Governor Fubara refuses to yield to pressures for his resignation, urging unity and calm in Rivers State.
The Peoples Democratic Party and the state government has firmly rejected a demand by a faction of the All Progressives Congress for the resignation or impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The governor, resolute and unwavering, has repeatedly declared that he will not be deterred by threats or attempts to disrupt his administration, insisting that only a path of non-violence and dialogue can lead to progress.
Governor Fubara’s message to the people of Rivers State is both simple and powerful: despite the intense political pressures and the clamor for his departure, he remains committed to steering the state toward stability and development. He reminded his supporters that regardless of the current political crisis, the spirit of resilience and determination will prevail. “I want to assure you that no matter what challenges we face today, we will come out stronger and better,” he said. His emphasis on following a course of Peaceful Governance is a clear signal that he intends to uphold law and order, refusing to succumb to acts that could endanger the state’s peace and progress.
The controversy ignited when a faction within the APC, loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, publicly called for Governor Fubara’s resignation or impeachment. Their leader, Chief Tony Okocha, criticized the governor harshly, accusing him of disrespecting President Bola Tinubu and of failing to implement an eight-point resolution intended to address the state’s political crisis. Okocha described the governor’s invitation to lawmakers for dialogue as nothing more than a “Greek gift,” suggesting that it was a deceptive tactic rather than a genuine attempt at reconciliation.
Despite these criticisms, Governor Fubara took a bold step by inviting the pro-Wike legislators to a meeting—a move that came after a recent Supreme Court ruling validated the membership of 27 legislators in the Rivers State House of Assembly. This invitation, communicated through a letter signed by Dr. Tammy Danagogo, the Secretary to the State Government, was intended as an olive branch to ease tensions and promote Peaceful Governance in the midst of political chaos. However, not all reactions were positive; some lawmakers, such as Isaiah Opuende, questioned the propriety of using social media to extend such an invitation, arguing that it undermined the seriousness of the process.
Related: BREAKING! FUBARA BACKS DOWN, INVITES AMAEWHULE, OTHERS TO PEACE MEETING
Fubara’s Impeachment Threat
Even as the debate raged, the state assembly itself made headlines by issuing an arrest warrant against the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.), along with four commissioners. This decision followed the expiry of a 72-hour ultimatum that had been given to these officials, demanding they appear before the assembly to explain alleged irregularities in the conduct of local government elections. The assembly’s action, taken under constitutional provisions, was intended to hold those responsible accountable for mismanagement and to restore public trust in the electoral process.
Amid this charged political atmosphere, traditional and civic leaders have stepped forward to urge calm and unity. Chief Rufus Ada-George, a former governor and the current Chairman of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, stressed the need for all parties to abandon inflammatory rhetoric and work together for the benefit of the people. He warned that if political disputes continue to escalate, the entire state—and indeed the nation—could suffer serious consequences. His plea for restraint and his call for a return to the principles of Peaceful Governance underscore a deep-seated belief that compromise and dialogue are the only paths forward.
Related: Rivers Crisis: Former Governor, Ada-George Sues for Peace Amid Political Tension
In parallel to the political skirmishes, non-governmental organizations have also weighed in on the unfolding drama. One such group, Transparent Strategy and Good Leadership, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Governor Fubara, demanding that he take legal action against certain assembly members accused of lying on oath. The group’s warning highlights the growing frustration among segments of the public, who believe that the rule of law must prevail and that all political actors should be held to high standards of accountability.
Some voices within the opposition, however, have begun to undermine their own positions. Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, dismissed the harsh criticisms coming from Chief Tony Okocha, labeling him an impostor whose removal from the APC leadership had already been confirmed by a court ruling. Johnson insisted that there was no legal or constitutional basis for impeachment, emphasizing that the governor’s decision to invite the legislators for dialogue was a constructive step toward mending divisions. According to Johnson, the focus must remain on achieving Peaceful Governance, ensuring that any disputes are resolved through legal and constitutional channels rather than through political grandstanding.
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