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• Assembly wants DSS to investigate CJ over alleged age falsification
From Tony John, Port Harcourt
Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said the other party to the Supreme Court judgement, Rivers State House of Assembly, should know that they are also to comply with the ruling, and do so with commitment that prioritises the interest of the state.
He maintained that such resolve must engender collective action towards achieving peace in the state because it serves as the potent medium through which all the arms of government can function properly while creating public goods that benefit everyone.
Governor Fubara, who spoke at the inauguration of the 85-year-old Okrika Grammar School in Okrika Local Government Area yesterday, emphasised that without an enduring peace, sustainable development would be hampered practically, while the sense of security, respect, tolerance, stability and well-being to pursue goals will suffer.
He said: “Let me thank everyone, and also say this, it is important at this stage that we all embrace peace. The Supreme Court has made its judgement, we don’t have any option than to abide by it.
“And, by the special grace of God, we have started the process. We are appealing to other parties, consider the interest of Rivers State, it is important. The only thing that we owe this State is peace and development. I am open any day, any time for total peace in our State, because if I have to govern well, there is a need for peace to prevail.”
Meanwhile, the Assembly has resolved to write to the Department of State Service (DSS) to investigate the allegation of age falsification levelled against the Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi.
The resolution followed a statement by the House Leader, Major Jack, yesterday, at its 135th legislative sitting
Riding on Order 23 of the Standing Orders of the House, Jack laid a document on the table which alleged that Justice Amadi falsified his age in the civil service.
Speaking on the document, members argued that falsification is a serious offence, but the allegation must first be proven.
The lawmakers urged relevant security agencies to help the House to investigate the allegation.
Commenting on the matter, the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, stated that the House, though empowered to conduct investigation by the provisions of Section 128 of the Constitution, Governor, Fubara has barred all heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) from appearing before or assisting the House in the conduct of investigation.
“So, the House is calling on the Department of State Service (DSS) to institute an investigation on the alleged age falsification by the Chief Judge with a view to ascertaining the veracity or otherwise of the allegation, which will be forwarded to the National Judicial Council(NJC).
The Speaker, thereafter, put the question to vote, and the House voted in the affirmative, calling on the DSS to investigate the chief judge.
In another development, the Speaker asked all Committees to endeavour to submit their reports to the House before the House proceeds on recess, particularly, the House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions.
