Imagine being accused of plotting against your own political allies – that's precisely what's happening in Rivers State, and the stakes are incredibly high. Lawmakers are now claiming that Governor Fubara was secretly undermining them, even as they sought a peaceful resolution to the ongoing political crisis. But here's where it gets controversial... they allege this betrayal is the key reason they pushed for his impeachment, alongside his deputy.
According to Hon. Looloo Opuende, representing Akuku Toru constituency 11, while some stakeholders and assembly members were trying to find a political solution to the state's political turmoil, Governor Fubara was allegedly working behind the scenes. His aim? To allegedly bribe their constituents into recalling them from the Assembly. Think about that for a moment – instead of dialogue, the accusation is that he went straight for their political jugular.
During a press conference held at the temporary Assembly complex in Port Harcourt, Opuende didn't mince words. He stated, "While the impeachment process was going on, the governor was busy paying our constituents to withdraw us from the Assembly. Is that the right thing to do?" He further argued that a genuine desire for peace would have involved direct communication with the Assembly's leadership to find a mutually agreeable path forward. He emphasized that impeachment is a constitutionally-defined process, and he supports the speaker in reconstituting the House to allow that process to continue.
The lawmaker urged those issuing threats against the impeachment to first understand the root cause of the conflict between the executive and legislative branches. It's a call for deeper understanding, but will it be heeded?
When contacted for confirmation regarding these allegations of the governor paying individuals to recall lawmakers, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Political Matters, Dr. Darlington Oji, simply stated, "I am not aware." A denial, yes, but does it truly settle the matter?
And this is the part most people miss... Oji had previously claimed that members of the Rivers State House of Assembly each received N350 million for constituency projects, despite some lawmakers claiming that certain payments to them weren't properly appropriated. He even mentioned a N100,000 Christmas welfare payment last December, which some lawmakers allegedly rejected because it lacked proper appropriation. He then posed a rhetorical question: If they rejected the N100,000 due to lack of appropriation, why didn't they reject the N350 million for constituency projects? It's a direct challenge to their integrity and motives.
Interestingly, four lawmakers who initially advocated for withdrawing the impeachment proceedings and seeking a political solution have now reversed their stance. Hon. Emilia Lucky Amadi, representing Obio/Akpor constituency 11, explained that their change of heart stemmed from the governor and deputy governor remaining "adamant" and showing "strong indications that they still want to continue with illegal actions in the state." She went as far as calling it a "slap to the Supreme Court" and emphasized the need to defend the legislature's integrity.
Similarly, Hon. Barile Nwakoh of Khana constituency 1 alleged that the governor and his deputy's strategy is to "continue to intimidate us into withdrawing the process while they continue with the infractions on the constitution and the law." He deemed this detrimental to democracy and declared that they must proceed with the impeachment process.
Recall that on Thursday, January 8th, the Assembly issued an impeachment notice against the governor and deputy, citing gross misconduct. This misconduct allegedly includes extra-budgetary spending exceeding N800 billion without legislative approval, withholding statutory funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, demolishing the Assembly complex, and allegedly defying Supreme Court rulings on legislative autonomy. These are serious charges, carrying significant weight.
During a plenary session the following Friday, the House, under Speaker Martins Amaewhule's supervision, voted on whether to investigate the governor and deputy. The result? 25 lawmakers voted in favor, with none opposed. This overwhelming support suggests a deep-seated dissatisfaction within the Assembly. But is it truly representative of the people's will? And could there be other factors at play?
Now, here's a question for you: Do you believe the lawmakers' claims that Governor Fubara's alleged actions justified their impeachment efforts? Or do you think there's more to the story than meets the eye? Also, is it possible that both sides are acting in what they believe to be the best interests of the state, even if their methods are controversial? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
