PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has faulted the Rivers State House of Assembly for demanding that Governor Siminalayi Fubara present a fresh appropriation bill and submit a list of commissioner nominees, describing the move as premature and a recipe for renewed political crisis.
In a statement on Thursday, Chief Eze accused the Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly of acting under the influence of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, with the intent of arm-twisting the governor instead of fostering peace in the state.
“It is surprising that the Rivers State House of Assembly is placing this demand on the governor at a time when the people expected them to reflect on the sabotage that has wrecked the common patrimony of Rivers people,” Eze said. “How can these political puppets ask the governor to present the state budget and list of commissioners on the very day the illegal state of emergency was lifted if they truly want peace?”
The APC chieftain maintained that the nomination of commissioners remains the exclusive prerogative of the governor and cautioned against what he described as “unwarranted interference” by the legislature. He urged the Assembly leadership to demonstrate goodwill by paying a courtesy call on Governor Fubara instead of issuing provocative demands.
Eze further advised the governor to dismiss all appointees installed by the “illegal sole administrators” during his suspension, insisting that no individual should be imposed on him as commissioner or aide. He also called for the reinstatement of Assembly members and commissioners who had resigned in solidarity with Fubara to ensure genuine reconciliation.
On the governor’s return to office, Eze commended Fubara’s restraint in not immediately responding to the massive show of support by Rivers people. According to him, the silence reflects “a great mind who is not desperate for power.”
He also urged President Bola Tinubu to reassure the governor of his full constitutional powers and protection, warning that any further attempt at impeachment or political ambush could destabilize the state. “If President Tinubu fails to assure him, I will advise the governor to invoke his full powers as the executive governor of Rivers State, particularly now that the entire state and international community are behind him,” he said.
Eze dismissed the Assembly’s order for a probe of alleged financial misconduct under Ibas, describing it as a “hoax meant for the media.” He argued that no genuine probe would be conducted since those making the threats lacked credibility.
He added that since President Tinubu supervised the interim period when the state was allegedly mismanaged, he must also be prepared to account for the irregularities committed during the six-month suspension.
Eze concluded by calling on Rivers people to remain calm and await Governor Fubara’s address on his plans to recover the state. “God bless Sim Fubara and the people of Rivers State for their patience in the face of a very sinister leadership and its cohorts,” he said.
