Rivers crisis: 27 lawmakers condemn expulsion of Exco members

Twenty seven members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have criticised the expulsion of 18 Executive Council members announced on Monday, by the state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Port Harcourt. Read more

A statement issued and signed yesterday by the 27 lawmakers loyal to Governor Chibuike Amaechi-led administration, said the Felix Obuah-led PDP lacked knowledge of the party’s constitution.
The lawmakers, among who were the Speaker, Otelemaba Dan Amachree, his Deputy, Leyii Kwanee and Leader of the House, Chidi Lloyd, expressed worry over the plan by the Obuah-led faction to frustrate the reconciliation efforts and deepen the crisis.
“The attention of the 27 members of the Rivers State House Of Assembly, who are also staunch members of the Peoples Democratic Party have been drawn to the purported expulsion and suspension of 14 commissioners (some of whom are non-members of the party, but reputable technocrats) and other aides of our Governor Chibuike Amaechi by the Obuah-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, Rivers State.
“We write as their representatives, that the Obuah-led faction in their unwarranted desperation for power, does not have any idea of the constitution or membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, hence their unguided pronouncements.
They described the action as unconstitutional and a demonstration of political rascality, calling on their supporters to disregard the pronouncements.
“We call on all our constituents to disregard their pronouncements and go about their lawful duties. That the reasons, methodology and procedures that led to these pronouncements are not only unconstitutional by reason of Article 21(4)(5)(6) of the constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party, but also a continuation of the undue political rascality and abject  impunity that is detrimental and injurious  to the character of our party  and democracy.
“We are worried that the undemocratic  and reckless manner that the Obuah-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party have been displaying, threatens not only the ongoing reconciliation efforts but further deepens the factionalisation, fragmentation and threats to the survival of the party.

 From TONY JOHN, Port Harcourt
Culled from The Sun newspaper