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'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - In a heated exchange of accusations, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly rejected the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) recent claims of a plot to take over the Rivers State government, labeling the allegations as "ridiculous and baseless."
The controversy erupted following a press statement released by the PDP on June 19, 2024, alleging that the APC was plotting to forcibly take control of Rivers State. The PDP's statement, which lacked concrete evidence, cited comments from Chief Tony Okocha, Chairman of the Rivers State APC Caretaker Committee, but failed to address the core issues plaguing the state.
APC's National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, responded today with a vehement counter-accusation, placing the blame squarely on Governor Siminalayi Fubara. According to Morka, Governor Fubara, who has been in office for over a year, is the principal cause of the ongoing crisis in Rivers State due to his alleged autocratic and unconstitutional practices.
"Governor Fubara has shown a reckless disdain for the rule of law and democratic institutions," Morka stated. "In an unprecedented display of autocratic arrogance, he declared the democratically elected Rivers State House of Assembly non-existent and, without lawful authority, constituted an illegal three-man assembly, blatantly violating constitutional provisions and the separation of powers doctrine."
The APC further accused Governor Fubara of misappropriating public funds without legislative approval, thereby undermining democratic governance and the rights of Rivers State's citizens. Morka highlighted the Governor's failure to conduct local government elections, instead allowing the tenure of elected officials to lapse and appointing unconstitutional caretaker committees.
"Governor Fubara is an executive governor of crisis," Morka continued. "He has usurped legislative powers and ignored valid court orders, contributing to the turmoil in Rivers State."
The APC dismissed the PDP's allegations as a diversion from Governor Fubara's governance failures and urged the PDP to educate the Governor on democratic principles for the benefit of Rivers State's residents.
The crisis in Rivers State remains a contentious issue, with both parties exchanging sharp criticisms and allegations. As the situation unfolds, the call for adherence to constitutional governance and the rule of law becomes ever more pressing.
