Alarm Over Potential Chaos as APC Urges Fubara’s Removal
Written by Jerry Alomatu on May 8, 2024
The Rivers State Government has rejected the call made by the Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state for the State House of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminlayi Fubara. The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, emphasized in an interview with The PUNCH in Port Harcourt that the governor is determined to prevent any attempts to destabilize the state.
Similarly, Chief Edwin Clark, the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, alongside other notable figures in the region, cautioned against any actions by the lawmakers that could lead to chaos in the state.
The APC Caretaker Committee Chairman in the state, Chief Tony Okocha, had earlier urged the 27 members of the state House of Assembly aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to initiate immediate impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara. Okocha warned of severe consequences if the lawmakers failed to comply with this directive.
The conflict between Fubara and Wike escalated last year when the Assembly, predominantly loyal to Wike, attempted to impeach the governor. Although a peace agreement was brokered by President Bola Tinubu, tensions have reignited as disagreements persist over the terms of the peace deal.
Governor Fubara has challenged the legitimacy of the Assembly, labeling it as an illegal entity. He argued that the peace agreement brokered by President Tinubu was a political solution rather than a constitutional resolution.
Responding to Okocha’s call for impeachment, the state APC Caretaker Committee Chairman emphasized that the governor lacks the authority to dissolve the Assembly. He criticized Fubara’s refusal to implement agreements and accused him of undermining the President’s intervention.
In a swift response, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications reiterated the governor’s stance, citing constitutional provisions that deem the lawmakers’ defection to another party as grounds for vacating their seats. Johnson maintained that the Assembly members are non-existent and lack the legal standing to initiate impeachment proceedings.
Efforts to reach the spokesman for the House of Assembly, Enemi George, were unsuccessful, and the House Leader, Major Jack, did not respond to attempts to contact him.
However, the Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol, affirmed Okocha’s call, stating that it reflects the party’s position. He clarified that while the party has the authority to invoke relevant constitutional provisions, he does not serve as its spokesperson.
Meanwhile, Chief Edwin Clark urged the Inspector General of Police to intervene and prevent the lawmakers from exacerbating tensions in the state. He emphasized that the defection of the lawmakers to the APC renders their seats vacant, as stipulated in the constitution.
Additionally, Ms. Ann Kio-Briggs condemned the actions of a few individuals within the APC, accusing them of attempting to destabilize the state for personal gain. She called on the national leadership of the PDP to defend the governor against such threats.
Similarly, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe cautioned against proceeding with impeachment proceedings while legal issues surrounding the lawmakers’ legitimacy remain unresolved. He urged patience as the judiciary interprets relevant laws and determines the lawmakers’ status. Sara-Igbe emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting judicial processes in resolving the crisis.
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Author: Jerry Alomatu
Astute communicator
