The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has directed its lawmakers in the State House of Assembly to begin impeachment proceedings against Siminalayi Fubara amid the deepening political crisis in the state.
The move came less than 24 hours after Governor Fubara declared that the Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule was not recognised under the law.
Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, said the impeachment call became necessary because the governor had allegedly disrespected President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who previously intervened in the state’s political crisis.
According to the APC, the governor failed to comply with the peace agreement brokered by President Tinubu between Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and also acted improperly by declaring the lawmakers’ seats vacant.
The crisis escalated after Governor Fubara stated on Monday that the pro-Wike lawmakers had no legal standing, insisting that their continued existence depended solely on his tolerance in the spirit of the Abuja peace accord.
The dispute between the executive and legislature has largely revolved around the amended Rivers State Procurement Bill. The Amaewhule-led Assembly had overridden the governor’s refusal to assent to the Rivers State Public Procurement (Amendment) Bill, 2024, arguing that the law was necessary to protect public funds and prevent irregular contract awards.
Speaker Amaewhule accused the governor of governing in a dictatorial manner and warned that the Assembly could adopt stricter measures if alleged violations of state laws continued.
In response, Governor Fubara maintained that the lawmakers were only being accommodated because of his commitment to peace and reconciliation.
Speaking while hosting political and traditional leaders from Bayelsa State at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Fubara said the Abuja peace accord was purely a political arrangement aimed at easing tensions.
He stressed that despite possessing the constitutional powers of office, he had exercised restraint in handling the crisis to preserve stability in the state.
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