APC Tackles Governor Fubara: Your Declaration That Rivers Assembly Doesn’t Exist Is Illegal, Contradicts Constitution

The All Progressives Congress (APC) responded to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s declaration regarding the status of the Rivers State House of Assembly, stating it was incorrect and unconstitutional. They criticized the governor’s assertion that the 27 lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC had forfeited their seats, arguing that it did not align with constitutional provisions.

The APC clarified that they were not calling for the governor’s impeachment, but rather, his actions and statements were leading to his own impeachment. They emphasized the importance of the legislature as a core component of democracy, alongside the executive and judicial branches, and highlighted the principle of separation of powers as crucial for maintaining checks and balances within the government.

Regarding the governor’s claim that the House of Assembly was nonexistent due to the defection of the lawmakers, the APC argued that the provisions of Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution were not self-executing. They explained that only a properly constituted court of law could determine whether a member of the House had vacated their seat, and as no such determination had been made, the 27 APC members remained constitutionally recognized members of the Assembly.

The APC pointed out that there was a pending court case regarding the legal status of the defected lawmakers, with an appeal against a ruling pending in the Court of Appeal. They also mentioned a subsisting court order restraining the governor from impeding or frustrating the House of Assembly.

In conclusion, the APC urged Governor Fubara to abide by the Constitution and the rule of law, emphasizing that in any conflict between him and the Constitution, the Constitution would prevail. They expressed concern for the people of Rivers State, stating that they deserved better than the governor’s actions and urged him to act in accordance with the principles of democracy and constitutional order.