Lawmaker alleges division in Rivers Assembly over constituency projects, intimidation

A member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Mannah, has alleged division in the House over intimidation and denial of funds for constituency projects.The member, representing Ahoada East Constituency 1, blamed the Speaker, Ikunyi Ibani, for the alleged marginalisation.

According to Mannah, the intimidation and denial of funds was being targeted against those who are not loyal to the speaker.Mannah, who at the weekend defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), lamented that absence of training for the lawmakers had affected their performance.

In a reaction, the Chairman, House Committee Chairman on Information and Communication, Sam Ogeh, described the allegation as baseless, unwarranted and a figment of Mannah’s imagination.

Ogeh told journalists yesterday in Port Harcourt that the assembly conducts its legislative business freely without intimidation, or influence from any angle.He urged Mannah to provide evidence of his claim, adding that no funds for constituency projects had been withheld as he alleged.

He explained that several constitution projects by the Nyesom Wike-led administration were ongoing across the state, especially in Ahoada East.He said Manah has the right to associate himself with any political party that he desires, adding that the assembly is not under any form of intimidation.

Ogeh said, the House would ordinarily not respond to such allegations, but added that the clarification was imperative to inform the public that the House is not in disarray. Ogeh stressed that the legislators have mechanisms to resolve its challenges, which it would definitely do when it reconvenes.