The political crisis in Rivers State has escalated further as the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission issued a circular barring officers from the 23 Local Government Areas in the state from appearing before the Rivers State Assembly.
The circular, signed by the Director of Information and Communications of the commission, Ebirieneuket Nteile, stated that any staff member who disobeys or violates the instructions will face dismissal.
“I am directed to inform you and all officers of the 23 Local Government Councils in Rivers State not to honour/appear before the Members of Assembly or any purported invitation by anybody or group of persons in any guise without the permission of the Acting Chairman- Local Government Service Commission,” the circular read.
This move is believed to be linked to the ongoing political crisis in the state. The political landscape in Rivers State has been tumultuous following the conflict between the state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his immediate predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
The State House of Assembly, on April 22, passed the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Bill into law by overriding Fubara’s assent. The decision was made during the 159th Legislative sitting held at the Assembly Quarters in Port Harcourt, led by its Speaker, Martin Amaewhule.
In response, the All Progressives Congress Rivers State chapter directed its members in the assembly to immediately commence proceedings for Fubara’s impeachment.
