The Rivers State house of assembly have signed an impeachment notice on the governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara.
At a session convened early Monday (today) and presided over by the speaker, Mr Martins Amaewhule, the leader of the house Mr Edison Ehie and those loyal to the governor were said to have been suspended.
It was learnt that the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike is the mastermind of the impeachment.
As early as 7am, some lawmakers congregated in the assembly and immediately commenced plenary where they all signed the impeachment notice on the governor.
Reacting to the impeachment plot, Fubara who was former accountant general of the state, challenged the legislators to disclose the wrongs he had done.
“Let them come out and tell Rivers people the offence I have committed to warrant any impeachment.
“Let me assure the people of Rivers that I will continue to ensure that you get the dividends of democracy. At the appropriate time, I will address the press,” Channels TV quoted the governor as telling his supporters at the assembly complex.
Meanwhile, fingers have been pointing at Wike as the brain behind the Fubara-must-go push by the lawmakers.
The FCT minister is said to be having an overbearing influence in the running of state affairs.
According to sources Wike wants to be the puppet master behind every appointment made and decision taken by Fubara.
The governor who wants to assert himself as the chief executive of the state has been resisting some of Wike’s overtures, a development that has resulted in a political kung fu fight between the two once-upon-a-time political friends.
Meanwhile, the Coalition of Democratic Vanguard (CDV) has warned against the plan to impeach the governor and the house leader.
The chairman and the secretary of the group, Messrs Thompson Orumbo and Peter Nwabunna, said in a statement that the impeachment should be rooted in concrete evidence of wrongdoing and carried out through legitimate channels.
“At the core of any functioning democracy lies the principle of free and fair elections, which provide citizens with the opportunity to choose their leaders, and Rivers people have chosen Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
“Impeachment attempts should be rooted in concrete evidence of wrongdoing and carried out only through legitimate channels, ensuring transparency and accountability.
“Rivers State has made significant strides in the pursuit of development and stability under the leadership of Governor Fubara. The governor has championed policies and initiatives that have positively impacted the lives of the citizens. Political squabbles and power struggles should not hinder the progress, and the people’s mandate must be respected.
“The Coalition of Democratic Vanguard emphasises that any attempt to impeach Governor Fubara and Rt Hon Edison Ehie must adhere to these democratic principles, if not, it will be fully resisted by Rivers people.
The group urged Wike and his co-travellers to prioritise the interests of the people and set aside personal and political interest.
“The unity and stability of Rivers State should be the primary goal, with cooperative efforts dedicated to achieving sustained development, improved infrastructure, and the welfare of its citizens.
“Should Nyesom Wike and his co-travellers have genuine concerns regarding the performance or integrity of Governor Fubara and Edison Ehie, they should first present concrete evidence through appropriate channels such as investigations or inquiries. This would ensure that any actions taken are based on facts instead of subjective perceptions or personal motives,” the group stated.
