No truth in sacking of Chief Judge, 23 LG Chairmen, and others, Rivers govt asserts

Some media platforms have falsely reported that Governor Siminalaye Fubara of Rivers State has sacked the state chief judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, Chief of Staff Government House, Chidi Amadi, and the 23 local government chairmen. The reports were linked to the crisis that broke out in the state House of Assembly on Monday, where a faction of the lawmakers led by the embattled Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, signed a notice of impeachment on the Governor.

The state government has dismissed the reports as baseless and unfounded. The commissioner for information and communications, Joe Johnson, issued a statement on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, saying that the governor has not given him any directive to announce their sack. He described the governor as a technocrat, kind-hearted, and humane person who does things according to laid-down rules and with the fear of God.

He urged Rivers people and the general public to ignore such unconfirmed reports and assured them that he would keep them updated on events in due course.

Meanwhile, the state seems to be calm after the chaotic situation on Monday. This may be attributed to the peace efforts made by the elders of the state on Monday night. Sources said the elders appealed to the two factions (Siminalaye Fubara and Nyesom Wike) to bury their hatchets and allow peace to prevail in the state.

Also, the Rivers Youths Rescue Mission (RYRM, has called on both political leaders to exercise restraint and work for peace and tranquilly in Rivers  State.In a statement signed by Comrade Solomon Lenu and Comrade Tuka Loanyie, the group condemned the unprofessional conduct of the Rivers state police command, which was seen in a video clip circulating on social media where water cannons were fired at the governor. They called on the force headquarters to intervene immediately and redeploy the leadership of the current state command if necessary. They also urged all Rivers men of conscience to support Gov. Fubara and not to remain indifferent for the sake of posterity. They said they did not want to lag behind other states in terms of development because of petty sentiments.