“The governor has done nothing wrong. He has remained steadfast in upholding constitutional values, and his leadership has the full backing of the PDP.”
The political turmoil in Rivers State has reached a boiling point, with Governor Siminalayi Fubara facing intensified pressure to step aside by the opposition party in the state.
Despite mounting calls for his resignation, the National Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Debo Ologunagba, has strongly defended Fubara, insisting that the governor remains committed to constitutional governance.
The crisis deepened today when The New Daily Prime gathered that the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Tony Okocha, demanded Fubara’s resignation, warning that failure to do so could lead to impeachment proceedings.
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This demand followed the governor’s invitation to the 27 pro-Wike House of Assembly members for a crucial meeting aimed at resolving the ongoing power struggle.
However, reports indicate that the state House of Assembly, largely aligned with former Governor Nyesom Wike, is making attempt to impeach Fubara—efforts that have been fiercely resisted by his supporters, triggering legal battles and political maneuvering that further destabilize governance in the state.
In an exclusive interview with The New Daily Prime, the PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba dismissed the impeachment threats as baseless, labelling them as part of a larger strategy to destabilize the Fubara administration.
“Impeachment is a legal and constitutional process that must follow due procedures and be based on valid grounds—none of which apply to Governor Fubara,” Ologunagba stated.
He further described any attempt to unseat the governor as politically motivated and devoid of legal merit.
He asserted that “the governor has done nothing wrong. He has remained steadfast in upholding constitutional values, and his leadership is fully backed by the PDP.” Ologunagba further remarked: “The government is performing exceptionally well, and there is absolutely no justification for impeachment. The idea is merely a speculative exercise by political opponents.”
Brushing off suggestions that Fubara is at risk of losing his position, Ologunagba confidently stated: “We have no concerns about the governor’s impeachment. Those spreading such rumors are engaging in wishful thinking. As a lawyer, I understand the constitutional framework, and I can categorically state that the APC’s impeachment threat is a nonstarter.”
Ologunagba reaffirmed that the PDP remains committed to working with Governor Fubara to ensure good governance and implement policies that enhance the welfare of Rivers State residents. He commended the governor’s leadership style, emphasizing his “humility, timeliness, and unwavering focus on the needs of the people.”
He added that Fubara’s approach embodies the principles of democracy and effective governance.
A Call for Democratic Integrity
Amid the political tension, Ologunagba called on President Bola Tinubu to uphold democratic principles and refrain from any actions that could undermine opposition parties. He cautioned that failure to ensure a level playing field in Nigeria’s democratic process could result in national instability.
“The President must avoid interfering in opposition affairs and instead focus on addressing the pressing issues affecting Nigerians. Governance should be about the welfare of the people—reducing inflation, ending insecurity, reducing excessive taxation, and ensuring economic stability which will promote investment and productivity.”
He urged Nigerians, including the media, to remain vigilant and hold the government accountable to prevent any actions that could threaten democracy. “It is crucial that all stakeholders resist any attempt to destabilize democracy, particularly efforts aimed at weakening the opposition,” he added.
Ologunagba also warned of the broader consequences of political instability, stating that unrest in Nigeria could have far-reaching effects across the West African region and beyond. “The survival of democracy in Nigeria is essential, not just for our country but for regional and global stability. The President has a responsibility to protect democratic institutions and ensure Nigeria remains secure,” he concluded.