APC Dismisses PDP’s Takeover Allegations in Rivers as Ridiculous

APC Dismisses PDP’s Takeover Allegations in Rivers as Ridiculous

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) allegations that it plans to forcibly take over the Rivers State government as ridiculous and baseless.

The APC accused the PDP of offering no justification for its claim, instead misrepresenting and amplifying comments reportedly made by Chief Tony Okocha, chairman of the Rivers State APC Caretaker Committee, while ignoring the critical issues underpinning the ongoing crisis in Rivers State.

The PDP, according to the APC, prefers to spread falsehoods about a non-existent plot rather than educating Governor Sim Fubara on democratic and constitutional governance principles for the benefit of Rivers State residents.

In a statement issued on Thursday, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka asserted that the crisis in Rivers State was contrived and executed by Governor Fubara, who has usurped the legislative power of the state legislature and disregarded court decisions in critical matters at the root of the crisis.

The APC alleged that the governor has been spending public funds without lawful appropriations by a duly constituted legislature, undermining the will of Rivers State residents and their right to effective and accountable democratic governance.

Morka stated, “Contrary to the PDP’s misplaced criticisms of Chief Okocha’s comments, Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the chief architect of the crisis in Rivers State. Since taking office, Governor Fubara has shown a reckless disregard for the rule of law and democratic institutions, conducting his government in violation of the Nigerian Constitution.

“In an unprecedented display of autocratic arrogance, Governor Fubara declared the democratically elected Rivers State House of Assembly non-existent and, without lawful authority, constituted a bogus three-man assembly in violation of constitutional provisions on the composition of the House of Assembly and the doctrine of separation of powers.”