Rivers Government Calls for Peace as Impeachment Tensions Rise
The Rivers State Government has appealed to the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) to reconsider its stance and prioritize the well-being of the people, urging lawmakers to end their hostilities against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Speaking at a news conference in Port Harcourt on Monday, Joe Johnson, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, warned that continued legislative conflict could plunge the state into economic, political, and social turmoil.
Background: Tensions Over Impeachment Moves
The Rivers State House of Assembly had previously issued a notice of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Odu, fueling speculations about their possible removal from office.
The ongoing dispute was further aggravated when lawmakers refused to allow Fubara to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill, despite a Supreme Court ruling that required him to do so.
Government’s Response: Fubara Ready to Comply
Commissioner Joe Johnson criticized the Assembly’s claims that the governor had failed to follow due process in presenting the budget.
“Governor Fubara has shown his willingness to re-present the 2025 budget and comply fully with the Supreme Court’s directives. His commitment is purely for the sake of peace.”
He lamented the misrepresentation of Fubara’s intentions, arguing that the lawmakers are portraying him unfairly as uncooperative.
Warning of Economic Collapse
The commissioner cautioned that the legislative impasse could lead to severe economic hardship in the state.
“If lawmakers fail to seize this opportunity to restore stability, the people will suffer avoidable economic and political crises.”
He further condemned the decision of the Supreme Court to direct the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to withhold Rivers State’s revenue allocations, warning that this move had crippled government operations.
Implications: Salary Payments and Governance at Risk
With the state’s funds withheld, the Rivers Government faces major financial challenges:
- Civil servants, retirees, and workers may not receive their salaries, pensions, and emoluments.
- Government projects and infrastructure developments could be stalled.
- Basic public services may be affected, impacting residents across the state.
“The collateral damage caused by the Assembly’s actions will be devastating. Without access to allocated revenues, the state government cannot function,” Johnson emphasized.
What’s Next? Seeking a Peaceful Resolution
The Rivers State Government continues to urge lawmakers to prioritize governance over politics, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. However, with the impeachment threat looming, the future of Governor Fubara’s administration remains uncertain.
Nigerian Supreme Court Decisions
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