…condemned the impeachment move against Fubara, describing it as a “reckless abuse of legislative power
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Impeachment tensions in Rivers State on Friday drew civil society groups, media practitioners and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, where they staged a protest demanding urgent intervention by the National Assembly over the escalating political crisis.
The protesters urged federal lawmakers to invoke Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution to take over the functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly, arguing that the legislature had suffered a “complete loss of credibility and legitimacy.”
At the rally, the groups condemned the impeachment move against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing it as a “reckless abuse of legislative power” capable of undermining democratic governance.
Speaking on behalf of APC leaders, the spokesperson of the APC Leaders Forum, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka, accused the Rivers Assembly of persistently abusing its powers in a bid to forcefully remove the governor.
“The impeachment move has gone beyond legislative oversight; it is a deliberate attempt to destabilise governance in the state. At this point, silence amounts to complicity,” he said.
The protesters commended the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, for declining calls to set up a probe panel, describing the decision as a courageous defence of the rule of law.
Also addressing journalists, the coordinator of the civil society coalition, Comrade Blessing Ibama, said there was no evidence to support allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara, dismissing them as politically motivated.
Ibama accused the assembly of procedural violations and disregard for court orders, arguing that such actions had rendered the legislature unfit to continue its duties.
The coalition further alleged that 27 lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and led by Martins Amaewhule, were fuelling the crisis, claiming they received huge sums of money for constituency projects, luxury vehicles and advance salary payments.
The protesters vowed to sustain their actions until the National Assembly intervenes, calling on Nigerians to mobilise peacefully at the National Assembly to resist what they described as legislative anarchy.
They reaffirmed confidence in Governor Fubara’s leadership, praising his commitment to the welfare of Rivers people and pledging collective action to restore constitutional order in the state.
The protest was attended by representatives of various civil society organisations led by their convener, Comrade Ifeanyi Okorie; Dr Maryann Douglas; Director of Programmes, Mr Collins Akpofure; Chairman of media professionals, Engr. Ibrahim Danjuma; national leader of the APC Leaders Forum; and Elder Akpan Ekpeyong, National Secretary.
