Impeachment Notice Against Fubara “Dead on Arrival” – Former Rivers Commissioner

Spread the love

Austin Tam George, a former Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, has dismissed the recent impeachment notice against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing it as “dead on arrival” and politically motivated rather than legally grounded.

Speaking on Arise News on Thursday, Tam George said the impeachment attempt follows the governor’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that disrupted the power balance previously held by the Wike camp in Rivers State.

He explained, “Governor Fubara’s pivot to the APC over three weeks ago has clearly unsettled existing power dynamics. The Wike faction is now attempting to reclaim lost leverage.”

Tam George accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of creating instability in Rivers State, recalling his own experience serving under the former governor.

He said, “Nyesom Wike has been a destabilising influence in Rivers State. I resigned during his administration because of his penchant for chaos, instability, and turning governance into a personality cult.”

According to him, the impeachment is aimed at curbing Governor Fubara’s growing popularity and his people-centered governance approach.

He praised the governor’s performance, noting, “Governor Fubara has demonstrated exemplary leadership. Public funds are now directed towards social development rather than political patronage. Investments are going into education, health, housing, and rural development.”

Highlighting the achievements, Tam George added, “Nearly all tertiary healthcare systems have been revitalised, along with 122 primary healthcare centres across 23 local government areas. In housing, over 20,000 units are under development. Just two weeks ago, he commissioned the first phase of 1,000 houses—something not achieved in eight years of the Wike administration for civil servants.”

No Legal Grounds for Impeachment – Tam George

The former commissioner questioned the legal basis of the impeachment notice, arguing that it lacks specific allegations.

He said, “Where are the legal arguments? The articles of impeachment are vague and do not point to any actual wrongdoing by the governor or his deputy.”

He also dismissed claims regarding the governor’s handling of the 2025 budget, stating, “The 2025 budget was duly prepared, vetted by the National Assembly, and assented to by the President. Asking the governor to re-present an already approved budget is legally baseless.”

Tam George further claimed the impeachment is politically motivated to undermine Fubara’s chances for a second term.

He added, “Just two days ago, Wike made it clear that Fubara’s re-election would be a political defeat for him. This impeachment is clearly designed to block the governor’s second-term prospects.”

He called on APC leadership to defend Fubara, describing him as the party’s leader in Rivers State with one of the strongest records in the country.

“They cannot allow a governor of his calibre to be humiliated by a few House members acting as political puppets,” he said.

“People Will Resist State Capture”

Tam George also alleged that members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were acting under external influence rather than the public interest.

He said, “They see Wike as their superior. The real orchestrator behind all of this is Wike himself.”

Warning about the consequences of removing the governor, he maintained that public support strongly favours Fubara.

“This is an existential struggle for Rivers State. The people will resist and overcome any attempt at state capture for personal gain,” Tam George concluded.