The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called for the resumption of impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, following his recent remarks perceived as disrespectful towards President Bola Tinubu.
Addressing the press in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the party’s caretaker Chairman, Tony Okocha, expressed the party’s dismay over Governor Fubara’s comments and emphasized their commitment to upholding respect for the President.
“It would be foolhardy for us to sit idly by and witness someone, who is far below the stature of Mr. President, insult him right before our eyes,” Okocha stated firmly.
He further warned that failure of the Assembly members to recommence the impeachment process against the governor would result in disciplinary action from the party.
“We cannot tolerate a situation where the governor exhibits impunity and intimidation towards members of our political party, while we stand by passively,” Okocha continued. “As representatives of Mr. President, we cannot allow the governor to insult the President or declare Assembly members’ seats vacant without repercussions.”
Okocha also stressed the party’s directive to APC members in the Assembly to immediately initiate the impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara. He emphasized that failure to comply would lead to invoking party discipline against the erring members.
These statements from the Rivers State APC came in response to Governor Fubara’s criticism of the state’s House of Assembly members. Fubara had expressed dissatisfaction with the legislators’ conduct towards his administration, asserting his authority over their existence as legislators, based on the Peace Accord facilitated by President Tinubu.
While acknowledging past relationships with the Assembly members, Governor Fubara asserted his power to recognize or de-recognize them, highlighting his sacrifices for the sake of peace in the state.
In light of these developments, tensions between the state government and the opposition party have heightened, with both sides standing firm on their respective positions.