The political crisis in Rivers State has taken a new turn as the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Tony Okocha, has called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to step down or face impeachment.
Okocha made this statement during a press conference held in Port Harcourt on Monday morning. He described the recent invitation extended by Fubara to the 27 lawmakers loyal to Martins Amaewhule as a deceptive move.
“The invitation to the lawmakers is a Greek gift,” Okocha declared. “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.”
The crisis in Rivers State politics deepened after the Supreme Court’s ruling, which upheld the authority of the House of Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule. This group of lawmakers has been at odds with the governor, aligning themselves with the political camp of former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Governor’s Attempt at Reconciliation
In response to the escalating tensions, Governor Fubara extended an invitation to the Amaewhule-led lawmakers for a peace meeting. The meeting, scheduled for Monday at 10 a.m. at the Government House in Port Harcourt, aimed to address key issues affecting governance in the state.
The invitation was conveyed through a letter signed by Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Secretary to the State Government. The letter highlighted the governor’s willingness to engage with the lawmakers following the Supreme Court’s decision.
The letter read: “I hereby write in furtherance of His Excellency’s promise stated in my letter dated 5th 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 the 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.
Any other matter(s), as may be necessary, to chart the way forward in the best interest of the State.”
However, the invitation has not been well received by all political stakeholders. Okocha and other APC leaders see it as an act of desperation rather than a genuine attempt at reconciliation.
Background to the Crisis
The Rivers State political landscape has been volatile for months. The root of the problem lies in the split between Fubara and Wike, his political benefactor. When Fubara assumed office, many expected him to follow Wike’s political direction. However, their relationship soured, leading to a division among lawmakers.
In December 2024, 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martins Amaewhule, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. This move further complicated the already tense political atmosphere in the state. The lawmakers, who had been aligned with Wike, insisted that Fubara was not following the agreed political structure.
The power struggle soon led to a series of legal battles. The Supreme Court eventually ruled in favor of the Amaewhule-led Assembly, recognizing their authority and validating their legislative actions. This ruling effectively weakened Fubara’s control over the legislature, leaving him in a vulnerable position.
Okocha’s Threats and Political Implications
Okocha’s latest statement raises concerns about the governor’s future. If the House of Assembly moves forward with impeachment proceedings, Fubara could be forced out of office. The APC leader’s comments indicate that the party is prepared to take strong measures against the governor if he does not resign.
Political analysts believe that Fubara’s survival depends on his ability to negotiate a settlement with the lawmakers. Some suggest that the governor still has options, including seeking intervention from President Bola Tinubu or the PDP leadership at the national level.
In recent weeks, President Tinubu has shown interest in resolving the Rivers State crisis. He has reportedly sent political emissaries to mediate between the factions. However, with the latest call for resignation and impeachment threats, the situation appears to be deteriorating.
Reactions from Political Stakeholders
Reactions to Okocha’s statement have been swift. Some political figures within the PDP have dismissed the call for resignation as an attempt to intimidate the governor.
A PDP chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity, criticized Okocha’s remarks. “The APC is trying to forcefully take over Rivers State through undemocratic means. The governor has not committed any impeachable offense. This is nothing but political blackmail.”
On the other hand, some analysts believe that Okocha’s statement reflects the reality of the political situation in Rivers State. A political commentator, Dr. Benson Ibiye, noted that Fubara’s position has become increasingly difficult. “With the Supreme Court judgment affirming the legitimacy of the Amaewhule-led lawmakers, Fubara’s hold on power is shaky. If he fails to secure their support, impeachment becomes a real possibility.”
Possible Next Steps
As the crisis unfolds, several scenarios could play out. If the lawmakers decide to proceed with impeachment, they will need a two-thirds majority in the House of Assembly. Given that they already have a significant number of members supporting Amaewhule, this process could be swift.
Another possibility is that Fubara might attempt to reach a political agreement with the lawmakers. This could involve making concessions, such as offering key appointments or adjusting governance policies to accommodate their interests.
A third scenario is federal intervention. If the presidency steps in to mediate, there might be a power-sharing agreement that prevents impeachment but requires compromises from both sides.
