Amidst escalating political tensions, the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a directive for the commencement of impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The directive, conveyed by Tony Okocha, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party, was announced during a press conference held in Port Harcourt yesterday. This move comes in response to Governor Fubara’s recent statement declaring the non-existence of Assembly members in the eyes of the law.
The rift between the governor and 27 Assembly members aligned with former governor Nyesom Wike has deepened following unsuccessful attempts to impeach Governor Fubara.
During a meeting with a delegation from Bayelsa State, led by former governor Seriake Dickson, Governor Fubara vehemently criticized the Amaewhule-led lawmakers, asserting their non-existence in legal terms. He expressed disappointment over their persistent attempts to destabilize his administration despite his efforts to reconcile with them.
In contrast, Tony Okocha rebuked the governor’s declaration, emphasizing that no constitutional provision empowers him to nullify the status of Assembly members. Okocha condemned what he deemed as the governor’s disregard for the rule of law and his disrespectful remarks towards the party’s leadership, including President Bola Tinubu.
Okocha further declared that the APC has instructed its Assembly members to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara. He warned of disciplinary action against members who fail to comply and vowed not to allow Rivers State to be ridiculed on the national stage.
Characterizing Governor Fubara’s administration as inept and wasteful, Okocha accused him of misappropriating state funds. He pledged the APC’s commitment to hold the government accountable and ensure justice for the people of Rivers State.
In response, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joe Johnson, challenged Okocha’s authority to issue such directives, citing internal party disputes. He argued that the constitutionality of the lawmakers’ defection had already been established, rendering their seats vacant.
Johnson dismissed Okocha’s directive as baseless, asserting that Rivers people would oppose any attempts to undermine their elected representatives.
The political turmoil in Rivers State continues to unfold amidst conflicting interpretations of legal and constitutional provisions, leaving the fate of Governor Fubara’s administration uncertain.
