Rivers APC Chairman to Governor Fubara: Resign or Face Impeachment
The political crisis in Rivers State continues to escalate as the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Tony Okocha, has issued an ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara to either resign or face impeachment. However, many analysts see this as a move orchestrated by former governor and current Federal Minister, Nyesom Wike, who has continued to manipulate the state’s political landscape to maintain control.
Speaking at a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday, Okocha condemned Governor Fubara’s recent invitation to pro-Wike members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, dismissing it as a “Greek gift.” The governor had extended the invitation in an effort to resolve the prolonged political crisis, which many believe was ignited and fueled by Wike’s refusal to let go of power.
Fubara’s call for reconciliation came after a Supreme Court ruling reaffirmed the legitimacy of Martin Amaewhule as Speaker. The governor, in a move to restore stability, invited the legislators to discuss critical matters, including securing a venue for legislative sittings, settling outstanding allowances, and deliberating on the state budget.
However, Okocha, an ardent Wike loyalist, accused the governor of disregarding the rule of law and attempting to use the crisis for political leverage.
“The Supreme Court judgment is final. There is nothing anybody can do about it. The only option available to the governor now is for him to resign or be impeached,” Okocha declared.
This statement, rather than addressing the issues at hand, appears to be part of Wike’s broader strategy to undermine Fubara’s administration and tighten his grip on the state. Observers argue that the Supreme Court judgment was used as a political weapon to reassert Wike’s dominance over the state’s affairs, making Fubara a mere figurehead rather than the actual governor.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that Governor Fubara had invited members of the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly to a crucial meeting to discuss governance matters, including the 2025 budget, unpaid entitlements, and providing a proper venue for the Assembly’s legislative activities. The meeting, scheduled for March 10, 2025, at the Government House in Port Harcourt, was officially communicated by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo.
The letter, titled ‘Meeting Between The Governor Of Rivers State And The Honourable Members Rivers State House Of Assembly,’ reaffirmed the governor’s commitment to dialogue and peace.
It stated:
“I hereby write in furtherance of His Excellency’s promise stated in my letter dated 5 March 2025 to notify you that His Excellency has received the Supreme Court Judgment and has therefore directed me to invite you and your colleagues—the Honourable members of Rivers State House of Assembly—to a meeting to discuss:
Provision of a befitting space for the Assembly’s sittings;
Payment of all outstanding remuneration or allowances of the Honourable members;
Presentation of Budget and sundry matters; and
Any other matter(s), as may be necessary, to chart the way forward in the best interest of the state.”
Despite this genuine attempt at governance, Okocha’s statements suggest that Wike’s camp is more interested in power consolidation than the welfare of Rivers State. The former governor, who handpicked Fubara as his successor, has continued to meddle in state affairs, ensuring that governance is overshadowed by political infighting. His loyalists in the Assembly, rather than working to resolve legislative and governance issues, are being used as instruments to threaten the sitting governor.
Political analysts argue that the impeachment threats are not about the rule of law or governance but about Wike’s desperation to remain politically relevant. Having lost direct control of Rivers State after becoming a minister in the federal government, Wike appears determined to weaken Fubara’s administration by any means necessary, even if it plunges the state into further crisis.
Many Rivers residents and political stakeholders see the current crisis as an extension of Wike’s authoritarian grip on the state, with Okocha acting as his proxy. If Fubara is to succeed in bringing peace and stability to Rivers, he must stand firm against these orchestrated political maneuvers and continue prioritizing the interests of the people over the selfish ambitions of political godfathers.
The coming weeks will determine whether Rivers State can break free from this cycle of political manipulation or remain trapped under Wike’s shadow of control.
Reference
Rivers APC Chairman to Governor Fubara: Resign or Face Impeachment