Politics
RSHA Backs Panel On Disbanded SARS
Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi Owaji-Ibani, says the House backs the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike in setting Judicial Panel of Inquiry to investigate human rights abuses carried out by the disbanded SARS in the state.
The Speaker said the action had been vindicated by the directive of the President to state governments to set up panel of enquiry over the excesses of SARS.
Owaji-Ibani who said this in an interview with journalists in Port Harcourt explained that the world would now understand why the governor had called on the Presidency to address the issues of SARS brutality in the state.
He recalled the role of SARS during the last elections, and the alarm the governor, including other stakeholders raised over the operations of the police unit.
He said the actions the governor took in imposing curfew in some parts of the state as a result of violence that erupted during the End SARS protest was in order.
“The security of lives and property is the main responsibility of government and so the order is to ensure the safety of lives and property of residents in the state,” he said.
The Speaker who is also the lawmaker representing Andoni State Constituency advised the youths that after the protests, they should be able to provide a roadmap on youth development to enhance their objectives.
Rt. Hon. Owaji-Ibani, however, on behalf of the members of the State Assembly commiserated with families of those who lost their loved ones in the course of the End SARS protest.
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.
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