A coalition of opposition House of Representatives members have hailed the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara’s compliance with the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the local government elections in the state.
The lawmakers also commended Gov. Fubara’s decision to appoint the heads of personnel to oversee the affairs of the various local government councils, pending the conduct of fresh local government elections.
In a statement issued on Sunday, by the spokesperson of the House of Representatives members, Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere, lauded Gov. Fubara for his democratic stance, despite provocations from groups loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The coalition described Gov. Fubara’s action as a testament to his respect for the rule of lawz and his commitment to upholding the principles of democracy.
The coalition added that while the illegal decampment of the 27 pro- Wike lawmakers have not been decided, as the matter is still pending at the Appeal Court, it will not recognized the decamped lawmakers who going by the constitution have automatically lost their seat
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The coalition also maintained that the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023, “remain constitutionally sacked,” until a higher court rules on pending cases challenging the legality of their defection.
“The Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court have yet to make pronouncements on their illegal decampment. Until then, their seats remain vacant,” Ugochinyere emphasized.
He further announced that the coalition would address the nation formally after obtaining the certified true copy of the Supreme Court judgement, to outline their position on other contentious issues in the River’s political crisis.
Rep. Ugochinyere urged for calm from the citizens of the state, assuring that the opposition remains committed to pursuing legal, and peaceful resolutions to uphold constitutional order.
