Amid the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Paul Ananaba, has weighed in on the legality of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s recent visit to the state’s House of Assembly quarters. Fubara’s unscheduled visit to the Assembly quarters, which houses the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of lawmakers, has triggered debates and concerns among stakeholders.
According to Ananaba, who spoke on Channels Television’s “The Morning Brief,” the governor did not violate any law by visiting the Assembly quarters, which is a government facility. “I don’t know anything in the law that stops the governor from going to visit the residential quarters,” Ananaba stated.
The governor’s visit has been met with suspicion and accusations from Amaewhule, the speaker of the opposing group of lawmakers. Amaewhule alleged that Fubara’s visit was part of a plot to demolish the Assembly quarters, accusing the governor of violating a court order. Amaewhule insisted that the Assembly quarters were sturdy and did not require renovation, claiming that the governor was not invited for the visit.
However, Ananaba dismissed these concerns as unfounded fears, arguing that on a “good day,” Fubara’s visit would not have been an issue. He acknowledged that the speaker might be entertaining some fears but expressed confidence that the governor would not resort to demolishing the structure, as it would involve using Rivers State’s funds.
Ananaba blamed the ongoing tussle between Fubara and the lawmakers on a lack of “politics of identity,” suggesting that the underlying tensions stem from a deeper divide within the state’s political landscape.
In the wake of the governor’s visit, some lawmakers have taken extreme measures, with reports of some keeping vigil on the premises and others beginning to move out of their properties in anticipation of a potential demolition. Amaewhule is also expected to hold a briefing later in the day to address the situation.
The legal perspective provided by Ananaba offers a counterpoint to the accusations and concerns raised by the opposing faction of lawmakers. While the political crisis in Rivers State continues to unfold, the issue of whether the governor overstepped legal boundaries by visiting the Assembly quarters appears to be a matter of interpretation and perception, further fueling the ongoing tensions.
As the situation remains fluid, all eyes will be on the next moves by both sides, as well as any potential legal challenges or interventions that may arise from this latest episode in the Rivers State political saga.
Reference
Rivers Crisis: No Law Stops Fubara From Visiting Assembly Quarters, Says SAN published in Channels