Rivers Crisis: APC Calls for Governor Fubara’s Resignation or Impeachment
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to either resign from office honourably or face impeachment by the State House of Assembly. The party accused the governor of committing numerous impeachable offences, citing the recent judgment of the Supreme Court as evidence of his alleged misconduct.
Speaking at a press conference in his country home in Port Harcourt on Monday, the Rivers State APC Chairman, Tony Okocha, declared that the Supreme Court’s ruling had already exposed the governor’s wrongdoings, making it unnecessary for the House of Assembly to set up a seven-man panel to investigate the allegations.
“The Supreme Court has already exposed those allegations,” Okocha stated. “There are two options left for Sir Siminalayi Fubara. He should either resign honourably or face impeachment.”
The APC’s demand adds to the escalating political tension in Rivers State, where the relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government has been strained. The party’s call for impeachment underscores the deepening crisis and the growing opposition to Governor Fubara’s administration.
The Supreme Court’s judgment, which the APC referenced, reportedly highlighted several constitutional breaches and administrative lapses allegedly committed by the governor. While the specifics of the allegations were not detailed during the press conference, Okocha emphasized that the governor’s actions warranted immediate action by the State House of Assembly.
The Rivers State House of Assembly, dominated by APC members, has been at loggerheads with Governor Fubara since his inauguration. The call for impeachment signals a potential escalation in the political standoff, with the APC leveraging its majority in the assembly to push for the governor’s removal.
Governor Fubara, who assumed office in 2023, has faced criticism from opposition parties and some stakeholders over his administration’s policies and governance style. The APC’s latest move is seen as an attempt to capitalize on these criticisms and consolidate its political influence in the state.
Political analysts have warned that the impeachment threat could further destabilize Rivers State, which has a history of political volatility. The situation also raises concerns about the potential impact on governance and development in the state, as the crisis could divert attention and resources away from critical issues.
As the political drama unfolds, stakeholders are calling for calm and urging all parties to prioritize the interests of Rivers State residents. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the impeachment process will proceed or if a resolution can be reached to de-escalate the crisis.
For now, Governor Fubara’s administration has yet to respond to the APC’s demands. However, the governor’s supporters have dismissed the impeachment threat as a politically motivated move aimed at undermining his leadership.
The Rivers State crisis highlights the broader challenges of political governance in Nigeria, where power struggles often overshadow the need for effective and inclusive leadership. As the situation develops, the focus will remain on how the state navigates this turbulent period and whether it can emerge stronger and more united.
