Rivers State has descended into political turmoil after state lawmakers attempted to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara, reportedly due to a feud with his political godfather, Nyesom Wike.
The House of Assembly, controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party, on Monday sacked the majority leader, Edison Ehie, a loyalist of the governor, with most members reported to have endorsed an impeachment notice against Gov Fubara.
It is not clear what charges the lawmakers raised against the governor who came to office on May 29. Fubara denied wrongdoing.
“Let them come out and tell Rivers people the offence I have committed to warrant any impeachment,” Channels TV quoted Gov Fubara as telling his supporters at the assembly complex in the state capital Port Harcourt.
“Let me assure the people of Rivers that I will continue to ensure that you get the dividends of democracy. At the appropriate time, I will address the press.”
Police fired teargas and water cannon outside the assembly complex as the governor, accompanied by his aides, walked through the complex. Fire had been reported in the building hours earlier.
Mr Fubara walked for some minutes amidst the chaos before speaking to journalists.
“Let me say this, the good people of Rivers State. It is very very unfortunate that we should be experiencing this kind of thing again, about nine years ago when we had a similar experience,” Premium Times quoted the governor as saying.
“I got distressing information very late yesterday, and I said this morning I will come and see for myself. Everybody who knows me knows that I am a peaceful person. I can never ever, for any reason, even if I am aware that there is a plot to impeach me for whatever reason, I am not bothered about it. But I am worried that a facility like this that we used taxpayers’ money to build could be destroyed for selfish reasons just to please somebody.”
Wike connection?
The drama started Sunday night as lawmakers reportedly planned the governor’s ouster amid reports of a feud between Fubara and his predecessor and benefactor, Wike, who is now FCT minister.
Wike handpicked the new governor in the March election. There have been rumours of a row between the two men as the governor tries to assert his independence and authority.
Fubara accused the security of being compromised. “They were shooting at me directly. But it doesn’t matter, somebody will die one day,” he said.
“I am not planning anything against anybody, but I don’t know where all things are coming from,” he added.
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