A faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, led by newly elected President-General Chief Jackson Omenazu, accused the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, of disrespecting due process and the rule of law in the state.
The Igbo group said it was inconceivable that the governor had the temerity to insist on working with a 3-man House of Assembly that ought to be at least 27.
It praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sincere efforts to maintain peace when the governor was embroiled in a power struggle with the other House members led by Rt—Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule had defected from the governor’s party to the opposition.
The governor believes the defection stripped them of House membership. The matter is still a subject of litigation.
Ohanaeze’s position was contained in a statement made available to journalists on Friday, signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and Chief Chinenyeze Thompson Ohia, National Publicity Secretary/Spokesman, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
According to the group, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization “stands resolutely supporting the leadership and dedicated membership of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly, ably led by Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule.”
They posited that “in the eyes of Nigerian law and within the conscience of the citizenry, Rt. Hon. Amaewhule is the authentic and rightful Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“We urge Governor Sim Fubara to cease catalyzing imaginary confusion and unnecessary political strife within our beloved state and to prioritize the restoration of peace and unity for the greater good of all Rivers citizens.”
The Ohanaeze group equally hailed the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly for overriding the Governor’s veto regarding three critical pieces of legislation.
“These essential bills—the Rivers State Education (Return of Schools) Amendment Bill, the Rivers Electricity Market Bill, and the Rivers State Commission of Inquiry Bill, 2024—were presented to the Governor over a month ago, aimed at fostering the socio-economic welfare of all citizens, especially the marginalized and economically disadvantaged.
“By overriding the Governor’s veto in strict accordance with Section 100(6) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, the legislators have affirmed their commitment to their constitutional responsibilities and the democratic principles embedded in our collective governance.
“It is profoundly troubling that Governor Fubara has withheld his approval of these bills, which are designed explicitly to improve the dire conditions faced by the impoverished populations of Rivers State.
“The resolve exhibited by the House of Assembly is not only commendable but necessary in the face of the Governor’s apparent disregard for the pressing needs of our people.
“Furthermore, we vehemently condemn the presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by Governor Fubara to Victor Oko-Jumbo, Adolphus Timothy, and Sokari Goodboy.
“This action is perplexing and raises serious concerns regarding the representation of the genuine interests of the Rivers populace.
“Additionally, Ohanaeze Ndigbo acknowledges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sincere efforts to maintain a balanced political landscape in Rivers State, which has ensured that the Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule-led House of Assembly can effectively resume its legislative duties.
“Such support is crucial in forestalling the emergence of a ‘one-man show’ scenario under Governor Sim Fubara’s administration,” the group further stated.
It said further: “The actions of the executive branch, led by Governor Sim Fubara, which seek to assume legislative roles either directly or indirectly, represent a clear threat to the tenets of democracy that our state and our nation hold dear.
“We back the Rt: Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule and the entire membership of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo stands united in our unwavering support as they champion democracy, uphold the rights and welfare of the citizens, and navigate the complexities of governance for the betterment of all Rivers State residents.”
However, it should be remembered that this group is only one of three factions claiming legitimacy as the moral and cultural authority of the Igbo ethnic group.
The recent Ohanaeze election resulted in three President-Generals: Chief Uche Okwukwu (endorsed by radical youth groups), Senator John Azuta-Mbata (endorsed by the governors and the ruling elite), and Chief Jackson Omenazu (whose position aligns politically with erstwhile Gov. Nyesom Wike).
All three PGs are from Ikwerre in Rivers State.
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