Why Rivers APC Wants Governor Fubara to Resign or Face Impeachment | READ FULL

The deep-seated political crisis in Rivers State has taken another dramatic turn as the Tony Okocha-led faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a direct ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara: resign or face impeachment. The party made this declaration on Monday during a press briefing in Port Harcourt, intensifying the already volatile political atmosphere in the state.

[caption id="attachment_186787" align="alignnone" width="720"] Tony Okocha[/caption]

The political tension in Rivers State can be traced back to the fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Initially seen as allies, their relationship deteriorated over control of the state's political machinery. The rift led to a major split within the state government, with lawmakers loyal to Wike attempting to impeach Fubara late last year. Despite intervention efforts, including that of President Bola Tinubu, the crisis has persisted, leading to further factionalism within the APC and the state legislature.

Speaking at the press briefing, Tony Okocha accused Governor Fubara of gross misconduct, claiming his administration has plunged the state into chaos. He insisted that the governor has lost control and legitimacy, referencing a Supreme Court judgment that, according to him, implied there is no functional government in Rivers State.

"The governor has two options: either he resigns honorably or he faces impeachment by the House of Assembly. Rivers State cannot afford to be governed by a leader who has violated the constitution repeatedly,ÔÇØ Okocha stated.

The APC chieftain further alleged that Fubara's tenure has been riddled with impeachable offenses, asserting that the governor lacks the moral and legal standing to summon members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for discussions.

The call for Fubara's resignation or impeachment signals a likely escalation of the crisis in the state. Observers believe that the battle for control between Fubara and Wike's loyalists is far from over. If the impeachment process gains momentum, Rivers State could be thrown into a prolonged legal and political showdown that may affect governance and development in the oil-rich state.

Political analysts predict that this latest move by the APC could trigger a counter-response from Fubara's camp, possibly leading to mass protests, legal battles, and a further division within the state legislature.

As the drama unfolds, all eyes remain on the Rivers State House of Assembly to determine whether they will proceed with impeachment or if Fubara will bow to pressure and step down.