Former spokesperson for the defunct nPDP, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has advised the faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, to abandon their plans to impeach Governor Siminilayi Fubara. Eze referred to the lawmakers’ recent actions as an attempt to regain political relevance after largely stepping away from legislative activities since late 2023.
Rivers State has seen heightened political tension since Governor Fubara’s break from former Governor Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Rumors suggest that a group of 27 lawmakers is considering impeachment proceedings against the governor, but Eze argues their shift to the APC undermines their authority for legitimate legislative action.
Eze highlighted a Court of Appeal ruling that directed Governor Fubara to resubmit the 2024 appropriation bill to the Assembly led by Amaewhule, which was previously stalled after Fubara withdrew his legal defenses following talks with President Tinubu. Eze asserts this ruling illustrates the negative impact of Wike’s defiance of Tinubu’s instructions.
Responding to misinterpretations from Wike’s faction, Eze clarified that the Court of Appeal did not restore the seats of lawmakers who defected from the PDP, which had previously declared their seats vacant in December 2023 under then-Speaker Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie. He noted that according to the 1999 Constitution, Section 109(1)(g), the seats were automatically forfeited when these lawmakers defected.
Eze criticized some legal interpretations by the pro-Wike camp, stating that any claims of these lawmakers holding legislative power are misguided and unfounded. He cautioned against attempts by Amaewhule and his group to resume legislative activities, warning that the matter of their seats is still pending before the courts.
He further advised them to reconsider any plans to impeach Governor Fubara, emphasizing that any such attempt would only backfire. Eze urged the lawmakers to exercise caution in aligning with Wike, suggesting that the former governor’s influence might not be in the best interest of Rivers State.
