The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has warned the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, that only genuine reconciliation efforts can prevent his impeachment from being carried out by the state’s legislative arm.
This warning was issued by the Chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee in Rivers, Tony Okocha, during a press conference held on Tuesday in Abuja.
Mr Okocha expressed concern over what he described as Governor Fubara’s reluctance to reach out to lawmakers elected to the Rivers State House of Assembly, whom he said remain critical stakeholders in the state’s political future.
“As we speak, no sincere reconciliation effort has been made by the suspended governor,” Mr Okocha said. “The political crisis persists, and only real engagement with the Assembly can change the tide.”
The political turmoil in Rivers deepened earlier in the year, culminating in the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu on 18 March.
The President also announced the suspension of both Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly and appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), as the sole administrator of the state for an interim period of six months.
The move sparked legal and political controversy, with governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the constitutionality of the President’s actions in court.
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Despite ongoing legal proceedings, there have been recent signs of potential reconciliation following meetings between President Tinubu, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, and the suspended governor.
However, Mr Okocha insisted that the situation on the ground has not changed.
“There is speculation that the President may reinstate Fubara on June 12, but reconciliation is not just about meetings; it must reflect in action,” he added.
He further reiterated the APC’s position that the Supreme Court’s judgment regarding the legitimacy of the Assembly stands, and any reinstatement without reconciliation may lead to further legislative action.
The unfolding developments in Rivers remain a major test of constitutional interpretation and executive authority in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.