In a recent turn of events in Rivers State, the political landscape has been rocked by the escalating tensions between the state’s lawmakers and the ruling party, as impeachment threats loom over Governor Siminilayi Fubara.
The 27 lawmakers of the state assembly have issued a stern warning, asserting their readiness to impeach the governor if he persists in what they deem as constitutional violations and lawlessness.
The lawmakers, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, emphasized their commitment to upholding the constitution and serving the interests of the people.
In a statement, Speaker Amaewhule affirmed: “No individual is bigger than Rivers State, including the Governor. Efforts to utilize misguided individuals and attack dogs to spew lies against the House or misinform the populace… has only succeeded in strengthening our resolve.”
However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has pushed back against the lawmakers’ threats, questioning their legitimacy in light of their defections from the party to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Sydney Tambari Gbara, the PDP’s Publicity Secretary, urged the lawmakers to address their legitimacy issues and refrain from disrupting the peace of the state.
Gbara condemned the lawmakers’ actions, labeling them as “an illegal assembly” engaged in “illegal decisions and making illegal laws.”
He warned that their efforts to destabilize the state would not go unnoticed by history, urging them to prioritize peace and reconciliation over destructive political maneuvers.
Moreover, Gbara rebutted claims of non-compliance with the eight-point Peace Accord, asserting that Governor Fubara has demonstrated a commitment to peace and lawful governance. He cautioned against attempts to coerce the governor into unconstitutional actions, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law.
As the political standoff unfolds, Rivers State finds itself at a critical juncture, with the balance of power hanging in the balance.
The clash between the lawmakers and the ruling party underscores the deep-seated divisions within the state’s political landscape, raising concerns about governance stability and democratic norms.