Rivers Burns: Fubara, Wike Clash Ignites Fresh Crisis As Assembly Plots Legal Maneuvers

Published 16 hours ago2 minute read
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Rivers Burns: Fubara, Wike Clash Ignites Fresh Crisis As Assembly Plots Legal Maneuvers

Rivers State is currently embroiled in an escalating political crisis, marked by impeachment proceedings initiated by the State House of Assembly against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu. This renewed hostility is rooted in a prolonged power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Rivers State House of Assembly has raised serious concerns over alleged plots by certain individuals to impede its constitutional duties. In a statement signed by Dr. Enemi Alabo George, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions, and Complaints, the Assembly indicated it had received credible intelligence regarding schemes to obtain ex-parte court orders from High Courts, particularly those outside the Port Harcourt Judicial Division. These orders are purportedly intended to illegally stop the Assembly from performing its constitutional oversight functions, especially in the context of the impeachment process against the Governor and Deputy Governor.

The Assembly cited specific constitutional provisions that they believe are being disregarded by those allegedly orchestrating these moves. Section 272(5) of the constitution grants the Federal High Court jurisdiction to determine questions related to the cessation or vacancy of a term of office for a member of the House of Assembly, Governor, or Deputy Governor. Furthermore, Section 188(10) explicitly states that "no proceedings or determination of the panel or of the House of Assembly or any matter relating to such proceedings or determination shall be entertained or questioned in any court." The lawmakers also referenced recent judicial pronouncements from the Court of Appeal regarding similar ex-parte orders issued by a Rivers State High Court, contrary to constitutional provisions. The Assembly has called upon those involved to exercise restraint and adhere to the Constitution and the rule of law, urging the affected office holders to respond to the allegations of gross misconduct rather than resorting to

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