The Initiative for Transparent Strategy and Good Leadership has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, demanding the eviction of the 27 embattled State lawmakers from the Government quarters they currently occupy.
The President General of ITSGL, Chizy Enyi Esq., delivered the ultimatum in Port Harcourt on Thursday during a media briefing addressing the ongoing political crisis in the state. Enyi argued that it is inappropriate for the lawmakers, who lost their seats after defecting from the People’s Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, to continue occupying the assembly quarters. He urged the governor to ensure their eviction within the stipulated timeframe.
Enyi stated: “Martin Amaewhule and others commenced an action against Rivers State Government, National Assembly, and orders between October and November 2023 and defected from PDP to APC on December 11, 2023, thereby losing their legitimacy as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly as provided by section 109 of the 1999 constitution as amended.”
He further explained, “The matter before Justice Omotosho was not on the legitimacy of Martin Amaewhule and others as members of Rivers State House of Assembly. Assuming it were, what would have been the business of the National Assembly to be a party to the suit.”
Enyi emphasized the discomfort of ITSGL members with the governor’s inaction, stating, “As members of the Initiative for Transparent Strategy and Good Leadership, we are not comfortable with the actions of the governor of Rivers State by allowing the former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule to continue to occupy the properties of the State Assembly.”
Concluding his address, Enyi issued a clear warning: “Hence, we are giving the government and governor of Rivers State, Sir Sim Fubara, one week ultimatum to immediately vacate all the illegal occupants of Assembly properties or face legal action.”
The ITSGL’s ultimatum underscores the growing tension in Rivers State as the political crisis continues to unfold.
