The political crisis in Rivers State intensifies as the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC) chapter instructs its 27 members in the House of Assembly to initiate an impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This directive marks a significant escalation in tensions within the state’s political landscape.
The APC’s call for impeachment comes after the governor’s recent declaration of the APC lawmakers’ seats (who defected) as vacant.
In response to Fubara’s actions, the state government criticizes the APC’s call for impeachment, highlighting the deepening divide between political factions in Rivers State. Despite the ongoing political turmoil, Governor Fubara remains steadfast in his plans to inaugurate a series of significant projects to commemorate his first year in office.
The caretaker committee chairman of the Rivers State APC, Chief Tony Okocha, condemns the governor’s declarations, accusing him of undermining constitutional principles and exhibiting dictatorial tendencies. Okocha emphasizes the importance of upholding the separation of powers and checks and balances within the government.
Governor Fubara defends his stance, asserting that the peace agreement signed with President Tinubu was a political solution rather than a constitutional mandate. He maintains that he assented to the agreement willingly and in a friendly environment, refuting claims of coercion.
Despite mounting tensions and accusations, the political stalemate in Rivers State shows no signs of abating, as both sides remain entrenched in their positions, setting the stage for further confrontations and political maneuvering.
The Rivers State Government has lambasted the All Progressives Congress, APC, over its call on the State House of Assembly to commence an impeachment process against him.
The state’s Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joseph Johnson, stated that the 27 lawmakers in the state house of assembly lack the moral standing to impeach the sitting governor of the state. He said Okocha lacked the morality to talk about the state government, noting that Okocha was not a legitimate member of the APC. He added that moves to impeach the governor would not be an easy journey, noting that the people of the state would resist such moves with the drop of the: “It is not going to be an easy journey. They should not imagine embarking on it because Rivers people will resist them. Rivers people will resist them because it is even baseless to think of it. They are not fighting with legitimacy; they are only fighting for their own survival…”
“As far as we are concerned, Section 109(g) has settled the case. It says if an assembly member defects from his own party that brought him to power, you automatically lose his seat. They have done that, and it is settled. Our constitution is the grand norm. The court, the Supreme Court, is there to look at these elementary issues. There is also a subsisting judgement on this, so we don’t need a second opinion on whether we should respect them as assembly members or not. The Supreme Court has already declared those seats vacant.”
Controversy: Tony Okocha was just yesterday declared as not being a member of APC by a former chairman of the party, Sokonte Davies. Interesting, we will get you informed as the drama unfolds!
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