The coalition of opposition lawmakers in the 10th National Assembly has raised concerns over the actions of the Rivers State Assembly members who are loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
According to the coalition, these members have allegedly breached the peace accord brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resolve the political crisis in the state.
In a statement released by the coalition’s spokesperson, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the group expressed their disappointment with the recent accusations made by the Martin Amaewhule-led 27 members of the Rivers Assembly against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The coalition believes that these accusations, along with other infractions, are an attempt to destabilize the government of Fubara. The coalition further stated that since their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the state assembly members have been unlawfully amending and repealing laws that have no relevance to addressing the economic challenges faced by the state.
The opposition lawmakers highlighted that these actions are in direct violation of the presidential peace accord and are being carried out by individuals who are not recognized as lawmakers in the eyes of the law.
One example cited by the coalition was the override of the governor’s decision to withhold his assent to four bills earlier passed by the assembly. The governor had raised concerns that these amendments would create confusion and breach existing laws.
Despite this, the assembly members proceeded with the amendments, including the enactment of the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission Bill. The coalition emphasized that the actions of Martin Amaewhule and his cohorts are unconstitutional and aimed at destabilizing the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to serve the interests of a single individual.
They also highlighted the laughable nature of assuming that these amendments could have a retrospective effect, citing Section 109(1g) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
