The political tension in Rivers State escalated as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemned the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s call for the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) endorsed the move, accusing the governor of financial mismanagement.
The crisis stems from the directive by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for banks to deduct 0.5% of the value of electronic transactions from customers, sparking widespread discontent among Nigerians.
Addressing the issue, Manu Soro, a lawmaker from Bauchi State, presented a motion in the House of Representatives to suspend the cybersecurity levy, citing concerns about its timing amidst Nigeria’s economic challenges. However, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen stepped down the motion, prompting criticism from the PDP.
Debo Ologunagba, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, argued that lawmakers who defected from the PDP to the APC have vacated their seats and cannot institute impeachment proceedings against an elected governor, citing constitutional provisions.
Meanwhile, ALGON, represented by its chairman and the Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Allwell Ihunda, accused Governor Fubara of withholding and tampering with funds meant for the 23 local government areas (LGAs) in the state. They supported the call for the State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor.
In response, Governor Fubara barred all heads and officials of the 23 LGAs from appearing before the State Assembly, warning of consequences for those who disobey.
The state commissioner of information, Joseph Johnson, clarified that only one LGA’s fund was withheld due to non-compliance with the Local Government Service Commission’s requirements. He criticized ALGON’s stance, emphasizing that their tenure would end on June 17, as mandated by law.
The political stand-off highlights the deepening rift between the APC and PDP in Rivers State, with implications for governance and stability in the region.
