Rivers crisis: Fubara revokes contract awarded to Wike loyalist

Rivers crisis: Fubara revokes contract awarded to Wike loyalist

The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, has launched an investigation into the October 7 violent attacks that resulted in the burning of several local government secretariats and the loss of lives. This probe follows the submission of a report by a seven-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry established by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to investigate the mayhem.

The violence erupted during the handover process when newly inaugurated local government chairmen assumed office, triggering unrest in some areas. In response, the Rivers State Assembly has tasked its Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions to expedite its investigation into the events.

Speaker Amaewhule, citing Section 128 of the 1999 Constitution, emphasized the Assembly’s authority to conduct such inquiries. He urged the committee to deliver its report promptly to ensure transparency and accountability. Committee Chairman Enemi George assured the public that all parties involved would receive fair hearings and pledged to present the findings soon.

Meanwhile, the political crisis in Rivers State has intensified, with Governor Fubara locked in a power struggle with Amaewhule, his allies in the Assembly, and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. Speaking at the inauguration of the remodeled Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) in Ahoada, Governor Fubara declared that his political opponents’ days were numbered, expressing confidence in overcoming the challenges they pose.

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Fubara accused his rivals of employing underhanded tactics, including the arrest and detention of the King of Ekpeye Kingdom, who he claimed was targeted for supporting his administration. He also alleged that his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, was falsely declared wanted to diminish his camp’s influence in the ongoing political tussle.

The governor urged patience and faith in due process, stating, “Enemy has a time. This thing cannot last forever, and I can assure you with all boldness today that they are gradually coming to an end.”

During the inauguration ceremony, Fubara highlighted his administration’s commitment to meaningful development projects. He criticized the previous administration for neglecting impactful initiatives, contrasting this with his government’s strategic focus on education and infrastructure.

The remodeled GGSS Ahoada project, initiated by the previous administration but left unfunded, was completed under Fubara’s leadership. He commended the contractors for their dedication and emphasized the importance of educational investments, particularly for the girl-child, in building a stronger future.

Fubara also announced the termination of an internal road project in the area previously awarded to a loyalist of Wike, citing the individual’s opposition to his administration. He vowed to re-award the contract to ensure its completion.

According to THE NATION reports, Fubara said, “ I feel it will be wrong for me to continue to sponsor somebody, who has come openly to declare himself an enemy of the state. So, that project I believe the ministry of works must have written to them, I am going to cancel it officially and re-award it for its completion.”

The governor expressed gratitude to the people of Ekpeye and Ahoada East for their unwavering support and pledged to continue prioritizing initiatives that benefit the state’s citizens. As a mark of appreciation, the Ekpeye ethnic nationality conferred on him the title of Eze Eyawe Ugo of Ekpeye land (King of Peace and Eagle of Ekpeye land).

Rivers crisis: Fubara revokes contract awarded to Wike loyalist