Siminalayi Fubara The political imbroglio denigrating the relationship between the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his erstwhile political godfather, Nyesom Wike, which has degenerated into a split within the State House of Assembly may cost the governor his seat, except divine interventions with sacrifices are offered.
The situation of the crisis could be considered manageable until yesterday when the embattled Governor Fubara encouraged some factors that, arguably, might be taken as ones that might have [closely] eased him out of the government house.
Certainly, Governor Fubara took two steps, yesterday, which may not only encourage but, also justify his impeachment by the warring members of the State House of Assembly.
Demolition of Rivers House of Assembly Complex
What could be said to justify Governor Fubara's action to pocket the Rivers State House of Assembly when his supporters criticize his political benefactor, Nyesom Wike, for attempting to pocket the state Governor?
What happened yesterday at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex is a total sign of "abuse of power", a show of executive rascality, and a point of reference for anyone to defend the [majority] faction of the Rivers State Lawmakers, and Nyesom Wike whenever they decide to impeach the Governor.
Recall that Governor Fubara has the support of just 5 to 6 of the 32-member Rivers State House of Assembly, with the majority of the members, about 25 to 26 of them supporting the former Governor of the State, Nyesom Wike, in this course. Remembering this, one would condemn both the Governor and his advisers for opting for the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex at this crucial time when he is at loggerheads with his master and with lesser supporters from the members of the House.
The timing, the decision, and the tactics are wrong, most importantly for [opposition] Governor who does not have the say of the President. Most disturbingly, Governor Fubara decided against a "bride" of Mr. President.
Two things may occur, and unfortunately, Governor Fubara lacks political goodwill to favorably influence either. This will be discussed after touching on the second step Governor Fubara wrongly took yesterday to move himself closer to impeachment.
Above all, is there any constitution that stop the lawmakers from having their sitting in the same Assembly Complex that was demolished by Governor Fubara?
Illegal Relocation of the House of Assembly Complex
When the news of Governor Fubara's presentation of the Rivers State 2024 Appropriation Bill was unveiled, what came to mind was "how possible? Has Fubara shot himself? Can Fubara withstand this?"
Briefly, after it was uncovered that the House session was held [illegally] inside the Rivers State Government House, what came to the mind was "This man has finally opened an expressway for his impeachment. Wasn't Fubara aware of how Peter Obi and Rashidi Ladoja were impeached and reinstated?
Dangers Ahead
Now, Governor Fubara has destroyed the State House of Assembly Complex and created space for any of the factions of the state lawmakers to hold their session and take [effective] decisions at any location within the state.
Don't forget, with the demolition of the State House of Assembly Complex, the House is automatically in recession and the business of the house is, supposedly, suspended until after the renovation. However, if this is to stand and for anyone to fault or declare illegal any decision taken by the 26 Lawmakers loyal to Wike, it means Rivers State would not have any Budget to run the state in 2024. This is because Governor Fubara presented the state's 2024 budget to 4 lawmakers who are loyal to him, not within the Assembly Complex but inside the Government House, which is not known to the extant law of the state for legislative business.
With this, Governor Fubara has laid a solid foundation for his express impeachment.
Besides, in the coming days, the nation should expect the two factions of the Rivers State Lawmakers to make conflicting legislative decisions, bear in mind that Maze is more than one, and Wike's lawmakers seem to have easier access to the legislative chamber than the faction loyal to Governor Fubara.
If this happens there are two possible interventions with none prospectively favoring the state governor.
Federal and Judiciary's Determinations
First, the Federal Executive and Judiciary tier of government will be approached, for a resolution on whether the impeachment of Governor Fubara by the lawmakers loyal to Wike is legitimate and should be enforced.
Interestingly, while the court will entertain the litigation, the Federal Executive where Woke currently belongs will be required to either enforce Fubara or a new Acting Governor of the State as the Chief Security Officer of Rivers State.
Under this, it would be decided by the Federal Executive whether to withdraw all the security apparatus and rights currently being enjoyed by Governor Fubara and give them to the new Acting Governor or not.
It would be left to the Federal Executive to determine who will attend the Federal Executive Council meeting with the President.
Federal Executive will be left to determine who will be signatory to Executive approval of businesses of Rivers State Government, pending the time the judiciary delivers judgment on the litigation.
Who will be at a loss here? Wike or Governor Fubara? The fact remains that the two factions of the Rivers State House of Assembly have nothing to lose in the run, at least for now. The worst that may happen to the Lawmakers gives rise to the second consequence.
National Assembly Takes Over the Activities of Rivers Lawmakers
If the court hastily suspends the two warring factions of the lawmakers, the court has no jurisdiction to hastily set aside or give an injunction that will subvert the impeachment of Governor Fubara.
Impressively, at this stage, while the court may transfer the power of the Rivers State House of Assembly to the National Assembly [not affecting their salaries], Governor Fubara may be living, probably in the Delta State capital city of Asaba as an "impeached Governor" with no certainty of getting a "second change". No matter who is the Acting Governor, Rivers State Local Government Chairmen may be the first set of local government chairmen to experience true Autonomy as their money will be paid directly into their Council accounts without the [alleged] Kickback to the State Governor.
Category: World-News
Tag: Wike vs Fubara Rivers State news
Written by Author (author)
Published 12/14/2023 2:50:22 PM