The Rivers State Elders and Leaders Forum has condemned the attempt to impeach the state governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara barely six months after he assumed office.
The forum, which is led by former governor, Chief Rufus Ada George, described the move as “unacceptable” given that there were no reasons presented to the people of the state to warrant the action.
According to a communiqué by the influential group, which met in Port Harcourt, the state capital on Sunday, the elders condemned every form of violence and lawlessness in the state and demanded “proper investigation of the crisis and those responsible be brought to justice”.
The forum also urged the state government to expedite action on rebuilding the demolished House of Assembly complex “so that law makers will continue their legislative business in the permanent site within the shortest possible time”.
The forum also condemned “the misuse of Rivers people’s political power vested in politicians for personal gains and interest. Hence, we condemn in its entirety, the recent defection of 27 lawmakers without recourse to their constituents”.
The forum’s communiqué read: “The Rivers State Elders and Leaders Forum met today December 17th 2023 in Port Harcourt under the leadership of His Excellency, Chief Rufus Ada George, former Governor of Rivers State.
“The Forum reviewed the outcome of its previous meetings and follow up actions which include letters seeking audience with our sons; the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, and Chief (Barrister) Nyesom Wike, Former Governor and presently, Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“The Forum reviewed the embarrassing and dangerous ongoing happenings in Rivers State and by extension Nigeria, viz: attempt to impeach Sir Siminialayi Fubara, Executive Governor of Rivers State, bombing of the Rivers State House of Assembly Chambers, attack on the life of the Executive Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara allegedly by some security agents on Monday 30 October, 2023 and other acts of impunity and lawlessness which portend great dangers to the peace and security of Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.
After an extensive deliberation and consideration of the issues, the forum resolved as follows:
1. The Forum regretted that neither Governor Siminialayi Fubara nor Chief (Barrister) Nyesom Wike responded to our letters seeking for audience with each of them.
2. The attempt to impeach the Governor of Rivers State barely about six months in office without explaining to the good people of the State, the reasons and infractions of law is UNACCEPTABLE.
3. The Forum condemn every form of violence and lawlessness in Rivers State and therefore demand proper investigation of the crisis and those responsible be brought to Justice.
4. The Forum reviewed the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly by the Rivers State Government and urged the Government to expedite action on rebuilding the demolished House of Assembly Complex so that law makers will continue their legislative business in the permanent site within the shortest possible time.
5. The Forum condemn in its entirety, the misuse of Rivers people’s political power vested in politicians for personal gains and interest. Hence, we condemn in its entirety, the recent defection of twenty seven law makers without recourse to their constituents.
6. The Forum is aware of and thus rejects, the news making the rounds on social media of Forum Shopping And Purchase Of Legal Instruments outside Rivers State to cause crisis in the State, thereby endangering human lives and property.
“An alleged already written/premeditated court ruling by one Justice (name withheld)… on an EXPARTE application secretly filled in the night by pro-Wike former lawmakers which the Judge wants to deliver tomorrow been Monday where he wants to stop the declaration of their seat vacant (an action that have been done) and also give them the legitimacy to move in with DSS and police to start the illegal
impeachment of Gov. Fubara”.
The foregoing is disturbing and generating serious tension in Rivers State, and thus giving the Forum great concern.
7. We therefore urge the judiciary and all security agencies to be wary and alive in discharging their responsibilities in order not to worsen the already tensed atmosphere in Rivers State.
8. Finally, the Forum urge His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to consolidate on his earlier intervention as the consequences of inaction may not only affect Rivers State, the Niger Delta Region and the Federal Government. The Forum owes this solemn truth as a duty to the Federal Government.
God bless Rivers State and her People.
God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed:
His Excellency, Chief Rufus Ada George CON GSSRS
HE Alabo Dr. G.T.G. Toby, KSC, DSSRS
Rear Adm. O. P. Fingesi OFR
HRH Emeritus Prof Dagogo Fubara
HRH N. L. A. Iraron Ede Obolo II
HH Anabs Sara Egbe
Sen Bennett Birabi
Ms. Ann kio Briggs
Captain Nwankwo
Eze Tony Woherom
Prof. A.W. Obianime JP
Aseme-Alabo Prof. E. T. Bristol Alagbariya, JP, KSC
High Chief Marcus Atata JP
Dr Kio J. Tams
Sen Wilson A. Ake
Dr Silva Opusunju
Sen Andrew Uchendu
Dr. I. T. Lawrence Esq.
Secretary (For and on-behalf of Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum)
