The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a stern warning to suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, cautioning that he could face impeachment if he fails to make genuine efforts to reconcile with members of the State House of Assembly.
The warning was delivered on Tuesday in Abuja by Tony Okocha, Chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee in Rivers State. Okocha accused the governor of neglecting to resolve the lingering political crisis with the state legislators.
“Up till now, Governor Fubara has not made any visible move to settle the issues with the lawmakers,” Okocha stated.
Background: State of Emergency and Suspension
The political crisis in Rivers escalated on March 18, when President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state. Following heightened tensions between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Tinubu suspended both the governor and the State Assembly.
As part of the emergency measures, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas was appointed sole administrator of Rivers State for a period of six months.
Legal Battles and Ongoing Peace Talks
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has taken the matter to court, challenging the federal intervention. However, recent closed-door meetings involving President Tinubu, Wike, and Fubara have sparked optimism that negotiations may lead to peace in the state.
Speculation has grown that Tinubu may use the June 12 Democracy Day anniversary to lift Fubara’s suspension and restore him to office.
APC Maintains Hardline Stance
Despite these developments, the Rivers APC insists that unless Fubara actively seeks reconciliation with the lawmakers, he risks removal from office. The party referenced the Supreme Court’s ruling, which it says still validates the Assembly’s constitutional powers, including impeachment.
