Politics
2013, Year Of Diversionary Legislation
The famous German psychologist, Zeighan, once said that people are more likely to remember an event, activity, system, period, etc, when there are more interruptions or diversions than when there are none. Some of these interruptions or diversions, she said, may be pleasant, others may not. But their existence often creates indelible impressions.
Going by her words, Rivers people, Nigerians at large, and indeed the world over, are more likely to remember the State House of Assembly for more reasons order than its primary function of making laws for the good governance of the State in 2013.
The year in the Hallowed Chambers of the House, which commenced in earnest with the passing of the 2013 Appropriation Bill of N490.32 billion into law, soon moved to activities largely dictated by the disagreement between 27 lawmakers, on one side, and the remaining five, on the other side.
The disagreement, widely believed to have started deep into the commencement of the 7th Assembly in 2011 under the Speakership of Rt. Hon. Otelemaba Dan-Amachree, climaxed in the infamous July 9 fracas on the floor of the House, leaving some legislators fatally injured in its wake.
It is noteworthy that in spite of the problem, the Speaker’s team was able to move a motion to invite the Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru, to come in and present the matter of the day, which was a bill on Supplementary Budget.
The motion was moved by Robinson Ewor (Ahoada East Constituency), seconded by Deputy Whip, Irene Inimgba (PHALGA 11), and was passed with unanimous votes.
THE LAW SUITS
The anarchy that reigned on July 9 spilled over to July 10. It was followed by various lawsuits. Almost by the day, Attorneys, representing the lawmakers either individually or as a group, filed suits on behalf of their clients. If the suit is not about one form of restrain or the other, it will be seeking for one form of recognition/non-recognition or the other.
In the midst of the suits and counter suits, the cynosure turned out to be the one against the Leader of the House, Hon. Chidi Lloyd, who was, among other allegations, accused of attempted murder in the heat of passion during the July 9 fracas. The climax of the lawsuits melodrama was the release on bail of Hon. Lloyd.
NASS INTER-VENTION
The events of July 9, in the Rivers State House of Assembly, raised salient questions regarding the neutrality of the State Police Command in the crisis. Beyond this, it also raised questions as to the ability and willingness of the Police to work together with the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as the Chief Security Officer of the State.
This was sequel to the alleged compliance of the Police in aiding and abetting five legislators led by Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi, who sought to illegally impeach the incumbent Speaker, Rt. Hon. Dan-Amachree.
Following the state of uneasy calm in the affairs of the Assembly, the National Assembly, NASS, declared taking over the functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly till further notice. This decision augured well with various interested parties as it momentarily put paid to the then imminent chaos.
In November, a High Court in Abuja revoked the stand of the National Assembly, declaring that it has no power to take over the functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly, or any other Assembly in the country.
TONYE HARRY’S DEMISE
While the Assembly was on its circumstance-imposed compulsory leave, it lost one of its greatest lawmakers and former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tonye Ezekiel Willie-Harry on October 4, 2013.
The Rivers State Government, his colleagues in the Rivers State House of Assembly, lawmakers at the National Assembly, members of the Upper and Lower Houses of Assembly of the United Kingdom, representatives of other groups and associations the lat Harry belonged, both within and outside the country, well-wishers and friends took time off to give Tonye, widely regarded as a legislative icon, a befitting burial.
POST NASS INTERVENTION
The declaration of the Abuja court on the incompetence of the National Assembly to take over the functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly re-awakened another phase of the crisis in the Assembly. It was between the now 26 acclaimed pro-Governor Amaechi legislators and the five alleged deviant legislators, led by the widely believed self-acclaimed Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Evans B. Bipi.
An attempt by the incumbent Speaker, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Leyii Kwanee to hold a plenary following the Abuja High Court declaration was foiled by the Police when it threw teargas and shot guns widely to disperse the lawmakers, who they (Police) denied access into the premises of the Assembly.
Meanwhile, the status quo has remained, with the authority of the State Police Command insisting that no legislative activity will take place in the Rivers State House of Assembly until it is furnished with necessary documents regarding the authentic Speaker of the House, who will be allowed to officially convene a plenary.
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.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.