The political atmosphere in Rivers State has taken a dramatic turn as the local chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has publicly opposed the move to remove the state governor from office.
APC Takes a Stand Against Impeachment
In a significant development, the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has formally rejected the impeachment process initiated against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy. This stance was communicated in a statement released by the party's Publicity Secretary, Darlington Nwauju, on Thursday, January 8.
The rejection comes directly in response to the State House of Assembly's commencement of impeachment proceedings against the governor. The lawmakers cited allegations of misconduct as the basis for their action, setting the stage for a major political confrontation.
"We Solemnly Reject": Party's Firm Declaration
Darlington Nwauju articulated the party's position with clarity, stating, "Our position as at today on this matter is that we solemnly reject the resort to an impeachment process against our governor and his deputy." This declaration underscores the APC's commitment to shielding its own government in the state from internal strife.
The party spokesperson drew a direct line between the current turmoil and past conflicts within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He emphasized that it would be "totally untenable" for the APC to remain silent while what he described as a "hangover" from PDP internal disputes resurfaces within the ruling party. This framing suggests the APC views the impeachment push as an imported political problem rather than a genuine constitutional issue.
A Vow to Protect the Government
Beyond mere rejection, the Rivers APC has pledged active measures to ensure stability. Nwauju added that the ruling party "will do everything possible to ensure that the Government of Rivers State, which is an APC government, is not destabilized." This promise signals an intention to deploy the party's full machinery to counter the impeachment move and maintain the status quo.
The public intervention by the state APC chapter creates a complex scenario where the executive arm, led by Governor Fubara, and its supporting party are now aligned against a section of the legislative arm. This development is likely to intensify the political drama in the oil-rich state, with the party structure being mobilized to defend the sitting governor against lawmakers from potentially opposing political factions.
