The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised allegations against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accusing him of orchestrating a legal assault aimed at deeming the state House of Assembly illegal.
The accusations surfaced amidst renewed impeachment threats against Fubara by 27 Assembly members loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike. The APC further accused Fubara of instigating violence and showing disrespect to President Bola Tinubu, who intervened in the state’s political crisis.
Chief Tony Okocha, the state APC caretaker committee chairman, leveled the allegations during a media briefing in Port Harcourt. Okocha’s remarks came in response to Fubara’s recent comments during a meeting with the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), where he hinted at impending actions against his detractors.
According to Okocha, Fubara’s statements veered into incendiary rhetoric, deviating from the matter at hand and showing disrespect to the President. Okocha went on to assert that Fubara was actively seeking court orders to challenge the legality of the state House of Assembly under Honourable Martin Chike Amaewhule’s leadership.
In response, Fubara’s administration swiftly denied the allegations, labeling them as baseless and driven by fear of impending defeat. The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Joseph Johnson, dismissed the claims, affirming that Fubara’s actions were lawful and transparent.
However, amidst the political turmoil, eight councillors from the Ahoada East Legislative Assembly declared their loyalty to Fubara’s administration. These councillors, formerly associated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), pledged their support to advance the governor’s policies and programs.
The councillors’ decision to align with Fubara’s movement, dubbed the SIMplified Movement, was portrayed as voluntary and aimed at promoting good governance across the state.
As tensions escalate between opposing political factions in Rivers State, the battle for control and legitimacy within the state’s political landscape continues to unfold amidst allegations and counter-allegations.
