The political crisis currently rocking Rivers State has assumed another dimension as six more commissioners resigned from their positions in the state executive council.A major crack has hit the Rivers government.
Six of the 18 commissioners Thursday quit Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s Executive Council, complicating the political imbroglio in the state.
Also on Thursday, the 27 members of the House of Assembly, who on Monday defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), sat at the auditorium of the Assembly quarters.
This is despite the demolition of the House of Assembly complex by the government and an ex-parte injunction granted by Justice Justice M.W. Danagogo.
On Tuesday, relying on the injunction, four members of the House met, received, and passed Governor Fubara’s 2024 Appropriation Bill.
The governor signed the Bill Thursday. But as the Appropriation Bill signing ceremony was underway, the news of the resignation of key commissioners, including Attorney-General and Justice Commissioner, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor filtered in.
Adangor’s resignation letter dated November 24 and addressed to the governor, reads: “I hereby give Your Excellency notice of my resignation as the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Rivers State with effect from the date of this letter. For the avoidance of doubt, the resignation is based purely on personal principles.
“I wish to thank Your Excellency for the opportunity and privilege granted me in your administration to serve as a member of your cabinet (exco). My family and I are indebted to Your Excellency in gratitude. I wish Your Excellency a successful tenure.”
A long-time friend of Wike, Adanor was among the first set of Fubara’s appointees. He occupied the same position when the FCT minister was governor.
Others who resigned are George Kelly-Alabor (Works), Isaac Kamalu (Finance), Emeka Woke (Special Duties), Inime Aguma (Special Welfare and Rehabilitation) and Prince Chinedu Nmom (Education).
Kelly-Alabor, who held the same position during Wike’s administration, said his decision to quit was anchored on conscience, personal principles, and professional ethics.
While thanking Fubara for the opportunity to serve the state, he said he decided to resign after deep introspection.
Woke, who was the Chief of Staff under Wike’s administration, confirmed his resignation, but did not give a reason.
Aguma cited personal matters and “other pressing commitments..”
Governor signs N800bn budget
Fubara Thursday signed the state’s N800 billion Appropriation Bill. The ceremony took place a day after he presented the 2024 financial estimates to a group of four lawmakers, led by Edison Ehie.
The event was also held a day after the government rolled in caterpillars to demolish the Assembly complex to prevent 27 other lawmakers loyal to Wike from sitting in the chamber.
While the signing of the budget was ongoing, the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers gathered at the auditorium of their Legislative Quarters where they passed two bills.
In the “Budget of Consolidation,” the governor proposed over N410 billion as capital expenditure and N361 billion for recurrent projects.
Governance has the largest chunk of N161 billion, followed by Infrastructure, N128 billion. Education got N40 billion, Agriculture, N20 billion and Investment, N1 billion.
The governor assured that his administration holds a lot of hope for the people of the state, in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
He noted that with the budget providing a framework for spending in 2024, his administration would undertake notable critical road projects that will connect more communities across many local governments to meet age long yearnings of Rivers people.
Fubara said: “This budget shows that we have a plan for our dear state. One of the reasons why our budget is in the volume of N800 billion is that we intend, not just by desiring, to ensure that one key request of our dear state is met.
“God being our helper, we will commence immediately, by next year, flagging off the actual and main Trans-Kalabari road project Phase 2.
“We have also, in our budget, provided to take care of the Elele-Omoku road project; a road that cuts through Ikwerre, Emohua and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government areas.
“We are also taking that project as one of our cardinal achievements of this administration. We are not going back on it.”
The governor assured that no efforts would be spared in implementing to the fullest, the planned-out quality projects and services itemised in the budget.
He emphasised that the budget would be driven in a manner that will make a positive impact on the lives of all residents because they will see and feel development at their doorsteps.
Fubara said: “I want to assure you that this administration has the best interest of our people. It is an administration that wants everyone to have hope.
“We have keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of our dear President Bola Tinubu to continue to assure our people of hope. The best of us will be seen by everyone.
“We will continue to protect the interest of our people, do the best for everyone, not minding your position or class. Our government is responsive and inclusive. Our eyes and ears are open to the needs of our people. We will not disappoint you.”
The governor commended the legislature for its support for his administration and assured them that God who has continued to make way out of the challenges facing the state will continue to embolden them.
The leader of the House of Assembly, Adolphus Orubienimigha, said members diligently deliberated on each item before passing the budget.
Also, Ehie pointed out that the items as articulated were in line with current realities and demonstrated the resolve of Fubara to provide more infrastructure and strengthen sectors like education, health, and the economy to deliver optimal services including youth empowerment.
27 lawmakers pass bills
The 27 pro-Wike lawmakers, led by Martins Amaewhule, reconvened at the House of Assembly Quarters along Aba -Port Harcourt Road and held a plenary.
A statement by Amaewhule’s Media Assistant, Martins Wachukwu, described the plenary as the 88th Legislative Sitting of the Assembly.
They passed the State House of Assembly Funds Management (Financial Autonomy) Bill, 2023 and the Local Government Law, No. 5 of 2018 (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
The lawmakers also adopted a motion to convert the Auditorium of the Assembly quarters into their hallowed chamber.
They condemned the demolition of the Assembly complex without their approval and knowledge as heartless and brazen.
The lawmakers drew the attention of the Federal Government, the Inspector-General of Police and the international community, to the constant attack by the governor on the state legislature.
Ada-George, others sue for peace
Former Governor Rufus Ada-George and other leaders called on politicians to embrace peace and stop provocative comments in the interest of the state.
Ada-George, in a statement he signed, said: “I am deeply pained and worried over these embarrassing events and flagrant demonstration of impunity, power, and lawlessness because of the grave danger they portend to the peace and security of Rivers and Nigeria as a whole.
“As the oldest former Governor of Rivers State, I call on all former governors and their deputies to close ranks, come together, and collectively and frankly speak to our younger colleagues in the best interest of the state.
“Remember, we are duty bound to intervene in times like this by prioritising Rivers State first and above all other personal, sectional, and parochial interests.”
Also, some leaders of the state under the aegis of the Coalition of Rivers Leaders of Thought warned that the political tension in the state could abort the dividends of democracy.”
“It has become necessary for the coalition to continue to cry for peace in the face of the heinous political conflict that is threatening to engulf the state,” it said in a statement by its Convener, Sunnie Chukwumele Fosha and Secretary, Josiah Onoriode.
