By Abiola Olawale
The political atmosphere in Rivers State on Monday reached a boiling point following a stern message from the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Chief Tony Okocha, to Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, threatening to escalate impeachment proceedings against him.
This is as Okocha, on Monday demanded Fubara’s resignation or face impeachment proceedings from the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Speaking at a press conference held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Okocha described Fubara’s recent invitation to the 27 lawmakers, believed to be loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as a “Greek gift” meant to deceive the public.
The APC chairman also accused the governor of undermining the rule of law and failing to adhere to judicial pronouncements, particularly in the wake of a recent Supreme Court ruling, which appears to have intensified the political crisis in the state.
He stated: “The invitation to the lawmakers is a Greek Gift. The Supreme Court Judgement 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 also criticized Fubara for allegedly running the state without a budget, a move he described as unlawful and detrimental to the people of Rivers State. “You cannot govern a state without a budget. The people of Rivers deserve better than a governor who flouts the law at every turn,” he added.
The APC chairman’s comments is coming amid an ongoing power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike. The later is believed to wield significant influence over the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The Supreme Court recently upheld the legitimacy of these lawmakers, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and ordered Fubara to present the 2025 budget before them.
