The Rivers State House of Assembly has firmly dismissed circulating reports suggesting that the impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, has been discontinued or suspended. In a strongly worded official statement released on Friday, January 9, 2026, the Assembly clarified that the proceedings, which formally commenced on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remain fully active and are proceeding strictly in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The clarification came from Hon. Enemi George, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, who described the rumors as deliberate misinformation aimed at misleading the public and sowing disaffection. He emphasized that the Assembly would not be deterred by what he termed "cheap blackmail or threats" from individuals or groups opposed to the process. The lawmakers reiterated their constitutional duty to uphold the rule of law, defend the interests of the people of Rivers State, and prevent any infractions by public office holders, no matter their position.
This development marks yet another dramatic chapter in the prolonged and intense political crisis that has gripped Rivers State since Governor Fubara assumed office in May 2023. The feud, primarily between Fubara and his predecessor, the influential Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (Nyesom Wike), has evolved into one of Nigeria's most high-profile sub-national power struggles. What began as tensions over control of political structures, appointments, and resources has escalated through defections, court battles, violence, and even a temporary declaration of a state of emergency in 2025.
To understand the current impeachment move, it is essential to trace the roots of the crisis. Fubara, initially perceived as Wike's political protégé and handpicked successor under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), quickly asserted independence after taking office. This led to accusations from Wike loyalists in the Assembly that the governor was sidelining them, withholding funds, and undermining legislative oversight. Early flashpoints included disputes over the 2023 budget, local government elections, and the recognition of factions within the House.
The crisis reached a boiling point in late 2023 and 2024, with the Assembly complex reportedly demolished amid clashes, a split in the legislature into pro-Wike and pro-Fubara factions, and legal interventions. A landmark Supreme Court ruling in February 2025 validated the pro-Wike faction led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, ended certain federal funding channels to the state, and nullified some executive actions by Fubara. The situation deteriorated further, prompting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on March 18, 2025, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and the Assembly members for six months. A sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Etteh Ibas, was appointed to manage affairs during this period.
Fubara was reinstated in September 2025, but peace proved elusive. By December 2025, Fubara defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move followed by several lawmakers. This realignment appeared to shift dynamics, yet underlying tensions persisted, particularly around fiscal matters such as budget approvals and supplementary appropriations for 2025 and beyond.
The latest impeachment proceedings, initiated during plenary on January 8, 2026, under the leadership of Speaker Martins Amaewhule, represent the third major attempt to remove Fubara since he took office. In a dramatic session, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, read out the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against the governor, signed by 26 lawmakers. The charges, brought pursuant to Section 188 of the Constitution, include seven specific infractions:
- The demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, seen as an attack on legislative independence.
- Extra-budgetary spending without proper legislative approval.
- Withholding of funds allocated to the Assembly Service Commission.
- Alleged refusal to comply with a Supreme Court ruling affirming the financial autonomy of the legislature.
- Seizing or withholding salaries and allowances of lawmakers and Assembly staff.
- Other acts constituting obstruction of legislative duties.
- General gross misconduct threatening democratic governance.
- Similar allegations of reckless and unconstitutional spending, obstruction of Assembly functions, and connivance in unauthorized appointments were leveled against Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.
Following the reading of the charges, separate formal notices were prepared and forwarded to both Fubara and Odu by Speaker Amaewhule. The Assembly has confirmed that the officials now have the constitutionally stipulated period (typically seven days) to respond to the allegations. Once responses are received—or if none are forthcoming—the House can proceed to further stages, including investigation by a panel and potential voting on removal, requiring a two-thirds majority.
The Assembly's Friday statement stressed that the process is "fully on course" and that lawmakers remain "duty bound" to act. Hon. Enemi George called on the public to disregard false narratives, asserting that the House is empowered to stand against any constitutional breaches.
Reactions to the move have been swift and polarized. Some stakeholders, including Rivers Elders and certain APC groups, have described the allegations as "disturbingly weak" and lacking sufficient constitutional weight, arguing that they undermine previous peace efforts brokered by President Tinubu. Others view the proceedings as a legitimate exercise of legislative oversight in the face of perceived executive overreach.
Meanwhile, the political temperature in Rivers State remains high. Reports indicate that Governor Fubara was out of the country at the time the notices were served, adding another layer of uncertainty. There are calls from various quarters for dialogue, but the Assembly has insisted that no political solution will halt the process unless constitutional changes occur—an unlikely prospect.
This unfolding saga highlights the fragility of Nigeria's democratic institutions at the state level, where personal ambitions, godfatherism, and resource control often overshadow governance. As the impeachment process continues, all eyes are on how the governor responds, the potential intervention from higher authorities, and whether Rivers State can avoid further descent into instability. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining whether this crisis escalates or finds resolution through legal and political channels.
The people of Rivers State, already weary from years of turbulence, deserve stability that allows focus on development, infrastructure, security, and economic progress in this oil-rich region. Yet, with entrenched positions on both sides, the path forward appears fraught with challenges. The Assembly's determination to proceed, coupled with the broader context of defections and rivalries, suggests that the impeachment drama is far from over.
