The non screening of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, last week by the Senate kept every man and woman on edge, heightening the political tension in the state.
His screening was twice put on hold over a pending court case.
The Senate Ethics and Public Petitions Committee was asked to investigate and submit a report. But his interview was deferred again as the committee failed to submit the report.
Before now, the issue in Rivers was whether Amaechi would be cleared for a ministerial slot after he refused to appear before the judicial panel investigating his administration.
The report of the panel, which was submitted last week, indicted him and stoked tension statewide.
Based on the report, the state government ordered Amaech, former military Administrator of the state, Anthony Ukpo, and some former public office holders to refund over N97 billion allegedly misappropriated or embezzled.
The attorney general and justice commissioner was directed to enter prosecution process against Amaechi and two orders.
However, Amaechi denied the allegations, dismissing them as part of effort by Governor Nyesom Wike to blackmail him.
He argued that the report was illegal and the allegations were fabrications to malign him and those who worked with him.
APC expresses concern
State All Progressives Congress (APC) Publicity Secretary, Chris Finebone, had to speak out to douse tension and misinformation over the non screening of Amaechi.
He cited “a statement being circulated in the media that Livingstone Wechie has obtained a court order restraining the Senate from screening … Amaechi as a ministerial nominee.”
He disclosed that the APC searched the Federal High Court across the country and “did not find any such proceedings pending or order before any court in the country, the Federal High Court being the only court that has jurisdiction to determine any matter in which the Senate is made a party and its duties and functions are the subject matter, in view of Section 251 of the Constitution.”
Finebone said because the APC is “aware of the desperation of the PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) and Livingstone Wechie on this matter,” the party also searched at the High Court registry in Rivers State and did not find such an order.
“Clearly, the State High Court has no powers or jurisdiction under the Constitution to determine a matter in which the subject matter relates to the duties or functions of the Senate.
“The distinguished and honourable judges of the Rivers State High Court are fully aware of this Constitutional provision. We strongly believe that none of them would be drawn into such level of judicial rascality or abuse of office, no matter the inducement or incentive.”
Finebone urged the people to remain calm and await the Senate report and action as has been announced by Senate President Bukola Saraki.
He requested the Directorate of State Security Services (DSSS) and the police to investigate “this level of misinformation that is capable of breaching the peace.
“We urge them to be vigilant and watch for any attempt to forge and criminally alter documentation at the Rivers State High Court registry.”
Some residents expressed sympathy that Amaechi has had enough disappointment and bashing, is getting less than he invested in the APC, and should be given a respite.
Others countered that he should not be made a minister because he allegedly misappropriated funds when he was governor because his appointment into the federal cabinet will compromise the anti-corruption drive of President Muhammadu Buhari.