The Chairman of Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tony Okocha, has issued a stern ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, demanding that he either resign or face impeachment.
Okocha’s declaration came during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday, where he accused the governor of abusing the rule of law and disregarding constitutional provisions.
The APC chairman described Fubara’s recent invitation to pro-Wike members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for a meeting as a “Greek gift,” suggesting that the gesture was insincere and politically motivated.
The invitation, sent by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, followed the expiration of a 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Assembly for the governor to present the 2025 budget.
The lawmakers, loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, had also demanded the sack of commissioners and board members not screened by the House, as well as the summoning of the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The agenda for the meeting included discussions on providing a befitting space for Assembly sittings, payment of outstanding allowances, budget presentation, and other pressing issues. However, Okocha dismissed the move as a desperate attempt by Fubara to regain control amid the deepening political crisis.
“The invitation to the lawmakers is a Greek Gift. 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,” Okocha stated.
The Supreme Court’s recent ruling, expected to resolve the prolonged political turmoil in the state, has instead exacerbated tensions, with both factions interpreting the judgment to their advantage. Okocha accused Fubara of disrespecting the rule of law and acting as though he was above the constitution.
This is not the first time Okocha has called for Fubara’s removal. Last year, he criticized the governor for declaring the pro-Wike lawmakers non-existent, describing the action as unconstitutional and dictatorial.
“We have directed members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence the impeachment process of a comatose government. The governor’s head has become bigger than his pillow. He does not respect the law. He does anything he cares to do,” Okocha said.
He further accused Fubara of undermining the principles of democracy, particularly the separation of powers and checks and balances.
“The governor said the Assembly members do not exist, that whatever they are doing is because he allowed them. In other words, he has rewritten the books. Elementary politics taught us the three organs of government and their roles. Now, what the governor was implying clearly is that he is ruling Rivers State without laws,” Okocha added.
Okocha also alleged that Fubara’s actions were an affront to the presidency and the democratic process. “It is regrettable that the governor has taken up to this point, and we will not take it. The governor was clear and unambiguous in his deliberate attempt to denigrate the person of Mr. President,” he said.
The APC chairman called on the pro-Wike lawmakers to immediately commence impeachment proceedings against Fubara, warning that failure to do so would compel the party to invoke disciplinary measures. He urged Rivers residents and political stakeholders to reject what he described as a “dictatorial” administration.
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