In the upcoming 2023 general elections in Rivers State, Victor Orokoh, a Governorship aspirant from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has criticized the call for Governor Fubara’s impeachment by the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), labeling it as “a call for anarchy in the state.”
Chief Tony Okocha, the Chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee in the state, recently directed the 27 state lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, in response to the Governor’s statement discrediting the Assembly faction led by Martins Amaewhule.
Orokoh, a Port Harcourt-based Legal Practitioner, dismissed the APC’s impeachment demand by asserting that Governor Fubara’s statement was merely a personal view, not a constitutional directive warranting impeachment.
He stressed that Okocha, not being a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, lacked the authority to propose such constitutional actions without addressing relevant constitutional concerns.
Highlighting the procedural aspects of impeachment, Orokoh pointed out that it necessitates a specific process that Okocha failed to recognize.
“The APC acting Chairman’s call for impeachment is akin to endorsing anarchy.
“Without being a House of Assembly member, he lacks the mandate to push for impeachment.
“Impeachment follows a lawful process that must be meticulously adhered to, starting from point A without skipping any steps.
“Therefore, as a non-Assembly member, he has not outlined the grounds justifying the Governor’s impeachment.”
Orokoh urged relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the APC Caretaker Committee Chairman’s activities to prevent any potential disruption of peace and order in the state.
“It’s regrettable that individuals like Tony Okocha are advocating for chaos in Rivers State.
“I implore the security agencies to keep a close watch on the APC chairman and his followers as they do not have the best interests of Rivers State at heart,” he added.