From CHARLES ONYEKWERE
Chief Jackson Omenazu-led Ohanaeze Ndigbo has knocked the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara over his alleged failure to allow due process of law.
It would be recalled that the recent Ohanaeze election produced three President-Generals- Chief Uche Okwukwu, Senator John Azuta-Mbata and Chief Jackson Omenazu, all from Ikwerre in Rivers State.
The Omenazu-led group said they were desirous of having lasting peace return to Rivers State.
The Igbo group, which said it was unprecedented for the governor to be working with a three-man House of Assembly, acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s sincere efforts to maintain a balanced political landscape in Rivers State.
This was contained in a statement made available to journalists yesterday and signed by the factional Deputy President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and the National Publicity Secretary/Spokesman, Chief Chinenyeze Thompson Ohia,
According to them, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation “stands resolutely in support of the leadership and dedicated membership of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly, ably led by Martin Amaewhule.”
They posited that “in the eyes of the law and within the conscience of the citizenry, Amaewhule is the authentic and rightful Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“We urge Governor Fubara to cease catalyzing imaginary confusion and unnecessary political strife within our beloved state and prioritise the restoration of peace and unity for the greater good of all Rivers citizens.”
The Ohanaeze group equally hailed the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly for overriding the governor’s veto regarding three critical pieces of legislation.
“These essential bills—the Rivers State Education (Return of Schools) Amendment Bill, Rivers Electricity Market Bill and the Rivers State Commission of Inquiry Bill, 2024—were presented to the governor over a month ago, aimed at fostering the socio-economic welfare of all citizens, especially the marginalised and economically disadvantaged.
“By overriding the governor’s veto in strict accordance with Section 100(6) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, the legislators have affirmed their commitment to their constitutional responsibilities and the democratic principles embedded in our collective governance.
“It is profoundly troubling that Governor Fubara has withheld his approval of these bills tbat were designed explicitly improve the dire conditions faced by the impoverished populations of Rivers State.
“The resolve exhibited by the House is not only commendable, but necessary in the face of the governor’s apparent disregard for the pressing needs of our people.
