Elders move to reconcile Gov. Fubara, as Ehie emerges new Rivers Assembly Speaker
..As Governor vows to resist impeachment bid
By Barth Ndubuwah,Port Harcourt
The Elders caucus of the River State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have met with the Governor of the state, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in a move to end the rift between the Governor and the state Assembly.
There had been a ruckus at the Asembly which is not unconnected to the fire that razed the assembly over planned moves to impeach the Governor.
In the same vein, Rt Hon. Edison Ehie, member representing Ahoada East Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly has been elected the new Speaker of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly.
His emergence as the new Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker came after 26 out of the 32 members of the Assembly were said to have elected him during plenary, following the suspension of some key officers of the assembly.
Briefing newsmen in Port Harcourt, the new Speaker promised to discharge his duty without fear or favour ,but to be fair and just to all and sundry, while giving to his colleagues their constitutional entitlements.
“My commitment to Rivers people is that I will be just and fair to all and sundry, I will ensure that the rule of law takes its course, I will not betray my colleagues, I will not betray Rivers people, I will not betray my Constituency. I will ensure that the independence of the Rivers State House of Assembly is adhered to, with mutual respect for the Judiciary and the Executive arms of government,” Ehie said.
The new factional Speaker also stated that he will give fair hearing to suspended members of the Assembly through the Committee on Petition.
Rt Hon Ehie also announced that the House has adjourned sine dine following a circular served by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, (PASAN) to commence an indefinite nationwide strike.
In another development, the Speaker, Rt Hon Martin Amaewhule had earlier announced the suspension of the Former Majority Leader, Hon Edison Ehie who now lays claim to the Speakership of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Amaewhule said he also suspended the Hon members of Ahoada West, Bonny and Opobo/Nkoro constituencies, possibly to prepare ground for the impeachment of the Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
Many prominent leaders of Niger Delta extraction,like Chief Edwin Clarke, among others have condemned the impeachment move on the barely five-month-old administration of Fubara.
The did not mince words in asking the Former Governor of Rivers State, Barr. Nyesom Wike who they accused of masterminding the impeachment bid to retrace his steps and allow peace to reign in the State.
Governor Fubara has vowed to resist any attempt to remove him from office.
He was categorical that he never committed any that will warrant his impeachment, assuring Rivers people that their interest will always be put ahead his personal interest.
Sir Fubara noted with satisfaction that as long as Rivers people are behind him, especially the youths,there is no cause for alarm.
