By: Abba Onyekachukwu, Abuja.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in the state, calling it an attempt to unlawfully remove him from office. His supporters have also cried foul, accusing former Governor Nyesom Wike of orchestrating the move.
According to reliable sources, Fubara’s supporters argue that the declaration of a state of emergency is a ploy to allow Wike to regain control of the state. They claim that Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, is using his influence to manipulate the situation.
President Bola Tinubu during his 7 pm broadcast on Tuesday, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. This decision comes after a careful evaluation of the current political situation in the state.
According to the President, the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State, among others, failed to request his intervention as required by the constitution, making this proclamation necessary.
On the other hand, supporters of Wike, including lawmakers loyal to him, have celebrated the declaration of a state of emergency. They believe it will pave the way for Wike to regain control of the state and restore order.
The situation remains tense, with both sides engaging in a war of words. Fubara has vowed to resist any attempts to remove him from office, while Wike’s supporters continue to push for his return to power.
Apart from the state of emergency declared in the state by the President, Rivers State has been embroiled in a political crisis, with the state’s governor, Sim Fubara, facing impeachment proceedings. The crisis began when the Supreme Court delivered a judgment on the seizure of federation revenue allocation due to the state, annulment of local government elections, and the defection of lawmakers.
In response to the judgment, Governor Fubara has taken steps to comply, including dissolving the 23 elected local councils and ordering fresh elections. However, the lawmakers, backed by former governor Nyesom Wike, have accused the governor of not implementing the judgment properly and have issued an impeachment notice.
The impeachment notice, signed by 26 lawmakers, was forwarded to the governor, marking the beginning of impeachment proceedings. The governor has called for a rethink, warning that the crisis could lead to economic hardships for civil servants, retirees, and the people of Rivers State.
The situation remains tense, with the governor’s office accusing the lawmakers of frustrating compliance with the court judgment and pursuing a vendetta against the governor.
