…Commends Fubara, Assembly over budget passage
By: Felix Ikpotor
Following the political crisis rocking Rivers State, a political pressure group, Ida Obolo Sim Vanguard has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike to order.
The group accused Wike of fanning the embers of political unrest in Rivers State.
The group at a media briefing in Port Harcourt said Wike’s action in fanning political unrest in Rivers State is against President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda considering the strategic economic position of the state.
Leader of the group, Engr Kingston Sylvanus urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act fast and call Wike to order in the interest of his administration and the Nigerian economy in general.
“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to again call his FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike to order.
“As a former governor of Rivers State who is aware of the economic status of the state to the Nigerian economy, much is required of him to contribute towards the peace in the state.
“Moreso, with the concerted effort of President Tinubu to pull Nigeria out of its present economic doldrums, it is therefore the height of sabotage by the FCT Minister to continuously fan the embers of political unrest in Rivers State, thus working ultra vires to the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President,” he said.
While declaring their support for the state governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, the group commended him for declaring open, details of the 2024 budget of the state.
“It is pertinent to note that this is the first time in 8 years, that Rivers people know the budget details of their state within a fiscal year.
“This unparalleled action of yours has not only broken the 8 years jinx in the state where budgets have been shrouded in secrecy but has indeed renewed the hopes of Rivers people for a more transparent government”, Sylvanus said.
The group also commended the Edison Ehie-led Rivers State House of Assembly for defending the constitution and for declaring seats of 25 defected lawmakers vacant.
“Of specific mention is that of Hon. Ofiks Kagbang, member representing Andoni Constituency, whose defection is out of his selfish and self-serving interest and does not by any means reflect the wishes of the good people of Andoni Constituency.
“By his action, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has declared his seat vacant. We give credence and credit to that declaration but if he repents and come back, Andoni people will welcome him”.
Also speaking, Gogo Oguichien Isaiah, a former chairman of Andoni local government area called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to immediately conduct election into those seats declared vacant.
” We are calling on INEC to immediately speed into action and conduct bye-election so that people from those areas can be adequately represented,” he stated.
The group debunked the rumour that their support for Sir Siminialayi Fubara was ethnic-based.
Ida Obolo Sim Vanguard equally applauded the decision of the state government to demolish and reconstruct a befitting House of Assembly Complex after the fire incident that rocked the complex recently.
