Rivers State Assembly Chaos: Bode George Expresses Disgust

Bode George, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has described the turmoil within the Rivers State House of Assembly as disgraceful.

Speaking as a guest on Channels Television Politics Today Programme on Monday, Bode said, “What I will tell all sides is that, like I said, we need elders in the room who would call everybody to order. What is happening in Rivers is despicable. It is heart rendering and I am very unhappy because Rivers is almost a one-party state.”

Bode George calls on leaders to rebuild PDP

He also noted “And for such a thing to be happening at this particular time, it’s bothering me, and the party must immediately get involved. The elections are over, the tribunal and electoral process is also over and now let’s come and rebuild the party.

“All those broken areas must be patched up so that we can remain the indivisible and undefeatable party for the future. I am very sad about what is going on in Rivers State.

Also, George maintained that “All sides should calm down. Let the elders get involved to be able to resolve the crisis. In an organisation, yes, you would have differences. We can disagree without being disagreeable. Please, all sides should calm down and walk the part of honour.” 

Rivers State Assembly Crisis: What to know

Newsmen gathered that sections of the Rivers State House of Assembly were burnt as 24 lawmakers made moves to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who allegedly escaped an assassination attempt from police gunshots.

They also noted that 26 members of the Assembly suspended the Speaker, Martins Amaehwule and three others. They immediately elected, and inaugurated the leader of the House, Edison Ehie, as the new Speaker.

Reports say that there were gunshots and firing of teargas within the House of Assembly Complex as some lawmakers sat to begin an impeachment process on Fubara.

Responding to those who are bent on impeaching him, Governor Fubara asked the 24 state lawmakers who are said to be loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, to show justification for their actions.

Addressing thousands of youths at the Government House gate, Fubara said,  “Let it be on record, whoever masterminded the attack at the assembly is trying to divert attention. If Siminalayi Fubara is impeached, I won’t be the first, neither will I be the last. But what is important is that any attempt that is not justified will be resisted. Let them come out and tell Rivers people the offence that I have committed to warrant impeachment.

“But my happiness this morning is that the people of Rivers State, represented by all of you here, are with us. I can go home and sleep. Let me assure Rivers people that we will continue to defend them, protect them and ensure that they will enjoy the dividends of democracy.”