Issues
‘Where We Stand On Constitution Review’
On behalf of the Government and people of Rivers State, we welcome the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to the South-South Zonal hearing in the famous Garden City of Port Harcourt. The people of Rivers State see this constitution review exercise as a welcome development as it gives us a unique opportunity, to once again, present our views before such an eminent body on issues that are of paramount importance to us. We recognise that several views have been canvassed and will be canvassed here by other state governments, NGO’s, interest groups and individuals. In making our presentation therefore, we will as much as possible concentrate on those issues that will enable our dear country Nigeria to function as a True Federation. By the provision of the 1999 Constitution, Nigeria is a Federal Republic. Nigeria has thus chosen to run a Federal System of Government in which power is shared between the Federal Government and the Federating states. True Federation as defined by Professor Itsay Sagay (SAN) is, “an arrangement whereby powers within a multinational country are shared between a federal or central authority, and a number of regionalised governments in such a way that each unit, including the central authority, exists as a government separately and independently from the others, operating directly on persons and property within its territorial area, with a will of its own and its own apparatus for the conduct of affairs and with an authority in some matters exclusive of all others. In a federation, each government enjoys autonomy, a separate existence and independence of the control of any other government. Each government exists, not as an appendage of another government (e.g the federal or central government) but as an autonomous entity in the sense of being able to exercise its own will in the conduct of its affairs, free from direction by any government. Thus, the Central Government on the one hand and the State Government on the other hand are autonomous in their respective spheres.” (Itsay Sagay, Nigeria : Federalism, Constitution and Resource Control) In practice however, Nigeria’s system of governance is largely “unitary”, as enormous powers are concentrated at the Federal level, to the detriment of the states. We find that this paradox exists, because of the contradictory provisions of the 1999 Constitution, several of which violate the very essence of true Federalism. In this presentation, we shall highlight some of these areas by drawing attention to relevant provisions of the constitution that deal with: (i) Fiscal Federalism (ii) Land use Act (iii) Local Government Reforms (iv) Policing (v) Devolution of powers. Fiscal Federalism: In every true Federation, each federating unit controls its resources and contributes an agreed percentage to the central government by way of tax. The practice by the Federal Government of revenue allocation to states is an anomaly and to make matters worse, the principle of derivation is entrenched in the 1999 Constitution as an integral part of the revenue sharing formula. For us to be able to achieve True Federalism, Rivers State Government urges that Section 44(3) and the proviso to 162(3) to be amended. Section 44(3) provides as follows “Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, the entire property in and control of all minerals, mineral oils and natural gas in, under or upon any land in Nigeria or in, under or upon the territorial waters and the exclusive economic zone of Nigeria shall vest in the Government of the Federation and shall be managed in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly”. Section 44(3) which divests the states of their ownership and control of all minerals, mineral oils and natural gas on their land should be amended so as to vest all proprietary rights in all natural resources in the states, in which they are found. The states will in turn, pay an agreed percentage as tax to the Federal Government. “Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, the entire property in and control of all natural resources in, under or upon any land within a state in the Federation of Nigeria, or in, under or upon the territorial waters shall vest in the government in that state. The proviso to Section 162 (2) provides that. “The principle of derivation shall be constantly reflected in any approved formula as being not less than 13 per cent of the revenue accruing to the Federation account directly from any natural resources”. In view of our proposed amendment to Section 44(3), we propose a consequential amendment to Section 162(2) by deleting the proviso to Section 162 (2) herein before quoted. Consequential amendments will have to be made to all provisions of the Constitution relating to revenue derivation, allocation and distribution. Land Use Act We are well aware that the National Assembly is in the process of amending the Land Use Act. We appreciate that; however the Land Use Act, by every standard, is a controversial piece of legislation and may ordinarily require amendment of its provisions from time to time as the need arises. The current provision in the 1999 Constitution, gives the Land Use Act a higher status than that ordinarily enjoyed by other Acts of the National Assembly. Indeed, Section 315(5) of the constitution puts the Land Use Act as well as the other laws mentioned therein, on the same level as the constitution, and they can only be amended in accordance with the provisions of Section 9(2) of the constitution, which is a very tedious process. Section 315 (5) provides thus: ‘“Nothing in this constitution shall invalidate the following enactments. and the provisions of those enactments shall continue to apply and have full effect in accordance with their tenor and to the like extent as any other provisions forming parts of this constitution and shall not be altered or repealed except in accordance with the provisions of Section 9(2) of this constitution”. We, therefore, propose that the saving provisions of Section 315(5) as it relates to the Land Use Act, should be amended by deleting Section 315 (5) (d) Local Government Reforms: Local Government Areas (LGAs) fall within the territory and control of their respective states. The states should therefore have powers to create LGAs as they deem fit without recourse to the National Assembly as is presently provided for in the 1999 Constitution. Accordingly, we propose that the constitution should be amended to provide that local government funds should be routed through state governments and only the federal and state governments be entitled to allocation of funds directly from the Federation Account. We further propose that the states should maintain a State/Local Government Joint Account where not less than ¼ of the monies accruing to the states from the Federation Account shall be paid into and utilised for funding the local governments. Our proposition is not an entirely new concept because it is indeed envisaged by the 1999 Constitution, which provides essentially in Section 162(5) that, amounts standing to the credit of local government councils should be paid to the states for the benefit of their local government councils. In the light of the foregoing, we recommend that the following sections of the Constitution be deleted/ amended as follows: Section 3 (6) which provides that, “There shall be seven hundred and sixty-eight local government areas in Nigeria as shown in the second column of Part 1 of the First Schedule to this Constitution and six area councils as shown in Part II of that Schedule,” should be deleted. Section 162 (3) which provides that, “Any amount standing to the credit of the Federation Account shall be distributed among the federal and state governments and the local government councils in each State on such terms and in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly,” Should be amended by deleting “local government councils.” We propose that, in order to guarantee funding of local government councils, a specific provision for this should be enshrined in the Constitution by a proviso to Section 162 (3) as follows, “Provided always that not less than ¼ of the monies accruing to the state from the Federation Account shall be utilised for funding the local government Continue on 24. Continue from 21. We propose that Section 162 (5) which provides that, “The amount standing to the credit of local government councils in the Federation Account shall also be allocated to the states for the benefit of their local government councils on such terms and in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly,” should be deleted. Furthermore, Section 162 (7) which provides that “Each state shall pay to local government councils in its areas of jurisdiction such proportion of its total revenue on such terms and in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly,” should be deleted. Section 7 (1) which provides that, “The system of local government by democratically elected local government councils is under this Constitution guaranteed; and accordingly, the government of every state shall, subject to section 8 of this Constitution, ensure their existence under a law which provides for the establishment, structure, composition, finance and functions of such councils,” should be amended by deleting the words “subject to Section 8 of this Constitution.” 1st schedule, part I should be amended by deleting the words, “Local Government” in the second column. Part 2 of the 1st schedule should reflect only the FCT, the word “Council” should be deleted and the column titled, “Headquarters” should also be deleted. Section 7(2) provides that, “The person authorised by law to prescribe the area over which a local government council may execise authority shall: Define such area as clearly as practicable; and ensure to the extent to which it may be reasonably justifiable, that in defining such area regard is paid to- “The common interest of the community in the area, Traditional association of the community, and Administrative convenience.” This section should be amended by including the words “in the State” after the person authorised by Law. Section 162 (6) which provides that, “Each state shall maintain a special account to be called “State Joint Local Government Account,” into which shall be paid all allocations to the local government councils of the state from the Federation Account and from the government of the state”, should be amended to read as follows: “Each state shall maintain a special account to be called State Joint Local Government Account into which shall be paid ¼ of all revenue accruing to the state from the Federation Account for the benefit of the local government council on such terms and in such manner as may be prescribed by the House Assembly of the respective state. Section 8(5) which provides that, “An Act of the National Assembly passed in accordance with this section shall make consequential provisions with respect to the names and headquarters of states or local government areas as provided in Section 3 of this Constitution and in Parts I and II of the First Schedule to this Constitution”, should be deleted. Section 8 (6) which provides that, “For the purpose of enabling the National Assembly to exercise the powers conferred upon it by subsection (5) of this section, each House of Assembly shall, after the creation of more local government areas pursuant to subsection (3) of this section, make adequate returns to each House of the National Assembly” should be deleted. Accordingly, there should be a consequential amendment to Section 313 of the Constiution, by deleting the words, “between the states and local government councils and among the local government councils in the states.” If the foregoing amendments are effected, It is our view that local government administration will be enhanced and streamlined. More importantly, the desire of many states in Nigeria to create local governments for ease of administration and even spread of development, will finally have been met. Policing: By the provision of the 1999 Constitution, the Police is under the exclusive responsibility of the Federal Government. However, the size, complexity and challenges of present day Nigeria, have made the present Police structure and operations inadequate. This has led to a situation where the state governments have been compelled to undertake financial responsibilities with respect to the Police without the corresponding authority, due to the limitations imposed on their authority by virtue of the provision of section 215(4) of the 1999 Constitution. Remove items 45 (Police) from exclusive legislative list to concurrent list. Delete proviso to Section 215(4). Amend Section 214 (1) to delete the last line i.e, “no other Police Force shall be established for the Federation in any part thereof.” Devolution of Power (Power Sharing between the Federal and State Governments) In line with other amendments canvassed in this presentation, we recommend that the Legislative lists i.e the exclusive as well as the concurrent, contained in the second schedule to the constitution should be amended to the following extent: Item 22 on the exclusive list, which reads, “Election to the offices of President and Vice-President or Governor and Deputy Governor and any other office to which a person may be elected under this Constitution, excluding election to a local government council,” should be amended by putting a full stop after the word. “Constitution” and deleting the words following it – “excluding election to a local government council or any office in such Council.” Item 39, which lists mines and minerals including oil fields, oil mining, geological surveys and natural gas, on the exclusive lists should be deleted there from and put on the concurrent lists. Item 45 of the exclusive list, which is on the police and other security services established by law, should be deleted from the exclusive lists and taken to the concurrent list. Item 55 of the exclusive list on railways, should be deleted and taken to the concurrent list. Other Proposed Amendments One important error we observed in the 1999 Constitution is section 162 (9). This Section 162(9) provides that. “Any amount standing to the credit of the Judiciary in the Federation Account shall be paid directly to the National Judicial Council for disbursement to the heads of courts established for the Federation and the states under Section 6 of this Constitution,” is in conflict with Section 162(3).” This section is obviously in conflict with Section 80 which provides for the establishment of the consolidated revenue fund of the federation and Section 84 which provides for payment of salaries of judicial officers by the Federal Government. Our observation is further buttressed by the provisions of Section 162(3) which provides that: “Any amount standing to the credit of the Federation Account shall be distributed among the Federal and State Governments and the local government councils in each state on such terms and in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly”. It is therefore clear that Section 162(9) is clearly contradictory because it is only the Federal, State and Local Governments that are entitled to statutory funds from the Federation Account. We, therefore, propose that Section 162(9) of the 1999 Constitution should be deleted, as it is obviously an error. Interim Action Pending Constitutional Amendment We are not unmindful of the time the constitutional amendments we have proposed will take, especially those that pertain to fiscal federalism. As an interim measure therefore, the Government and people of Rivers State request an immediate upward review to 50 per cent derivation from the 13 per cent as is currently provided for in the 1999 Constitution. Conclusion: The government and people of Rivers State make these proposals for amendments to the 1999 Constitution with a deep sense of responsibility. We wish to observe that the interim action that is being sought for the upward review to 50 per cent derivation, is within the purview of the National Assembly. We are convinced that if our recommendations are accepted and enshrined in the Constitution, they will enthrone peace, justice, fair play, equity and enhance prosperity among the peoples of the federating units of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Being the position of the government and people of Rivers State presented by Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi during the South South zonal hearing of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.
In 2015, I made a conscious decision to invest my financial resources, my time, and energy into supporting Nyesom Wike’s gubernatorial campaign. I poured my heart and soul into ensuring Nyesom Wike emerged victorious even at the risk of my personal safety.
Again in 2019, I doubled down on my commitment. I invested a significant amount of money to procure campaign outfits for all twenty-three Local Governments Areas of Rivers State. I spared no expense in supplementing Wike’s election efforts in my own local government, and once again putting myself at great risk to safeguard the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
However, despite my unwavering loyalty and sacrifices, I found myself abandoned and forgotten by Wike. Throughout his eight-year tenure, he failed to acknowledge my contributions or fulfill his promises and agreements. Even as a former Deputy Governor, Wike denied me my severance benefit.
My investment in Wike’s governorship was not just financial – it was a commitment of passion, dedication, and belief in a better future for Rivers State. Yet, his leadership style of dishonesty, greed, drunkenness and rash abuse of senior citizens brought me nothing but disappointment, misery and losses.
By the grace of God, today I speak not as a victim, but as a hero. I have accepted my losses, and I have moved on. And as I reflect on my experience, I cannot help but urge Wike to do the same and allow peace and development to reign in Rivers State.
Nyesom Wike, when you speak of investing in Governor Sim Fubara’s election, remember those like me who also invested in you. Remember the sacrifices I made, the risks I took, and the promises and agreements you left unfulfilled.
It is time for you, Wike, to let go of the past and allow Governor Sim Fubara the breathing space he needs to lead Rivers State forward. Allow him to focus on the challenges of good governance and the aspirations of the people. Spare him these unwarranted and ill-conceived political manoeuvrings founded on personal agenda and not for general good of Rivers State and her people.
I may have lost my investment on Wike, but I have not lost hope in the future of Rivers State. And together, we will continue to strive for a brighter tomorrow.
Long Live the Governor to Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara!
Long Live the Good People of Rivers State!!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
Engr Ikuru is former Deputy Governor of Rivers State.
Tele Ikuru
The man Tony Okocha, the devastated tattered ragtag remnant Rivers APC factional, but Caretaker, Chairman, is known for being notoriously a hireling willing to play in the mud just for the pay or settlement. To Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, he did against Chief Nyesom Wike. To Senator Magnus Abe, he did against Rotimi Amaechi. To Chief Nyesom Wike, he did against Magnus Abe. Having maintained such unbefitting character trait, it is not surprising to see him at his demeaned best showing off his tainted skill of grandstanding and loquaciously struggling fruitlessly almost every day to castigate the popular Rivers people’s Governor with very glaring false, bogus and unsubstantiated claims such as:
1. That Governor Fubara is wasting state fund in the name of thanksgiving across 23 Local Government Areas.
2. That Governor Fubara has withheld Local Government funds.
3. That Governor Fubara runs the government without input from the State Executive Council.
4. That nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance.
To the above false claims of Tony Okocha, every reasonable, right thinking and well-meaning Rivers person would effortlessly puncture all as rascality and mendacity taken too far.
Apart from the fact that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had said he is not sponsoring the massive SIMplified Movement Thanksgiving events across the Local Government Areas of the State being organised by elated Rivers people who feel liberated from an era of overbearing and suppressive form of leadership in the State, Tony Okocha should be asked to prove his false claim with indisputable facts and figures. Until then, let Tony Okocha respect himself and learn to keep quiet as an elderly person who is saddled with such a responsible position as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board. A position that places a huge responsibility on him to ensure that the core objectives of the commission are actualised in the State, by not only ensuring that Rivers State gets its fair share of its dues in terms of projects, programmes and activities, but by synergising with the state government on development matters concerning the state vis-a-vis the responsibilities of NDDC to the State. In summary, the SIMplified Movement is all about a happy and joyful people of Rivers State who have decided to stand and stick together to defend and uphold their common heritage and patrimony. It is a voluntary venture, not sponsored by the government.
To his claim that the Governor has withheld Local Government funds, Mr Tony Okocha should also be asked to prove that with facts and figures and explain why the Governor would do such. More so, what is Tony Okocha’s business, assuming, but not conceding, that a PDP Governor withholds money against PDP-led 23 Local Government authorities? Did Local Government workers across the state complain to Okocha, the meddlesome hireling, an acclaimed APC Caretaker Committee Chairman in Rivers State?
On his ignorant and false claim that the Governor runs the government without input from the state exco, Okocha, the busybody wannabe should explain how he was employed or engaged as the spokesperson of members of the Rivers State Executive Council. He should also tell us his source of information to that effect, if it is not just a proof that he is making himself known as a perpetually irredeemable hireling notoriously good for playing the spoiler’s role.
On Mr Okocha’s assertion, probably, borne out of lack of more convincing lies, that nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance, is sure a proof that the man is only acting a bad and an unsellable script to justify the reward of expected gratifying filthy lucre, which is the compelling reason for condescending so low and evilly so. How else is governance measured, if not by executing meaningful and impactful projects, giving hope, inspiring and putting smiles on the faces of the people with joy of fulfilment in their hearts, both civil servants and everyone living and doing business in the State? Is Okocha blind to see and deaf to hear of the good works of the Governor Fubara led Rivers State Government? Civil servants are happy, teachers are highly elated. Several projects are ongoing. Investors are trooping in. The health sector, education, agriculture, sports have been highly boosted under Governor Fubara-led administration. To Okocha, there’s no governance in the State because patronage of free money is not getting to him from the Governor but from other sources that are likely against the Governor.
Let Tony Okocha weep more. Rivers State is breathing fresh air already and is liberated.
Let Tony Okocha tell us how he has, so far, as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), clearly effected development in the State through the NDDC, and why he lied that there was Cholera outbreak with deaths recorded in Soku in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area with the intent of raking in about ¦ N5billion for non-existent mitigation programmes?
Odike is Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Social/New Media .
Bernard C. Idike
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was an American statesman and politician who served as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. He was a member of the Democratic Party and is the only United States President to have served more than two terms.
In one of his popular quotes, he said, “The creed of our democracy is that liberty is acquired and kept by men and women who are strong and self-reliant, and possessed of such wisdom as God gives mankind – men and women who are just, and understanding, and generous to others — men and women who are capable of disciplining themselves. For they are the rulers and they must rule themselves.”
This explains the recent gathering of creme la creme of Asari-Toru political gladiators converged at the inauguration of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter to reiterate their unflinching support for the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara whose mantra revolves around liberation.
The event which took place at the Autograph in Port Harcourt on the 1st of March, 2024, to galvanise strong support for Governor Fubara attracted over 500 members of the Simplified Movement from the Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The gathering of supporters of Governor Fubara’s government, under the umbrella of the Simplified Movement, the ASALGA chapter led by an astute politician, former member of the Federal House of Representatives and two- time member of the Rivers State Executive Council as Commissioner, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall comprised both the old and young generation political helmsmen drawn from all the 13 Wards of the local government area.
The nerve-““““““wracking gathering had the likes of the 1999 democratic system pioneer Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council and former two-time Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Hon. Opakirite Mackson Jackreece; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adokiye Young-Harry; former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Daisy West and former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Chief Hon. Iboroma Norman Wokoma.
Others were the incumbent Vice Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council, Hon. (Mrs.) Tekena Wokoma; former Commissioner of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Dr. Hope Barango; the South-West Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Sule Amachree and the Secretary of the Local Government chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Cladious Princewill; former Chief of Staff of Council, Hon. Ajumogobia West and former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ASALGA, Hon. Onari Awo Tariah.
Also present at the event were past caretaker committee chairmen of the Local Government Council including, Hon. Waite Harry, Hon. Dawari Hamilton Ibinabo, Hon. Wright Warmate and former Deputy Mayor of the Port Harcourt City Council, Hon. Adokiye Horsfall amongst others. My humble self belongs to the movement. The list is inexhaustible.
Speaking at the inauguration, the member representing Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency and leader of the Asari-Toru political family, Hon. Boma Goodhead assured the people of the commitment of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to extend visible dividends of democracy to the people of ASALGA.
The federal lawmaker who spoke through her representative, Dr. Sule Amachree, said Governor Fubara means well for Rivers people, particularly the people of ASALGA and urged them to remain calm, peaceful and resolute in their support to the administration of the State Governor.
“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is the Governor ordained by God to liberate Rivers people from the snares of poverty and oppression. He is God-sent to bring visible and even development to Rivers State and Asari-Toru people are on the top of that agenda of development,” she said.
Hon. Goodhead reiterated her confidence in the capacity of the leader of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall to mobilise massive support and a huge source of encouragement for the Government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara to succeed.
“I urge you to continue to stand firm with our Governor. Be rest assured that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is a man of peace, focused and determined to deliver on the mandate given to him by the people of Rivers State. He will not fail you,” she said.
In his speech, the leader of the ASALGA chapter of the Simplified Movement, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall described the movement as a child of necessity born out of the hunger of Rivers people for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation.
“As witnessed across the length and breadth of Rivers State, the Simplified Movement is a child of necessity, born out of the hunger for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation, with one core objective to promote and defend the interests of Rivers State and her people. It is on this account, we stand as dependable allies giving strong support to the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in his pursuit of peace and commitment to the genuine development of Rivers State.
“It is our position that with the elections come and gone, it is practically a time to face governance and to ensure deliverables of dividends to the people of Rivers State in the atmosphere of peace, security and stability,” he said.
Chief Samuel Horsfall explained that Rivers people saw the leadership qualities needed to achieve the sole objective to genuinely defend and promote the interest of the State in Governor Fubara, hence the spontaneous massive support expressed in the birth of the Simplified Movement.
He recounted avalanche of achievements made by Governor Fubara within six months in office. “We appreciate the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his resilience and determination to make a difference. It is on record and attestable by all, the numerous projects being executed by his administration.
“Such as the ongoing construction of the gigantic Port Harcourt Ring Road project, the 20,000 housing units for low income earners, the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity road, the near completion of the 10km Old Port Harcourt-Bori road, the Emohua-Kalabari road, the 6.5km Woji-Alesa-Refinery link road and the inclusion of the remaining part of the Trans-Kalabari road project in the 2024 budget. “Moreover, the promotion of the State civil servants, first time in history payment of N100,000.00 Christmas bonus to civil servants across board, approval of promotions and implementation of N30,000.00 minimum wage for local government workers and the N4 billion single digit interest loans facility for Small and Medium Scale business operators in Rivers State. All these achievements within six months in office are eloquent testimonies of Governor Fubara to deliberately improve the welfare of Rivers people.
“We are convinced that such a proven great mind and well experienced, tested and trusted administrator/technocrat, Governor Fubara has demonstrated the capacity to deliver effectively the needed democratic dividends to Rivers people. It is on this convention we are gathered here for the umpteenth time to reaffirm our unalloyed support and commitment to his administration,” Chief Samuel Horsfall declared.
He disclosed that the gathering was to put in place citizens mobilisation strategy to forge a collaborative bond with the Governor to foster partnership for the development of ASALGA and the State. He, therefore, advised those he called detractors of Governor Fubara’s administration to desist forthwith and allow the Governor to remain focused in his quest to deliver on his mandate.
“All detractors should desist from further attacks on the Governor and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and allow the Governor to focus on the delivery of the good policies and programmes to Rivers people. We unequivocally condemn attempts by disgruntled Abuja politicians to employ intimidation antics against the former Speaker of the 10th State Assembly and current Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and others who are standing on the path of justice and good conscience for the collective good of Rivers State.
“We equally urge the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to be discreet in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities in the State and not to allow themselves to be used by selfish individuals who do not mean well to fuel political crisis in Rivers State.
Chief Samuel Horsfall also commended the federal lawmaker, Hon. Boma Goodhead for her doggedness and resilience in supporting Governor Fubara since the wake of the political crisis in the State.
Several other personalities spoke to express their support to the State Governor and urged the people to ASALGA to maintain their peaceful disposition and remain steadfast in the Simplified Movement to give the state government maximum support to continue to render good governance to Rivers people.
Highlights of the event were the inauguration of the elders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement for the 13 Wards as well as the executive committee of the movement in Asari-Toru Local Government Area.
Amieyeofori Ibim
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