Tension has escalated in Rivers State as the House of Assembly initiates impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof Ngozi Odu. The political standoff, driven by lawmakers loyal to former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has put the state’s stability at risk.
On Monday, Speaker Martin Amaewhule issued separate notices of “gross misconduct” to Fubara and his deputy, marking the beginning of a legal and political battle. The notices, based on allegations submitted by 26 Assembly members in a letter dated March 14, 2025, accuse the governor of breaching constitutional provisions related to financial management and governance.
Political Turmoil Deepens as Ijaw Groups Oppose Impeachment
The impeachment move has drawn sharp criticism from various Ijaw groups, including the Ijaw National Congress and the Ijaw Youth Council. These groups warn that removing Fubara, who is of Ijaw descent, could trigger widespread unrest and disrupt oil production in the Niger Delta region.
Recognizing the potential instability, President Bola Tinubu has intervened, urging leaders of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) to mediate. During a high-level meeting, Tinubu acknowledged the crisis, stating, “The Niger Delta is the goose that lays the golden egg. We must care for it to avoid losing the golden egg.”
Despite mediation efforts, tensions remain high as lawmakers refuse to approve the state budget presented by Fubara. The Supreme Court’s recent ruling affirming the legitimacy of the Amaewhule-led Assembly has further complicated the standoff.
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Allegations Against Fubara: Assembly Lists 19 Constitutional Breaches
In the official notice, the Rivers State House of Assembly outlined 19 alleged constitutional breaches by Governor Fubara. Some of the key accusations include:
- Unauthorized public expenditure in violation of Sections 120, 121, and 122 of the Constitution.
- Obstruction of legislative functions, preventing the Assembly from carrying out its constitutional duties.
- Appointments without Assembly approval, bypassing the required legislative screening process.
- Seizure of legislative funds, withholding salaries and allowances of Assembly members and staff.
The Assembly argues that these violations render Fubara unfit to govern, demanding that he respond to the allegations within the stipulated timeframe.
Deputy Governor Prof Ngozi Odu Also Under Fire
Alongside Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Prof Ngozi Odu has been accused of complicity in the alleged misconduct. The lawmakers claim she endorsed financial transactions without legislative approval and failed to uphold constitutional provisions related to budgetary processes.
Speaker Amaewhule formally notified both officials, reminding them of their obligation to respond under Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution. The Assembly is expected to vote soon on whether to proceed with a full impeachment trial.
What’s Next for Rivers State?
As the political crisis deepens, stakeholders are watching closely to see how Fubara and his deputy will respond. With growing pressure from the Assembly, Ijaw leaders, and the presidency, the situation remains highly volatile. The outcome of this political battle could shape the future of governance in Rivers State and set a precedent for state-level impeachments in Nigeria.
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