The Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) was Sunday night set ablaze by yet to be known political thugs over the alleged move to impeach the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara and Leader of the House, Edison Ehie.
This development came just as a civil society group, Coalition of Democratic Vanguard (CDV), has issued a strongly worded warning to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike and his allies who are allegedly seeking to impeach Fubara and Ehie.
THISDAY gathered that some thugs in a white Hilux van invaded the assembly complex at about 9.00pm yesterday, disarmed the security personnel on duty and allegedly carried out the act.
It was learnt that the incident occurred at the assembly complex, opposite the Headquarters of the State Command Police, on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
A source disclosed that the legislature had concluded plans to impeach the Fubara and Ehie today at it resumed sitting following some undisclosed issues.
A security source, who pleaded anonymity and confirmed the incident, said it took efforts of police and the State Fire Service teams to put out the fire.
The source said: “Yes, the Rivers State House of Assembly main chamber was under attack and set on fire. It was police men and the fire service team that helped to put out the fire.”
As at the time of filling this report, it was gathered that over 17 security trucks and four Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) with over 50 federal security personnel have been stationed at the facility.
It is not clear if the incident is connected with the rumours of a rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor Wike, who is now FCT Minister.
It was also alleged that the Rivers Government House Aide De Camp has been sacked.
Meanwhile, CDV had earlier issued a statement, “warning Nyesom Wike and his allies against moves to impeach Governor Fubara and Ehie.
The coalition in the statement signed by Mr Thompson Orumbo (Chairman) and Peter Nwabunna (Secretary), condemned any attempt to undermine the democratic process and urged all parties involved to respect the will of the people and prioritise the betterment of Rivers State.
They stated: “At the core of any functioning democracy lies the principle of free and fair elections, which provide citizens with the opportunity to choose their leaders, and Rivers people have chosen Sir Siminalayi Fubara. Impeachment attempts should be rooted in concrete evidence of wrongdoing and carried out only through legitimate channels, ensuring transparency and accountability.”
“The Coalition emphasises that any attempts to impeach Governor Fubara and Ehie must adhere to the democratic principles, if not, it would be resisted by Rivers people.
“Rivers State has made significant strides in the pursuit of development and stability under the leadership of Governor Fubara. The governor has championed policies and initiatives that have positively impacted the lives of the citizens. Political squabbles and power struggles should not hinder the progress, and the people’s mandate must be respected.”
The Coalition further urged “Nyesom Wike and his co-travellers to prioritise the interests of the people and set aside personal and political interest.”
“The said that the unity and stability of Rivers State should be the primary goal, with cooperative efforts dedicated to achieving sustained development, improved infrastructure, and the welfare of its citizens.
“Should Nyesom Wike and his co-travellers have genuine concerns regarding the performance or integrity of Governor Fubara and Edison Ehie, they should first present concrete evidence through appropriate channels such as investigations or inquiries. This would ensure that any actions taken are based on facts instead of subjective perceptions or personal motives,” the coalition added.
Fubara, a former Accountant General of the state, was chosen by Wike to become the governor of the state.
A source in the state informed THISDAY that despite being the Minister of the FCT, Wike is frequently giving directives and instructions to the governor on what he should do and who to appoint into positions in the state, something the governor is fed up with.
The source added that attempts by Fubara to resist Wike and assert himself lately have led to a frosty relationship with the minister allegedly plotting to instigate the state House of Assembly to impeach the governor.
But the coalition has warned: “Rivers State is not the personal estate of Wike, as such should be allowed to be governed by the chosen one of Rivers State, Governor Fubara for the advancement of a greater Rivers State.”
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt and Wale Igbintade