The Rivers State Police Command has said that it was on top of the security situations that occurred at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex on Sunday night and Monday.
State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police (SP), stated this on the heels of impeachment notice served the governor, Siminialayi Fubara, by the State House of Assembly earlier in the day.
She stated that appropriate sanction would be taken against all those behind the fire outbreak that occurred at the chamber of the House of Assembly
She stated: “Consequently, full-scale investigation has been launched to unravel the circumstances surrounding the situations and take immediate policing actions against anyone found wanting.”
Iringe-Koko said further that the command would communicate with members of the public as development unfolds.
Meanwhile, the state government has stated that the governor, Fubara, foiled attempt by some compromised police officers who shot at him with the intention to kill while he visited to assess the extent of damages done as aftermath of bombing of the State House of Assembly complex by some hoodlums.
Fubara described as unfortunate the attempt by some “disgruntled” persons to forcefully take over control of the Assembly and condemned the burning of sections of the building of such important public institution built with taxpayers money.
“The truth is that, everybody who knows me (Fubara) knows that I am a peaceful person. I can never ever, even if I am aware that there is a plot to impeach me for whatever reason, be part of such destruction.
“I am worried that a facility like this that we used taxpayers money to build will be destroyed for selfish reason just to please somebody.
“From what have seen, even the security is compromised because they were shooting at me directly. The DC Operations was shooting at me.”
Governor Fubara described as null and void any illegal legislative actions that has been taken by some members who held a purported plenary session.
He said: “Let it be on record, whoever masterminded the attack at the Assembly is trying to divert attention.”
Addressing Rivers youths, Governor Fubara commended them for standing up to protect the interest of Rivers State and said he was not scared about impeachment but such action had to be properly explained and justified.
“If Siminalayi Fubara is impeached, I won’t be the first, neither will I be the last. But, what is important is that any attempt that is not justified will be resisted. Let them come out and tell Rivers people the offence that I have committed to warrant impeachment.
“But my happiness this morning is that the people of Rivers State represented by everyone of you here is with us. I can go home and sleep. Let me assure Rivers people that we will continue to defend them, protect you people and ensure that they will enjoy the dividends of democracy.”
However, the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Rivers State chapter, has called on both the Legislative and Executive arms of government in the state to exercise restraint in the ongoing political impasse between them.
In a statement signed by the state party Chairman, Desmond Akawor, Deputy Chairman, Chukwuemeka Aaron and Secretary, Benibo George, the party said it was consulting it’s elders and notable personalities in the state on how to handle the crisis amicably.
The party expressed confidence that the crisis would be amicably resolved and described the conflict as a “family affair”.
“The leadership of the party, therefore, further calls on the youths in the state to exercise caution and refuse to use the situation to embark on wanton destruction of state properties, rather continue to maintain the existing peace and tranquility in the state, while calling on the good people of the state to remain calm await the peaceful resolution of the situation.”
However, the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has condemned in very strong terms the destruction of public assets at the State Assembly complex.
Spokesperson for the party, Darlington Nwauju, said the destruction of the Assembly chamber was a desecration of the legislature.
He remarked: “Last night’s arson attack on the hallowed chambers of the state Assembly amounts to the desecration of the legislature.”
The opposition party in the state warned political actors not to jeopardize the fragile security of the state because of their political greed.
Nwauju said: “We had warned Rivers people of the third term ambition of the immediate past Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike and the unpatriotic agenda to continue to emasculate the state and keep our people perpetually in poverty with the “consolidation of a convoluted economy powered by merchantile distribution of state resources”.
Also, a Niger Delta activist, Annkio Briggs has called on the immediate past governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, to speak out on the political crisis that has erupted in the state.
She stated: “He (Wike) should call on the House of Assembly to know why they think they should impeach Sim Fubara. What sin has Fubara done that would lead to impeachment as governor.”
More drama has ensued as the Leader of the House, Edison Ehie, who was earlier removed by the House of Assembly has been declared Speaker of the House by a faction of legislators.
Also, unconfirmed report said the State Chief Judge has been removed and the governor shops for a replacement.
Credit: Daily Sun