Tag: Rivers crisis

Speaker Martins Amaewhule of the Rivers State House of Assembly has expressed his dissatisfaction over the conduct of the state governor, Siminialayi Fubara, accusing the governor of deliberately refusing to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law.

Amaewhule’s remarks followed the Federal High Court’s dismissal of a lawsuit filed by the All Peoples Party (APP), which sought to remove him and 26 other lawmakers, labeling the case as an abuse of the court process.

The Speaker alleged that Fubara has a history of disregarding court rulings and orders in his bid to oust lawmakers, accusing the governor of orchestrating multiple frivolous lawsuits through proxies, including the APP, out of fear of the rule of law and the separation of powers.

Fubara said: “We listened to the judge and he made references to previous judgements and court orders that the governor of Rivers has failed to respect. I know he will also not respect this one.

“He has sworn not to respect the Constitution of Nigeria. Fubara has sworn not to respect the judgements of the court even the Supreme Court and he has decided to govern Rivers outside every provision of the law. But we should be rest assured that all of us will continue to push for our democracy. We will remain undeterred”.

Amaewhule said the judgement had further emphasised that his office as a speaker was not vacant and that he remained the leader of the authentic House of Assembly.

He said the court had also dismissed the claim that they defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to their All Progressives Congress (APC).

He said: “We are commending the judiciary. The judge was very clear. All that we hear is pleasing to our ears. It is a further confirmation of previous judgements and injunctions of another court of competent jurisdiction.

“The most important thing is that our adversaries are hell-bent on taking us out of our seats. But what we have heard has clearly shown that the office of the speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly is not vacant.

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“It is not in contention. The Rivers State House of Assembly under my leadership is the only House known to law. A lot has been said about the issue of defection.

“27 of us never defected to any other party. We were elected under the platform of the People Democratic Party and we never defected. We never took any steps to defect to another party.

“What you see every time are mere plans by the governor. Siminialayi Fubara is sponsoring everything to remove us from office because he can’t withstand the rule of law. He doesn’t want to govern under the tenets of our democracy and he doesn’t want to obey the principles of separation of power.

“The governor is afraid of democracy and that is why he is hell-bent on removing all of us. He runs to every court looking for how to remove us from the backdoor. What the court has said is clear. No such thing as defection. We have a right to defect but we never defected. The governor is the one sponsoring all the persons going from one court to another”.

Amaewhule said the only way democracy could be sustained in the country was to ensure the rule of law and obedience to the constitution.

He said: “I can tell you, the only way our democracy can be sustained; the only way the dividends of democracy can get to our people is when you have the rule of law in place; when you allow separation of power to have its way; when you allow the legislature to function and when you disallow the arbitrary tendency of the executive particularly from the likes of the governor who doesn’t understand where the boundaries are between the legislature and the executive”.

But the APP vowed at the weekend to appeal the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja that nullified its case against the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The Rivers State Legal Adviser of APP, Henry Ekine, said the judge did not consider the merit of the case explaining that the APP never requested the removal or sacking of the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, and 26 others from the State House of Assembly.

He argued that the party relied on the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to request the court to ensure that no vacuum was allowed to exist in line with existing law.

Ekine said the APP had started reviewing the judgment and would take further necessary action soon.

He said: “What we want you to know here is to tell the public: our esteemed members and the general public, that nothing substantial has changed. All of the decisions that have come out from the various high courts; courts of coordinate jurisdiction, I think will be settled when we get to the Supreme Court.

“What is fundamental is that the judgment of Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja is not final, and then, it has not changed substantially the position of the Rivers State House of Assembly with respect to its leadership as far as APP is concerned.

“That is why we went to court. We feel strongly, up until now, that there are vacant positions in the Rivers House of Assembly, and those positions need to be filled. To our knowledge, there are three members that are left. The Speaker, in that regard, is the person of Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo. This is what the public needs have.”

• •Youth council hails ruling, congratulates Amaewhule

The Action Peoples Party (APP) has vowed to appeal the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, that nullified its case against the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu on Friday delivered a judgment on APP suit that prayed it to mandate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a by-election to fill the vacant elective positions in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

But the  Rivers State Legal Adviser of APP,  Henry Ekine, said the judge did not consider the merit of the case explaining that the APP never requested the removal or sacking of the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule and 26 others from the State House of Assembly.

He argued that the party relied on the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to request the court to ensure that no vacuum was allowed to exist in line with existing law.

Ekine said the APP has started reviewing the judgment and would take further necessary action soon.

He said:  “What we want you to know here is to tell the public: our esteemed members and the general public, that nothing substantial has changed. All of the decisions that have come out from the various high courts; courts of coordinate jurisdiction, I think will be settled when we get to the Supreme Court.

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“What is fundamental is that the judgment of Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja is not final, and then, it has not changed substantially the position of the Rivers State House of Assembly with respect to its leadership as far as APP is concerned.

“That is why we went to court. We feel strongly, up until now, that there are vacant positions in the Rivers House of Assembly, and those positions need to be filled. To our knowledge, they are three members that are left. The Speaker, in that regard, is the person of Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo. This is what the public needs have.”

Ekine claimed that the judgment by Justice Lifu alluded that the matter was a pre-election concern, filed beyond the statutory timeframe of 14 days as mandated by Nigerian law, citing judgments.

Ekine noted that even the judgment of Justice Omotosho, including the Interlocutory Order by Justice Okoroewo, were directly connected to the reasons why APP went to court.

He insisted that it was the duty of everybody, including all judicial officers, and the President of Nigeria to protect the nation’s Constitution and its provisions.

He claimed that Justice Lifu’s judgment had not changed anything as far the leadership of Rivers State House of Assembly under Victor Oko-Jumbo was concerned

…Defend Wike, blasts Edwin Clark

Political heavyweights and other stakeholders from the Ogoni and Oyigbo ethnic extractions in Rivers state held a crucial meeting at the weekend and resolved to produce the replacement of the state governor, Siminialayi Fubara in 2027.

The event, which was held under the auspices of Ogoni/Oyigbo Peoples Assembly at Tai at had prominent politicians across party lines, Senator Barinada Mpigi, Senator Magnus Abe, Amb. Desmond Akawor, and  Chief Victor Giadom among others in attendance.

They resolved that the two ethnic nationalities, which falls under the same senatorial district must remain united to produce Fubara’s replacement in 2027.

As part of their resolution after the meeting, they called on major parties to consider Ogoni/Oyigbo for governorship, as most of the leaders took their turns to condemn some of the actions of the governor. 

The leaders commended the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for uniting Ogoni and Oyigbo politically and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prepare for a second term in 2027.

Reading their communique after the meeting, Senator Mpigi said: “The Ogoni and Oyigbo Peoples Assembly express gratitude to God Almighty for a successful assembly, loyalty, gratitude and support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

“We also affirm complete faith, loyalty and commendation to the Minister of the FCT, Chief Ezenwo Nyesom Wike not only as our leader in Rivers State but as the extraordinary unparalleled achiever in public service both as governor of Rivers State and as minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

“This Peoples Assembly as an organisation will educate itself along the lines of sister organisations such as Kagote, Mosop, Ofalaru’ Eleme, Asa/Ndoki progressives, etc for the pursuit of our political and economic freedom and advancement.

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“This Assembly recalls that at the end of the tenure of Nyesom Wike as governor, he directed that his successor should come from the Rivers South East Senatorial District. This was indeed the right thing to do as it was the only senatorial district that is yet to produce governor of Rivers State since its creation. 

“He chose Sim Fubara of Opobo as governor despite it being the smallest LGA in the district. In our usual loyalty for the party’s position and the decision of our leader, we allowed it to pull through. 

“The battle to secure victory for Sim Fubara was difficult as he was seen as non-Ijaw, semi-Ijaw. It is ironic but we accept the fact that those who opposed and voted against him Sim Fubara that he is unworthy and unfit are today his friends while those of us who worked tirelessly for his hard earned victory under the leadership of the FCT Minister are now and ever his worst enemies”.

The assembly told Chief Edwin Clark that the Ogoni and Oyigbo People were totally committed to whatever thing that had to do with the Minister of the FCT and at no point in time should he address  the minister negatively because he was never in support of Fubara at the initial time.

The stakeholders said: “The years the leaders of Rivers State have tried to unite our people in spite of our ethnic fault lines but no one more than Clark sees anything outside Ijaw. 

“He criticized Fubara as not Ijaw at night but once the problem between the Gov. Fubara and Minister Wike started, Fubara suddenly became an acceptable Ijaw to Clark. For Clark the interest of other ethnic groups doesn’t matter but only the Ijaws.

“It is important to mention that we are the Ogonis and Oyigbos and we are one of the largest ethnic groups in Rivers State, perhaps second or the most outstanding after the Ikwerres. We voted for an Ijaw man to be governor only to be condemned by this Ijaw Leader.

“We are asking Chief Clark to most respectfully withdraw any form of hatred and insulting words against our leader and Minister of the FCT immediately. We have out of respect for his age and person restrained ourselves from joining issues with him. 

“There are issues in Delta his home State that require his attention. His obsession and rudeness in Rivers State affairs has divided us and cut us apart and kind of consciously threatening our peace.

“Please, this is good enough time for him to put his energies on his legacy and attend to his unfatherly behaviour. His ignoble act has spurred characters like Hon. Ugochinyere Imo and Chief Dan Anyanwu among others. 

“These individuals are conflict merchants and rent seekers with no roles in their own states. Their easy or leased access to Rivers State resources has made intrusion into our affairs irresistible. 

“Like Clark, they will pick on Wike and say the most outrageous things on national TV in other to get the little they seek from Rivers State. They do not fact check or consider the gravity of their attention seeking media appearances of those false allegations against Wike or of us”.

The stakeholders declared their support for the 27 lawmakers led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule describing them as the authentic and the only recognised members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

They said: “We also stand with the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. We also stand with the decision of the Supreme Court that CTCs are unlawful.

“We are disturbed by the continuous disbursement of funds to care-takers Committees… which constitutes one of the most wasteful expenditure of our time. A time will come when all these funds will definitely be demanded.

“While from time to time we shall speak further on contemporary issues, we wish to believe that the Ogonis and Oyigbos will no longer stand by and be helpless in fighting for our interest. 

“For us, our time has come and our time is now. Our time to fight for the education of our children, our time to pursue the right of our people, to create opportunities, to empower our youths and women and create the environment for our people to actualize their innate potentials. 

“This is our moment, this is our time. We demand our right to seek the highest office in our state. It is time to ensure that the next governor of Rivers State is from our zone. 

“It is only if and working with the Ikwerres, the people of Orashi, Etches, Ijaws of Rivers State and others, we shall prevail, we shall win”.

Senator Barinada Mpigi earlier challenged all political actors visiting the Aso Villa at night to come out publicly to declare their support for Mr. President.

 He called on Mr. President in the spirit and mind of the assembly to contest the 2027 general election in other to consolidate on his current efforts at improving the comatose economy he inherited from his predecessors.

He said: “I am calling on Mr. President unwaveringly demanding him to come openly and also contest the 2027 general election as President so that he can finish the numerous projects ranging from  the Coastal Roads, to the Badagry Express Road and all the ones from Calabar down here, we are also beneficiaries.

“The road from Onne expanded down here and every ongoing projects of Mr. President, what do we have to say, I don’t think there is anybody in the People’s Democratic Party that can come out to contest against him and I’m challenging all the people in the People’s Democratic Party that I belong, if you like you can do another letter and call it letter of invitation, I will not appear because I am totally supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Mpigi also commended the FCT Minister and leader and vowed that the people from Ogoni and Oyigbo would continue to support him.

He said: “I want to thank our Leader, the most respectful, most performing Ezenwo Nyesom Wike and to say because of him we are gathered here. At any point in time Ogoni and Oyigbo belongs to you and will continue to belong to you.

“But let me warn regarding the disturbing incident that happened at Eleme today, today must be the last. Unfortunately, I wasn’t around but the next time it happens, we will return it to them. 

In his remarks, Desmond Akawor, who is the Chairman of the occasion said that since the Ijaw people within the senatorial district had segregated themselves from the upland, they would  make a statement that would change the political history of the state come 2027.

Also, Chief Victor Giadom the Southsouth Deputy National Chairman of APC in his speech thanked Wike for the peace and unity of purpose by uniting the entire Ogoni and Oyigbo politically.

He said the last time a major political party in the country gave an Ogoni/Oyigbo man opportunity was in 1983 in the person of Chief Kemte Giadom on the platform of NPP.

On his part, Sen Olaka Nwogu, maintained that Chief Wike would continue to be the political leader of Rivers and queried the destruction of properties at the venue of a peaceful assembly, which ought to have held at Eleme by hoodlums.

Senator Magnus Ngei Abe advised everyone to embrace peace and unity noting that it was the only way to achieve their dreams. 

The ousted chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Tony Okocha have flayed the comments of a former Governor of Old Rivers, Chief Ada George, against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Chief Nyesom Wike.

George, who is the Chairman of the Rivers Elders Leadership Forum (RELF), in an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, drew the President’s attention to what he described as unsavoury and demeaning statements from Wike during the Rivers state congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

While addressing delegates to the congress, Wike said: “Let me assure all of you, not while we live will anybody take away the structure of the PDP from us. But let me tell people, I hear some governors who say they will take over the structure and give back to somebody. 

“I pity those governors because I will put fire in their states. When God has given you peace, you say you don’t want peace, anything you see you take.”

But George said his forum believed that the minister’s statement was callous, mischievous, unacceptable, and clearly undermined our democracy and national security.  

He said: “Chief Wike should be made to realize the importance of the high office he holds and the responsibility expected of him by the Nigerian State. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the right to association and free speech to the extent that it is not Injurious to the Nigerian State. 

“The oath Wike swore to, on assumption of office, protects those rights and caveats. It is rather unfortunate that those oaths are now being broken by him.

“That some states expressed support for the Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, and called on his party’s NWC to grant him his ‘rightful’ position as the leader of the party in the state does not earn them the verbal threats, Wike is unleashing on them. 

“We therefore condemn, in its entirety, the language, the environment and the insults meted out to their Excellencies which we consider as an indirect assault on them. These bully tactics, are the hallmarks and characteristics of Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike.

“The statements and conducts of Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike if not timely checked, may lead to a breakdown of peace and security in Nigeria. That he also chose Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital to release these provocative threats is very worrisome and condemnable”.

But Lloyd while reacting to George’s letter described it as unfortunate and mischievous falsehood.

He clarified that Wike at the Congress only  informed delegates of attempts by some governors of PDP controlled states, to interfere with the process in Rivers State and went on to advise such governors to steer clear of River State as anything to the contrary would elicit grave consequences in their states.

He said Wike deployed hyperbole “put fire” to drive home his point, adding that they were surprised that  such renowned figure of speech haf been given all kinds of interpretations with the latest from Chief Rufus Ada George. 

Lloyd described  hyperbole as a rhetorical  device  mainly used to make something look and sound better than it actually is, a form of exaggeration. 

He said: “The Minister’s only offence, even From Chief Rufus’ letter to Mr. President, was the use of the figure of speech used in conveying his taught on the subject matter under review.

“It is instructive to state that, the statement being drawn out of proportion, is but a mere smoke screen to the real anger of these ‘patriots’ the real issue is to see much tarr they can pour on the person of the minister to immediately elicit his sack from the Federal cabinet.

“It is surprising to see Chief Rufus Ada George, who has been living in the United States of America since after his exit from office as governor for reasons I shall come to  later in this letter, who is not a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, not a spokesperson to any of the PDP Governors; allow himself to be drafted alongside Chief Edwin Clark into this bring Wike down at all cost project.

“Let me state unequivocally, that former Governor Nyesom Wike is Pan Rivers  and has proved this in both words and actions. He, as Governor  executed unprecedented development projects in the riverine areas of the state , which has linked up communities.

Read Also: Rivers crisis: Stop being partisan, Fubara tells police

“He appointed Rivers sons and daughters  into positions of trust and has recommended to the president, a litany of Ijaw sons and daughters to positions of authority. 

“He is on record, the only former governor, who mid-wifed the election of a riverine son to succeed him, even when Chief Rufus held a different view. They  held that Opobo wasn’t true Ijaw, a position dangerously  championed by  Chief E.K Clark”.

Lloyd recalled that George presided over high level of bloodbath, state sponsored killings and fueling of communal violence in Rivers when he was a governor.

He said: “This informed his fleeing the country for fear of reprisal from those who lost loved ones, were oppressed and annihilated.

“Chief Wike’s sin is his unalloyed support for Mr. President and the public acknowledgement of his giant strides in  the FCT., this has attracted jealousy and envy.

“I advise Mr. President to ignore the calls by these internally displaced politicians and continue to enjoy the unalloyed loyalty of the FCT minister”.

On his part, Okocha said George and his group of elders had taken sides in the crisis between the FCT Minister and Fubara.

He recalled the roles George played to resolve the APC crisis in Rivers including allowing his house to be used as a venue to reconcile feuding members.

He said: “Though it failed, but history of APC debacle and attempts to settlement,  cannot be complete without reference to the meetings convened and convoke at the lush residence of the elder Statesman. As minute as that was, His Excellency, Rufus Ada was up and about. 

“I prayed and listened to hear that the revered  Ada George, convoke a meeting to resolve the grouses between his children, Wike and Fubara.

“Largely informed by ethnic interest and chauvinism, Rufus Ada George, had elected to be attacking Honorable Minister Wike to the extent that he now reports him to Mr President over an issue he is a complete stranger. 

“What is His Excellency ‘s interest in PDP matters when he is a staunch member of the APC? What is the colour of the Elders forum the respected Statesman signed on their behalf? Are they Elders of the PDP or the APC? If they are non~partisan,  how were they chosen?

“Plenty more questions to ask, to test the veracity,  weight and relevance of a sinister motive in all fores, encapsulated in a not clean swoop, but for convenience and time of the readers

“Should we agree that if someone goes to the living room of His Excellency, Rufus Ada George and defecates on his couch, the one is allowed to go scot free? What is the threat in one who urges that territories and boundaries should be respected?

“Is it because it was said by one who has turned an endangered specie (Wike) because of being vociferous and vehement? Is it because Wike is from another tribe and nationality not the same as His Excellency,  Rufus Ada George?”

Okocha insisted that elders _are forbidden to watch a goat deliver of her baby in tethers’.

He said: “I would refuse to say more but only draw His Excellency’s esteemed attention to the fact that it is absurd to “throw away the baby with the bath water”.

After the Era of Abraham in the Bible, no one has willingly donated his child to be slaughtered for whatever offense the one committed. His Excellency Rufus Ada George is on the mission to break the jinx. Let what is good for the goose, be equally good for the gander.”

•Oko-Jumbo-led lawmakers confirms Oko-Jaja, board’s appointments
•Amaewhule-led Rivers House passes electricity bill

The political crisis rocking Rivers State continued at the weekend following the parallel sittings of lawmakers led by Martins Amaewhule and those controlled by Victor Oko-Jumbo.

While the Oko-Jumbo-led lawmakers sat at the Auditorium Administrative Block, Government House, to carry out their business, the Amaewhule-led Assembly held its plenary at the Auditorium, Assembly Quarters, off Aba Road.

The Oko-Jumbo lawmakers were said to be the loyalists of the state governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara while the Amaewhule-led legislators, who are more in number, were said to be the supporters of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Earlier, the Victor Oko-Jumbo Assembly screened and confirmed Lawrence Oko-Jaja, SAN, as Chairman of the Board of Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement (RSBoPP).

Also screened and confirmed as members of the board were Dr. Ernest Ibekwe Ekwe; Dr. Mina Ogbanga; Iseleye Amachree; Adokiye Oyagiri; Gift Alex-Hart; Mrs. Grace Osaronu; and Selinah Amoniea.

The eight nominees appeared for screening and confirmation before the lawmakers in line with the letter sent by the state governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to Oko-Jumbo.

Oko-Jumbo read the letter during the plenary at the Hallowed Chamber of the House of Assembly, Auditorium of the Administrative Block, Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt, on Friday.

The governor in the letter said: “Request for screening and confirmation of the members of the Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement; pursuant to the provisions of Section 1, Sub-Section 4 of the Rivers State Public Procurement Law No. 4 of 2008.

“It is my pleasure to forward the underlisted nominees to the Rivers State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as members of the Board of Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement.”

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During the screening, the nominees promised to bring their wealth of experience in moving the state forward in relation to Government policy implementation.

Oko-Jaja assured that if confirmed, the board under his watch would ensure value for money for goods and services contracted by the state government.

Oko-Jumbo advised the nominees to always know that they would hold their trust and loyalty to the state government to seamlessly harmonise best practices with quality performance while enforcing probity and accountability in all procurements handled by the bureau.

The lawmakers by voice votes confirmed the nominees describing them as fitting for their appointments.

The House adjourned the sitting to September 4, 2024.

But the Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly passed the Electricity Market Bill, 2024 into law.

The bill was sponsored to repeal the Rivers State Electricity and Gas Board Law CAP 50, Laws of Rivers State 1999.

A statement signed by Amaewhule’s Special Assistant Media, Martins Wachukwu, said the action of the lawmakers was designed to positively impact on the investment climate in Rivers State for the benefit of the people.

The statement said the Rivers State Electricity Market Law would provide for electricity supply, its power generation, transmission and distribution within Rivers State and would establish the Rivers State Electricity Commission for the enforcement of consumers’ right and obligation.

Debating on the report presented by Frankline Nwabochi, Chairman of the House Committee on Power, the lawmakers lauded the committee for a job well done.

The legislators stressed that the level of stakeholders’ participation in the Public Hearing spoke volumes on the acceptability of the bill, and urged the House to pass the bill into law.

Commenting on the report of the committee, Speaker Amaewhule commended the committee and members for their robust debate on the importance of the bill.

The Speaker emphasised the benefits of the bill, saying it would allow the electricity market to flourish.

He added that the bill, when passed into law, would attract foreign investors and open windows of opportunities for Rivers people.

Amaewhule expressed the hope that given the progressive import and benefits of the bill, the governor would assent to the bill when passed.

The Electricity Market Bill was committed to the House Committee on Power on the 8th of May, 2024; and in line with legislative practice and rules of the House, the House resolved into the Committee of the Whole and gave the bill a through consideration before reverting to plenary to give the bill third reading.

All parties to the crisis rocking Rivers State are anxiously waiting for the Court of Appeal to deliver its judgment on the appeal brought before it by Martins Amaewhule and 24 others against the ruling of the state High Court.

Residents of the state believe that the expected ruling of the court would significantly settle the protracted political tussle and bring back stability in the oil-rich state.

The outcome was expected to decide the Victor and vanquish the crisis between the state Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, and his estranged benefactor, Chief Nyesom Wike, who is the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The current tension that had led to a series of events, was caused by the Interlocutory Injunction of the High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, which recognised Victor Oko-Jumbo as the speaker.

Justice Charles Wali of the State High Court also ordered Amaewhule and 24 others to stop parading themselves as speaker and lawmakers of the state House of Assembly.

But Martins Chike Amaewhule and 24 other lawmakers, approached the Court of Appeal praying it to vacate the order to allow them to return to their functions as the state lawmakers.

The Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt, while refusing to stay the execution of the order, decided to hear the matter and give judgment.

The three-member Appeal panel comprised Justice Jimi Olukayode Bada, Justice Hamma Akawu and Justice Balkisu Bello Aliyu, however, ordered the parties involved in the crisis in to maintain the status quo.

However, armed with the interlocutory order, the governor has been conducting government businesses with the Oko-Jumbo-led assembly as the authentic speaker and legislators.

The governor through Oko-Jumbo screened and confirmed chairmen and members of the caretaker committees of local government areas.

But the elected local government chairmen, whose tenure expired on June 17 refused to vacate their offices citing the tenure elongation law made by the Amaewhule-led lawmakers.

They contended that by the new local government law, they were entitled to remain in office for six months to enable the governor to conduct fresh local government elections.

They said they would not obey the decision of the High Court, which scrapped the tenure elongation law because it was given against the status quo ante declared by the court of appeal and an earlier judgment of the Federal High Court.

They recalled that Justice Omotosho of the Federal High Court in a judgment barred the governor from interfering in the activities of the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.

The legal imbroglio was said to have created the confusion fueling tension in Rivers State.

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Following the status quo ante of the Court of Appeal, the police decided to take over the local government secretariats to stop a bloody clash between supporters of the caretaker chairmen and the foot soldiers of the elected chairmen.

The caretaker chairmen based on the order of the governor had continued to operate from makeshift places as they kept discharging their functions.

The elected chairmen and their supporters had been protesting and commending the police efforts to maintain the peace insisting that the police should continue to barricade the secretariats pending the decision of the Court of Appeal.

Some residents, however, wondered why the Appeal Court having known that their decision was crucial to significantly resolving the Rivers situation, failed to immediately rule on the matter.

An employee of a private company, who identified himself as Emmanuel, appealed to the court to quickly rule on the matter and halt the escalating tension.

He said: “It is obvious that there are no longer political solutions to the matter. It is only the court that can separate the warring parties.

“The elected local government chairmen are mentioning the court of appeal, the police are also saying that their actions of taking over the secretariats were informed by the status quo of the court of appeal. We are appealing to the court of appeal to deliver its judgment on time to at least calm the tension”.

A civil servant, who identified herself as Sylvia, begged the court to resolve the Rivers issue on time without further delay.

“The court should know that all eyes are on them. Millions of lives in Rivers State depend on them. I had expected them to handle the matter with dispatch. There is no need to delay any judgment about Rivers crisis”, she said.

But the Court on June 20th reserved its judgement on the matter saying the date of the ruling would be communicated to the parties.

It was gathered that the court would give the long-awaited judgment before the end of the week.

Concerned stakeholders under the auspices of Rivers Women Unite for SIM (RWUS) have called on parties in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State to cease fire and embrace the peace.

The women spoke during a prayer session they held at the hall of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Marine Base Port Harcourt, to seek peace in Rivers.

Drawn from the 23 local government areas of the state, the women prayed for an end to the political tension and chaos perpetrated by detractors of the state and hired hoodlums.

They said they were deeply disturbed about the current political turmoil and called on God to heal Rivers and bring an end to all forms of political disputes created by some political actors.

Some of the women, who spoke at the event, condemned the attempt to tarnish the state’s reputation and disrupt the prevailing peace and harmony amongst its people.

According to them women and children were usually worst hit in times of crisis.

Read Also: Rivers crisis: Chief Judge transfers Amaewhule’s defection case

The women highlighted the efforts of the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to maintain peace despite provocation adding that the governor had continued to warn his supporters to desist from violence.

The group’s media officer, Christy Sunday, expressed gratitude to God for blessing Rivers State with a leader, who prioritised the wellbeing of the people over the quest for power.

She described Fubara as a man of peace, integrity, and good conscience for remaining focused despite efforts to distract and derail his government.

She said in one year, the governor provided good governance that positively touched on almost all sectors of the state.

She applauded the governor for his accomplishments in one year and pledged their continued support and prayers for him.

Christy said the theme for the June prayer edition was “A Peaceful Rivers” describing it as apt as it reflected the group’s commitment to fostering a peaceful and stable environment for all residents.