A political storm is brewing in Rivers State, Nigeria, as 27 lawmakers, led by Martin Amaewhule, have passed a bill granting themselves immunity.
This move has been met with fierce criticism from Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP).
Eze lambasted the lawmakers, accusing them of being ignorant of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He argued that the Constitution only grants immunity to the President, Vice President, Governors, and their Deputies, not lawmakers.
Recall that the lawmakers passed three bills, including the Rivers State House of Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Bill, 2025, which seeks to grant the House powers, privileges, and immunity to perform its legislative duties.
They also passed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, Bill, 2025, which seeks to repeal the existing State Electoral Law of 2018 and re-enact a new one to provide for the establishment, composition, and functions of the Commission.
In addition, they passed the Rivers State Local Government Bill, 2025, which seeks to repeal the State’s Local Government Laws of 2018, 2023, and 2024 and re-enact a new Local Government Law.
Eze urged Governor Fubara not to assent to these laws, which he said are inimical to the emancipation and development of the state.
He also accused the lawmakers of contemplating impeachment, citing their decision to block the governor from presenting the state budget.
Truth Live News reports that the crisis in Rivers State has been ongoing, with Eze blaming President Bola Tinubu for supporting Wike, which he said has emboldened the lawmakers to take drastic actions.