A member of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, following moves by the Rivers State House of Assembly to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Agbese, who represents Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo Federal Constituency and also serves as the Deputy Spokesman of the House, described the situation in Rivers as manageable and not a cause for panic, despite rising political tension in the state.
The crisis stems from impeachment proceedings initiated against Governor Fubara, with allegations of gross misconduct, including claims of financial misappropriation.
Speaking on Thursday during a television interview, Agbese cautioned against exaggerating the developments, stressing that the situation should not be allowed to disrupt governance in the oil-producing state.
According to him, the tension is largely the result of a political transition, noting that both the governor and several members of the Rivers State House of Assembly recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The situation is manageable. It is partly a product of a political transition. Many of the tensions are remnants of old political practices and cultures carried over from the former party,” Agbese said.
He emphasised that the APC is built on strong internal organisation, peaceful coexistence and effective cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government, qualities he said should be adopted by political actors in Rivers State.
Agbese urged stakeholders in the state to set aside past rivalries and align with what he described as the APC’s principles of stability, cooperation and good governance.
He further appealed to President Tinubu to step in promptly to prevent the crisis from escalating.
“I earnestly implore Mr President to intervene swiftly and guide all stakeholders toward unity and lasting peace. Rivers State deserves stability and prosperity,” the lawmaker added.
