Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has strongly criticized the 27 lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, for passing a bill that grants them immunity.
Eze, a known critic of Wike’s loyalists, described the move as unconstitutional and an indication of the lawmakers’ ignorance of Nigeria’s legal framework. He stated that their actions expose them as selfish and undemocratic, branding them as individuals acting under a curse.
The controversial bills passed by the Assembly include:
1. The Rivers State House of Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Bill, 2025 – granting the Assembly immunity and privileges to carry out legislative functions.
2. The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) Bill, 2025 – repealing the existing 2018 State Electoral Law and introducing a new framework in line with the 2022 Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution.
3. The Rivers State Local Government Bill, 2025 – repealing the 2018, 2023, and 2024 Local Government Laws and replacing them with a more contemporary legal structure.
Eze argued that the lawmakers’ decision to seek immunity reflects a deep misunderstanding of the Nigerian Constitution, which only grants such protection to the President, Vice President, Governors, and their Deputies. He described their actions as a desperate attempt to shield themselves while pursuing personal and political interests.
“For the House to demand immunity in order to carry out its clandestine activities shows either a lack of understanding of the Constitution or an emerging pattern of democratic tyranny,” Eze remarked.
He urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to reject the bills, emphasizing that they are detrimental to the state’s progress. He further criticized the lawmakers for previously blocking the governor from presenting the state budget, in defiance of a Supreme Court ruling, only to turn around and pass self-serving legislation to boost their political standing.
In his words, he said:
“Blocking Governor Fubara from presenting the state budget, passing three inimical and self-serving bills, and adjourning indefinitely shows they are contemplating an impeachment. Let’s see how this will happen in Rivers State.
“Imagine what is happening under the watch of Bola Tinubu as President of Nigeria. The political crisis in Rivers has continued unabated due to the support Wike is getting from President Tinubu.
“Without mincing words, Wike and his rampaging ‘yes-sir’ lawmakers are navigating their ways through the body language of Tinubu.
“How can the rule of law, which President Tinubu has insisted should take preeminence, apply only to Fubara while the same maxim is not applicable to the erratic lawmakers?” Eze submitted.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
