Darlington Orji, Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State governor, has dismissed the impeachment moves against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, insisting the process lacks merit and will not succeed.
Speaking on ARISE News on Friday, Orji said claims that impeachment proceedings had been formally served on the governor were untrue.
“I can confirm to you up until this minute, he has not received any proceedings from the Assembly,” he said.
Orji argued that there was no basis for the impeachment process, stressing that allegations of misconduct were unsupported.
“The truth of the matter is that there is no cause for even initiating the impeachment process,” he said.
He added that public sentiment in Rivers State did not support the move, insisting lawmakers would eventually abandon it.
“I’m very sure, I’m convinced that they will drop the process, because there is no need for it. That is not what Rivers State wants for now,” Orji said.
Addressing suggestions that the governor was reacting late or had failed to anticipate the crisis, Orji rejected the claim, describing Fubara as calm and restrained.
“No, the governor is not waking up. This is a man that does not want to join issues with people. He’s very calm, he’s very humble,” he said.
On claims that the governor travelled to avoid being served impeachment notices, Orji said the assembly reconvened unexpectedly.
“The governor did not run away. The governor is not afraid of service, because there is no cockroach in his cupboard. He has nothing to hide,” he said, adding, “The governor is in Port Harcourt now.”
Orji also addressed allegations of illegal appointments without legislative screening, insisting no such breach occurred.
“The governor has not made any appointment that requires screening,” he said.
He explained that following a Supreme Court judgment recognising Martin Amaewhule as the authentic Speaker, the governor retained only officials previously screened by that assembly leadership.
“The governor dropped them, leaving the eight persons that were screened by Martin Amaewhule,” Orji said.
On special advisers, he maintained screening was not required.
“The only five appointments that were made are members of special advisers, which Martin Amaewhule has already given clearance to,” he said, adding, “They are never screened.”
Orji also addressed financial disputes linked to demands for a supplementary budget, saying the governor did not require additional funds.
“The governor himself said that when he came back on board, that he has about 600 billion naira in the coffers of Rivers State Government,” he said.
He said the governor rejected calls for a supplementary budget late in the fiscal year.
“The governor said, I don’t have a need for a supplementary budget,” Orji stated.
Responding to claims lawmakers were denied funds, Orji alleged they had already received constituency allocations.
“The 350 million naira that was given to each of them for their constituency project, where did it come from?” he asked.
He further alleged lawmakers received vehicles.
“It’s Range Rover 2025,” Orji said, adding, “I can make the record available to you.”
On the impeachment outcome, Orji expressed confidence the process would collapse as support waned.
“I can tell you for free that this process will not get through because there is no truth in it,” he said.
He added that the number of lawmakers backing impeachment was already declining.
“When they raised that issue, there were 26. As of today, there are 22,” Orji said, insisting, “Their numbers will reduce by the day.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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