The All Progressives Congress (APC) has justified President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention in the political crisis rocking Rivers State, insisting that the President acted within the bounds of his constitutional responsibility to maintain peace and order across the country.
Reports had indicated that Tinubu advised the Rivers State House of Assembly to suspend its impeachment move against Governor Siminalayi Fubara in the interest of peace, a development some critics described as an attempt to halt a constitutional process.
However, reacting on a national television programme on Wednesday, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, dismissed the criticism, saying the President did not interfere with or abort any lawful procedure.
“To the best of my knowledge, the President has not aborted any constitutional process. He only offered counsel as President,” Morka said. “He did not go to the House of Assembly to issue commands or instigate any action. Those involved came to him, and he gave his advice.”
According to Morka, Tinubu’s intervention was consistent with democratic norms and his duty to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
He rejected claims that the President was meddling in the affairs of Rivers State, noting that similar steps had been taken in the past when political tensions threatened public peace.
“It is within the remit of his office to ensure that every part of the country functions properly and does not descend into violence,” he added.
On the political dynamics in Rivers State, Morka acknowledged the influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, but stressed that Governor Fubara, now a member of the APC, remains the party’s leader in the state.
Addressing concerns about an alleged plan by the United States to invade Nigeria under the guise of counter-terrorism, the APC spokesman dismissed such fears as unfounded.
He said military cooperation between Nigeria and the United States is limited to the global war against terrorism and aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to combat insecurity.
“The war on terror must be won,” Morka said. “The collaboration between Nigerian and U.S. forces is focused on defeating terrorism that has brought hardship and pain to our people.”
He added that the Federal Government has consistently briefed the public on the nature of the partnership, insisting that it poses no threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty.
