A coalition of opposition lawmakers has raised the alarm over an alleged plot by pro-Wike lawmakers to disrupt the upcoming local government elections in Rivers State through illegal legislative actions and court orders.
Allegations of Manipulation and Sabotage
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the leader of the group, Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP – Imo State), alleged that lawmakers loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, were making desperate moves to frustrate the electoral process and prevent the implementation of the 2025 Rivers State budget, despite a Supreme Court directive.
According to Ugochinyere, the lawmakers are working to amend the Local Government Administration Law to allow former local government chairmen—whose tenure has ended—to return to office.
“Their plan is to frustrate the election so that these former LGA chairmen, whose tenure is over, can come back. But we assure the people of Rivers State that the election will hold as scheduled by the electoral body. No illegal amendment will stop the process,” he declared.
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He also accused the pro-Wike lawmakers of seeking a court injunction to halt the elections, similar to previous legal strategies used to undermine democracy in the state.
Lawmakers Boycotting Budget Presentation to Cripple Governance
Ugochinyere further alleged that the lawmakers were deliberately avoiding the 2025 budget presentation in a bid to cripple governance in Rivers State.
“The Governor reached out to the House of Assembly members to come for a meeting, something Wike himself would never do. But they boycotted the meeting and refused to attend. The Governor even called the Speaker multiple times, but he refused to answer. This shows their real agenda—anarchy and suffering for the Rivers people,” he stated.
Governor Fubara Praised for Upholding Democracy
Despite these challenges, the lawmakers commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his humility and commitment to democracy, stating that he had acted in good faith by reaching out to the Assembly members and ensuring governance continued despite the provocation and betrayal of the peace accord.
They accused Wike of prioritizing control over Rivers State at all costs, rather than peace and development.
“Wike’s interest is not about peace or progress; it is about control. Since he is no longer in charge of the state, he wants nothing done. Every crisis, from the local government elections to the Assembly impasse, is part of his strategy to hold the state hostage,” they alleged.
Call to Defend Democracy in Rivers State
The lawmakers warned that the people of Rivers State would resist any attempt to undermine democracy, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant in defending democratic principles.
“We are almost at the end of this crisis, and that’s why you see more frustrations and ranting from these political actors. But the people are rising. Our party leaders, governors, and National Working Committee members are standing firm to put an end to this madness. We will not allow Rivers State to be destabilized.”
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They reaffirmed their full support for Governor Fubara and called on the opposition to respect the rule of law and democratic institutions, rather than resorting to unconstitutional tactics.
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