Leaders of the All Progressives Congress have called on the National Assembly to assume legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly to restore constitutional order in the state.
The APC Leaders Forum described the impeachment attempt against the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as baseless, warning that the move is politically motivated and undermined democracy in the state.
The crisis escalated last Friday when the assembly wrote to the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Simeon Amadi, to set up a seven-man panel to investigate alleged gross misconduct by Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.
The Assembly, led by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, insisted the impeachment process must continue, describing it as the only solution to the political impasse.
However, the Chief Judge on Thursday declined to constitute a judicial panel, citing subsisting court orders restraining him from taking action.
Reacting to the development, members of the APC Leaders Forum said the Assembly had lost credibility and public confidence due to repeated abuse of legislative powers and reckless attempts to impeach the governor.
The statement, jointly signed by Ibrahim Danjuma (National Leader), Akpan Ekpeyong (National Secretary), and civil society leaders; Ifeanyi Okorie, Maryann Douglas, and Collins Akpofure, read, “Rivers State is sliding into a dangerous constitutional crisis. What is unfolding is no longer legislative oversight but a clear abuse of legislative authority. Democracy is under serious threat. The allegations against Governor Fubara are unsubstantiated and unsupported by law or facts.”
The forum urged the APC at the national level to defend democracy and reject the impeachment plot.
It accused the 27 lawmakers loyal to former governor, Nyesom Wike, of diverting Rivers State resources for personal and political gain.
“The Governor has shown prudence and is ready to work for the people of Rivers State, not for a few who want Rivers State bankrupt. We will sustain this battle until our President sacks Wike and the National Assembly takes over the legislative responsibilities of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” the statement added.
Court adjourns suit
Meanwhile, the High Court of the Oyigbo Division in Port Harcourt adjourned indefinitely the suit filed by Fubara and his deputy challenging the impeachment process.
The presiding judge, Justice Fiberesima, adjourned sine die following proof of two separate appeals filed, saying this would enable the Appeal Court to determine the suit before it.
The lead counsel to the Speaker and 27 other lawmakers, S. I. Amen, SAN, had applied orally to stop further hearing pending appeal. The application was not opposed by counsel to the claimants and other defendants.
Rivers APC lauds presidency
The state chapter of APC, led by Chief Emeka Beke, called on Governor Fubara to convene an urgent stakeholders’ meeting to guide the party in the state.
The party also commended the presidency for affirming Fubara as leader of the APC in Rivers State. APC Publicity Secretary Dalington Nwauju said President Bola Tinubu had clarified that every sitting governor is recognised as the leader of his party in the state.
“This reaffirmation vindicates Rivers APC’s long-standing position on the governor’s leadership and aligns with our national party direction,” Nwauju said.
He also reiterated calls for the resignation of the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, over comments on the impeachment process. Nwauju urged the National Working Committee to schedule congresses at Ward, LGA, and State levels to harmonise leadership disputes.
Our correspondent reports that APC in Rivers currently has two factions: one led by Emeka Beke and another by Tony Okocha, recognised by the national leadership.
