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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, has confirmed the authenticity of Governor Siminialayi Fubara’s signature on the document containing the resolution on the state’s political crisis released on Monday evening.
The document was released after a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the warring parties in the political crisis in Rivers State.
However, some loyalists of Fubara have alleged that the governor’s signature was forged on the document. They noted that the governor usually uses a red pen, and not the black pen used to sign the document.
But Johnson, who spoke on Channels TV on Wednesday, said the governor will implement the agreement reached because he is committed to the process that would lead to peace in the state.
“There is nothing to doubt about it. We have gone beyond the issue as to who signed, and who didn’t sign.
“The Bible that we all profess says we should pursue peace will all men at all cost. Mr Governor is a stickler for the rules.
“And if His Excellency, the President has intervened, he (Fubara) is not a man of perfidy. He will not say something and do the other.
“In the next couple of hours, I will be unveiling some of the approvals His Excellency has already given as an indication that he is prepared for peace,” the commissioner said.
He added that the governor did not show weakness when he agreed to the decisions during Monday’s meeting.
Meanwhile, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said they will continue to perform their constitutional functions of lawmaking and oversight for the development of the state.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Wednesday by Speaker’s media aide, Martins Wachukwu, the assembly, presided over by Martin Amaewhule, said they withdrew the impeachment notice against governor because of the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.
While reiterating their respect for Tinubu, they lauded him for his fatherly role in the settlement of the political crisis in the state.
“The Rivers State House of Assembly at its 89th Legislative Sitting, Wednesday, in the auditorium of the House of Assembly quarters on Aba Road, which was converted to a hallowed chamber via a motion at its last plenary, has withdrawn the impeachment notice served on the governor of the state, Sir Siminialayi Fubara,” it said.
Reading a letter on the floor of the House, signed by 24 members, Amaewhule recalled that on October 30, 2023, he read a notice of impeachment signed by 24 members of the assembly under Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution.
He said following the agreement reached on December 18, 2023, at the instance of the President, the assembly has withdrawn the notice of impeachment.
The Speaker added that the House will abide by the letters of the agreement and the advice of Mr. President, whom he said members have immense respect for.