Fubara- Has Done It Again As Court Bars 27 Pro-Wike Lawmakers in Rivers State
A Rivers State High Court has barred 27 lawmakers who support former governor Nyesom Wike from functioning as members of the State Legislative Assembly. This decision, delivered on Friday, is the latest development in the ongoing political conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Wike.
Court Ruling on Pro-Wike Lawmakers
Justice Charles Wali of the Rivers State High Court ruled that the 27 lawmakers, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), can no longer convene or participate in the activities of the state Assembly. The court further directed Governor Fubara to cease collaboration with these lawmakers and to reject any legislative bills they present.
This ruling stems from the lawmakers' defection to the APC in December 2023 following disagreements with Governor Fubara. Their move was seen as a significant blow to the ruling PDP and escalated tensions within the political landscape of the state.
Call for Arrest and Vacant Seats
Victor Oko Jumbo, who claims to be the new Speaker of the Rivers State Assembly, along with two other Fubara supporters, initiated legal proceedings against the 27 lawmakers. They sought the court's intervention to arrest these defected members.
Justice Wali's ruling declared that the seats of the 27 lawmakers are now vacant due to their defection. The court also prohibited the legislators from using the Assembly building or convening meetings elsewhere in an official capacity.
The Wike-Fubara Political Feud
The political rift between Governor Fubara and Wike, who once shared a close relationship, has been festering for months. Wike, as former governor, played a key role in Fubara’s election as his successor, but the two have since fallen out. The feud has led to a power struggle over control of Rivers State.
Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a spokesperson for the APC, reiterated that by defecting from the PDP, the 27 lawmakers automatically lost their Assembly seats. "According to the rules, when they switched parties, they immediately forfeited their seats on December 11, 2023," Eze explained.
Calls for Presidential Intervention
Eze also noted that President Bola Tinubu had previously attempted to mediate the crisis, urging all parties to de-escalate the situation. Governor Fubara, he said, had respected the president's call for peace and halted his actions against the defected lawmakers. However, the 27 lawmakers, according to Eze, continued their defiance, which has further strained the situation.
Expressing concern about the ongoing crisis, Eze warned of serious consequences if Wike’s influence over Rivers State is not curtailed. He called on President Tinubu to intervene once again, stating, "The president must ensure that one individual does not destabilize Rivers State."
Conclusion
The court’s ruling marks a significant escalation in the political battle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor Wike, with the barring of 27 lawmakers further intensifying the crisis. The decision leaves the future of Rivers State's political stability in question, as calls for presidential intervention grow louder amidst fears of continued unrest
0 Comments