Oko Jumbo Remains Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly: Ugochinyere Clarifies
Opposition Lawmakers' Coalition Stands Firm
Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, spokesperson for the opposition lawmakers' coalition, has reaffirmed that Hon. Oko Jumbo remains the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Ugochinyere made this statement in response to a recent court ruling, clarifying that the issue concerning the legality of the decampment of pro-Wike lawmakers, who were sacked, is still under legal consideration.
Appeal Court Ruling: Misinterpretations Addressed
Ugochinyere, speaking in Abuja on Thursday, emphasized that the Appeal Court's decision did not settle the issue of the legality of the decampment of the 27 sacked lawmakers aligned with former Governor Nyesom Wike. He explained that the court ruling was focused on the budgetary implications and whether the National Assembly should assume legislative responsibilities for the state following the sack of the pro-Wike lawmakers.
"The Appeal Court's judgment did not affirm or rule on the legality of the decampment of the sacked lawmakers. That matter remains unresolved and is still under judicial review," Ugochinyere stated.
Governor Fubara's Peace Efforts Undermined
The opposition spokesperson went on to clarify the role of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in the ongoing political dispute, praising the governor for his efforts to maintain peace in the state. According to Ugochinyere, Governor Fubara had agreed to withdraw his counter-affidavit in the case following a directive from President Bola Tinubu, who called for all legal battles to be halted in the interest of peace.
"Governor Fubara has never been the aggressor in this situation. He listened to the President's call for peace and withdrew his legal actions. However, the pro-Wike faction has refused to do the same, continuing their legal battles despite the President’s intervention," Ugochinyere remarked.
Pro-Wike Group Accused of Destabilization
Ugochinyere accused the pro-Wike group of actively seeking to destabilize the state government by refusing to honor the peace efforts initiated by the President. He reiterated that their actions were aimed at creating disorder rather than fostering unity within the state's political landscape.
"The Wike group never wanted peace. Their goal is to create commotion and anarchy, but they will not succeed," Ugochinyere insisted. "The governor, being a peace-loving leader, has acted in the state's best interest, but the pro-Wike group continues to challenge that peace with their legal maneuvers."
Speaker Oko Jumbo's Position Unchanged
Despite the ongoing legal disputes, Ugochinyere maintained that Oko Jumbo remains the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, affirming that the recent court decision did not alter his status. He concluded by reinforcing the opposition’s commitment to ensuring that the rule of law prevails and that political stability is restored.
"This judgment does not change the fact that Oko Jumbo is still the Speaker. The issue of the decampment of the pro-Wike lawmakers, which led to their removal, is still pending in court. Peace will prevail, and those seeking chaos will not succeed," Ugochinyere concluded
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