.
“While the impeachment process was ongoing, the governor was busy paying our constituents to withdraw us from the Assembly. Is that the right thing to do?” Opuende asked.
He argued that if the governor genuinely wanted peace, he should have formally engaged the leadership of the Assembly rather than resorting to alleged underground tactics.
“If you wanted peace, you should have called the leadership of the Assembly and discussed the way forward. Impeachment is a constitutional matter. I support and urge the Speaker to reconstitute the House so the process can continue,” he said.
Opuende also urged critics of the impeachment to examine the root cause of the rift between the executive and legislative arms of government, rather than issuing threats against lawmakers.
When contacted to respond to the allegations, the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters, Dr. Darlington Oji, denied any knowledge of such actions, stating simply, “I am not aware.”
Oji, however, reiterated earlier claims that lawmakers had received N350 million each for constituency projects, questioning why they accepted those funds while rejecting a N100,000 Christmas welfare package on the grounds that it was not appropriated.
Four lawmakers who initially called for a political solution later reversed their stance, citing what they described as continued constitutional violations by the governor and his deputy.
Hon. Emilia Lucky Amadi of Obio/Akpor Constituency II said the executive’s alleged actions amounted to disrespect for the Supreme Court and the legislature.
“We opted for a political solution, but the governor and his deputy remain adamant. There are strong indications they intend to continue with illegal actions. We must defend the institution of the legislature,” she said.
Similarly, Hon. Barile Nwakoh of Khana Constituency I accused the executive of intimidation, insisting that the impeachment process must proceed to protect democracy.
Recall that on January 8, the Rivers State House of Assembly issued an impeachment notice against Governor Fubara and his deputy over alleged gross misconduct, including extra-budgetary spending exceeding N800 billion, withholding statutory funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, demolition of the Assembly complex, and alleged defiance of Supreme Court rulings.
On Friday, 25 lawmakers voted in favour of investigating the allegations, with none voting against the motion.
