By Godwin Chukwumaechi, Port Harcourt
The Supreme Council for Sim Worldwide has kicked against the call by Chief Tony Okocha of the All Progressives Congress, Rivers State for the resignation or impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The pro-Fubara group warned against any attempt to impeach the governor, adding that it would trigger widespread unrest.
Addressing a news briefing in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, a leader of the group, Ambassador, Senibo Joshua Fubara, Convener/National Leader of the group, said that those pushing for Governor Fubara’s removal should reconsider their actions, as the people of Rivers State would resist any attempt to oust him.
The Tony Okocha-led faction of the APC had earlier called on Governor Fubara to honourably resign as the Governor of the state or he would have himself impeached claiming that the Governor had failed in his role as Governor of the state.
But while speaking with journalists, Joshua stated, “We all know the process of impeachment. Before it even starts, the state will boil because the governor is a man of the masses. The Governor might not do anything, but the masses have something to do because they voted for the lawmakers, and they will have something to tell them.”
National Leader of Supreme Council for Sim Worldwide who spoke in company of another leader of the group, Esezi Rukani also cautioned that legislators who insist on the impeachment bid risk being recalled by their constituents.
He said; “The governor may not fight them, but those who voted for them will. They didn’t send you there to foment trouble, and if you do, they will start recalling you.
“Simplicity is not stupidity. The simple nature of the governor should not be taken for granted. If this governor were like some people who enjoy fighting, by now, Rivers State would have been in turmoil. But since he’s a man of peace, he is willing to give everything for the state to remain stable”.
He questioned the basis for calls for Fubara’s impeachment, insisting that the Governor has committed no offense. “What crime has he committed that somebody is calling on him to resign or be impeached”, Joshua queried.
“The last time, they wanted to impeach him without any explanation to the people. Now, some individuals who never meant well for the state are calling for him to resign or be impeached”.
Joshua reaffirmed the group’s support for the governor, pointing out that any attempt to remove him from office would be met with stiff resistance.
“We stand with the governor. We are not even talking about this first term; what we are preparing our people for is the second term. Whether anybody likes it or not, the man will finish this first term in good health. He is a God-sent governor because what others couldn’t do, he has achieved.
“The Speaker and other lawmakers must let peace reign. You were not sent there for war. If you abuse the reason for your election, we will recall you, and nothing will happen.”
Also speaking, a leader of the group, Esezi Obilor Rukani similarly, highlighted the governor’s achievements saying he was doing well in administering the state and should be encouraged rather than threatened with impeachment.
He said; “The governor has done so much in so little time. He is a peace-loving man. He has promoted civil servants and implemented many projects, including the Port Harcourt Ring Road and the Trans-Kalahari Road”.
He dismissed the impeachment call as baseless, even as he urged all political factions to unite for the interest and progress of the state.
He also warned that instability in Rivers State, a major contributor to the nation’s economy, could affect the entire country.
“The issue of asking him to resign or be impeached is neither here nor there. What we expect is the two groups closing ranks and moving Rivers State forward.
“Remember, if there is a crisis in Rivers State, it’s going to affect the entire country, and we don’t want any crisis in this country,” he stated.
