Amidst escalating tensions in Rivers State, the Presidency reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s stance of impartiality in the political standoff between Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, reiterating a commitment to uphold democratic principles and ensure governance continuity.
As the political landscape bubbles with uncertainty, the Rivers State government lashed out at the Abdullahi Ganduje-led APC for remarks insinuating impeachment against Governor Fubara, dismissing such claims as devoid of legal merit.
In a show of solidarity, Rivers State elders and party leaders rally behind Minister Wike, cautioning Governor Fubara against disrupting legislative structures, echoing concerns over potential upheaval in governance dynamics.
Court-suspended factional Speaker Martins Amaewhule rebuffed allegations of structural deficiencies at the Assembly quarters, asserting the functionality and occupancy of the premises by lawmakers and their families.
In a separate development, Rivers State youths implored President Tinubu to intervene and rein in Minister Wike, urging decisive action to quell the political turmoil gripping the state.
Addressing the boiling tensions, Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Tinubu, underscored Tinubu’s commitment to fairness and equitable governance, refuting speculations of partisan bias.
Ngelale affirmed, “I believe that anyone who believes that by their actions, whether it’s from the federal level, state level or the legislative branch in the state or the executive branch in the state, if they are banking on Mr. President to take sides on this matter, they’re mistaking and they’ll be disappointed.
“Mr. President will not do that. What he will do is to ensure that everybody has what they need in order to work.
“He will also ensure that any attempt to frustrate the operation of the Rivers State government in conducting its affairs in a way that it would benefit the Rivers people, that’s obviously is not going to be allowed by this President or anybody else.
“So, I think there’s a need for all stakeholders to understand that Mr President won’t take sides.”
Meanwhile, the Rivers State government rebuffed Ganduje-led APC’s assertions of impeachment against Governor Fubara, asserting Fubara’s unblemished record and denouncing political maneuvers lacking legal validity.
Johnson, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, condemned Ganduje’s remarks, citing legal impediments hindering Ganduje’s credibility and urging a focus on resolving internal party challenges.
