In a significant development within the Rivers State political landscape, the State House of Assembly has extended an invitation to another commissioner-nominee for screening and confirmation. This move comes amid an ongoing and intense political feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike.
Invitation for
Screening
The invitation for the new nominee, Emmanuel Frank-Fubara,
was announced in a public statement signed by the Clerk of the Assembly, Dr. G.
M. Gillis-West, on Sunday. The screening is scheduled to take place on Monday
at the Chamber of the Assembly in Government House, commencing at 10 am. The
statement emphasized that the nominee should present twelve sets of his
Curriculum Vitae, along with the originals and photocopies of his credentials.
This is the third instance under the leadership of Speaker
Victor Oko-Jumbo, who is aligned with Governor Fubara, that the House has
conducted screening for commissioner nominees. This step is seen as part of the
administration's efforts to reconstitute the state's executive council
following the resignation of nine commissioners who were loyal to Nyesom Wike.
Political
Context
The resignation of these commissioners, including those in
critical portfolios such as Education, Justice, and Finance, highlighted the
deepening rift between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike. The tension between
these two political figures has escalated since the last quarter of 2023,
leading to a series of legal and political battles.
The lingering supremacy battle has now reached the Supreme
Court, with the faction led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo challenging a recent
judgment by the Appeal Court. This judgment had nullified an earlier order by
the Rivers State High Court, which restrained pro-Wike lawmakers from parading
themselves as legitimate members of the Assembly. The Appeal Court ruled that
only the Federal High Court has the jurisdiction to handle such matters.
Supreme Court
Appeal
The faction loyal to Governor Fubara has expressed their
intent to appeal to the Supreme Court, aiming to overturn the Appeal Court's
decision. Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo criticized the Appeal Court's ruling,
asserting that it was erroneous and that his faction remains the legitimate
legislative body in Rivers State. He reiterated that there cannot be two Houses
of Assembly in the state, emphasizing the need for clarity and legal
resolution.
Governor Fubara's
Stance
Governor Fubara, undeterred by the Appeal Court's ruling, has
maintained his commitment to the state's development agenda. In a statement
issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, the governor reassured
the public that his administration would continue to focus on delivering
critical infrastructure projects. This declaration came after an inspection of
the ongoing reconstruction work at the Zonal Hospital project in Bori Town, the
headquarters of Khana Local Government Area.
Governor Fubara drew inspiration from the Bible, citing Psalm
23 verse 5, which speaks of God preparing a table in the presence of one's
enemies. He interpreted this to mean that challenges are inevitable but
surmountable. He assured the people of Rivers State that his administration
would persevere and fulfill its promises despite the political turbulence.
Legal and
Political Implications
The Supreme Court appeal by the Fubara loyalists underscores
the high stakes involved in this political battle. The legal tussle revolves
around the legitimacy of the Assembly and the authority of its members. The
Appeal Court had previously dismissed an ex parte order issued by the Rivers
State High Court, which barred Martin Amaewhule, a pro-Wike lawmaker, from
parading himself as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The
appeal court also nullified the decision that prevented 24 other pro-Wike
lawmakers from accessing the Assembly complex or performing legislative duties.
A three-man panel led by Justice Jimi Olukayode-Bada upheld
the appeal filed by Martin Amaewhule and his faction against Speaker Victor
Oko-Jumbo and two others. The court determined that the Federal High Court has
exclusive jurisdiction over such matters, as stipulated by section 273 of the
Nigerian Constitution. This ruling effectively shifted the legal battleground
to the Federal High Court, leaving the pro-Fubara faction seeking redress at
the Supreme Court.
Reactions and Statements
In response to the Appeal Court's decision, Governor Fubara
emphasized that his administration would not be deterred by legal setbacks. He
reaffirmed his commitment to good governance and development projects, ensuring
that the people of Rivers State receive the benefits of his administration's
efforts. This stance aims to reassure the public and maintain confidence in the
government's ability to deliver on its promises.
Similarly, Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo, in a statement issued by
the factional Clerk of the House, Dr. G. M. Gillis-West, argued that the Appeal
Court acted in error. He reiterated that his faction represents the legitimate
House of Assembly in Rivers State and that the pro-Wike lawmakers have no legal
standing until a competent court rules otherwise. Oko-Jumbo's statement
highlighted the determination of his faction to pursue legal avenues to assert
their legitimacy.
The pro-Wike faction, led by Martin Amaewhule, has remained
defiant, continuing to challenge the pro-Fubara faction's authority. The Appeal
Court's ruling provided a temporary victory for the pro-Wike lawmakers, but the
ongoing appeal to the Supreme Court signifies that the legal battle is far from
over.
Broader Implications
The political feud between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike
extends beyond personal differences, reflecting broader issues of political
loyalty and power dynamics within the state. The resignations of key
commissioners loyal to Wike indicate a significant realignment of political
allegiances. This realignment has implications for governance, policy
implementation, and the overall stability of the state administration.
The Supreme Court's eventual ruling will have far-reaching
consequences for the political landscape in Rivers State. A decision in favour
of the pro-Fubara faction could consolidate Governor Fubara's control over the
state Assembly and his administration, enabling him to implement his
development agenda without significant legislative opposition. Conversely, a
ruling in favour of the pro-Wike lawmakers could embolden the opposition and
further complicate the state's governance.
Conclusion
The invitation for the screening of commissioner-nominee
Emmanuel Frank-Fubara comes at a critical juncture in Rivers State's political
saga. As the legal battles continue, the state's political landscape remains
highly volatile. The outcome of the Supreme Court appeal will play a pivotal
role in determining the future direction of governance in Rivers State.
Governor Fubara's administration is keen to project an image
of resilience and commitment to development despite the political turbulence.
The ongoing efforts to reconstitute the executive council and the continuation
of infrastructure projects underscore this commitment. Meanwhile, the pro-Wike
faction remains determined to challenge the legitimacy of the pro-Fubara
lawmakers, setting the stage for a prolonged legal and political confrontation.
In the midst of this turmoil, the people of Rivers State watch closely, hoping for a resolution that will bring stability and progress. The Supreme Court's decision will be a defining moment, shaping the future of the state's governance and political alignment. As both factions prepare for the next phase of the battle, the importance of legal clarity and adherence to democratic principles cannot be overstated. #RiversState #TredingNews #Bulletin1247 #politics #wike #fubara
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