PeakNews Online
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Rivers State Government on Monday dismissed calls by a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the resignation or impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The governor, in response, vowed not to be intimidated by threats from those seeking to instigate political crises in the state. He also warned against lawlessness, stressing his commitment to peace and stability.
Fubara Reaffirms Commitment to Peace
Addressing his supporters, Fubara urged them to remain calm despite the ongoing political tensions.
“I want to say to our teeming supporters, I know some of you, your spirits are high, some others, your spirits are low,” he said.
“I want to assure you, it doesn’t matter what the situation might be today, we will come up again stronger and better. Please continue to follow my footstep, and that footstep remains the path of peace.”
His remarks came in response to demands from the APC faction loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, which accused him of multiple infractions and described his recent invitation to a reconciliatory meeting with lawmakers as a “Greek gift.”
APC Faction Dismisses Fubara’s Reconciliation Efforts
The faction, led by Chief Tony Okocha, had earlier rejected the governor’s invitation to dialogue with the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly. The meeting, scheduled for Monday, followed a Supreme Court ruling that affirmed the 27 lawmakers as the legitimate members of the Rivers State Assembly.
Okocha accused Fubara of disregarding President Bola Tinubu and failing to implement an earlier eight-point resolution aimed at resolving the crisis.
“The options before Siminalayi Joseph Fubara are two: he should honorably resign or be impeached because he has run the state aground and disrespected Mr. President,” Okocha told journalists in Port Harcourt.
He further described the governor as “clueless” and warned that his continued stay in office could lead to political instability in the state.
“The APC remains the major opposition party in Rivers State. We are the voice of the voiceless. When we said Siminalayi Fubara was clueless, we were not joking. The evidence is clear,” he stated.
Political Tensions in Rivers State
The rift between Fubara and the Wike-led APC faction has deepened in recent months, with both sides engaging in a political battle that has drawn national attention.
The Supreme Court’s recent ruling, which reinstated the 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike, has added another layer of complexity to the crisis. Despite the court ruling, Fubara has continued to push for reconciliation, insisting that his administration remains focused on governance and peace.
With the PDP and the state government backing Fubara, and the APC faction pushing for his removal, Rivers State remains on edge as the political tussle unfolds.
