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Tag: Lawmakers

  • Shettima seeks stronger executive-legislature synergy, says Tinubu will never take lawmakers for granted

    Shettima seeks stronger executive-legislature synergy, says Tinubu will never take lawmakers for granted

    …First Lady, Akpabio, Abbas, Uzodimma rally support for women’s inclusion in governance

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday called for deeper collaboration and sustained alignment of purpose between the executive and legislative arms of government, describing such synergy as indispensable to building a Nigeria that works for all.

    Speaking at a dinner hosted for members of the National Assembly by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the State House, Abuja, the Vice President said the current administration enjoys the “best working relationship” with the legislature since 1999, a development he attributed to shared vision, mutual respect and an understanding of the responsibilities binding both arms.

    In a statement issued on Saturday by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said “the true essence of democracy manifests not only in respecting the Legislature, but in appreciating the indispensable role each arm plays in the architecture of governance. 

    “It shines most brightly where there is alignment of purpose… where the Executive and Legislature are united by an unshakable resolve to build a nation that works for all”, Shettima said.

    Emphasising the depth of engagement between the two arms, the Vice President noted that “the entire architecture of the Presidency today is anchored by proud alumni of the National Assembly,” including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the First Lady; the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Deputy Chief of Staff, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; and himself.

    “You are not taken for granted. You have never been taken for granted. And you will never be taken for granted,” Shettima assured, noting that the First Lady remains deeply committed to protecting the interests and preserving the dignity of lawmakers.

    He credited the National Assembly for the support given to the administration’s bold economic reforms, saying lawmakers had “placed the nation above personal interest” and “resisted the temptation of populist shortcuts” while backing difficult policy choices required to reposition the economy.

    “The early signs of macroeconomic recovery are already trickling down, gradually, steadily. This has rekindled the confidence that Nigeria is on course to becoming a prime destination for investors”, Shettima stated.

    However, he warned that the journey ahead remains tough, particularly in the face of lingering national security threats. 

    He urged both arms of government to remain united, drawing inspiration from the country’s founding leaders and focusing on courage, sacrifice and shared responsibility.

    “Our promise to deliver a safer nation is a solemn covenant with the Nigerian people. To fulfil it, we must continue to work hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart. Let this dinner be… a testament to our collective resolve to steer Nigeria toward a horizon where peace is stable, prosperity is shared, and our democracy becomes the pride of future generations”, he said.

    Earlier, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said insecurity remains a global challenge, but assured that the National Assembly stands firmly behind President Tinubu in tackling the menace. 

    “All Nigerians are fighting extremism and we in the National Assembly are united behind this administration,” he said.

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, commended the First Lady for her contributions to national development and advocated greater representation for women in policy-making, particularly in security-related governance.

    Also speaking, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma, called for more elective and appointive positions for women, describing them as natural managers of the home who would bring competence and discipline to public service.

    In her remarks, the host, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, described the gathering as a reunion with former colleagues and reiterated the need to expand educational opportunities for all Nigerian children. 

    She also urged lawmakers to expedite action on the bill seeking increased women’s participation in legislative and leadership positions.

    The event was attended by members of the Senate, House of Representatives, state governors and senior government officials.

  • Fubara, Lawmakers stand-off lingers

    Fubara, Lawmakers stand-off lingers

    Rivers State Government and the House of Assembly yesterday clashed over Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s purported letter to the lawmakers on 2025 budget re-presentation

    The lawmakers denied ever receiving a letter on the governor’s plan to laid the budget before the Assembly, urging him to follow the due process.

    But the Commissioner for Information, Joe Johnson, insisted that Fubara had sent a memo to the Assembly intimating the lawmakers of his readiness to present the budget.

    He said the lawmakers cannot deny the correspondence.

    The governor stated in the letter that has been disputed by the Assembly that he would present the budget on March 19.

    The proposed budget presentation is one the elements of the Supreme Court judgment, which reprimanded the governor for recognising the Oko-Jumbo four-man Assembly instead of a properly constituted Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule.

    Last week, the Assembly proceeded on an indefinite recess.

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    Miffed by the protracted crisis, Rivers women, who organised a prayer session for peace, urged Fubara and Federal Capital Territory (FCT)Minister Chief Nyesom Wike to close ranks and resolve the logjam.

    Fubara frustrating court judgment, say lawmakers

     The Assembly accused the governor of frustrating the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment, especially the order on budget presentation.

    It urged members of the public to compel Fubara to sincerely follow the due process in presenting the appropriation bill instead of playing to the gallery.

    According to the Assembly, the governor is whipping up public sentiment with a motive to demonise the lawmakers.

    The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Dr. Enemi Alabo George, who spoke in Port Harcourt, the state capital, challenged the governor to produce the acknowledged copy of the letter he said he sent to the Assembly.

    George said: “ Last week, we were told that on his way to Ogoni for a programme, the governor made a stopover at the gate of the House of Assembly Quarters to grant an interview to the press.

    “In that interview, he claimed that he had sent a letter to the House of Assembly indicating his intention to visit and present the appropriation bill, a claim we found rather astonishing as no such letter was received by the House of Assembly.

    “His aides later alleged that they forwarded a letter through whatsapp to some members of the House, which was also awkward, unprofessional and embarrassing.

    “As I speak, the social media space is awash with stories about a purported letter from the governor to the House of Assembly expressing his intention to visit the House to present the appropriation bill for the year 2025.

    “Nothing can be farther from the truth. We want to state categorically that there is no such letter before the House of Assembly nor any of its staff. We challenge the governor and his aides to produce an acknowledgement copy of such a letter or any evidence that such a letter was sent or received by the House of Assembly. It is absolutely untrue and unfortunate. The general public must as a matter of importance ignore such claim.

    “It is now very obvious that if at all there was such a letter, the intended recipient was not the legislature, but the public, and the clear intention was to play to the gallery, whip up public sentiment, demonise the House of Assembly and set the public against us. This is demeaning, denigrating and perilously unfortunate.”

    George said  the governor had frustrated the lawmakers’ efforts to work with him to resolve the lingering crisis immediately after the Supreme Court judgment.

    He added: “After the recent Supreme court judgment on the budget of our state, it became absolutely necessary for the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Joseph Fubara, to present the appropriation bill to the legislature for consideration and passage.

    “Also, immediately after the judgment, this House wrote to the governor, calling on him to immediately present the budget for speedy consideration.

    “It was our hope that by the 15th of March, 2025, we would have concluded the process of passing the appropriation bill into law, so as to give us enough time to approach the Federal Government to release funds meant for our state  which have been seized by the judgment of the Supreme Court.

    “This we did in the interest of our dear state and in pursuit of peace, recognising that no government can function optimally without a harmonious co-existence between the executive and the legislature.

    “This letter was rejected and the staff of the House of Assembly who attempted to deliver the mails were brutalised at the gate of the Government House and sent back.  Undeterred by this, the House resorted to use a courier service to deliver the mail. The governor did not heed to our call, nor did he demonstrate any intention to.

    “The judgment of the Supreme Court invalidated the appointment of most of the commissioners of the state. To bridge this gap and avoid a vacuum, this House immediately wrote to the governor to submit the list of commissioners for immediate screening.

    “Our letter was again rejected at the Government House and we once again resorted to deliver the mail through a courier service. Rather than heed our call, the governor instructed them to go to court against us, which they have now done.

    “The governor went further to instruct all ministries, agencies and departments of government not to receive any correspondence from the Rivers State House of Assembly nor communicate with us in any manner.”

    George said the House of Assembly is not an appendage of the Executive and the lawmakers are not his slaves, bondservants and serfs.

    He stressed: “We are an independent arm of government in line with the principles of horizontal separation of powers as expressed in Section 4, Section 5, and Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    “It is in responding to the attitude that the supreme court said in its judgement:

    ‘A government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of the state under the 1999 Constitution. In this case, the Executive arm of the government has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him govern without the legislature as a despot. As it is, there is no government in Rivers State’.”

    George said the  Assembly hoped that such strong words from the Supreme Court would help “purge the governor of such despotic ways”.

    He said the lawmakers were  severely solicitous of progress of the state, adding that one man should not be allowed to hold everybody to ransom because of his ego.

    George called the public to collectively call on the governor to do the right thing in the right and lawful way so that the state make progress.

    He said the Assembly was the worst hit in the ongoing crisis, lamenting that the lawmakers had suffered untold hardship.

    George said: “This Assembly has borne the brunt of this crisis. We have endured immense hardship. We have been battered almost beyond our carrying capacity. We have been punished unduly and unfairly for trying to perform our constitutional duties. Our governor must not extend this punishment to Rivers people.

    “We have seen hell. Our hallowed chamber was burnt down by the governor. The House of Assembly Complex was brought down by the governor, totally demolished alongside our personal effect and belongings..Our Speaker’s residence was brutally attacked. Our residential quarters was brutally invaded by the governor

    “Our allowances have been seized for about a year and six months. We still continue to suffer. Yet we have resolved to put all of these behind us in the interest of our state, so that our state can move forward. We cannot afford to punish our people because of our ego and personal interests.   

    “We have our aged pensioners who must receive their pensions. We have our teachers in public schools who we depend on for our children to be educated. They must be paid their salaries. We have government hospitals and health centers which our people depend on for discounted and affordable medical services.

    “We have public schools which depend on public funds for their daily running. The governor is toying with the lives and livelihoods of Rivers people. Let us please all call on him to do the right thing in the interest of our dear state and its people.”

    Rivers govt: Fubara sent letter to Assembly

    The Commissioner for Information insisted that the governor sent a letter to the Assembly, adding that the lawmakers cannot deny it.

    Johnson said: “The Speaker cannot say that. We have formally communicated to the House. I am aware we have done that as required by law. There hasn’t been any doubt. The first one they got it via whassap. This time, we have communicated formally in compliance with the provisions of the law”.

    When asked whether, they had the acknowledged copy of the letter, Johnson said there was no doubt the governor had done the needful.

    IYC demands Wike’s sack

    The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, called for the removal of Wike as minister by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying that he is a threat to democracy and peace in Rivers State.

    Its spokesman, Binebai Yerin Princewill, said in a statement said if there is a breakdown of law and order in the state, the minister should be held responsible.

    “Finally, it is our resolve that, while the IYC has its plan on this matter, it is now time for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sack Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory for clearly painting the current government in bad light, for becoming a threat to peace, and a danger to our democracy as a country.

    “This time, he has chosen the wrong battle. We have tolerated the excesses of Wike enough.”

    The spokesman said it was imperative to state that whatever happens in Rivers State, the FCT minister should be held responsible.

    He said: “The free reign of impunity perpetrated by Wike in Rivers, his careless rantings, and outright disregard for the elderly and the insults rained on the entire Ijaw nation and our highly revered leaders, like the late Pa Clark, the Governor-General of the Ijaw nation, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, the Governor of Bayelsa State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, and others, is a fight we will fight to the end.

    “Wike is too infinitesimal to dare the Ijaw nation, the fourth-largest ethnic group in Nigeria, the largest in the Niger Delta, and in Rivers State as well.

    “However, it is essential to let the Nigerian state and the world at large know that Wike’s continued insults on the Ijaw nation, his political gimmicks to impeach Governor Fubara by all means, the shooting and injuring of Ijaw youths at Abalama, is an open declaration of war against the Ijaw nation.

    “In the coming days, we advise the military, the police, and all security agencies to steer clear, as the Ijaw people will be taking it up with Wike.”

    Women pray for Rivers

    Thousands of women from the 23 Local Government Areas began a three-day prayer for peace at the weekend.

    They assembled at the Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt, under the auspices of Rivers Women Unite for SIM (RWUS).

    The women appealed to Wike and the lawmakers to settle their differences with Fubara  in the interest of the state.

    The women, who titled the solemn Assembly:  “Women Arise and Pray, “said there was an urgent need for peace.

    A former Vice-Chairman, Ogu/Bolo Council, Christiana Tamunoberetoari, blamed the lingering political crisis on the devil

    She said: “In Rivers State, the devil is seriously fighting against the peace of the state, and we all know that without peace, there will be no development. That is why we are here under this rain, interceding for the state. We need peace in Rivers State.”

    Tamunoberetoari said the women would persevere in the prayers until there is peace 

    She said:  “The governor is working with the move of the Holy Spirit, I advise him to always remain peaceful, and by God’s grace, that peace will be achieved under his administration.

    “For the Assembly members led by Martin Amaehwule, I advise them, now that they are back, they should give peace a chance and work with the governor and we all will enjoy it in the state.”

    One of the women leaders,  Mrs. Gloria Kalatanoju, prayed to God to touch the hearts of the lawmakers to cease hostilities with the governor.

    She said:  “The women also prayed God to touch the hearts of the assembly members so that they will do the needful. When that is done, both the governor and the lawmakers will have peace. We are also praying God to intervene. This is not just a church gathering, you can see that it is an interdenominational gathering.”

    She commended the convener of the group, Mrs. Sotonye Fulton, for utilizing the inspiration given to her by God to work for the progress and development of the state.

    She appealed to all Rivers people to join in praying for sustainable peace to return to Rivers.

    On her part, former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and ex-Caretaker Committee (CTC) Chairperson of Ahoada East Council, Dame Beatrice Awala said the governor should be allowed to his job.

    She said: “I am here as an elder. It has never been like this in Rivers State. So, we are praying for peace, unity, progress and development in Rivers State. We are also saying that only one governor should be allowed in Rivers State at a time. There had never been two governors at the same time.

    “So, I urge the Assembly members to sheath their sword and work with the governor for the interest of the state and her people. The women, we are crying because if this crisis grows above this stage and anything happens, the effect will be more on the women and the children.”

  • Rivers logjam: No truce yet between Fubara, lawmakers

    Rivers logjam: No truce yet between Fubara, lawmakers

    • Brickbats over budget presentation

    There is no truce yet between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the House of Assembly over the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment.

    On Tuesday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu asked the governor to implement the Supreme Court judgment without delay.

    But yesterday, the governor and the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly resumed hostilities over the presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill – a key element in the judgment.

    Fubara made his way to the Assembly quarters yesterday morning but met a brick wall.

    The quarters are where the lawmakers live and hold their plenary sessions since their complex was gutted by fire almost two years ago.

    Addressing reporters at the gate, the governor alleged that he was denied access despite his earlier communication with Speaker Amaewhule about his intention to present the budget.

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    However, the lawmakers said nobody denied Fubara access. They described his allegation as spurious.

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike weighed in to support the lawmakers.

    He said during a television interview that since the lawmakers live and work in the Assembly quarters, the governor ought to give them sufficient notice.

    According to him, such a visit should have been preceded by a letter to the lawmakers.

    I was denied access, says governor

    Fubara, who lamented that he and his team were denied access to the Assembly, said: “We believe that the interest of the people should come first and in view of the decision of the Supreme Court, we felt that there is every need for us to comply immediately to save the state, the workers and LGA workers and the economy of the state.

    “I made all frantic efforts to reach the Speaker, which I believe cannot deny that, and other members of the Assembly.

    “I went further to send WhatsApp information to him and others notifying them that I would be coming by 10am to present the budget so that there wouldn’t be any reason why Rivers State should be in any fix because of me as being alleged.

    “But it was unfortunate when we got there this morning, we were denied access and the next story I am hearing is that we didn’t communicate with them.

    “But I leave to God who sees in secret places. I did everything to make sure that the situation is sorted out today.”

    Fubara added: “But I still believe, they might be instructed later and if they are instructed, I am still ready to come any day to get this particular issue sorted out.

    “I have to bring up this because I am aware that there are certain reports making rounds the media that there was no communication and that I was not complying and that we are not making any effort.

    “So, I feel it is an opportunity here where everybody can hear from me and understand the situation that we are facing.”

    The governor said nothing would last forever, adding that the powers he wields as governor, he would not abuse it.

    Fubara stressed: “Like I said, nothing lasts forever. Even the greatest power, one day will end. What is most important is what we do with the power. I have chosen, even if I have the power, as they claim that I don’t know how to use power, I do not intend to abuse the power.

    “Because power when you abuse it, is what leads to this kind of situation we are facing.

    “I will not abuse it, but continue to work and operate with so much restraint, because I know that there is life after power.”

    Fubara’s letter

    The governor’s letter to the Assembly intimating the lawmakers about his visit to the Assembly was sighted by The Nation yesterday.

    The letter dated March 11, 2025, and personally signed by Fubara, was addressed to Amaewhule.

    It was titled: ‘Presentation of Rivers State 2015 Budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly.’

    In the letter, the governor recalled his statewide broadcast of March 2, where he expressed his unreserved commitment to implementing the recent Supreme Court judgment on the political disputes “as soon as the enrolled judgment orders were served on us”.

    The letter states: “It was in furtherance of this commitment that we initiated the consultative meeting with the Rivers State House of Assembly for the 10th of March 2025 to consider all the issues raised by the judgment and agree on the way forward in the best interest of our state.

    “However, this crucial meeting was never held, which was unfortunate.

    “Nevertheless, we have decided to move on to swiftly implement the terms of the judgment as promised having now been served with the certified true copy.

    “Consequently, we wish to notify Mr. Speaker of our desire and intention to present the 2025 Rivers State Appropriation Bill to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday 12th March 2015 by 10 am.”

    Fubara insincere, say lawmakers

    However, the lawmakers rejected the governor’s claims about being blocked from entering the Assembly, saying that they never received any official communication about his visit.

    Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Dr. Enemi Alabo George, described the claims as a mere comedy scripted to paint the Assembly in a bad light.

    George recalled that on March 3, the Assembly wrote to the governor requesting him to present the budget, following the judgment of the Supreme Court.

    He said: “We were the ones who immediately after that judgment appealed to the governor to bring his appropriation bill.

    “We acted immediately because we have the interest of the state at heart and didn’t want Rivers people to suffer any harm.

    “Despite withholding our entitlements for over a year and demolishing our chambers, we still wanted him to hasten up the presentation in the interest of the progress of Rivers.

    “We indicated our intentions in that letter and even gave him a timeframe because of the urgency of the matter.

    “To regularise his appointments, we also urged him during our subsequent sitting to submit the names of his nominees for the positions of commissioners and some board members for screening and confirmation. But the governor rebuffed our pleas.

    “We sent employees of the Assembly to deliver these resolutions to him, but as usual they turned them down at the gate and even brutalised them. We resorted to engaging the services of a courier company.

    “But he still did not heed our call forgetting that there are essential services like hospitals, schools and others to be funded.

    “Our intention was to finish everything about the budget on March 15 so that we could send necessary information and documents to relevant agencies of the government to allow the release of Rivers allocations at the end of March. But with what he is doing, we don’t know what he wants to achieve.

    “How can he turn around to claim that we blocked him from representing his budget? This is the height of insincerity.

    “We even need the budget to be passed because the governor has been owing us our entitlements for more than a year and without the budget we can’t get our entitlements.

    “The governor and his team simply and deliberately acted Wednesday’s drama with a singular motive to tarnish the image of the Assembly.

    “The governor is simply playing to the gallery to whip up unnecessary sentiments. But it has backfired because the truth has come out.”

    George insisted the governor’s letter, which he claimed was sent to the Speaker, never got to him.

    He said it was after Wednesday’s sitting that the lawmakers saw the letter on social media.

    He stressed: “But even the letter trending on social media was dated March 11. Does it mean that the governor purportedly sent a letter on Tuesday, God knows when, and immediately mobilised to the Assembly quarters on Wednesday morning claiming he came to present his budget?

    “That alone vitiates the claimed purpose. It is procedurally trite that after writing to the Assembly, the governor ought to wait for the letter to be acknowledged by the lawmakers, who will then invite him to appear before them and make his presentation. Governor Fubara ought to know this if he is sincere.”

    Wike: Fubara can be impeached

    Wike insisted that ‘heaven would not fall’ if Fubara is impeached by the lawmakers.

    He said: “If you have committed an offence to be impeached, what’s wrong? Is it a criminal offence? It’s provided in the constitution. Am I a member of the Assembly?

    “If you have committed an infraction of the constitution and the Assembly deems it fit to say, you should be impeached.

    “I have heard people say: ‘Oh, if they impeach him, there will be a breakdown of law and order.’ Rubbish! Nothing will happen.”

    Wike described as “useless” Fubara’s letter to the Assembly seeking an audience with the lawmakers.

    He said the governor was locked out of the assembly quarters for disregarding due process.

    He advised Fubara to present the budget and submit the list of commissioners, saying that peace can only be achieved when the right actions are taken.

    He criticised Fubara’s handling of governance, particularly in relation to the House of Assembly crisis.

    He said: “You have had a frosty relationship with an arm of government. If you are a good politician, would you go and write a letter? Is it by writing a letter signed by the SSG? What an insult! Is it how it is done? If you are a politician, you know what to do.

    “You want to play to the gallery, which is rubbish. All these letters are useless. You are not sincere, you are playing to the gallery.”

    Wike said Amaewhule and other lawmakers are not Fubara’s boys, stressing that they should be accorded some respect.

    He said instead of inviting the lawmakers through a public letter, Fubara should have called Amaewhule and his team via the phone and agreed on a date and time for a meeting.

    Wike accused Fubara of being responsible for the destruction of the Assembly complex, which had made lawmakers conduct sittings in their private residences.

    He added: “He (Fubara) brought the Assembly complex down. Assembly now sits in their residences. If you are coming, they have children; they have to prepare themselves.

    “You cannot just go and then open the gate saying: ‘I’m coming to present the budget.’ Nonsense, rubbish. Who is doing that? Playing to the gallery.”

    Nwike also dismissed plans to hold local government elections on August 27, saying that the process will not succeed.

    He criticised the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd), for hurriedly going to the court instead of responding to a summons from the Assembly.

    He said the situation mirrored a scenario where a federal institution, like the National Assembly, invites an official for questioning, only for that official to take legal action instead of appearing before lawmakers.

    The minister said the RSIEC chairman is more interested in personal gains than conducting a fair election.

    Wike reaffirmed his commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dismissing speculations that he may leave the opposition party.

    He said he would not back down from challenges, emphasising that his loyalty to the PDP remains unwavering despite political tensions.

    Wike said: “I don’t run away from a fight. I will not leave the PDP.”

    The minister accused Fubara’s associates of taking advantage of the situation to mislead him for their selfish interests.

    He criticised the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), labelling it the “worst organisation” because it attempted to obstruct President Bola Tinubu’s mediation efforts.

    The minister also accused Fubara of disrespecting him by removing a chief in his family and replacing him with another.

    He said: “Look at me, former governor, Minister of FCT. Governor Fubara has the temerity, the audacity, because he has money from the FAAC, because he has money from the IGR, to enter my family to remove a chief and appoint another person.”

    ‘Fubara, Wike should accommodate one another’

    A Strategic Management and Human Capital Development expert, Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, urged Fubara and Wike to sheathe their swords.

    Ikechukwu, who spoke on television, urged the duo to accommodate one another in resolving the crisis plaguing the oil-rich state.

    “Both parties should not strive to win; both parties should find accommodation for each other. They should find out what deal others can live with provided it serves the interests of the state,” he said.

    “They should also look at so many possibilities. If any of the two parties wins comprehensively, there will be too much fire under the sea they want to sit.

    “If you bury all the interest of Wike completely, there are hostile, dependent forces that will not sleep and will not allow you to sleep.

    “If you bury all the interest of Fubara in this matter, you will have no state to govern.”

  • Rivers crisis: Cold war persists between Fubara, lawmakers

    Rivers crisis: Cold war persists between Fubara, lawmakers

    • Uncertainty over today’s Executive, Legislature parley

    There is uncertainty over the proposed meeting of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara with the House of Assembly members led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule.

    Although the meeting was scheduled for today at the Government House, Port-Harcourt, the state capital, the lawmakers had not given their commitment to the parley as of last night.

    It is the first overture of the governor to the lawmakers since the Supreme Court ordered the seizure of allocations to the state and recognised Amaewhule as Speaker.

    The governor, in the invitation dated March 7 and signed by the Secretary to the Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, scheduled the meeting for 10 am.

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    In the invitation, Fubara addressed Amaewhule as Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly.

    For almost two years, Fubara and the 27 lawmakers have not met after the governor recognised the four-member House of Assembly chaired by Victor Oko-Jumbo.

    Fubara, who had ordered the demolition of the House of Assembly, said the seats of the 27 lawmakers should be declared vacant, claiming that they had defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The governor also laid before the four-member Assembly the 2024 and 2025 budgets.

    Following the Supreme Court judgment that Fubara should re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the Assembly, the lawmakers had given a 48-hour ultimatum to him to comply.

    The ultimatum expired last week.

    However, the governor stated that the invitation aligned with his promise in his  March 5 letter to notify them that he had received the Supreme Court’s judgment.

    “He has, therefore, directed to invite you and your colleagues, the Honourable members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to a meeting,” the letter added.

    The letter also listed the four items on the agenda of the meeting.

    These are: the “provision of a befitting space for the Assembly’s sitting; payment of all outstanding remuneration and allowances of members of the honourable members; presentation of the budget and sundry matters and any other matter as may be necessary to chart the way forward in the best interest of Rivers State.”

    However, sources close to the lawmakers said they may not honour the invitation until the governor complies with the Supreme Court judgment by re-presenting the 2025 budget to the Assembly.

    According to a source, the lawmakers are unhappy that Fubara disregarded the letter sent to him by the Assembly to comply with the apex court judgment within 48 hours.

    He said: “The only item on the agenda of the Rivers State House of Assembly tomorrow (today) is to receive the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Justice Adolphus Enebeli.”

    A lawmaker, Lolo Isaiah Opuende, in an online video, ruled out any meeting point with the governor.

    He said it was time for the governor to ‘dey his dey’ (be on his own) while the lawmakers would be on their own.

    Opuende, who represents Akuku-Toru Constituency 11, recalled that when the crisis started, their “principal” (Nyesom Wike), told them that the real of ‘dey your dey’ would come.

    He queried the mode of transmitting the invitation.

    “How can you write a letter for the House of Assembly and put it on social media and expect us to come? The governor should write us the proper way.”

    Another source, who spoke in confidence, said the lawmakers would not honour the invitation.

    He said: “First, it is disrespectful for the governor to write to the Assembly through the SSG. The correspondences from the governor to the House of Assembly are usually signed personally by the governor.

    “Secondly, the governor has no right to summon the House of Assembly. The Assembly has the constitutional oversight function on the Executive. Besides, items listed for deliberations in the so-called invitation do not make sense.

    “You are inviting lawmakers to discuss their statutory allowances you withheld when you know you don’t have any budget and the money you are spending is illegal. Do you need to discuss their money first before paying them?

    “You are also talking about discussing a place for them to sit when you know the Constitution allows the Assembly to choose any place they deem for sitting.

    “Already, the House had scheduled Monday for a sitting and it is not for the governor. The lawmakers are expecting the Chairman of RISIEC to appear before them and if he fails to do so, they will issue him a warrant of arrest.”

    But, the National President, Movement for the Survival of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in Niger Delta (MOSIEND), Ambassador Kennedy Tonjo-West, hailed Fubara for inviting the lawmakers for a meeting.

    He said: “This meeting presents a unique opportunity for the Assembly members and the governor to put aside their differences and work towards the progress and development of Rivers State.

    “We urge them to seize this moment to bury their hatchet, make peace, and settle all areas of concern.”

    Tonjo-West described the proposed meeting as the first step towards peace, urging all parties to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to compromise.

    He added: “We urge the assembly members to attend this meeting and reconcile their differences with the governor. The peace of Rivers State depends on their collective efforts.”

    Crisis deepens

    Enebeli refused to honour the Assembly’s invitation on Friday after the expiration of a 48-hour ultimatum.

    He has also sued the Assembly to prevent the dissolution of the electoral agency.

    However, during the plenary, the lawmakers resolved to extend the ultimatum to 72 hours, which expires today.

    Also, the governor was given another 48 hours to sack all the commissioners who were not screened and confirmed by the Assembly and submit fresh nominees.

    According to the Assembly, the appointments of 19 members of the State Executive Committee are illegal.

    The commissioners filed a suit at the state High Court in Port Harcourt challenging the resolutions of the House.

    No room for violence, say ex-chairmen

    Former chairmen of Ijaw-dominated local government areas condemned the threats by non-state actors to unleash violence if there is an attempt to impeach the governor.

    The former campaign coordinators for Fubara in their various local government areas called on the police, the Department of State Security (DSS) and other security agencies to enforce the judgment of the Supreme Court.

    The former members of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) said in a statement that they remained the substantive chairmen of their local governments following their aborted tenure extension.

    According to them, the Supreme Court had ended the crisis.

    Signatories to the statement are Daniel Daniel (Abua/Odual), Dr Rowland C.  Sekibo (Akuku Toru), Dr Erastus C. Awortu (Andoni), Onengiye George,  (Asari Toru), Michael John Williams (Degema), Chief Vincent Nemioboka (Ogu Bolo), Akuro Tobin (Okrika); Tamunotonye Douglas (Vice-Chairman Port Harcourt City) and Ubile Jack (Vice-Chairman Ahoada West).

    The statement reads: “Our attention was drawn to both subtle and frontal threats to the government, instigated by some individuals and organisations, who ostensibly are beneficiaries of the crises.

    “It’s even worse that they use the Ijaw identity to fuel the embers of violence and intimidation of the Federal Government.

    “In this category are organisations such as the Ijaw National Congress and some renegades of the Ijaw Youth Council.

    “These organisations stated publicly that the Ijaws will resort to violence against critical national oil Infrastructure if Governor Fubara is impeached.

    “This implies that these pro-Ijaw ethnic organisations have not read the Supreme Court judgment they so condemn.

    “We stringently condemn those empty threats and urge the Federal Government and Nigerians to disregard such comments which project the Ijaws in a bad light.

    “Moreso, it is a fact that these threats attack the sensitivity of people from other ethnic groups in Rivers State who also voted for Gov Fubara.

    “We have also seen videos and press statements of supposed stakeholders including Prof. Benjamin Okaba, Alhaji Mujaheed Asari Dokubo threaten the energy security of the Nigerian State if attempts at implementation of the judgment lead to the impeachment of the governor.”

    Why flaying the threats and outbursts, the Ijaw leaders queried: “Did the judgment call for impeachment of the governor? The simple answer is no.

    “Where were these persons who claim to be fighting the so-called Ijaw fight when the governor truncated the tenure and seized the allocation of the LGAs including those of us who are fellow Ijaws?             

    “Where were they when he stopped the salaries of the Assembly members and even made conscious attempts to use the courts to impeach them including 10 Ijaw sons?

    “They were all unconcerned because they were benefitting from the crisis and were not ready to stop benefitting from it.

    “Rivers State is a heterogeneous state with people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

    “We frown at the regular use of our ethnic identity to threaten the rest of our countrymen because of the vast natural resources that are domicile in the region.

    “We want to assure Nigerians that we shall mobilise our massive support base to protect oil installations situated in our respective communities.

    “We call on Governor Fubara to obey and ensure the full compliance with the decisions of the Supreme Court.

    “Impeachment is a profound constitutional prescription to penalise any erring governor or President in a presidential system of Government.

    “The Ijaws should at this point ensure that their beloved son, Governor Fubara, does not carry out any act that will necessitate the deployment of this constitutionally approved procedure to check his excesses.

    “To ensure the speedy implementation of the Supreme Court judgment, we call on the police, the DSS, the military, and all other security agencies who have a stake in the defence of the nation and its mandate, to spread their tentacles in ensuring prompt and peaceful implementation of the Supreme Court judgment.”

  • Crisis between Fubara, lawmakers deepens

    Crisis between Fubara, lawmakers deepens

    The political crisis in Rivers State deepened yesterday.

    The House of Assembly directed Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present fresh nominees for confirmation as commissioners and board members within 48 hours.

    It also summoned the chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd).

    He is to explain why he conducted the last council election that was voided by the Supreme Court.

    This was after RSIEC fixed August 9 for a fresh local government election.

    Justice Enebeli told stakeholders that the new date was in line with last Friday’s Supreme Court judgment, which nullified the October 5 poll.

    Also yesterday, the state government responded to the earlier 48-hour ultimatum issued to Fubara by the House to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

    The government said it was yet to receive the letter containing the summons.

    Read Also: Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan and politics of allegations

    The House of Assembly during plenary on Monday gave Fubara 48 hours to re-represent the budget.

    But the state government, in a March 5 letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, said: “As at the close of work on Tuesday, 4th March 2025, we are yet to receive the said letter.

    “Neither the office of the governor nor the deputy governor’s office, nor the office of the Accountant-General of the state has received the said letter.”

    Reiterating the governor’s willingness to comply with the Supreme Court orders, the letter adds: “We have since been in contact with our lawyers, who are still awaiting the certified true copy of the judgment of the Supreme Court and hereby reassure you and all the good people of Rivers State that as soon as his Excellency receives the judgment, he will strive to implement same in the best interest of our people.”

    The House wrote Fubara again yesterday, issuing him another 48-hour ultimatum to rectify what it called illegal appointments without the constitutionally required screening and confirmation.

    In the March 5 letter, Amaewhule told the governor that he failed to forward the nominee for Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice for screening and confirmation but chose to parade one Mr. Dagogo Iboroma as a member of the state executive council.

    The lawmakers said the governor violated sections 192 (2 and 6) and 195 (1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    According to them, 19 persons have parading themselves and misleading Rivers people by claiming to be commissioners.

    The legislators said Fubara committed another infraction of the law by inaugurating members of the Bureau on Public Procurement and Local Government Service Commission without screening and confirmation by the Assembly.

    The lawmakers said: “These appointments by you that are highlighted and other appointments made but not mentioned here for want of space that are not in consonance with extant laws are not only infractions but are seriously threatening our nascent democracy, so should and shall be remedied.

    “The House requests you to submit a list of nominees for appointment as commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council as well as a list of nominees for appointment to fill vacancies in all the offices mentioned above or those not listed but required screening and confirmation by the Rivers State House of Assembly within 48 hours.

    “We, therefore, urge you to act fast and do the needful by complying with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended and other extant laws in the best interest of the good people of Rivers State.”

    The House asked Justice Enebeli to appear tomorrow.

    The lawmakers said he conducted the voided council poll in defiance of a subsisting order of the High Court.

    The House threatened to issue a warrant of arrest for him if he failed to honour the invitation.

    The letter said: “You are requested to honour this summons with all your commissioners and relevant documents empowering you to spend any fund of the commission without an Appropriation Law from January 1st 2024  to date.

    “Please, be informed that failure to honour this summon would leave the House with no options but to issue a warrant of arrest or invoke its powers as enshrined in Section 128 of the Constitution.”

    Ijaw Youths issue warning

    Also yesterday, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide expressed concern over threats to the administration of Fubara, who it called a proud son of the Ijaw nation.

    In a statement by national spokesman, Binebai Yerin Princewill, IYC warned that the Ijaw would not tolerate any attempts to impeach Fubara.

    It said the governor must be allowed to complete his tenure without interruption.

    The statement reads: “In solidarity with the Ijaw National Congress (INC), we reaffirm that our historical struggle for liberation contributed to the foundation of Rivers State in 1967…

    “The Ijaw people have played a crucial role as the political and economic backbone of Rivers State.

    “As we stand behind Governor Fubara, we make it clear—there will be no compromise regarding his position.

    “The Ijaw Youth Council will actively oppose any moves that threaten the governance of an Ijaw leader.

    “We call upon all stakeholders, including the citizenry, political leaders, and civil society, to respect the democratic process and allow for the uninterrupted governance of Rivers State.

    “Unity and collaboration among the ethnic groups in Rivers State remain vital for our collective progress.”

    Elders weigh in

    A former Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mike Okiro, called on warring parties to let peace reign.

    Okiro, at a briefing in Abuja, recommended dialogue to resolve the crisis.

    He said that he had engaged elders and traditional leaders to find a lasting solution to the crisis.

    “We cannot sit down and watch the gladiators fight and make Rivers a no-go area. The state has contributed a lot to the economy of the country.

    “Rivers is a symbol of our economic strength. We must embrace peace for national development,” he said.

    He urged traditional rulers, elders, religious leaders and other critical stakeholders in the state to see reason and come together to engage the warring factions.

    “The stakeholders should come together and meet the factions one-on-one to find a lasting solution to the crisis,” he said.

    Also, a former member of the House of Representatives from Bayelsa State, Israel Sunny-Goli, urged Fubara to exercise restraint in his utterances.

    “I call on Governor Fubara to not only fully comply with the Supreme Court pronouncement recognising the Amaewhule-led Assembly but to also refrain from any actions or statements that could potentially ignite a crisis in the state,” Sunny-Goli said.

  • Lawmakers back initiative for attitudinal change, growth, national development 

    Lawmakers back initiative for attitudinal change, growth, national development 

    Some serving senators have backed the initiative to distribute 10 billion copies of ‘Rhapsody of Realities’ to stimulate attitudinal change for growth and national development. 

    Rhapsody of Realities is a monthly devotional publication by Pastor Chris Oyakilome of the Christ Embassy Church, aimed at driving positive change.  

    The senators made their commitment at the inauguration of the initiative tagged “Reachout World Day with Rhapsody of Realities” at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

    In his remarks, Sen. Omueya Ede Dafinone (APC-Delta) explained that rhapsody of reality is a life guide that brings daily perspective of God’s word to those who read it. 

    He said that the publication intends to bring to all who read it around the world, an opportunity to review their lives and days on a daily basis to live a better life.

    “It is not meant to be restricted to Christians, it is meant for everybody hence the publication in 8000 languages and for various age grades. 

    “In the present global situation we are in, everybody needs to wake up in the morning energised and I believe this book will help energise people all around the world,” he said. 

    Also speaking, Sen. Thomas Joel-Onowakpo (PDP-Delta) said that he knew of the transformative work Christ Embassy Church was doing. 

    He said that the target of the initiative required a lot of money to meet, urging the implementers not to panic saying that “the money for the work of God will come.”

    Joel-Onowakpo said that the publication, just like the Bible is a guide that should be read as it will take you all the way. 

    “I want to urge everyone, especially the young people who will have access to the rhapsody of realities, please read it. 

    “I encourage you to read it ask king as it has the plan of God for mankind; the first thing you must understand in this troubled world is to believe in God. 

    “Do not be in the hurry to do anything, believe that God who has created you has a purpose for you and work according to His plan. 

    “Once you are able to do that, some of the anxieties we have in this current dispensation will be a thing of the past. All these ideas of get rich quick will be a thing of the past. 

    “Focus on God, it is only through God that you can have true success that adds no sorrow,” he said. 

    In her remarks, a Corps Commander Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Ms C. O Esung said that the publication should be read with faith. 

    She prayed God to grant faith to all those who will read the publication to practice what they have read.

    Esung expressed the willingness of the FRSC to partner with Christ Embassy in the distribution of the publication. 

    She said that the commission had several channels like the National Youth Service Corps members, Special Corps Marshal and the first responder which can be used to effectively distribute the publications.

    Earlier in his opening remarks, the Director of the Christ Embassy Ministry Centre in Abuja, Pastor Obi Chiemeka said that publication has been translated in 8,132 languages across the world and also in braille for the blind saying that different editions are to be distributed monthly. 

    According to him, they are also translations in different dialects which when added will make the total number of translations 12,000. 

    He said that the publication also cuts across the various demographies as there are those for kids and early readers, teenagers, and for adults as well. 

    “The reason for this is because of the transformative message it has, it brings hope to those who have no hope, it opens the eyes for people to see, it gives a vision for life and we are very passionate about it.

    “That is why we are interested in the reachout world day initiative in the FCT because we believe it is a tool that can build nations. 

    “It is a tool that when young people read it, they will have a greater vision of their own lives and because it is God’s words, it brings blessings.

    “That is what it is all about and that is why we are having this national launch day; we want people to know that in December 2, we are distributing 10billion copies across the world,” he said. 

    The Executive Director of CYPA-Africa, Dr Chris Iyam said that he is a product of rhapsody of realities saying that since he was introduced to the publication in 2008, his life changed. 

    He said that if lawmakers begin their day by reading rhapsody of realities, they will not make mistakes in the laws they pass in the country. 

    Iyam said that some decision which the parliament makes that affects over 200 million persons will not be made.

    He said that the national launch which held at the National Assembly Complex where all 360 members of the house and the 109 senators are, was strategic. 

    According to him, millions of destinies in the country are in the hands of the members of the National Assembly.

    “Rhapsody of Realities will make you think positively, it will make think impart and the future of the country. 

    “One day, we will see in this country a National Assembly where before they start anything, will read the rhapsody of realities; it is only turn that out lead will be guided by the spirit of God. 

    “I believe in the members of the house and in our senators because I know you have the powers to change things and the Spirit of God will guide you perfectly in doing those things,” he said.

    END 

  • Lawmakers’ ‘paltry’ pay

    Lawmakers’ ‘paltry’ pay

    A senator of this federal republic draws a monthly wage of some N14million – if that is what generally applies – and it isn’t enough to pay their way. That much we now know courtesy of former Abia State Governor and lawmaker representing Abia North in the current Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu.

    The senator dismissed widespread notion that members of the National Assembly (NASS) live indulgently while most Nigerians stew in deprivation. Speaking recently on a Channels Television programme, he said: “I earn N14million in a month encompassing my salary, overhead and workers’ salaries. Let me be honest with you, do you know from this money I have to buy fuel to travel to my constituency? It’s not enough.”

    Speaking further, the former Senate Chief Whip denied that lawmakers got official vehicles individually, saying only committees of the NASS were given vehicles. “I am in the Senate and a lot of things are said about senators, and I sit there quietly and watch, and most of these things are not true. All I know is that committees get vehicles. No lawmaker is given any vehicle,” he said.

    Remunerations of Nigerian lawmakers have for long been a hot button in national conversation, with many believing they are among the highest paid in the world.  No one stoked the debate more than a member of the eighth Senate, Senator Shehu Sani, who said he earned a total pay of N13million monthly during his time but that members of the current 10th Senate earn N21million monthly. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also always accused the federal lawmakers of fixing their own pay, to which the assembly rejoined that its members receive remunerations only as fixed by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

    Read Also: Fubara seized salaries, allowances of Rivers lawmakers, says Wike

    Only that the commission itself didn’t help matters when it announced that each senator draws a total monthly wage of N1,063,860 while each member of the House of Representatives gets N794,086. Because following that disclosure, Senator Kawu Sumaila representing Kano South in the current Senate came up to say he draws N21million monthly as “running cost.” Now, Senator Kalu says it is N14million…

    Even the Abia senator’s claim about vehicle provisioning does not stand up to what is known. It was a hot national debate late last year when both chambers of NASS insisted they were procuring sports utility vehicles for their members that would remain NASS’s property until the expiration of its tenure in 2027 when the vehicles could then be offered the members to buy off for outstanding value and make payment to government coffers, after which the vehicles would become theirs. That was the official NASS narrative in defending the mass procurement, and such couldn’t possibly be referring to pool vehicles.

    Kalu’s intervention hoods lawmakers’ remuneration more than illuminate the issue.

  • Coalition of opposition lawmakers rejects judgment on 27 Rivers’ lawmakers

    Coalition of opposition lawmakers rejects judgment on 27 Rivers’ lawmakers

    A coalition of opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives, has rejected the Federal High Court judgement on Friday declaring the decampment of the 27 sacked Rivers State House of Assembly members as pre-election issue.

    Its spokesman, Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere, on the heels of the judgement, said it was an assault on constitutional democracy and would be appealed.

    Reacting to the judgement in Abuja on behalf of the coalition, he said Oko Jumbo remains the valid Rivers Speaker based on existing High Court judgements.

    The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday dismissed the defection suit instituted by the Action People’s Party (APP) against the 27 lawmakers said to be loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike

    The suit, which sought to replace the 27 lawmakers due to their alleged defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was dismissed.

    Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the judgment, held that the suit instituted by the APP was statute barred having not been filed within 14 days allowed by law as a pre-election matter.

    Read Also: Health, safety professionals to be recertified to practice, says Reps committee chair

    This, did not sit well with the opposition lawmakers , who felt that decampment is not among the issues that constitute pre-election matters.

    Ugochinyere said the pro-Wike lawmakers remain sacked despite Federal High Court judgment declaring their decampment as a pre-election matter.

    He stated that the pro-Wike lawmakers’ seats remain vacant because in line with the law they defected to APC and are no longer members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He said there are many valid rulings of High Court that have restrained them from illegally parading themselves as lawmakers and declaring Oko Jumbo as the Valid Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

    The opposition considered it very strange and unknown to law that issues of decampment which can happen any time within the four years mandate of a lawmaker is now been declared a pre-election issue that must come within 14 days like primary elections.

    Expressing optimism that the judgement won’t survive in Appeal Court, he said the High Court judgement that sacked the 27 lawmakers was still in force.

    He added that the Local Government election in the state will go ahead on the 5th of October as scheduled.

    He said nothing can stop it as the constitution and electoral act have declared that no court can stop the conduct of elections.

    They said, “We totally reject the Federal High Court judgement today September 20, declaring the decampment of 27 sacked Rivers State lawmakers as a pre-election issue. The pro-Wike lawmakers seats remain vacant because in line with the law they defected to APC and are no longer members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    “It’s widely known that these 27 Law makers publicly decamped to APC and have at various times deposed to Affidavits even in a suit at the Federal High Court in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/1681/CS/2023 that they’re now members of the APC owing to the alleged crisis in PDP.

    “Oko Jumbo is still Rivers Assembly Speaker and this ruling will be appealed. We are optimistic and nothing will stop the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara from completing his tenure and even winning second term if he so pleases,” Ugochinyere said.

  • Lawmakers versus Kyari

    Lawmakers versus Kyari

    Lawmaking must always be about facts and not witch hunt, and when witch hunts make progress, facts retreat. That is one of the trap falls of lawmaking, especially when it is tendentious or when it is perceived to follow preconceived path.

    Suddenly some lawmakers are asking the chief executive of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL) to resign, and they are making a campaign especially after some of them visited the refinery of businessman Aliyu Dangote.

    That seems seamy because they made their decision on the issue of dirty diesel, and they took sides without a scientific turn of mind. So, while they are at it, the news is now countering their conclusions about the quality of diesel in the refinery in Lagos.

    According to a new report, the Sulphur level in the diesel is not what the visit to that refinery portrayed, but confirms the assertion by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority boss Farouk Ahmed that its Sulphur level is higher than normal.

    This revelation should turn the lawmakers to retrace themselves and interrogate the new revelations that shows that, as arbiters, lawmakers ought to look at both sides of a story before jumping to conclusion. No rebuttal has been made against the new report.

    Read Also: Protest: Keep faith with Tinubu – Mba, Umahi urge southeast

    There is suspicion in some quarters that the lawmakers’ call for the man to resign has nothing to do with the fact that Mele Kyari turned the company from loss to profit in the billions of Naira. It has nothing to do with the fact that the production level of the country has doubled from 800,000 barrels per day to 1.6 million barrels per day, a fact that the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, echoed in his broadcast in the aftermath of the protests.

    We can suspect that it has nothing in the form of a grouse against the fact that for the first time, the NNPCL runs an audited account, and that is an act of transparency, the sort we want them to demonstrate in their call for Kyari’s resignation. The lawmakers should let us know if it concerns the delivery of the final investment delivery (FID) for the Nigeria LNG project’s Train 7 development after a grueling four-year snafu.

    There is no perfect situation anywhere, and his stewardship must be encouraged and not looked at with the pessimist’s jaundiced eye. The lawmakers should look again at how the workings of the NNPCL can be better, to increase its production levels and serve Nigerians better.

    President Tinubu intervened in the NMDPR-Dangote furore, and as the top man in the country seeks solution, so should the lawmakers.

  • Why we want Etiti State, by Southeast federal lawmakers

    Why we want Etiti State, by Southeast federal lawmakers

    Federal lawmakers from the Southeast geo-political zone have said that the creation of an additional state in the zone would foster equity and ensure parity with other regions.

    The National Assembly members said state creation would redress the imbalance in the distribution of states across the six regions.

    But legal luminary Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) described the agitation for a new state as a misplaced priority, saying that many states are not economically viable.

    Of the 36 states, the Northwest has seven, Northcentral, Northeast, Southwest and Southsouth have six, and Southeast has five .

    In the House of Representatives, the bill seeking the creation of Etiti State in the Southeast appeared to be gathering momentum among Southeast lawmakers.

     Last week, when the bill scaled second reading, the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, said the mood of the House showed an overwhelming support for the bill, which came for second reading, few days after it was read the first time.

     The bill, which is a constitutional amendment Bill, seeks the creation of Etiti State from the five states in the Southeast, with 11 existing local government areas drawn from the five states.

     The councils are Isuikwuato and Umunneochi inAbia; Orumba North and Orumba South in Anambra; Ivo and Ohaozara in Ebonyi; Aninri, Awgu and Oji River in Enugu; and Okigwe and Onuimo in Imo State.

    The proposed capital, according to the bill, is  Lokpanta.

     The sponsors of the bill are representing the 11 local government areas in the House of Representatives.

     Apart the bill for Etiti State, there are two other bills seeking the creation of states from the Southeast in the National Assembly.

     There is  the bill for the creation of Orlu State from Anambra, Abia and Imo states sponsored by Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere from Imo State.

    Also, there is another bill for the creation of Adada State from Enugu State in the Senate, sponsored by Senator Okey Ezea from Enugu state.

     While the bill seeking the creation of Adada State has also scaled second reading in the Senate, the bill seeking the creation of Orlu State which first came for first reading is yet to pass second reading.

    Lead sponsor of the bill,  Amobi Godwin Ogah, told the House that Southeast deserved an additional state in the spirit of fairness.

     Other sponsors of the bill are Miriam  Onuoha (Imo),  Kama Nkemkama (Ebonyi),  Princess  Nnabuife (Anambra) and  Anayo Onwuegbu (Enugu).

     Ogah said while other each of the five regions has six states,  Northwest has seven, adding that Southeast is the only zone with five states.

     He said: “It is not news that the current structure of the Southeast region with just five states—Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo—as against other regions of the country, which have no fewer than six states, has been a subject of debate and advocacy for reconfiguration.

     “The creation of Etiti State is a proactive step towards aligning the region with the structural realities of its other five sister regions in the country.  Suffice it to say that is a long overdue step in the right direction to foster equitable representation, enhance governance efficiency, and promote socio-economic development within the region.

     “Let us bear in mind that the Southeast, with its rich cultural heritage and strategic economic potential, deserves a governance framework that optimally serves its diverse communities.

    Read Also: ‘Etiti State creation not feasible’

     “The creation of Etiti State will facilitate more targeted development initiatives, better resource allocation, and improved service delivery to the people”.

     Ogah said the bill would  address complaints about regional parity and administrative efficiency in the Southeast, following an alteration to the constitution to accommodate Etiti State, thereby increasing the number of states in the region to six.

     He said: “The establishment of Etiti State is not just a matter of administrative convenience, but a step towards ensuring balanced regional development and effective governance. 

    “It responds to the aspirations of the people of a very important region to this country and aligns with the principles of equity and inclusivity enshrined in our democratic ideals.

     “The Bill proposes specific alterations to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, such as the amendment of Section 3(1) to increase the number of states from thirty-six to thirty-seven by inserting “Etiti” immediately after “Enugu”.

     Ogah stressed  that the creation of ‘Etiti State’ would represent a unique opportunity to strengthen our the structure, empower the communities, and foster national unity.

     Nkemkama (LP, Ebonyi) said the bill was the first step in a series of activities that will culminate in the creation of an additional state for the Southeast.

     He recalled that the creation of Etiti State was part of the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference.

    However, Labour Party Caucus Leader  Victor Ogene said the creation of an additional state  will ensure fair representation for the people of the area.

     He said it is not fair that Southeast only has 43 members in the House of Representatives and 15 while each of the other zones has 18 senators.

     The 2014 National Conference had resolved that in the spirit of reconciliation, equity, fair play and justice, there shall be created an additional State for the South East Zone; and that all other requests for State creation should be considered on merit.

     The Conference also highlighted the criteria for the creation of new states, saying “any new State sought to be created must be viable.”

    It added: “In considering viability, the following should be taken into consideration:

      (a) Any new State should be economically viable;

    (b) It should have human, natural and material resources; (c) It should have a minimum land mass/water mass; and

    (d) The viability of the existing state(s) should be taken into consideration as well, so as not to create a situation where new state(s) would leave the existing state(s) unviable.

     “That state creation should be on the basis of parity between the geo-political zones to ensure equality of Zones.

     The 18 recommended by the 2014 conference are Apa State from the Benue State; Edu State from Niger state; Kainji State from the present Kebbi State; Katagun state from the present Bauchi State; Savannah State from the present Borno State; Amana State from the present Adamawa State; Gurara State from the present Kaduna State; Ghari State from the present Kano State; Etiti State from the present South East Zone; Aba State from the present Abia state; Adada State from the present Enugu State; Njaba-Anim state from the present Anambra and Imo States; Anioma state from the present Delta State; Ogoja State from the present Cross River State; Ijebu State from the present Ogun state; New Oyo State from the present Oyo State;

     House Spokesman Akintunde Rotimi supported additional state for Southeast, saying that the region is under-represented.

     He said: “Everybody has a right to agitate. In the Southeast, they have five states and you know they are already under-represented because every zone has six states, while the north west has seven.

     “So, you can understand why we have agitations. There are so many others. There is a constitutional provision for the creation of states.

    “Section 8 is very clear; you have to have two-third majority from NASS and state assemblies deciding this what they want and there will be a process of a referendum. We will test  the law and constitution and ensure that we arrive at what is best for Nigerians”.

      Most states not viable; we don’t need more, says Agbakoba

    Agbakoba faulted the agitation for state creation in the Southeast, describing the proposal as a misplaced priority.

    Agbakoba,  former President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), described the agitation for state creation as a misplaced priority, stressing that it is not viable.

    He urged lawmakers and other stakeholders to focus attention on restructuring on regional basis to reflect the national diversity.

    Agbakoba objected to state creation,  saying that most of the 36 states are  economically unviable, insolvent and not capable of bringing about  infrastructural development.

    He said many of the states cannot even pay the  proposed minimum wage.

    Agbakoba said: “State creation at this present harsh economic will, no doubt, lead to increase in the number of National Assembly members, ministers, local governments, and others, which would further increase the cost of governance in the country.

    “This is coming at a time when most Nigerians are starving due to rise in the food prices. Insurgents, bandits and terrorists are abducting people for ransom in other states of the country.

    “Therefore, the National Assembly should, instead, return the country to the  regionalism by collapsing the 36 states into six to eight regions or geopolitical zones, each of which will have a leader.

    “This means that the present Nigeria 1999 Constitution would be amended or a new one written to accommodate this proposal.

    “This is because making a new constitution for Nigeria has become an overriding imperative based on the fact that new political realities and conundrums have cropped up in the country.”

    Agbakoba said the only way to resolve the socio-economic and political problems was to amend the 1999 Constitution to pave the way for  a regional system of government.

    He said regional governments were once successfully run when Chief Obafemi Awolowo West;;Chief Michael Okpara was premier of East and Ahmadu Bello was premier of North.

    Agbakoba said since Nigeria jettisoned regionalism, the  states, except Lagos and Rivers, have been unviable.

    He said though the impulse to create a sixth state in the Southeast was motivated by the quest for balance, Nigeria would be better if regionalism is restored.

    Agbakoba  said regional system of government would enable the unviable states to come together and become stronger.

    He  said  while an average person from the Southeast would support an additional state,  its creation would not guarantee development.

    Agbakoba stressed: “This agitation will arise because it is on the basis of the number of states that federal allocation flows.

    “So, the fact that the South-East has five states mean to them that they are losing revenue and that is a one point of view and also an emotional point of their agitation.

    “However, a pragmatic developmental point of view, which I go for, is that even if you create a sixth state in the South-East to give them a sense of belonging,will this new state in addition to the 36 states take us towards the path of development?

    “Will it reverse the hunger, insecurity, poverty and unemployment in the land? Absolutely not.

    “We need to do away from state creation to regional system of government.”