Rivers Elders Dismiss Impeachment Threat Against Governor Fubara

• Describe pro-Wike lawmakers as illegitimate, lacking authority
• Question lawmakers’ legitimacy amid pending court case
• Call for respect of legal process, maintain status quo

Eko Hot Blog reports that amidst renewed threats of impeachment against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, a prominent group of elders in the state has dismissed the move, questioning the legitimacy of the pro-Wike lawmakers behind the effort.

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The impeachment threat, issued by the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, accused Governor Fubara of consistently acting outside the law, despite being a signatory to the Abuja peace resolution facilitated by President Bola Tinubu. Amaewhule cited Fubara’s refusal to present the 2024 budget afresh to the 27 lawmakers as a key grievance.

However, in an interview with our correspondent on Sunday, High Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, a member of the Rivers Elders’ Council and a pioneer spokesman for the Pan Niger Delta Forum, dismissed the impeachment threat as mere “ranting” by an illegitimate house.

“Well, we are appearing before the Court of Appeal on April 8, 2024. When we appear, then we will know where they are. They are only ranting because they are an illegitimate House of Assembly,” Sara-Igbe asserted.

He emphasized the pending legal challenge to the legitimacy of the pro-Wike lawmakers, stating, “The governor himself does not have the power to legitimize them. For the sake of peace, he just gave them little recognition, and they are now ranting and doing what they like.”

Sara-Igbe cautioned against taking the law into one’s own hands while a matter is before the court. “If they refuse to do that, then the court will take its own stand. You don’t take the laws into your own hands when you are in court. The governor cannot present any budget when we are in court,” he said.

The elder called for respect for the legal process and maintaining the status quo until the court renders its decision. “So far as we are concerned, we need the legal implication of whether or not they are legitimate members of the House of Assembly,” he added.

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As the legal battle unfolds, the Rivers Elders’ Council’s stance underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and allowing due process to take its course, rather than resorting to potentially unlawful actions that could further exacerbate the political tensions in the state.

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