Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have called on Nigeria’s National Assembly to consider assuming the legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly, as political tensions continue to disrupt governance in the oil-producing state.
The call comes amid a stalled impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, following judicial interventions that have halted further legislative action.
Impeachment Process Stalls After Chief Judge Declines Panel
The Rivers State House of Assembly had written to the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Simeon Amadi, requesting the constitution of a seven-member panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against the governor and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.
However, the Chief Judge declined to act, citing subsisting court orders restraining him from constituting the panel while related legal proceedings remain before the courts.
APC Leaders Warn of ‘Dangerous Constitutional Crisis’
In a joint statement, the APC Leaders Forum said repeated impeachment attempts had undermined public confidence in the legislature and threatened democratic stability in the state.
“Rivers State is sliding into a dangerous constitutional crisis,” the forum said.
“What is unfolding is no longer legislative oversight but a clear abuse of legislative authority. Democracy is under serious threat.”
The group stressed that its call was aimed at restoring constitutional order and not at pre-empting judicial outcomes.
Call for Federal Intervention Framed as Constitutional Safeguard
According to the APC forum, the National Assembly is constitutionally empowered to intervene in exceptional circumstances where a state legislature is unable to function effectively.
“The allegations against Governor Fubara are unsubstantiated and unsupported by law or facts,” the statement added.
“The governor has shown readiness to govern for the people, not for a few vested interests.”
The forum accused 27 lawmakers aligned with former governor Nyesom Wike of politicising the impeachment process—an allegation the lawmakers have previously denied.
Courts Remain Seized of the Matter
Meanwhile, a High Court sitting in Oyigbo, Port Harcourt, has adjourned indefinitely a suit filed by Governor Fubara and his deputy challenging the impeachment process, after confirmation that appeals had been lodged.
Legal observers say the adjournment allows the Court of Appeal to determine the matter, effectively freezing further impeachment-related steps until a ruling is delivered.
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National Assembly Yet to Act
Despite the APC Leaders Forum’s call, no action has been taken by the National Assembly as of the time of filing this report.
The Rivers State chapter of the APC has also urged Governor Fubara to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to ease tensions and promote political stability within the state.
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