Rivers: S’South women group begs Tinubu to wade into political crisis

From Okwe Obi, Abuja

Disturbed by ongoing moves by the Rivers State House of Assembly to impeach Governor Sim Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, South-South Professional Women Association International (SSWAI) has pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to wade into the political crisis in the state.

It also charged the National Assembly to take over the legislative duties of the River State House of Assembly, to forestall ongoing plot against Fubara and his deputy .

The lawmakers had commenced impeachment of Fubara over allegations of gross misconduct. But the chief judge of the state last week declined to constitute a panel to investigate the allegation, citing a court order.

SSWAI National President, Dr. Constance Mbang, in a statement yesterday, called on all well-meaning Nigerians including President Bola Tinubu and the international community to wade into the political crisis in Rivers State and call the lawmakers to order.

“Rivers State is home to both Nigerians and a large international community with their families and business ventures especially international oil companies.

“These people need to be reassured of their safety. Anything that happens in the state ultimately affects the national economy and Nigeria’s international image and reputation.

“Furthermore, we also call on the National Assembly to immediately take over the legislative duties of the RSHA since they have proved incapable of carrying out their legislative functions in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Mbang, who absolved Fubara of wrongdoing, claimed that the impasse stemmed from the refusal of the governor to collaborate with the Assembly to squander the resources of the state.

She also claimed that the House had cajoled the Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, during the emergency rule, to “illegally release the sum of N350 million to each member under the name of constituency project and another N100 million to each of them.”

According to her, Ibas also bought brand new Prado Jeep for each of the assembly members, adding that the vehicles are being driven around the state by the law makers.

“Unfortunately, the position of the governor did not sit well with the lawmakers whose only ambition is to milk the state dry in the name of constituency projects.

“They do not want to know whether Rivers people are eating or not, they don’t want to know if the people have basic health, education, road, water and other facilities or not.”

She questioned the offence of the deputy governor in the impasse.