Rivers: Group Moves To Recall Senator Over Anti-Fubara Stance

A group, the Ekere Pya Ogoni Initiative, has begun moves to recall the senator representing Rivers South-East district in the National Assembly, Senator Barry Mpigi, over his comments against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The group has already written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to kick-start the process of recalling Mpigi, who is on second term as a member of the Red Chamber of the National Assembly.

The letter, dated December 5, 2023 and addressed to the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, was signed by the national leader of the group, Chief Gani Topba.

It read in part: “We are the incorporated trustees of Ekere Pya Ogoni Initiative, a corporate organisation registered under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with registered head office in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

“As an organisation committed to the protection of the interest of Ogoni people and Rivers State in general as well as promoting good governance and development of Rivers State, we have observed with utter shock, the recent activities of Senator Barry Mpigi and other lawmakers elected by Ogoni people into the federal and state legislatures, particularly, their penchant for working against the interest and wishes of their constituents.

“Most provocatively is the recent outburst of the said Senator Barry Mpigi against the Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Siminalayi Fubara and his open endorsement of the anti-democratic act of some rebellious members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and their plot to impeach the governor.

“As an organisation that subscribes to democratic ideals, and the cherished the tradition of our constitution, we have consulted widely and are convinced that the utterances and decisions of Senator Barry Mpigi and his co-travellers do not represent the wish of the people of Rivers South-East senatorial district, which he represents in the Senate.

“Accordingly, we have resolved to initiate the process of recall of Senator Barry Mpigi from the Senate in line with Section 69 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.”