Rivers crisis: Caution Wike – Reps tell IG

A group of 60 lawmakers in the House of Representatives, popularly known as G-60 lawmakers, today, called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokeun, to stop aiding the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike in meddling in the Rivers State political crisis.

The lawmakers spoke against today’s ruling of the Court of Appeal which dismissed an order barring Martin Amaewhule and 24 others from parading themselves as lawmakers and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, reports The PUNCH.

Recall that a Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, on May 10, 2024, had barred the Speaker of the State Assembly and 24 others loyal to Wike from parading themselves as lawmakers.

Addressing journalists at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, the spokesman of the group, Ikenga Ugochinyere chided Egbetokun for playing the ostrich while the oil-rich state burns in the heat of the political tension.

He said, “Why has the IGP not arrested those who carried dynamite during a peaceful protest against pro-Wike supporters? Why is the IGP showing support for the FCT Minister by not calling to order those breaking laws and order in the state because one man told them to?

“We are calling on the IGP to do the right thing and stop giving support to pro-Wike supporters because he is the FCT Minister.

The group, however, rejected the appellate court’s ruling, insisting that the Pro-Wike sacked Rivers lawmakers’ seat remains vacant.

According to Ugochinyere, the import of the ruling of the Appeal Court was solely on jurisdiction.

He added, “The Court of Appeal ruling today (Thursday) shouldn’t be misconstrued in any way.

“The Pro-Wike sacked Rivers lawmakers’ seats remain vacant as the Appeal court didn’t decide on the validity of their illegal decampment nor the declaration of their seats vacant.

“The Appeal Court focused on declaring that the Federal High Court is the only court with the jurisdiction to decide on the legality or illegality of decampment thereby ruling against the Rivers High Court proceedings.”