The 27 pro-Nyesom Wike lawmakers in Rivers State have been in the middle of controversy after their seats were declared illegal.
Sara-Igbe, the National Coordinator of the South-South Leadership Forum, denounced the legitimacy of the 27 Rivers State lawmakers, branding them as “impostors in the eyes of the law.”
The political turmoil in Rivers State escalated on Wednesday following the controversial election of a new Speaker by two House of Assembly members aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This move occurred in the backdrop of efforts by pro-Wike lawmakers, who had defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), to impeach Governor Fubara.
During an interview on Arise TV, Sara-Igbe asserted that these lawmakers lack the authority to impeach Fubara, citing legal grounds for their status as impostors. He emphasized, “The people who call themselves members of the House of Assembly as honourables, are not honourable enough.” He argued that their actions contravened legal statutes, stating, “We see them as impostors because by virtue of section 109 (F), they are no longer members of the House of Assembly.”
Sara-Igbe criticized the judiciary’s handling of the matter, lamenting that despite legal challenges, the court process has been marred by procedural irregularities. He emphasized the importance of awaiting judicial interpretation of the law, asserting, “Everyone will wait for the judges to make a decision.”
Furthermore, Sara-Igbe questioned President Tinubu’s involvement in the dispute, asserting, “Mr. President does not have powers under the democracy, particularly the 1999 constitution, to direct a governor who was elected the same way he was elected.” He condemned the entire process as illegal and urged adherence to the rule of law.
In conclusion, Sara-Igbe expressed skepticism regarding the lawmakers’ appeal to the president saying that he cannot reinstate them. He further emphasized the need for legal resolution to prevent further instability in Rivers State.