RIVERS CRISIS: LAWMAKER ENEMI GEORGE DEFENDS ASSEMBLY’S STANCE, REVEALS ACADEMIC, PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
A member of the Rivers State House of Assembly and its Spokesperson, Honourable Enemi George, has shed light on his academic and professional background while addressing the ongoing political tension in the state.
George disclosed that he holds a PhD in Political Science before proceeding to study law, adding that he spent a significant part of his professional career in the banking sector.
“I have a PhD in political science before I went to study law. In all of my studying, most of my work life I was a banker,” he said.
Speaking on the handling of political interventions in Rivers State, the lawmaker criticised what he described as reckless approaches to resolving the crisis. He referenced an earlier intervention by President Bola Tinubu, noting that Governor Siminalayi Fubara reportedly described it as a “mere political solution.”
“I have never seen such recklessness. The president came the first time, intervened, and the governor said it was a mere political solution. That was his own word,” George stated.
In an interview with Channels Television, George recounted events during the period of emergency rule in the state, particularly the House of Assembly’s engagement with federal authorities.
According to him, the Assembly maintained a firm position when the Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), was sent to interface with lawmakers on behalf of the President.
“Let me tell you something: during the state of emergency, the President sends the Administrator to interface with the House of Assembly. And then the members of the Assembly told Ibas that was the first and only time I sat with that, ‘Sir, go back and tell the President we love him and we respect him. But if he brings Siminalayi Fubara back, the 27 of us will resign. Let him run the state. Let him be governor. Let there be no problems,’” he said.
George explained that the message was relayed to President Tinubu, after which the Assembly members were invited to Abuja for further discussions aimed at resolving the impasse.
He described the atmosphere at the Abuja meeting as tense, noting that lawmakers became visibly agitated upon realising that Governor Fubara was present at the venue, with several members attempting to leave in protest.
The lawmaker stressed that the Assembly’s position was driven by adherence to due process, accountability, and concern for the stability of Rivers State.
According to him, the lawmakers acted within legal boundaries and with the intention of preventing decisions that could further escalate the crisis.
George concluded by emphasising the importance of careful mediation and strict adherence to established political and constitutional procedures, noting that sustainable solutions must respect the state’s governance structures.
