The 27 lawmakers in Rivers State who support Governor Nyesom Wike find themselves embroiled in a heated dispute over the legality of their seats.
Sara-Igbe, the National Coordinator of the South-South Leadership Forum, has openly criticized their legitimacy, labeling them as “impostors in the eyes of the law.”
Tensions escalated when two members of the House of Assembly, aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, controversially elected a new Speaker.
This move occurred amidst the backdrop of defections by pro-Wike lawmakers to the All Progressives Congress (APC), with intentions to impeach Governor Fubara.
In an interview on Arise TV, Sara-Igbe reiterated the lack of authority these lawmakers hold in attempting to impeach Governor Fubara. He cited legal provisions, emphasizing that their status as impostors renders their actions invalid.
Sara-Igbe criticized the judiciary for procedural irregularities in handling the matter and stressed the importance of awaiting judicial interpretation.
He said, “The people who call themselves members of the House of Assembly as honourables, are not honourable enough.” He argued that their actions contravened legal statutes, stating, “We see them as impostors because by virtue of section 109 (F), they are no longer members of the House of Assembly.”
Moreover, Sara-Igbe questioned President Tinubu’s involvement, asserting that the president lacks the authority to direct a governor’s actions under the constitution. He condemned the entire process as illegal and emphasized the need for adherence to the rule of law.
“Mr. President does not have powers under the democracy, particularly the 1999 constitution, to direct a governor who was elected the same way he was elected,” he added.