BY CHARLES OLEWEZI

The South-South Professional Women Association International (SSPWAI) has accused the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) members of demanding the inclusion of a whopping N500 billion for constituency projects in a new budget for the state. The group also asked the National Assembly to immediately take over the functions of the state assembly for abandoning its legislative duties. In a press statement in Abuja on Sunday, the President of the group, Dr. Mrs. Constance Mbang accused the law makers of also collecting N500 million each to impeach the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu. The group alleged that the refusal of the state governor to agree to their request led to the notice of impeachment.

She said, “ As a concerned group we have watched with keen interest the unfolding drama and the recent attempt to impeach the Rivers State Governor and his deputy, and cannot continue to keep quiet. We are now ready to speak out and let Nigerians and the whole world know the truth about what the Governor is passing through in the hands of the so called godfather, The FCT Minister Chief Ezenwo Nyesom Wike and his collaborators at the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) led by the Speaker.

“On the planned impeachment of the Rivers State Governor and his Deputy, we want to inform the whole world that the bottom -line is the refusal of His Excellency Sir Fubara to collaborate with the RSHA to squander the resources of Rivers State. The Governor has rather chosen to use Rivers money judiciously for the welfare of the citizens of the state and the provision of basic infrastructure in the state and this the Assembly found as offensive.

“When former Rivers Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) was in office during the period of emergency rule, The House cajoled Ibas to illegally release the sum of N350 million to each member of the RSHA under the name of “constituency project” and another N100 million to each of them. Ibas also bought brand new Prado Jeep for each of the assembly members. These are facts. The vehicles are being driven around the state by the law makers, who in actual fact are not making any law.

“On the return of democratic governance after emergency rule, the same law makers approached the Governor, Sir Fubara claiming they have spent N500 billion for constituency projects which they want captured in a new budget but the Governor refused on the premise that the current budget by Ibas that was approved by the National Assembly is still running (will run from June 2025 to June 2026), and that a supplementary budget would only be prepared if there is need for any new expenditure item. We all know that even the current Federal Government budget is that of last year and still running.”

The group also recalled that few days ago, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) led by respected indigenes of the region set up a reconciliation committee headed by eminent lawyer Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN to wade into the matter but the FCT Minister, Nyeson Wike asked the lawmakers not to attend or honour any invitation from the panel.

“In view of all these ugly developments, our group is calling on all well-meaning Nigerians including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and the international community to wade into the political crisis in Rivers State and call the RSHA members to order.”

Dr. Mbang noted that Rivers state is home to both Nigerians and a large international community with their families and business ventures especially international oil companies. She said these people needed to be reassured of their safety as anything that happens in the state ultimately affects the national economy and Nigeria’s international image and reputation.