The ongoing political feud between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, may claim its first casualties as a group called Ogoni Development Drive (ODD) has launched the process to recall four members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The lawmakers, Dumle Maol (PDP, Gokana constituency), Barile Nwakoh (PDP, Khana), Aforji Igwe (PDP, Eleme), and Bernard Ngba (PDP, Tai), are being targeted for their alleged involvement in the failed impeachment attempt against Governor Fubara.
At a news conference in Port Harcourt, Comrade Solomon Lenu, the convener of ODD, emphasized the need to “save our democracy” and stated that other regions of the country would take inspiration from their actions. ODD had previously issued a seven-day ultimatum to the four Ogoni lawmakers, urging them to apologize to their constituents and Governor Fubara for their role in denigrating his office.
Instead of complying, the lawmakers engaged in meetings to plot the governor’s removal, leading to their suspension.
Lenu revealed that ODD had made significant progress in mobilizing and sensitizing the constituents of the lawmakers towards their recall.
The group has obtained the comprehensive voters’ register of the affected local government areas and constituencies and has created an electronic capture form to simplify the petition process. The response from the aggrieved constituents has been encouraging, and ODD aims to complete the compilation of required signatures within a few weeks.
These signatures will be presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to initiate a referendum, ensuring that the process is carried out securely to prevent any counterplots against democracy.
Lenu emphasized that holding elected leaders accountable would reinforce democratic principles in the country. He called upon the people of Ogoni to support the petition and put an end to political jamboree and illicit godfatherism in the state.
It is worth noting that on October 30, 26 lawmakers attempted to impeach Governor Fubara, but were halted by four pro-Fubara lawmakers, led by Ehie Edison (PDP-Ahoada East II).
Following the incident, Martins Amaewhule (Obio Akpor constituency) was ousted as Speaker, and Ehie was sworn in as the new Speaker, leading to confusion over the office of the Speaker.
