Timi Frank, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has warned that any attempt to illegally impeach the Governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara, could have dire consequences for the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Frank’s warning follows reports that the Rivers State chapter of the APC has ordered its members in the factional state House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara. The call for impeachment comes shortly after the Governor publicly rejected the legitimacy of the state assembly, led by sacked Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule.
In a statement released on Friday, Frank urged President Tinubu to call former Rivers State Governor and current Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to order, accusing him of attempting to install another Ikwere man as governor through the back door. He emphasized that Fubara was freely elected by the people of Rivers State during the last general election, and any illegal move to remove him would lead to significant political turmoil.
Frank noted that this turmoil could have a detrimental impact on the nation’s economy and stability, stating that Rivers State is strategically important for Nigeria’s economic, social, and political survival. He pointed out that the assembly members backing the impeachment are not recognized by law, having lost their legitimacy after defecting from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
“Fubara’s government is focused on delivering democratic dividends for the people of Rivers State,” said Frank. “Attempts to remove him through unconstitutional means will only destabilize the state and potentially cause harm to the nation’s economy.”
He called on President Tinubu to ensure that peace, law, and order prevail in Rivers State and to discourage Wike from pursuing his “illegal and devilish plot.” Frank emphasized that any attempt to destabilize the Rivers State government could trigger a strong response from the Ijaw people, potentially causing a political crisis.
Frank urged the President to heed the call of Ijaw leaders like Chief E.K. Clark and Alhaji Asari Dokubo, who are advocating for an end to Wike’s influence in Rivers State politics. He warned that allowing the crisis to escalate could have far-reaching effects on the state and the country.
