The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has accused lawmakers loyal to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike of a plan to disturb peace in Rivers State.
PDP in a issued statement by the National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba said the seven-day ultimatum issued by the lawmakers to Governor Siminialayi Fubara to re-present the 2024 Rivers State budget which has already been passed and signed into law, is capable of disrupting peace and governance in the state.
“This action by these individuals seeking to assume the powers of the Rivers House of Assembly is apparently with the intension to cause crisis, undermine and disrupt the democratic and constitutional order in the state in clear violation of Section 1 sub-section 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended),” the party said.
PDP said the lawmakers are no longer members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by virtue of the provision of Section 109 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), “and as such cannot gather or issue any notice to the state governor in the capacity of members of Rivers State House of Assembly.”
According to the party, “Having irretrievably lost their seats upon their defection from the PDP, the political party platform upon which they were elected into the Rivers State House of Assembly, they cannot enjoy the powers, rights, privileges, recognition and obligations of members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”
It called on the Inspector General of the Police to take immediate action to protect the institution of democracy, peace and security in Rivers State.
The party also called on the people of Rivers State to remain vigilant, and law-abiding and continue to work together for the continued stability, peace and delivery of democracy dividends in Rivers State on the platform of the PDP.