An uneasy calm has settled over Rivers State as stakeholders pressure lawmakers to halt the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has maintained a notable silence amidst the escalating political crisis, a situation that has drawn widespread concern. The commencement of impeachment proceedings by the House of Assembly has cast a shadow over normal activities in Port Harcourt, with palpable anxiety among residents. Some influential stakeholders are actively urging the lawmakers to cease their efforts to remove Governor Fubara, who, according to reports, is currently out of the country and has not yet been formally served with the impeachment notice. He reportedly has the backing of key power brokers and All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders to remain in office.
The Pan-Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF), a prominent socio-political body for the South-South geo-political zone, has publicly condemned the impeachment process against Fubara. In a recent statement, PANDEF urged all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to immediately cease hostilities and embrace peace, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity. To facilitate this, PANDEF has established a seven-member reconciliation committee, chaired by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, to mediate the dispute.
Featured snippet paragraph: What is the current situation in Rivers State regarding Governor Fubara’s impeachment? The Rivers State House of Assembly has commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu. This has led to widespread anxiety and pressure from stakeholders for the lawmakers to halt the move, while Minister Nyesom Wike has remained silent.
Rivers State Elder and PANDEF chieftain, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and prevent further unnecessary tension in the state. This marks the third attempt by legislators to remove the governor and his deputy from office. Similarly, the International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights (ISSJHR) has condemned the impeachment move, cautioning the legislators against misinterpreting the patience of the state’s populace as weakness.
The official silence from the national leadership of the APC is also contributing to the tension. As of Friday, neither the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Professor Nentawe Yilwatda nor the Tony Okocha-led Rivers executive, which is recognized by the party in the state, had issued an official response, fueling speculation about the party’s internal stance on the matter.
However, the dissolved Emeka Beke-led state executive committee of the APC, which has been engaged in a protracted leadership dispute with the Okocha faction, has broken ranks to call for urgent intervention from the NWC to broker a political solution to the escalating tension.
The city of Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, has been relatively quiet despite the brewing political storm. Residents were observed going about their daily routines, with some attributing the current crisis to the FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike.
Notably, Wike, who has avoided commenting on the impeachment proceedings, appeared unusually sober during his recent visit to Andoni LGA of the state. Unlike his usual energetic demeanor, the minister spent a brief time addressing the crowd, appearing reserved and offering no public statements on the impeachment move.
Sources suggest that the presidency and APC leaders are resolved to support the governor. Recent commendations of Fubara as the party’s leader in Rivers State by the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, and National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, reportedly reflect the sentiment of key power brokers within the presidency.
Prominent figures reportedly favoring Fubara include Imo State Governor and Chairman of the APC Governors Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, and Transport Minister, Senator Dave Umahi.
PANDEF, in a statement signed by its Co-Chairman of the Board of Trustees, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, and others, acknowledged the ongoing efforts by President Tinubu, the APC leadership, and other respected individuals to restore peace in Rivers State. However, the forum expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation, emphasizing the urgent need for attention to prevent further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
To address the crisis, PANDEF has formed a high-level reconciliation committee comprising eminent Nigerians. This committee, chaired by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, includes Senator Obende Domingo, Chief Essien Nduese, Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, Chief Mike Ejiofor, Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN, and Prince Godwin Okotie as secretary.
Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe reiterated his call for President Tinubu to intervene, highlighting the country’s existing security challenges and the need to avoid an avoidable political crisis in Rivers State, which he attributes to the FCT minister’s influence.
The Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) in Rivers State has also voiced its concern, noting that the political tensions in the state have created a fragile environment where constitutional procedures might be perceived as tools for political conflict. Comrade Sunny Dada, the Rivers State chairman of the CLO, warned that Rivers State should not be sacrificed for political power struggles, given its critical economic and strategic importance.
The ISSJHR has condemned the impeachment proceedings, warning legislators not to underestimate the patience of the people of Rivers State. The institution’s Chancellor, Omenazu Jackson, described the move as anti-democratic and a clear abuse of legislative powers, stressing that impeachment is a constitutional process with strict legal regulations.
Amidst the silence from the APC hierarchy, the dissolved Emeka Beke-led state executive committee has appealed to the national leadership of the party to intervene and broker a political solution. The internal schism within the Rivers APC predates the current impeachment controversy, with a history of leadership tussles and official pronouncements from the NWC clarifying the recognized leadership.
Despite lacking official recognition, the Beke-led executive has formally appealed to the national leadership of the APC to step in and resolve the escalating tension and leadership dispute within the party in Rivers State.
