The Coalition of Opposition Lawmakers in Nigeria’s National Assembly has condemned what they perceive as a breach of the peace accord in Rivers State by assemblymen allegedly loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike. Led by the immediate past governor and current Minister of the FCT, these assemblymen have been accused of destabilizing the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and violating constitutional provisions.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere (PDP, Imo State), the coalition expressed dismay at recent actions by members of the Rivers House of Assembly, particularly the Martin Amaewhule-led faction. The statement cited accusations made by Amaewhule and his allies against Governor Fubara, alleging impeachable offenses and other infractions.
According to the coalition, the assemblymen, since defecting to the APC, have embarked on a campaign to disrupt the Fubara administration and flout the peace accord brokered by President Bola Tinubu. They have allegedly engaged in the illegal amendment and repeal of laws that have no relevance to addressing the state’s economic challenges.
The coalition highlighted instances where the assemblymen overrode the governor’s decision not to approve certain bills passed by the assembly. Despite the governor’s reservations about the amendments, the assembly proceeded to enact laws such as the Rivers State Local Government Law (Amendment) Bill, Rivers State Traditional Rulers’ Law (Amendment) Bill, Rivers State Advertisement and Use of State-owned Property Prohibition (Repeal) Bill, and Rivers State House of Assembly Fund Management Bill.
Moreover, the coalition criticized the assembly for enacting the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission Bill, led by Amaewhule and his cohorts. The coalition argued that such actions are unconstitutional, as the assemblymen no longer hold legal status following their defection, citing Section 109(1g) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
The coalition reiterated its condemnation of the assembly’s actions and called for adherence to constitutional provisions and the peace accord brokered by President Tinubu. They urged the assembly to desist from further unconstitutional amendments and focus on addressing the state’s pressing issues through lawful means.
