Coalition to Imo rep: Stop meddling in Rivers politics

The Coalition for Good Governance in Rivers has asked Ikenga Ugochinyere, a member of the house of representatives, to refrain from taking sides in the political crisis in the south-south state.

Ugochinyere, who chairs the house of representatives committee on petroleum resources (downstream), represents Ideato federal constituency of Imo.

The lawmaker frequently holds press conferences on the political crisis in Rivers, while expressing support for Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Joe Samson and Aaron Igbijoh, president and secretary of the group respectively, said the lawmaker is heating up the polity of the state by taking sides in the crisis.

“Firstly, it is important to state that he does not represent Rivers State or any part of it but rather the people of Ideato North/South in Imo State,” the statement reads. 

“Rivers State has very competent, experienced and well-read representatives in the National Assembly who can effectively speak for the state if and when the need arises. 

“In addition, we have observed his frequent use of disrespectful language when referring to His Excellency, Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State and current Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. We advise him to cease these disrespectful remarks.

“As concerned citizens of Rivers State, we have some important questions for him: Are there no problems or challenges in his home state of Imo that require his attention and focus?

“Why is he getting involved in matters outside his own constituency when Rivers State has its own elected and competent representatives who are very vocal in the National Assembly?

“He is not a Rivers man and he is totally irrelevant in the affairs of Rivers State.”

Rivers is engulfed in a political crisis over the tenure of the local government chairpersons.

The membership of the state house of assembly is also a subject of litigation.