APC chieftain faults Rivers Assembly’s ‘hasty’ moves

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has criticised the Rivers State House of Assembly for asking Governor Siminialayi Fubara to submit a new Appropriation Bill and list commissioner nominees, describing the move as premature and an undue interference in the affairs of the executive arm.

In a statement issued on Friday, Eze described the lawmakers’ action as “hasty” and warned that it could trigger another round of political crisis in the state.

According to him, the Assembly members, who only just resumed after suspension, appear to be acting under the influence of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in a bid to pressure the governor.

“How can the Assembly demand the budget and list of commissioners on the very day the illegal state of emergency was lifted? Such actions clearly signal another era of political crisis,” Eze stated.

He argued that commissioner appointments remain the exclusive prerogative of the governor, stressing that the legislature should instead seek reconciliation by paying a courtesy visit to Fubara.

Eze further advised the governor to sack all appointees installed by the sole administrator during his absence and resist any attempt to have commissioners imposed on him. He also called for the reinstatement of all commissioners and aides who had resigned or worked with Fubara, saying such measures would ensure a “no victor, no vanquished” peace deal in the state.

On President Bola Tinubu’s role, the APC chieftain urged the presidency to reassure Governor Fubara of full protection against any impeachment plot, warning that failure to do so could embolden political opponents.

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“If the President fails to assure him of his powers, I will advise Governor Fubara to invoke his full authority as executive governor, especially now that both the state and the international community are behind him,” Eze said.

He commended Fubara for his calm response to the massive turnout of citizens welcoming him back to office, describing him as “a leader not hungry for power” who has drawn strength from reflection and faith.

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Eze urged Rivers people to remain calm, adding that the governor would soon outline steps to reclaim and stabilise the state.