A sharp division has emerged within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the impeachment proceedings initiated against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, with a faction backed by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, openly endorsing the process, while the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) adopted a cautious stance.
Naijaonpoint reports that the impeachment move was set in motion by the Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday, following allegations of gross misconduct leveled against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
During the plenary session presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the allegations were formally read, marking the official commencement of the process. The House had already seen 26 lawmakers sign the notice of impeachment, which they argue points to actions that allegedly contravene the Nigerian Constitution.
In a separate interview with Vanguard, Jungudo Haruna, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP National Caretaker Committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed (who has the backing of Nyesom Wike), distanced the party from Governor Fubara.
Haruna emphasized that Fubara’s actions in seeking to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) made him no longer a member of the PDP.
“Governor Fubara is no longer a member of our party, and we wish him well as he moves to the APC. It is within his constitutional right to do so,” Haruna stated.
He then stressed that the impeachment process should not be viewed through a political lens but as a matter that falls squarely within constitutional procedures.
“This is not a political issue. The allegations against the governor, such as misappropriation of funds or abuse of office, are serious and need to be addressed. He must go and clear himself. The process has started, and it is based on the laid-down constitutional procedures,” Haruna added.
He commended the Rivers State House of Assembly for initiating the process, portraying it as an independent legislative action to uphold the principles of separation of powers.
Haruna stated that the process should unfold peacefully, with the hope that justice will be served.
In contrast to the position of Haruna’s faction, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), led by Kabiru Turaki, has refrained from making any public statements on the impeachment proceedings, opting for a more cautious approach.
In an interview with Vanguard, Ini Ememobong, the National Publicity Secretary of the Turaki-led NWC, explained that the party leadership is monitoring the situation closely but has decided to withhold a response for now.
“We are not reacting yet. We’re monitoring the situation and will see how things develop,” Ememobong said.