In a wave of controversy, factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule has attributed the defection of 27 lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to President Bola Tinubu’s purported promises and actions toward the state.
Amaewhule also contested the 2024 Appropriation Bill signed into law by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The Punch reports that speaking at the APC dedication service in Port Harcourt on Sunday, Amaewhule praised Tinubu’s commitment to fulfilling assurances made during discussions with the state’s PDP leaders, citing the East-West Road project and strategic appointments of Rivers people into key positions, despite their party affiliation.
He remarked, “Do you know what the President is doing since he became President he has given appointments to Rivers people irrespective of parties? Mr President, for the first time, gave a strategic appointment to somebody that is not from his party as FCT Minister.
“He also appointed Chief Boma Iyaye, Executive Director Finance and Administration of NDDC and many other appointments he had given to Rivers sons, including the presidential spokesman.
“All the people he appointed are not APC members the President shows that he is detribalised.”
“So we have taken a position to be in the APC to work with Mr President. Mr President has appointed many people from Rivers State. All we need to do is to support and pray for them so that good things can come to Rivers State,” Amaewhule added.
The factional Speaker expressed discontent over the signed appropriation bill and criticized Fubara for allegedly withholding funds meant for the Assembly’s functioning.
He contended the legitimacy of recent actions taken by a group of lawmakers, labeling their decisions as null and void due to insufficient quorum and constitutional violations.
“The governor, we hear that some four people gathered committee of friends and met somewhere. I don’t know what they are doing. Rivers people know it today that the House of Assembly of any state is defined by the Constitution.
“The only way you can convey the House, you need to have quorum. Quorum is 11. If you are not up to 11, anything you are doing is family meeting or beer parlour meeting.
“Anything you hear they have done (budget) ignore them, It is null and void. The law is clear. Anything you are doing, you must in line with the dictates of the Constitution and the standing orders of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“So anytime we meet, it is Rivers State House of Assembly. Anytime they meet, it is beer parlour meeting. If they like, they should carry all the funds of the state and give to them, they do not have that name House of Assembly. So don’t bother yourself, the House of Assembly is intact.”
Amaewhule further warned against impending attacks and urged support for the genuine legislature, dismissing oppositional claims to the House’s authority.
Amidst the disputes, Enemi George, a member of the Assembly, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disregard a purported letter declaring seats vacant, emphasizing the legitimacy of Martin Amaewhule’s Speakership.
George discredited the claims of a factional Speaker and questioned the validity of their actions, emphasizing the necessity for quorum and majority votes for any official decision-making within the Assembly.
He denounced the legitimacy of the actions taken by a minority, emphasizing the mandate entrusted to the legitimate legislative body.
