The All Progressives Congress (APC) Leaders Forum has thrown its weight behind Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, amid the ongoing impeachment moves by the Rivers State House of Assembly, calling on the National Assembly to take over the legislative functions of the state assembly in line with Section 11 of the 1999 Constitution.
The forum, reacting to what it described as persistent threats of impeachment against the governor, accused the Rivers State House of Assembly of abusing its legislative powers and deliberately attempting to destabilise democratic governance in the state. It declared that the Assembly had lost credibility, legitimacy and public trust through what it termed a reckless and politically motivated impeachment process.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, Ekpeyong warned that democracy in Rivers State was under serious threat, stressing that continued silence would amount to complicity. He urged the National Assembly to invoke Section 11(4) of the Constitution and assume the legislative duties of the Rivers Assembly to restore order, protect democracy and ensure stability in the state.
The APC Leaders Forum also commended the Chief Judge of Rivers State for refusing to constitute a judicial panel to probe the impeachment allegations, noting that the decision showed respect for existing court orders and affirmed the rule of law. According to the forum, the Chief Judge’s action was a clear rejection of illegality and legislative excesses.
The forum insisted that no evidence of gross misconduct, as required by the Constitution, had been presented against Governor Fubara, describing the allegations as unsubstantiated and politically driven. It accused the Rivers State House of Assembly of procedural lawlessness, vendetta politics and disregard for judicial authority, arguing that such conduct had rendered the Assembly incapable of performing its constitutional responsibilities.
The forum further alleged that the crisis was being driven by the 27 lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule. It accused the lawmakers of prioritising personal interests over the welfare of Rivers people and diverting state resources rather than allowing public funds to serve developmental needs.
In addition, the APC Leaders Forum called on Nigerians of goodwill to peacefully mobilise, maintain civic presence around the National Assembly and resist what it described as legislative anarchy. It 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.
The forum concluded by urging all stakeholders to respect constitutional processes and allow the rule of law to prevail in resolving the Rivers political crisis.
