Port Harcourt — Political tensions in Rivers State escalated sharply this week as the Rivers State House of Assembly formally commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, prompting a stark ultimatum from the Speaker of the Assembly, Martins Amaewhule. The Speaker suggested that lawmakers might resign en masse if the governor is not removed from office, underscoring the depth of the crisis rocking the oil-producing state.
The impeachment process was launched on Thursday during a plenary session presided over by Amaewhule, where a formal notice of allegations and gross misconduct was read by the Majority Leader, Major Jack. The notice, endorsed by 26 members of the Assembly, accuses Governor Fubara of violating provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and engaging in conduct that undermines the rule of law.
Among the charges against Fubara are extra-budgetary spending without legislative approval, alleged interference with the functions of the House, and failure to present the state’s appropriation bill, actions lawmakers say amount to gross misconduct. The notice also includes similar allegations against Deputy Governor Odu.
Addressing his colleagues during the session, Speaker Amaewhule made a forceful statement about the severity of the situation. He declared that it might be better for all lawmakers to resign than to allow what he described as continued breaches of constitutional order to persist. His remarks reflect mounting frustration within the legislature over prolonged disagreements with the governor.
“This crisis is not about personalities; it is about the constitution and the democratic rights of the people of Rivers State,” the Speaker said. “If we cannot uphold the law and protect the interests of the people, then we should step aside.”
The impeachment move marks a significant escalation in a long-running power struggle between Governor Fubara and the Assembly, led by lawmakers loyal to former state governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. The discord has its roots in disputes over legislative legitimacy, budgetary powers and political control of the state’s institutions.
The Assembly’s action on Thursday follows months of political deadlock, including previous attempts to remove the governor and his deputy, as well as legal battles over the proper composition and leadership of the legislature. The Speaker’s faction has consistently maintained that Fubara has flouted constitutional norms and legislative authority.
Under Nigeria’s constitution, the impeachment process allows the governor an opportunity to respond to the allegations after being served with the impeachment notice, which Amaewhule said would be delivered within seven days. If the allegations are upheld and investigations confirm gross misconduct, the Assembly could move toward formal removal.
Governor Fubara has not yet issued a detailed response to the latest development. In previous confrontations, he has vowed to defend his administration and emphasised his commitment to governance and stability, even as the political standoff intensified.
Political analysts say the unfolding drama could have broader implications for governance and political alignments in Rivers State, with potential effects on public service delivery and investor confidence. They note that durable solutions will likely require adherence to constitutional processes and efforts to reduce tensions between the executive and legislative branches.
As the impeachment process progresses, attention will focus on how Governor Fubara responds to the allegations and whether negotiations or legal interventions can defuse what has become one of the most significant political crises in Rivers State in recent years.
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