Politics
RSHA Deliberates On Flood Matters
Last week, the state House of Assembly did not sit formally as it had earlier adjourned for two weeks to enable the lawmakers visit their country homes to celebrate the Easter festivities with their families and constituency members.
Expectedly, the honourable members used the period to interface with those they represent by briefing them on the laws passed by the Assembly and those pending before the House with a view to seeking their opinion to either speak in favour or against the proposed laws.
Some of such issues include the Waste Management Agency bill, the Customary Court Amendment bill, the Tax Harmonisation bill and the motion for preparation against the predicted flooding in Rivers State by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMEI).
The motion to prepare for the expected heavy rainful and subsequent flooding was presented by the lawmaker representing Abua/Odual, Hon. Augustine Ngo. The House unanimously accepted the prayers sought in the motion and even went further to resolve that some commissioners and other relevant agencies of government appear before the Assembly to explain steps put in place to mitigate or cushion the expected impact.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Otelemaba Amachree, who voiced the resolution of the House, urged the clerk to write to the Commissioners of Special Duties and Information and Communications to appear before the lawmakers to intimate them of precautionary measures regarding the NIMET prediction.
The House had observed that similar predications last year by the organisation was ignored and the state witness one of the worst floods in recent history that took every one napping. The outcome was deaths and destruction of properties.
Means of livelihood and economic activities in the affected areas were brought to a halt and life became miserable.
As the House resumes plenary session tomorrow, those invited by the lawmakers would be expected to tell the members of the Assembly steps taken in response to the prediction of possible heavy rainful that will occasion flooding in some parts of the state that are vulnerable.
The interaction is expected to be fruitful as assurances to be given by those invited would be the yardstick to measure their roles in the discharge of their duties.
Informally, the lawmakers were engaged in different activities, even the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Amaechree, participated in the launching of the European Union (EU) supported Micro-Project Programme (MPP) for the nine states of the Niger Delta region.
The launching, which took place at the auditorium of the state Assembly had in attendance the EU Ambassador, Dr. David MacRae, Secretary to the National Planning Commission who represented the Minister of National Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Usman Shamsuddeen, Deputy Governor, Tele Ikuru, represented Governor Chibuike Amaechi.
The House Committee Chairman on Information and Training, Hon. Onari Brown, represented the Speaker when the Commissioner for Information, Mrs Ibim Semenitari led women groups on advocacy visit to call attention to violence against women in society.
Hon Onari said the state Assembly was among the first to pass a law on violence against women and remains resolute in its support against all forms of violence targeted at women.
Equally, the state lawmakers are expected to expedite action on the passage of outstanding bills and possibly introduce new ones that would bring about good governance as well as enhance service delivery.
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
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