We’re In Full Control Of Rivers, PDP Boasts

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared full control over Rivers State, asserting that Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the party now dominate the state’s political landscape.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on Saturday, the party claimed that all legislators who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have forfeited their seats, citing constitutional provisions.
Recall that last Tuesday, the state government dismissed a call by the state APC for the pro-Wike House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against Gov. Fubara.
Ologunagba emphasised that legal considerations now overwhelmingly favour the PDP, dismissing the APC’s claims as futile attempts to subvert Nigeria’s constitution.
He stated, “It is indeed pathetic for the APC to think that the facts and true import of Section 109 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to the effect that the former lawmakers have since lost their seats can be muddled and lost in litigation and lengthy press statements.
“Interestingly, in the failed bid to subvert the Constitution to give the former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly a lifeline, the APC ended up admitting the clarity of the provision of Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in voiding their seats upon their defection.”
In a similar vein, the Rivers State Police Command has explained why its operatives occupied the entrances of the State House of Assembly in Port Harcourt.
Recall that about 30 armed policemen and over 25 patrol vans were stationed at both entrances leading to the Assembly quarters located along Aba Road in the state capital.
The state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, had visited the legislative quarters unannounced with a retinue of security aides and other plain cloth operatives last Wednesday, sending cold shivers down the spine of the Martin Amaewhule-led 27 lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Reacting to the unscheduled visit which he described as unfortunate, Amaewhule alleged that Governor Fubara has concluded plans to demolish the facility built by his predecessor and estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike.
However, the spokesperson of the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement late on Friday night said the deployment of its operatives at the Assembly quarters was to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The statement is entitled “Rivers State Police Command Clarifies Presence at Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters’ and sent to newsmen.
It reads, “The Rivers State Police Command wishes to clarify the recent reports regarding our presence at the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters.
“Our deployment in the area is solely aimed at ensuring peace and preventing any possible breakdown of order.
“We assure the public that there is no cause for alarm, and all individuals are encouraged to continue their lawful activities without fear.
“Your cooperation is greatly appreciated as we work towards maintaining a safe and secure environment for all.”