INC and Fubara’s Camp Reject Rivers Assembly Impeachment Move

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The political tensions in Rivers State escalated this week as the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s allies voiced strong opposition to the impeachment attempt by the Rivers State House of Assembly. The move, which targets Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, comes amid allegations of gross misconduct, with the governor and deputy given only seven days to respond.

INC Condemns Impeachment Effort

Speaking on Thursday, INC President Prof. Benjamin Okaba described the impeachment as a severe threat to both democracy and stability in Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta. He stressed that the action represents a cycle of political vendetta, noting, “This is the third such attempt since 2023, reflecting a relentless cycle of political vendetta that must end.”

Okaba emphasized that the dispute should not be framed as an ethnic issue, stating, “This is not about the Ijaw nation; this is about protecting democracy.” He further criticized the timing and manner of the impeachment, suggesting that constitutional provisions, such as Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, were being misused as a political tool rather than serving as a legitimate check on executive power.

Highlighting the collapse of a peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu in June 2025 between Fubara and Minister Nyesom Wike, Okaba called for federal intervention to ensure neutrality and uphold constitutional democracy. He urged Rivers residents, including the Ijaw community, to remain calm and advocate lawfully, emphasizing the importance of inclusive dialogue to secure the state’s sustainable future.

Fubara’s Camp Declares Impeachment Illegal

Governor Fubara’s political camp, represented by the Supreme Council for Sim (SCS), also condemned the impeachment, branding it unconstitutional and politically motivated. Ambassador Oji Ngofa, SCS leader, stated that the Assembly’s actions lack legal merit and pose risks to the state’s governance.

Ngofa noted that the governor had duly transmitted the budget to the National Assembly, and the six-month fiscal grace period under the constitution remains valid. He argued, “Impeachment on the basis of the budget is reckless politics that endangers the people of Rivers State.”

He accused certain APC lawmakers in the Assembly of acting without proper consultation, insisting that their support for the impeachment does not reflect the will or interests of the Rivers populace. “Rivers belongs to all its citizens. We have resolved to resist any attempt to manipulate the state for personal gain,” Ngofa affirmed, calling on the party to discipline any legislators who facilitated the process.

Commentary and Analysis

Political analysts suggest that the impeachment move is part of a broader power struggle in Rivers State, intensified by Fubara’s defection and the ongoing rivalry with Wike’s faction. The strong pushback from both the INC and Fubara’s camp signals a potential stalemate, with residents likely to witness prolonged political maneuvering rather than a swift resolution. Observers note that legal and procedural channels, rather than hasty legislative actions, remain the appropriate avenue to address the alleged grievances.

The situation also raises concerns about governance continuity in the state. While the Assembly cites constitutional provisions, the opposition contends that procedural irregularities and political motivations overshadow legitimate checks on executive power. The coming weeks are expected to determine whether dialogue or confrontation will define Rivers State politics.