South-South Women Call for National Assembly Intervention in Rivers State Assembly Crisis

A group of women from the South-South region, represented by the South South Professional Women Association International (SSPWAI), has called on the National Assembly to intervene and assume legislative functions from the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA). The RSHA members are accused of neglecting their constitutional duties, with Governor Siminalayi Fubara facing an impeachment attempt for allegedly rejecting a demand for a massive N500 billion constituency project.

Dr. Constance Mbang, the SSPWAI's president, criticized lawmakers for misusing state funds, including releasing N350 million for constituency projects and later acquiring Prado SUVs.

The women allege that the current impeachment efforts against the governor and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, are driven by their refusal to collaborate with the assembly's financial mismanagement.

The group also accuses lawmakers of obstructing peace efforts, including a reconciliation panel set up by the PAN Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) chairman, Chief Kanu Agabi. The Chief Judge of Rivers State has rejected a request for a constitutional impeachment panel, questioning the simultaneous impeachment attempts against the governor and his deputy.

Efforts to inform the chairman of the RSHA committee, Dr. Enemi Alabo Georg, have been unsuccessful.