The Rivers State House of Assembly has been gutted by fire as plot to commence impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminilayi Fubara Fubara gathers momentum.
It was gathered that Arsonist gained access into the chamber on Sunday night and set it ablaze.
The quick intervention of the men of fire service stopped the fire from spreading to the entire Assembly complex.
Security was beefed up at the complex while firefighters battled to contain the inferno.
The chickens are coming home to roost for the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike and his estranged political godson Governor Fubara
The alleged crack, followed Wike’s overbearing posture in the state despite serving as FCT Minister.
Stakeholders in the state had expressed concern over seemingly slow pace of effective governance barely six months after Fubara was sworn-in to office.
The plot to impeach the governor, it was gathered has reached its crescendo starting with that of State Assembly leader, Edison Ehie, who is said to have been opposing former Governor Wike’s dictatorial tendencies
However, amid the rift, suspected thugs on Sunday Invaded the assembly complex and burnt the building using Improvised Explosive Devices (IED)
In the meantime, the assembly complex has been cordoned off by the police with over 17 armoured vehicles with no nonsense looking security personnel stationed around it.
Though there had been relative inactivity in the state, Fubara had earlier inuguarated 14 commissioners and assigned portfolios to them.
Following so much criticisms from opposition political parties, he inuguarated additional five commissioners who were screened by the State House of Assembly.
The feud between the duo became visible after the swearing of the latest Commissioners.
It was also gathered that Wike was not happy over moves by Fubara to revive Shonghai Farm and other initiated programs that will benefit the people.
Shonghai was initiated by former Governor Chibuike Amaechi, who has been at daggers drawn with Wike.
Meanwhile, some youth groups have issued strong warning to Wike not to truncate the relative peace in the state, saying they will not sit,fold their arms and allow anyone to remove the governor from office.
In a swift reaction to the development, the Coalition of Democratic Vanguard, a unified group of concerned citizens, condemned attempts by Wike and his allies to impeach Governor Fubara and Edison Ehie, the leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The Coalition in a statement signed by its Chairman, Thompson Orumbo and Secretary, Peter Nwabunna.warned Wike not to undermine democratic process and urged all parties involved to respect the will of the people and prioritize the betterment of Rivers State.
“Rivers State has made significant strides in the pursuit of development and stability under the leadership of Governor Fubara. The governor, has championed policies and initiatives that have positively impacted the lives of the citizens. Political squabbles and power struggles should not hinder the progress, and the people’s mandate must be respected” the group stated.
“The Coalition called upon Wike and his co-travellers to prioritize the interests of the people and set aside personal and political interest. The unity and stability of Rivers State should be the primary goal, with cooperative efforts dedicated to achieving sustained development, improved infrastructure, and the welfare of its citizens”.
The Coalition said, if Wike and his men have genuine concerns regarding the performance or integrity of Fubara and Ehie, they should first present concrete evidence through appropriate channels such as investigations to ensure that any actions taken will be based on facts and not subject to personal motives.
“Rivers State is not the personal estate of Wike, as such he should allowed it to be governed by the chosen one of Rivers State, Governor Fubara for the advancement of a greater Rivers State”
“The Coalition reiterates its warning to Chief Nyesom Wike and his allies against any attempts to undermine the democratic process to plough unrest in Rivers State. It calls for adherence to democratic principles” the statement added.
Similarly, the National Youth Council of Nigeria in Rivers state has expressed support to Governor Fubara.
The chairman of the apex youth body in the state, Chijioke Ihunwo. warned those trying to truncate the tenure of Governor Fubara to watch their back.
“The youths will not sit, fold their arms and allow anyone to remove the governor from office” He warned