In a decisive stance against perceived threats to the stability of Rivers State, the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum has vehemently declared its rejection of any plot to impeach the state’s Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. This announcement came in a communique issued following an emergency meeting on Sunday in the state capital, Port Harcourt.
The forum expressed its disapproval of the attempt to impeach Governor Fubara, who has been in office for barely six months, without providing a clear explanation to the people of the state. The leaders emphasized that such a move is deemed unacceptable and urged the Rivers State Government to swiftly rebuild the demolished House of Assembly Complex. This, they argued, would ensure lawmakers can resume their legislative activities at the permanent site without unnecessary delay.
The communique also condemned an alleged attack on Governor Fubara by police operatives and called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing crisis in the state.
According to the released statement, the forum conducted a thorough review of the unfolding events in Rivers State, including the attempt to impeach Governor Fubara, the bombing of the Rivers State House of Assembly Chambers, and the reported attack on the governor’s life by security agents.
The elders and leaders expressed concern over acts of impunity and lawlessness, highlighting the potential dangers these actions pose to the peace and security of Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.
Furthermore, the forum regretted the lack of response from both Governor Siminialayi Fubara and Chief (Barrister) Nyesom Wike to their letters seeking an audience with each of them. It also raised awareness of alleged forum shopping and the purchase of legal instruments outside Rivers State to instigate a crisis, endangering lives and property.
The forum drew attention to an alleged premeditated court ruling by Justice Donatus Okorowo of Federal High Court 8 Abuja, which, according to the elders, aims to obstruct the declaration of vacant seats and legitimize an illegal impeachment of Governor Fubara.
As tensions escalate, the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum’s resolute position adds a new dimension to the unfolding political drama in the state.