The political scene in Rivers State is heating up, and the Ohanaeze Ndigbo group isn’t holding back. They’re pointing fingers at Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accusing him of not playing by the rules. This isn’t your typical political squabble; it’s a full-blown clash that could shake things up for everyone in Rivers State. Let’s break down what’s happening and why it matters.
Here’s a quick rundown of the key points:
- Ohanaeze’s Faction Speaks Out: A faction led by Chief Jackson Omenazu is calling out Governor Fubara’s actions.
- Multiple Factions: The recent Ohanaeze election has resulted in three President-Generals, highlighting internal divisions.
- Disagreement with the House of Assembly: The faction sides with the Martin Chike Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, clashing with Fubara’s governance.
- Overridden Bills: The House of Assembly bypassed Governor Fubara’s veto on key bills, escalating the dispute.
- Accusations of Neglect: Fubara is accused of ignoring the plight of the state’s impoverished population.
Ohanaeze Faction vs. Fubara: The Political Showdown
The Chief Jackson Omenazu-led faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has thrown some serious shade at Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. They’re basically saying he’s not following the rulebook, especially after that chaotic Ohanaeze election that somehow produced not one, not two, but three President-Generals all from the same ethnic group.
The Three-Headed Ohanaeze
Let’s just pause here and highlight the chaos. The Ohanaeze election led to Chief Uche Okwukwu, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, and Chief Jackson Omenazu all claiming the top spot. This internal struggle within Ohanaeze adds an extra layer of confusion to the existing political turmoil in Rivers State.
Accusations and Alliances
The Omenazu faction isn’t just sitting back and watching. They’ve publicly stated they’re backing the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule. According to them, Amaewhule is the real deal when it comes to the Speaker position, and they’re not afraid to say it.
They even went as far as praising President Bola Tinubu for trying to keep things balanced in the state. This shows that this is not just a local fight; it has national implications and draws in other political figures.
Key Bills and a Veto Override
The House of Assembly, in a move that could be considered a power play, overrode Governor Fubara’s veto on three important bills. These aren’t just any bills; they include the Rivers State Education (Return of Schools) Amendment Bill, the Rivers Electricity Market Bill, and the Rivers State Commission of Inquiry Bill, 2024. The faction claims these bills are vital for the welfare of the people, especially the poor. The fact that they are overriding the Governor shows the gravity of the situation.
The People’s Bills?
According to the faction, these bills were sent to the Governor over a month ago, aiming to help the less privileged. They argue that by bypassing Fubara’s veto, they’re standing up for democracy. They also invoke Section 100(6) of the Nigerian Constitution to back their move.
Fubara’s Actions Under Scrutiny
The Omenazu faction is clearly not happy with Governor Fubara’s response, or lack thereof. They’re criticizing him for allegedly not approving bills that could help the poor, and they’re puzzled by his decision to present the 2025 budget to just three assembly members. To them, it raises a serious question: Is Fubara truly looking out for everyone in Rivers State?
The Big Question
With all this happening, one thing is clear: the political climate in Rivers State is turbulent. The Ohanaeze faction’s accusations against Governor Fubara add fuel to the fire, raising concerns about governance, power, and who really has the best interests of the people at heart.
This isn’t just about political posturing; it’s about how Rivers State will move forward, especially for those who are often overlooked.