By Chinelo Obogo
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Coalition, an NGO affiliated with the party, has called on the judiciary to maintain impartiality in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
This follows the recent judgment by the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, directing the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to halt the release of statutory monthly allocations to Rivers State due to the defection of some state lawmakers to an opposition party.
Dr Emeka Kalu, the national coordinator of the PDP Coalition, issued a statement on Thursday, warning that the court’s decision could plunge the state into further difficulties. He said the situation must be handled carefully to prevent Rivers State from falling into more confusion.
Kalu stressed that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man and cannot afford to risk its integrity, urging it to protect its independence by avoiding political influence that could harm democratic processes and legal ethics.
“Law has a process and once it is violated, its penalty takes effect. As stated in Section 109 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, it is clear that the 27 Rivers State lawmakers who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) lost their seats, and the government’s operations must not be halted simply because of this vacancy.
“Nigeria is currently experiencing economic hardship, and if urgent steps are not taken to address the situation, crime rates will continue to escalate as frustrated citizens turn to any means to make ends meet.”
Kalu emphasised that Governor Fubara committed no offence by choosing to serve the people of Rivers State as their governor and that the judiciary must help preserve democracy through its commitment to integrity and social justice.
Kalu insisted that the lawmakers contravened the law by abandoning the political party that sponsored their elections into the State Assembly.
“Fubara’s administration has continuously succeeded in positively impacting Rivers people, even approving an N85,000 minimum wage for workers despite the state of the nation. His government should be emulated rather than targeted without just cause,” Kalu stated.
