The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has directed its members in the state House of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
This move by the APC follows Governor Fubara’s recent statement asserting that the House of Assembly, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule lacks legal recognition.
Chief Tony Okocha, Chairman of the APC in Rivers State, announced this decision during a press conference in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. He cited the governor’s remarks as an affront to the sensibilities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who intervened to address the ongoing crisis in the state.
This development is framed by the dispute between Governor Fubara and the State House of Assembly over the passage of the Amended State’s Procurement Bill. During its 173rd Legislative Sitting, the Assembly overrode the governor’s veto to pass the Rivers State Public Procurement (Amendment) Bill, 2024, into law.
In response, Governor Fubara criticized the legislature’s actions, suggesting that the members risk losing their legislative status if he decides to do so. The House accused the governor of withholding assent to the bill, which they claimed was aimed at securing taxpayers’ funds and preventing mismanagement in contract awards.
Speaker Amaewhule reiterated the bill’s importance in safeguarding public funds and criticized the governor’s dictatorial approach to governance. He warned the House of further action if Governor Fubara continued this manner.
The APC’s directive to impeach the governor underscores the escalating tensions between the executive and legislative arms of the Rivers State government. It reflects the deepening political rift and underscores the challenges facing governance in the state.
