Impeachment Notice Against Fubara “Dead on Arrival” – Former Rivers Commissioner

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Austin Tam George, once Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, has labeled the recent impeachment notice against Governor Siminalayi Fubara as “dead on arrival,” asserting that it is driven by political rivalry rather than legal justification.

Speaking on Arise News, Tam George attributed the impeachment move to Fubara’s recent switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC), which disrupted the established influence of Minister Nyesom Wike’s faction in the state. “Governor Fubara’s pivot to the APC over three weeks ago has clearly unsettled existing power dynamics. The Wike faction is now attempting to reclaim lost leverage,” he explained.

Alleged Political Interference

The former commissioner accused Minister Wike of fostering instability in Rivers State. Drawing from his experience under Wike’s administration, Tam George described the minister as having a history of turning governance into a personality-driven exercise. He stated, “Nyesom Wike has been a destabilising influence in Rivers State. I resigned during his administration because of his penchant for chaos, instability, and turning governance into a personality cult.”

He contended that the impeachment effort is designed to undermine Fubara’s popularity and obstruct his pro-people governance initiatives. Highlighting the governor’s achievements, Tam George noted significant progress in social sectors: education, healthcare, housing, and rural development have all benefited from focused investment.

Development Milestones

Revitalization of nearly all tertiary healthcare systems and 122 primary healthcare centers across 23 local government areas.
Housing projects exceeding 20,000 units, including the recent commissioning of the first phase of 1,000 houses for civil servants—an achievement unmatched during Wike’s eight-year tenure.

Tam George praised these accomplishments, emphasizing that public funds are now directed toward tangible social development rather than political patronage.

Legal Concerns

The former commissioner questioned the legal foundation of the impeachment notice, describing the allegations as vague and lacking specificity. “Where are the legal arguments? The articles of impeachment are vague and do not point to any actual wrongdoing by the governor or his deputy,” he said.

He also dismissed claims that the governor mishandled the 2025 budget, noting that it had been vetted by the National Assembly and assented to by the President. Asking Fubara to re-present an already approved budget, according to Tam George, is “legally baseless.”

Political Implications and Public Support

Tam George asserted that the impeachment is a clear attempt to block Fubara’s bid for a second term. “Just two days ago, Wike made it clear that Fubara’s re-election would be a political defeat for him. This impeachment is clearly designed to block the governor’s second-term prospects.”

He urged the APC leadership to protect Fubara, describing him as the party’s de facto leader in Rivers State. “They cannot allow a governor of his calibre to be humiliated by a few House members acting as political puppets,” he remarked.

Highlighting popular sentiment, Tam George warned against attempts to manipulate state power for personal gain: “This is an existential struggle for Rivers State. The people will resist and overcome any attempt at state capture for personal gain.”