The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Rivers State Government have firmly opposed a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) demanding Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s resignation or impeachment. This rejection came on Monday, amid escalating political tensions in Rivers State. Governor Fubara, undeterred by the threats, vowed to maintain his focus on peace and good governance, warning against any acts of lawlessness that could destabilize the state.
Speaking to supporters, Fubara acknowledged their mixed emotions but urged resilience. “It doesn’t matter what the situation might be today, we will come up again stronger and better,” he said. “Please continue to follow my footsteps, and that footsteps remains the path of peace. We need it because if anything happens, we are the greatest losers.” His administration, he emphasized, would not bow to pressures aimed at disrupting governance.
The APC faction, aligned with former Governor Nyesom Wike and led by Chief Tony Okocha, accused Fubara of multiple offenses, including disrespecting President Bola Tinubu and failing to honor an eight-point resolution meant to resolve the state’s political crisis. Okocha dismissed Fubara’s invitation for dialogue with the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly as a “Greek gift,” arguing that the Supreme Court’s ruling affirming the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers left no room for negotiation. “The options before Siminalayi Joseph Fubara are two: he should honorably resign or be impeached,” Okocha declared during a press briefing in Port Harcourt, branding the governor “clueless” and a “dangerous snake.”
Fubara’s invitation, issued via a letter signed by Secretary to the State Government Dr. Tammy Danagogo on Sunday, followed the Supreme Court’s validation of the Amaewhule-led Assembly. However, Okocha criticized the letter’s origin, calling it an “aberration” for not bearing the governor’s signature. He warned that Fubara’s leadership risked turning Rivers into a “keg of gunpowder,” threatening political instability if he remained in office.
In response, Rivers State Commissioner for Information Joseph Johnson dismissed Okocha’s authority, labeling him an “impostor” whose removal as APC chairman was upheld by a state High Court. “He doesn’t have any moral grounds to make that call,” Johnson said, highlighting Okocha’s inconsistency and arguing that impeachment was not under consideration. “The government is open to discussing with the Assembly members,” he added, reinforcing Fubara’s commitment to dialogue.
The PDP echoed this stance, with National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba calling Okocha’s demands “hallucination.” He accused the APC faction of stoking unnecessary tension and urged them to address national hardships instead. “Fubara remains popular among the Rivers people,” Ologunagba said, praising the governor’s impactful leadership. Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor went further, asserting that impeaching Fubara—a “performing governor” with strong public support—was unthinkable. “No sane person will move to impeach Fubara,” he said.
The crisis has drawn varied reactions. The Emeka Beke-led APC faction, loyal to ex-Minister Rotimi Amaechi, branded Okocha a “conflict entrepreneur,” questioning his legitimacy given court rulings against him. Meanwhile, Fubara, speaking at a palace inauguration in Obi/Akpor on Monday, reiterated his focus on development and peace, urging calm amid the storm. The event, marking a historic milestone for the Akpor Kingdom, underscored his administration’s tangible achievements despite the political turbulence.
As Rivers State navigates this standoff, Fubara’s resolve to prioritize peace and progress stands in stark contrast to the APC faction’s aggressive push for his ouster, setting the stage for a contentious battle ahead.
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