Amaechi’s Suspension Raises Dust

Following last Monday’s reported suspension of the Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon. Chibuike Amaechi. From the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), for what the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metu, christened “non-recall of  the suspended Timothy Nsirim-led executive of the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Otelemaba Dan Amachree condemned the action, declaring it illegal.

He buttressed the illegality of the action with the fact that  suspension of the Nisirim-led executive is a matter still in court, hence the action of the PDP was sub judice.

Rt Hon Amachree also noted that the action did not follow due process expected in a democracy, saying that only the National Executive Council (NEC) of the PDP has the right to suspend a member with the recommendation of the disciplinary committee, which has  not been inaugurated.

In another development, last Thursday the Speaker also debunked speculations that legislators in the state were planning to impeach the State Governor after some of the 27 members reportedly suspended by the Felix Obuah-led faction of the PDP allegedly jumped ship as a result of what was termed “political and financial carrots.”

While declaring that “there is no plan to impeach the governor,” the Speaker said all the 27 legislators reportedly suspended by the PDP were resolute in their support for the governor.

He used the opportunity to call on well meaning Rivers people to pray for the speedy return of peace and normalcy to the PDP, saying it is a party they have all worked hard to build since the inception of the fourth Republic in 1999.

The chief lawmaker of the state further warned against what he called “assumption and reports” that intend to impugn the integrity of members of the State House of Assembly, adding that he is not aware that any of the other 26 legislators have  compromised.

He thus reassured Rivers People that the state government had not been hijacked by Abuja-based politicians for their selfish interest.