The Rivers chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the ongoing political crisis in the state as an “ego war” rooted in political disagreements, insisting it is not driven by any single individual or external influence.
The party’s spokesperson, Darlington Nwauju, said this during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, while reacting to the impeachment proceedings initiated by the Rivers State House of Assembly against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
Nwauju maintained that the lawmakers were exercising their constitutional powers and not acting at the behest of any political godfather.
“This is an ego war. It’s an ego battle, if you like. Whether Nigerians believe or imagine that there is a big hand outside the chambers interested in removing the governor, the fact remains that the State House of Assembly is empowered by the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to carry out checks and balances, oversight and investigations,” he said.
He added that disagreements among political actors were inevitable, noting that resolving such disputes often required “massaging of egos” rather than coercion.
READ ALSO: Impeachment Move Against Gov Fubara Not Tied To Wike — Rivers Assembly Lawmaker
‘Political Interests’
The APC spokesperson acknowledged that political interests were central to the crisis, stressing that such contests were a natural part of democratic politics.
“As far as stakeholding in rigorous politics is concerned, everybody who is a politician in Rivers State is interested in how the state is being run, who is sitting as governor, and who is contesting for what position. This is politics, for crying out loud,” he said.
He argued that the crisis was more about political disagreements than allegations of wrongdoing, adding that it would ultimately be resolved through political dialogue.
The spokesman also faulted the tension between the Assembly and the executive as “unnecessary banter”.
Impeachment Process
The Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy over allegations of gross misconduct.
During plenary presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, presented a notice of allegations against the governor in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution.
The seven-count allegations include the demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary spending, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and alleged disobedience of a Supreme Court ruling on legislative financial autonomy.
Twenty-six lawmakers endorsed the notice, with the Speaker confirming that the governor would be formally notified within the constitutional timeframe.
In a separate motion, Deputy Leader Linda Stewart read allegations against Deputy Governor Odu, citing reckless spending, obstruction of legislative duties and the approval of budgets outside the recognised Assembly.
Reacting, the APC described the impeachment move as destabilising and unnecessary, urging lawmakers to halt the process to avoid political turmoil and developmental setbacks.
Source: Channels TV
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