Author: Gist Correspondent

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Leaders Forum has thrown its weight behind Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, amid renewed impeachment threats, calling on the National Assembly to assume the legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly in accordance with Section 11 of the 1999 Constitution.

The forum said the call became necessary due to what it described as the continuous abuse of legislative powers and repeated attempts by the Rivers State House of Assembly to impeach the governor, actions it claimed have eroded the Assembly’s credibility, legitimacy and public trust.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the National Leader of the forum, Ibrahim Danjuma; the Secretary, Akpan Ekpeyong; the National Secretary; and four other members, the group warned that Rivers State was drifting towards a dangerous constitutional crisis. It maintained that the impeachment process had gone beyond legislative oversight and had become a deliberate plot to destabilise democratic governance in the state.

Ekpeyong said democracy in Rivers State was under severe threat, adding that continued silence in the face of the crisis would amount to complicity.

The forum commended the Chief Judge of Rivers State for declining to constitute an impeachment probe panel and for adhering to subsisting court orders, describing the action as a clear demonstration of respect for the rule of law and a rejection of illegality.

It insisted that no evidence of gross misconduct, as stipulated by the Constitution, had been presented against Governor Fubara, arguing that the allegations were unsubstantiated and politically motivated.

The APC Leaders Forum further accused the Rivers State House of Assembly of procedural lawlessness, vendetta politics and disregard for judicial authority, noting that such conduct had rendered the Assembly incapable of effectively performing its constitutional responsibilities.

Consequently, the forum urged the National Assembly to invoke Section 11(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and take over the legislative functions of the state assembly in order to restore order and democratic stability.

The statement alleged that 27 lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, led by Martins Amaewhule, were responsible for the crisis, accusing them of prioritising personal interests over the welfare of Rivers people.

According to the forum, the lawmakers were more interested in diverting state resources for personal gain than ensuring that public funds were used for the benefit of the people.

The group vowed to sustain protests until decisive constitutional actions are taken, including the takeover of the Assembly’s legislative functions by the National Assembly. It also called on Nigerians of goodwill to peacefully mobilise, maintain civic presence around the National Assembly and resist what it described as legislative anarchy.

The forum maintained that Governor Fubara had demonstrated prudence and commitment to the welfare of the people of Rivers State, warning that the state must not be sacrificed on the altar of political desperation.