In reaction to Rivers State APC chairman, Tony Okocha’s urging for the impeachment of Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) issued a cautionary statement towards the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, emphasized the inflammatory nature of Okocha’s call in response to Fubara’s refusal to acknowledge the state legislature amidst conflicts with his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Ologunagba highlighted Okocha’s remarks as potentially sparking crisis and disrupting the democratic order of the country, urging the Inspector General of Police to take note of the situation.
The PDP’s statement by Ologunagba stated: “The PDP leadership is concerned about the recent declaration by APC’s Tony Okocha in Rivers State, where he suggested the commencement of impeachment proceedings against the duly elected Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.”
“The reckless statement by the APC Chairman in Rivers State showcases the party’s desperation to employ forceful means to seize control of the State, an action firmly rejected by the people of Rivers State,” the statement read.
The PDP further clarified that the individuals directed by the APC chairman to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara are not legally recognized members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Their defection from the PDP has resulted in the loss of their legislative privileges and rights.
Quoting Section 109 (1) (g) of the Constitution, the PDP stressed that the defected members had forfeited their seats in the House of Assembly upon joining another political party, thus rendering the impeachment directive unlawful and unconstitutional.
The statement underlined the commitment of the PDP to upholding democratic processes and condemned any attempts to subvert the constitution for political gain. It called for vigilance against destabilizing actions by the APC in Rivers State and commended the residents for their unwavering support for the PDP.