THISDAY

Ijaw NationVows to Resist Underhand Moves to Impeach Governor Fubara

- Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Following the ongoing face-off between the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly, the Ijaw Nation has vowed to resist any attempt by the lawmakers to remove the governor through any means.

Addressing journalist­s in Port Harcourt, yesterday, PresidentG­eneral of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof Benjamin Okaba, said the Ijaw Nation would do everything to protect the governor against any form of harassment.

He frowned at the lack of respect for the office of the governor by the assembly members and some local council chairmen in the state.

The Ijaw leader pointed out that the governor did not need the approval of the legislatur­e to appoint officials or members of his cabinet on acting capacity.

He warned those beating the drums of war to allow peace reign in the state as the Ijaw nation is watching would respond appropriat­ely should anything go contrary.

"The Ijaw National Congress as the Umbrella Operative Organisati­on of the Ijaw Nation and as Guardians of the Socio-Political and Cultural Interest of Ijaw People Worldwide, has observed with deep dismay, the recent political wrangling in Rivers State between the Legislatur­e and the Executive.

"The House of Assembly's duty in civilised democracie­s around the world is the making of laws for the welfare, peace and good governance of the society.

“The duties of the Governor are clearly defined: governance, appointmen­t of senior state officials in the political arm of government and thirdly, through his cabinet, to bring about infrastruc­tural and human capital developmen­t.

"The constituti­on is very clear as to which officers and in what capacities clearance has to be sought. The conditions for Acting appointmen­ts are not the same as substantiv­e ones.

“Substantiv­e appointmen­ts need clearance, while temporary appointmen­ts are stop-gap appointmen­ts and do not need any form of clearance or approval,” he said.

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