Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State is facing significant political challenges, and according to Tonye Cole, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2023 governorship election, these issues could potentially lead to his impeachment.
Cole raised concerns over the escalating political crisis in the state, stating that Fubara’s position as governor is becoming increasingly unstable. His remarks were made following a recent Court of Appeal ruling, which upheld a Federal High Court decision that invalidated the presentation and approval of Rivers State’s 2024 budget.
The ruling by the Court of Appeal has heightened tensions in Rivers State, as it nullified the legislative process surrounding the state’s 2024 budget. The court’s decision, Cole warned, puts Governor Fubara in a “dangerous political situation” and could lead to severe consequences, including the possibility of impeachment.
Cole stated, “The governor finds himself in a very precarious political situation. The ruling essentially hands power to the faction of the House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule, which is recognized as the legitimate body. Once the Assembly is reinstated, Fubara will face the very real threat of impeachment.”
Cole highlighted the complex political dynamics in Rivers State, where different political parties control various levels of government. According to him, the APC controls the State House of Assembly, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which Fubara belongs to, controls the governor’s office. Additionally, the African Peoples Party (APP) holds influence over the local government system.
This division of power has led to a unique and volatile political environment in Rivers State, with competing interests making it difficult to achieve stability and progress.
“We have a state where the APC controls the House of Assembly, the PDP controls the governor’s office, and the APP controls the local government system,” Cole explained. “This creates a situation where three distinct parties are trying to govern the state, leading to constant friction and little progress.”
The political climate in Rivers State has become increasingly unstable since the court ruling, and Cole believes that the risk of Governor Fubara being impeached is real. The reinstatement of the Amaewhule-led faction of the House of Assembly, following the court’s decision, is a critical factor in this potential impeachment scenario.
Cole suggested that Fubara’s ability to navigate this political crisis will be key to his survival as governor. He expressed concern that the budget controversy could be used as a tool to push for the governor’s removal from office, especially given the opposition-dominated House of Assembly.
Beyond the political drama, Cole lamented the impact of the crisis on the development of Rivers State. He argued that the people of the state are the ultimate losers in this political power struggle, as the constant infighting between political leaders is stalling growth and development.
“Rivers’ residents are the ones being affected by this political dispute,” Cole said. “The people are not being considered in the ongoing battle for power. If their interests were taken into account, we would not be in this situation.”
He pointed out that the focus on political power plays has taken attention away from addressing the needs of ordinary people in the state, especially those who are struggling with poverty and economic hardship.
“The street impoverished man is being impacted by the political struggle,” he added. “While politicians fight for control, the real issues affecting the people are being ignored.”
Cole also criticized the political elite in Rivers State, suggesting that the entire crisis is driven by a small group of individuals with narrow interests. He claimed that the current situation is the result of infighting within this political “family,” with little regard for the broader needs of the people.
“There is a very narrow political family at the center of this whole political struggle,” he said. “Their personal ambitions are taking precedence over the welfare of the state.”
The potential impeachment of Governor Fubara would have significant implications for the political landscape of Rivers State. With the APC controlling the House of Assembly and Fubara’s PDP facing increasing pressure, the state could be thrown into further turmoil if the governor is removed from office.
Political analysts have noted that the situation in Rivers State is a reflection of broader issues within Nigeria’s political system, where party loyalty and power struggles often take precedence over governance and the needs of the people.
The court ruling on the state’s 2024 budget is just one example of how legal and political disputes can paralyze government functions and hinder development. As the political crisis deepens, there is growing concern about the ability of Rivers State’s leaders to resolve their differences and focus on addressing the challenges facing the state.
As the political situation in Rivers State continues to unfold, there have been calls for cooler heads to prevail. Many are urging the state’s political leaders to put aside their differences and work together for the good of the people.
Governor Fubara, for his part, has yet to make any public statements regarding the possibility of impeachment. However, his administration has emphasized its commitment to moving forward with its development plans, despite the challenges it faces.
