News
Rivers crisis: Fubara’s actions fuelling impeachment process – APC
By Francesca Hangeior
Amidst the many troubles rocking the Rivers State political structure, the All Progressives Congress has stated that the “egregious actions” of Governor Siminalayi Fubara are indicators towards his impeachment.
The APC also dismissed Fubara’s claim that the Martin Amaewhule-led group of lawmakers at the State House of Assembly are non-existent.
The APC, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, on Friday; said the governor’s declaration was “reckless” and is a “direct affront” to the nation’s constitution which vested legislative authority on the House.
It’ll be recalled that on December 11, 2023, the 27 lawmakers who are supporters of former Governor Nyesom Wike – the present Minister of the Federal Capital Territory; defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC.
The APC Caretaker Committee Chairman in the state, Chief Tony Okocha, had earlier on Tuesday called on the pro-Wike loyalists of the State House of Assembly to immediately commence an impeachment process against Fubara.
In response, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in a press briefing on Wednesday, cautioned the APC to discard any thought of a forceful takeover of the state leadership.
In its statement, the APC said, “The PDP tendered a hogwash argument that by Section 109 of the Constitution, the 27 House of Assembly members who defected from PDP to APC have forfeited their seats, and echoed the Governor’s declaration that the Rivers State House of Assembly is non-existent.
“Contrary to PDP’s assertions, it is not the APC that is calling for the impeachment of Governor Fubara. Rather, by his egregious actions, conduct and infantile comments, Fubara is actively and vehemently precipitating his own impeachment.
“Governor Fubara’s declaration that the Rivers State House of Assembly does not exist is not only reckless, it is a direct affront to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The House of Assembly is a creation of the Constitution, and vested with the legislative authority of the state. The members of the Assembly were elected by the good people of Rivers state in the same manner that Fubara was elected Governor.”
The APC noted that the said 27 APC lawmakers “did not lose their membership of the Assembly by virtue of their decampment,” quoting Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution.
The APC, therefore, said, “only a properly constituted court of law can make a determination as to whether a member of the House of Assembly has vacated his seat in accordance with that provision of the Constitution,” hence, the 27 lawmakers “remain the constitutionally recognised and authorised members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”
According to the statement, Fubara’s “demolition” of the House of Assembly complex “remains one of the most brazen attacks on democratic institutions in our nation’s history.
By Gloria Ikibah
As part of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the House of Representatives is set to lead a historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024, in a bold effort to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
The march, which begins at 8:00 AM, will see over 1,000 participants, including lawmakers and members of the public walk from the National Assembly to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The event will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action against GBV and greater protection for vulnerable groups.
Speaking about the initiative, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., GCON, said, “This march and the activities that follow are not mere gestures but a reflection of our determination to confront gender-based violence head-on. We are committed to building a society where justice, equality, and safety prevail for all Nigerians.”
In a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi on Saturday in Abuja, he said, “The 10th House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to systemic reforms, collaboration, and accountability in the fight against gender-based violence.
“In addition to the march, the House has outlined key activities in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023–2027) to sustain awareness and action throughout the campaign period.
“Sash Demonstration Ceremony – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
“Convergence of State Assembly Speakers – Monday, December 9, 2024. A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative measures for combating GBV nationwide.
“National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 – Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The summit will focus on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives led by the House of Representatives”.
Naijablitznews.com reports that this year’s 16 Days of Activism aims to galvanise nationwide efforts and inspire collective action to protect human rights, ensure justice, and create a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
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