The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on its members in the State House of Assembly to begin impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara over the ongoing political crisis in the state.
The call came barely 24 hours after Governor Fubara declared that the lawmakers led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule were not recognised under the law, insisting that their continued existence as legislators was only possible because of his commitment to maintaining peace.
Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, accused the governor of disregarding the peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu to resolve the rift between Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
According to Okocha, the governor’s refusal to fully implement the agreement and his recent comments declaring the lawmakers’ seats vacant amounted to disrespect for both the President and the peace process.
“The impeachment process has become necessary because the governor has consistently failed to honour the terms of the peace accord and has continued actions capable of deepening the crisis in the state,” Okocha said.
Crisis Deepens Over Procurement Bill
The latest development is linked to the prolonged standoff between the governor and the Amaewhule-led Assembly over the Rivers State Public Procurement (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
The House of Assembly recently overrode the governor’s refusal to assent to the bill and subsequently passed it into law. Lawmakers argued that the legislation was designed to promote accountability and safeguard public funds from misuse.
Speaker Amaewhule maintained that the Assembly would continue to uphold the laws of Rivers State and the Nigerian Constitution, warning that further actions could be taken if the governor continued to disregard legislative processes.
Fubara Insists Lawmakers Have No Legal Standing
Speaking during a meeting with political and traditional leaders from Bayelsa State who visited Government House, Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara insisted that the lawmakers lacked legal legitimacy.
“Those group of men who claim they are Assembly members are not Assembly members. They are not existing,” the governor said.
Fubara explained that he accepted the peace accord initiated by President Tinubu as a political solution aimed at restoring stability in the state, not because the lawmakers had constitutional backing.
He added that despite possessing the constitutional powers of his office, he had exercised restraint in the interest of peace.
“Their existence is because I allowed them to exist. If I withdraw that recognition, they are nowhere. I have made sacrifices to ensure peace reigns in Rivers State,” he stated.
The renewed exchange of accusations highlights the deepening political tension in Rivers State, with both camps remaining firmly entrenched in their positions despite previous reconciliation efforts.
