The Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly has criticized the appointment of individuals as Chairman and members of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency.
The House during plenary on Thursday, expressed its displeasure after Gerald Oforji, the member representing Oyigbo state constituency, presented a report on the inauguration of the agency’s board by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In his report, Oforji emphasized that while the agency could create a favourable environment to attract and grow businesses in the state, he regretted the lack of any law known to the Assembly establishing the agency.
He further stated that if such a law existed, the nominated individuals would have undergone a confirmation process.
In a statement signed by Martins Wachukwu, Special Assistant on Media to Amaewhule, the House Speaker condemned the Governor’s action, stating that appointing individuals to an agency not backed by state legislation is unacceptable.
Amaewhule also recalled a previous instance where Governor Fubara appointed individuals to the Board of the Bureau for Public Procurement and other positions without adhering to relevant laws.
The rift between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike resulted in the factionalization of the state Assembly.
While the Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo is loyal to the governor, the one led by Amaewhule is loyal to Wike.
The rift between Fubara and Wike was made known to the public after October 29, 2024, when a section of the state Assembly was razed by fire, caused by an explosion.
