The political climate in Rivers State has intensified, as the State House of Assembly moves forward with impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Oduh.
This marks the third impeachment attempt in less than three years, highlighting the deepening political crisis, which has been further complicated by Fubara’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The proceedings stem from allegations of gross misconduct and financial impropriety, with eight specific charges formally read out by Major Jack, the Assembly’s Majority Leader, during plenary.
The accusations against Fubara include:
- Reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds.
- Misappropriation of public resources.
- Obstructing the Assembly from performing its constitutional duties.
- Illegal appointments without Assembly screening.
- Seizing salaries and funds meant for lawmakers.
- Withholding the salary of the Clerk of the House, Emeka Amadi.
- Failing to implement financial autonomy provisions for the legislature and judiciary.
- Withholding funds intended for the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission, affecting its operations.
Failed Peace Deals and Political Tensions
The impeachment comes despite several peace efforts brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including interventions in December 2023 and 2025.
In March 2025, Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following an impeachment move, temporarily suspending Fubara, his deputy, and lawmakers, and appointing Ibok-Ete Ibas as administrator. A subsequent peace agreement allowed Fubara’s return.
Thursday’s Assembly action indicates that the latest truce has collapsed, with Fubara’s APC defection in December 2025 reshaping the political landscape and weakening the influence of Minister Nyesom Wike, previously a dominant figure in state politics.
Political analysts view the impeachment as part of a power struggle, particularly as Fubara pursues a second term. Allegedly, Wike’s allies in the Assembly pushed for a supplementary budget, which Fubara rejected, citing the ₦1.48 trillion budget approved during the emergency period.
Sources reveal that Fubara’s accelerated alignment with the APC was a strategic move to limit Wike’s leverage. Reports also indicate that he ignored prior agreements requiring the reinstatement of Sergeant Awuse as chairman of the state’s traditional rulers’ council and the appointment of new commissioners.
Assembly Accuses Fubara of Undermining Legislature
In the Assembly, Speaker Martins Amaewhule accused Fubara of undermining the legislature, particularly by failing to present the 2026 appropriation bill, which is essential for governance. The Speaker claimed Fubara described the Assembly as a “toothless bulldog” and sought presidential intervention to curb its authority.
“The allegations of gross misconduct mainly relate to refusal to present a budget and spending outside the appropriation law,” Amaewhule said.
He added, “The impeachment process must proceed, even if the governor tries to bring an Appropriation Bill or Medium-Term Expenditure Framework later. Siminalayi Fubara has shown he has no intention to submit a budget. Rivers State has never been in a worse situation. Nationwide, Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu are the only sub-national leaders yet to present the 2026 appropriation bill.”
The Speaker noted that previous efforts to resolve the crisis, including meetings with President Tinubu and Wike, had failed.
Political Analysts Weigh In
Observers suggest the impeachment is not only a reaction to alleged misconduct but also a consequence of Fubara’s defection to the APC, which has shifted the balance of power in Rivers State and weakened Wike’s longstanding influence.
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