UYO, Nigeria – A prominent youth activist and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, Tom FredFish, has voiced strong opposition to the recently reached truce between Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State and the state’s former governor, Nyesom Wike.
Labeling the resolution as a “desecration of the Nigerian constitution,” FredFish expressed his concerns in a statement released to The Trent on Wednesday, December 19, 2023,
FredFish criticized the agreement, stating that such a truce is “alien to democratic culture and norms of the land” and should not be upheld. He emphasized that the arrangement contradicts democratic principles and violates legal procedures.
Highlighting his readiness to challenge any implementation of this resolution, FredFish informed that he has instructed his legal team to be prepared to take necessary actions if the Rivers State government proceeds with the agreement.
The activist specifically focused on the part of the resolution that involves the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Hon. Martins Amaewhule. He expressed concern over the suggested reinstatement of Amaewhule as the Speaker of the House, along with 26 APC defectors.
FredFish labeled this proposed return as an “intimidating slap” to the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, citing a court order that restrained Hon. Martin Amaewhule and Rt. Hon. Dumle Maol from acting as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the RSHA.
He stated, “No individual or group of persons can act outside the confines of the constitution or disobey the courts because of a sitting room arrangement by party chieftains to satisfy their political capital. It is illegal, unconstitutional, criminal, foul, and cannot stand.”
FredFish argued that if Amaewhule and others wish to be reinstated, they must appeal to the court, rather than attempting a “back door” return to office.
He stressed that according to the law, Hon. Amaewhule and the 26 others are no longer members of the Rivers State House of Assembly due to their defection to another political party.
He firmly asserted that Hon. (Barr.) Edison Ehie remains the constitutionally recognized Speaker of the House until the court decides otherwise. FredFish cautioned Hon. Ehie against yielding to political pressure to vacate his office and warned of legal consequences, including charges of contempt, if there is any attempt to contravene the court’s decision.
This statement by FredFish underscores the ongoing tensions within the political landscape of Rivers State and raises questions about the adherence to legal and democratic norms in resolving political conflicts.
