Political tensions in Rivers State have reached a critical point, with Governor Siminalayi Fubara reportedly seeking an urgent meeting with President Bola Tinubu as the state legislature advances impeachment proceedings against him.
Assembly Halts Budget, Launches Impeachment Probe
The Rivers State House of Assembly took decisive action on Wednesday, barring Governor Fubara from presenting the state's Mid-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the 2026 budget. This move came during a plenary session where lawmakers formally commenced impeachment proceedings against both the governor and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, over allegations of gross misconduct.
The House adopted a motion sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol, mandating an investigation into the governor's financial and administrative actions. Central to the allegations are claims that Governor Fubara failed to submit the MTEF as required by law and spent public funds without legislative appropriation. Lawmakers argue these actions constitute grave constitutional violations.
Speaker Martin Amaewhule, addressing the chamber, stated the Assembly would follow due process to the letter. "We will not abdicate our constitutional responsibilities. The law must take its full course," he declared, adding that the impeachment process would be pursued to its logical conclusion.
Fubara's Dash to France and Internal Party Rifts
Amid the escalating crisis, Governor Fubara is believed to have travelled out of the country, alongside his unofficial Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, aboard a state-owned private jet. Sources indicate the trip was to brief President Tinubu, who is on vacation in France, about the impeachment plans initially expected to be tabled on Monday.
In an unexpected turn, lawmakers loyal to the former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, reportedly moved the timetable forward, commencing proceedings on Wednesday. This development is said to have caught the executive arm unprepared.
The political drama has exposed significant fractures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). A coalition of APC leaders, under the APC Leaders Forum and the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement, has called for the immediate removal of Nyesom Wike as FCT Minister. In an open letter dated January 7, 2026, they accused Wike of insubordination, anti-party activities, and making statements that threaten national unity.
Conversely, the Rivers State chapter of the APC has rejected the impeachment moves against Governor Fubara and his deputy. In a statement by its spokesperson, Darlington Nwauju, the party described the development as "untenable" and warned against actions capable of destabilising the state government.
Public Reaction and Constitutional Standoff
Residents of Rivers State have expressed deep concern over the growing instability. This marks the third impeachment attempt against Governor Fubara, following earlier moves in October 2023 and March 2025. A former Special Adviser to Nyesom Wike, Opunabo Inko-Tariah, described the situation as "quite unfortunate" and accused the minister of using the Assembly to pursue personal interests.
The Assembly's spokesman, Enemi George, appearing on Channels Television, insisted the issue was constitutional, not political. He accused the governor of repeatedly breaching constitutional provisions, including spending state funds without appropriation and failing to appoint commissioners as required by Section 192 of the Constitution.
George denied that Wike was influencing the lawmakers' actions and stated that the possibility of a political solution brokered by President Tinubu might no longer be feasible, alleging the governor had committed offences both before and after the state of emergency period.
As the standoff continues, businesses and economic activities in the state are reportedly slowing down, with residents calling for peace and stability to allow for governance and development to proceed.
