Controversy over fresh attempts to impeach Gov Fubara of Rivers

The Rivers State Government has strongly criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its recent call on the State House of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Joseph Johnson, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, emphasized that the 27 lawmakers in the State House of Assembly lacked the moral authority to impeach the governor.

Johnson issued a stern warning to the APC lawmakers aligned with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, cautioning them against pursuing such actions. He asserted that any attempt to impeach the governor would face staunch resistance from the people of Rivers State.

Reports from DAILY POST highlighted that Tony Okocha, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the APC in Rivers State, urged the State Assembly to expedite the impeachment process against Governor Fubara during a press conference in Port Harcourt.

Okocha argued that the impeachment was warranted due to the governor’s alleged disrespect towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who intervened to resolve ongoing disputes in the state.

Responding swiftly, the Commissioner for Information and Communications dismissed Okocha’s credibility to comment on state affairs, questioning his legitimacy within the APC ranks.

The commissioner asserted that any attempts to impeach the governor would face significant hurdles, as the people of Rivers State were prepared to vehemently oppose such maneuvers.

He stated, “The road ahead will be arduous. They should not entertain the thought, as the people of Rivers State will stand firm against them. Their endeavor lacks legitimacy; it is merely a struggle for survival. On what grounds do they base their claims? The law unequivocally prohibits legitimizing illegality.

“From our standpoint, they lack the standing to proceed. They should not even contemplate it, as Section 109(g) settles the matter. It stipulates that if an Assembly member defects from the party that elected them, they automatically forfeit their seat. This provision has been invoked, settling the issue. Our Constitution is paramount.

“The courts, including the Supreme Court, are available to adjudicate on these fundamental matters. There is already a binding judgment on this matter; thus, we require no further validation regarding the status of these lawmakers. The Supreme Court has already declared their seats vacant.

“Tony Okocha was recently disavowed as an APC member by former party chairman Sokonte Davies, operating as a factional leader. We await similar confirmation from the faction led by Chief Emeka Beke. Okocha stands on shaky ground. His call is hollow, and his advice to impeach the governor leads nowhere. They will not succeed. These lawmakers are non-existent, both legally and practically.”