By Ohuakanwa Chibuzo
The peace accord in Rivers State has been shattered as tensions rise between the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). In a dramatic turn of events, the APC has issued a directive for the immediate impeachment of Governor Siminialayi Fubara, sparking fears of further instability in the region.
The APC, with its 27 members in the House of Assembly, has instructed its lawmakers to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara. Failure to comply with this directive could lead to disciplinary action against APC legislators, according to party officials.
The decision to pursue impeachment follows Governor Fubara’s controversial remarks regarding the legitimacy of the state Assembly during a recent visit by Bayelsa State delegates. Fubara’s assertion that the Assembly members were non-existent in the eyes of the law has drawn sharp criticism from the APC, accusing him of disrespecting constitutional norms.
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Tony Okocha, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the state APC, condemned Siminalayi Fubara’s remarks as insulting to President Bola Tinubu and indicative of a disregard for the rule of law. Okocha declared that the APC would not tolerate such behavior and called for decisive action against the governor.
Responding to Okocha’s directive, Information Commissioner Joseph Johnson dismissed the APC’s move as a mere distraction, emphasizing that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s statements did not invalidate the existence of the House of Assembly. Johnson asserted that the APC lacked the authority to direct impeachment proceedings and warned against further destabilization attempts.
Meanwhile, Ijaw National Leader Edwin Clark has urged the Inspector General of Police to intervene and defuse the escalating crisis. Clark highlighted the constitutional provisions that deem the defection of lawmakers from the PDP to the APC as grounds for vacating their seats in the Assembly.
In an open letter to the Police IG, Clark emphasized the need to prevent the situation from spiraling into chaos, emphasizing the importance of upholding peace and unity in the country. He called for restraint on the part of all stakeholders and urged the police to prevent provocative actions that could exacerbate tensions in Rivers State. As the political standoff intensifies, all eyes are on the authorities to swiftly address the crisis and prevent further escalation that could destabilize the region.
