Rivers APC Warns Against Legislative Coup, Urges Chief Judge to Obey Court Order

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has warned that the state must not be allowed to slide into what it described as a “legislative coup d’état,” amid the ongoing impeachment moves against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Ordu.

The party made the position known in a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Darlington Nwauju, in which it also urged the Chief Judge of Rivers State to comply with a recent court order issued by the High Court.

According to the APC, it has carefully reviewed the circumstances surrounding the decision of members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to proceed with the impeachment process against the governor and his deputy.

The party expressed concern that some of its members in the Assembly, who openly identify with President Bola Tinubu, could allegedly allow themselves to be involved in what it termed a planned legislative action that undermines the party’s collective interests, progress and development in the state.

“We are warning once more that this is an unnecessary action, given the refusal of members of the House of Assembly, including those from the APC, to cooperate,” the statement read.

The APC acknowledged that the legislature is empowered under Sections 129 and 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to carry out impeachment proceedings, but noted that certain provisions of the law are subject to political interpretation.

“As the ruling party in Rivers State, we are also aware that paragraph 11 of Section 188 is subject to political interpretation by the legislature, as it is not normative or objective,” the party stated.

It added that the determination of what constitutes “gross misconduct” rests solely with the legislature, stressing that regardless of how well-crafted the allegations against the governor and his deputy may appear, they remain personal opinions in the eyes of the public.

The APC warned that the decision of the legislative arm to pursue impeachment posed serious risks to the stability and future of the party in Rivers State.

The party further called on the Chief Judge of Rivers State to respect the interim injunction issued in Suit No. OYHC/7/CS/2026, which reportedly restrained him from accepting or acting on the resolutions passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“Finally, we urge the national leadership of the party to act immediately and deploy the internal mechanisms provided under Article 21(b)(iii) of the 2022 APC Constitution (as amended) to prevent our party from being dragged into a difficult and shameful situation,” the statement added.