The political atmosphere in Rivers State is growing increasingly charged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Rivers State government vehemently rejected calls from a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Governor Siminalayi Fubara to resign or face impeachment.
This call for the governor’s resignation came after the APC faction loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike accused Fubara of multiple alleged offences and failing to deliver on key resolutions aimed at resolving the state’s political issues.
In response, Fubara, speaking on Monday, made it clear that he would not be swayed by these threats. The governor emphasized that his focus remains on fostering peace and that he would continue his administration’s path, despite the political turmoil. “I want to assure you, it doesn’t matter what the situation might be today, we will come up again stronger and better,” he declared, urging his supporters to stay committed to peace.
Fubara also warned against any form of lawlessness, stressing that such actions would only harm the people of Rivers State. “We need peace because if anything happens, we are the greatest losers,” he said, assuring that his government remains steadfast in its commitment to the people.
The APC faction, led by Tony Okocha, has been vocal in its criticism of Fubara, accusing him of disrespecting President Bola Tinubu and failing to resolve the political gridlock in the state. Okocha, speaking at a press briefing on Monday, further criticized the governor’s invitation to a reconciliatory meeting with the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, calling it a “Greek gift.”
He argued that Fubara’s governance has been ineffective, labeling him “clueless” and asserting that his only remaining option is to resign or face impeachment. Okocha’s comments were particularly pointed regarding Fubara’s attempt to engage lawmakers, which he dismissed as a political maneuver. “The only option left for Fubara is to resign or be impeached. There’s no room for grandstanding,” Okocha added.
However, the Rivers State government swiftly rejected these remarks. Joseph Johnson, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, fired back at Okocha, labeling him an “impostor” who had been removed from his position as APC chairman by a court ruling. Johnson dismissed the calls for impeachment as baseless, reiterating that Fubara had demonstrated a commitment to peace by reaching out to the lawmakers.
The PDP also joined the fray, calling Okocha’s stance “hallucination.” Debo Ologunagba, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, accused the APC faction of attempting to create unnecessary political tension. Ologunagba further challenged Okocha to focus on national issues rather than stoking conflict in the state. “Nigerians are facing hardship under the current government, and Okocha should focus on that instead of fanning political crises,” Ologunagba said.
Despite the mounting pressure, Fubara continued to project an image of resilience. He assured his supporters that the ongoing political turbulence would not deter his administration’s focus on governance. He urged calm during the inauguration of the Nyeweali Akpor Kingdom palace, a significant achievement for the Akpor Kingdom in Obi/Akpor Local Government Area, emphasizing the importance of unity in times of adversity.
In a related development, the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by the Martin Amaewhule faction, has escalated its confrontation with the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) over alleged misconduct in the October 2024 local government elections. The Assembly issued arrest warrants for RSIEC Chairman Justice Adolphus Enebeli and several commissioners after they failed to honor a 72-hour ultimatum to appear before the House.
The ongoing political crisis has caught the attention of various stakeholders in the state, with the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum urging all political factions to exercise restraint. Rufus Ada-George, a former governor and chairman of the Forum, called on all parties to avoid further inflammatory rhetoric, stressing the need for unity and peace in the state. “We are drifting into dangerous waters, and it is time for all stakeholders to prioritize the peace and well-being of Rivers State,” he said.
As the political standoff continues to unfold, Fubara remains resolute, calling on the people of Rivers State to stand together in the face of challenges. His supporters, as well as various political leaders, continue to weigh in, with the future of the state’s political landscape hanging in the balance.
