The Rivers State Government has alleged that the State House of Assembly is deliberately obstructing Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s efforts to implement the Supreme Court’s decision on the state’s political crisis.
This accusation was made on Monday by the Commissioner for Information, Joe Johnson, in response to claims by Enemi Alabo-George, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, who had accused Governor Fubara of delaying the implementation process.
Johnson stated that despite multiple attempts to engage with the lawmakers, they have consistently refused to acknowledge official correspondences from the governor.
He cited video footage showing government officials trying to deliver documents that, according to him, were intentionally ignored by the Assembly. Furthermore, he pointed out that some of these correspondences had been published in national newspapers for public transparency.
Responding to Alabo-George’s demand for proof, Johnson explained that the government was unable to provide acknowledgment copies of the letters since the Assembly had refused to receive them.
Regarding the latest allegations of gross misconduct against the governor and his deputy, Johnson noted that the executive arm had not received any formal communication from the Assembly on the matter.
He reaffirmed Governor Fubara’s dedication to peace and stability, highlighting his adherence to a court directive requiring the transition of power from elected local government chairmen to Heads of Local Government Administration.
“The governor also indicated his willingness to implement the remaining directives of the Supreme Court as soon as he receives the Certified True Copy of the judgment,” Johnson stated.
However, he accused the Assembly of escalating tensions by issuing ultimatums to both the governor and the state electoral commission.
Describing these actions as a deliberate effort to incite disorder, he noted that legal experts had raised concerns over the legitimacy of the Assembly’s moves.
Johnson further criticized the lawmakers’ recent demand for an investigation into the Chief Judge, arguing that their actions revealed a lack of genuine concern for the state’s welfare.
“The lawmakers’ actions from the beginning have been self-serving, rather than focused on governance and the well-being of the people of Rivers State,” he asserted.
