Impeachment saga: (Rivers) CSO petitions House of Reps, demand Wike’s sack as minister

The House of Representatives has been petitioned by the civil society organization Center for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency, CSJET, to investigate and remove Nyesom Wike from his position as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory due to his alleged involvement in an impeachment plot involving Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The petition called for a probe into the role of security forces, particularly members of the Nigerian Police Force, who were allegedly involved in an attempted assassination of the governor. It was reportedly acknowledged and approved by the Green Chamber at plenary on Tuesday.

The organization also denounced the illegal suspension of members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the state’s anti-Fubara troops’ burning of the State Assembly Complex in the October 30, 2023, petition, which was sent to Philip Agbese, the Deputy Spokesman of the House.

They also denounced attempts by certain House members to remove Fubara from office, calling them illogical, irrational, and an effort to prevent the governor from carrying out his ambitious goals for the state’s development.

Parts of the petition read:

“We are a non-governmental, non-profit and non-partisan organization registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and our principal objective is to become a principal catalyst in mainstreaming social justice in public life through policy engagement and interventions that bring about economic, political and social reforms, rights enhancement and sustainable livelihoods.

“We write to draw your attention to the brewing crisis in Rivers State House of Assembly and in fact Rivers State Government as a whole and thus seek your intervention in the resolution of the crisis rocking the state.

“Earlier this week, there occurred a failed assassination attempt on the life of the governor of Rivers State as well as concerted moves to impeach him by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“Details of our petition are as follows: On Sunday the 29th of October 2023, it was reported that the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) was self ablaze by yet to be known political thugs over attempt to impeach the governor. The assassination attempt occurred when the governor was on an inspection visit to the complex. Some police personnel who are believed to have been compromised shot live bullet at the governor with the intention of killing him.

“It was learnt that the incident occurred at the House of Assembly Complex opposite the Headquarters of the State Command Police on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt. Whereas the plans to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara had been concluded, attempts were still being made to kill him. Lawmakers immediately after the sitting were seen at about 8.15 am on Monday driving out of the Assembly with heavy security escorts.

“Following the gunshot and firing of teargas. people ran helter-skelter as policemen chased people, including workers whose offices are located within the area. The Speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly. Mr. Martin Amoewhule, presided over the sitting and resolved to begin the process.

“The lawmakers also suspended the leader of the House. Mr. Edison Enie and some of their colleagues believed to be loyal to the governor with 24 members of the Assembly signing the removal of Mr. Ehie and others.

“The governor who came to the Assembly to observe the proceedings was shot at with teargas and sprayed with water cannons. As of press time. a protest has broken out outside the complex with supporters of the governor resisting his planned impeachment. Rivers State has made significant strides in the pursuit of development and stability under the leadership of Governor Fubara.

“The governor has championed policies and initiatives that Nave positively impacted the lives of the citizens. Political squabbles and power struggles should not hinder the progress and the people’s mandate must be respected.”