Opposition Alleges Plot to Illegitimately Impeach Rivers State Governor Through Court

• Opposition coalition, CUPP, alleges a plot to illegitimately impeach Rivers State Governor, citing a drafted court ruling favoring APC lawmakers’ defection
• CUPP warns of potential crisis in Rivers State, urging public scrutiny to prevent perceived judicial aberration and protect democracy

A coalition of opposition political parties, operating under the umbrella of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), has raised concerns about an alleged plot to use the court system for the illegitimate impeachment of Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara.

The coalition alleges that intelligence indicates a drafted ruling from the Federal High Court, set to be delivered on Monday, stating that the seats of 25 former Rivers State lawmakers who recently defected from the PDP to the APC cannot be declared vacant.

According to the opposition parties, this ruling contradicts a previous decision by the High Court of Rivers State, recognizing Edison Ehie as the legitimate Speaker of the House.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Peter Ameh, the national secretary of CUPP, referred to the alleged suit filed overnight between Thursday and Friday as a “kangaroo ruling,” undermining democracy.

Ameh urged Nigerians to protest at the Federal High Court on Monday, warning of potential anarchy in Rivers State if the alleged plot succeeds. He called on President Bola Tinubu and heads of security agencies to protect state institutions.

The spokesperson for CUPP claimed that the plan, if successful, could lead to a crisis in Rivers State, impacting oil production and causing economic instability. He stressed the importance of public scrutiny to ensure transparency and prevent what they perceive as a judicial aberration.

“We demand that the heads of security agencies stay clear and ensure that the institutions of government, especially the Rivers State Government, are protected,” Ameh stated, emphasizing their commitment to democracy and the prevention of negative consequences for the country’s nascent democratic system.