The political temperature in Rivers State remains high as the state's legislative body has officially confirmed that the move to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara from office is still in motion. This clarification comes amidst swirling rumours on social media suggesting the process had been suspended.
Assembly Dismisses Rumours, Affirms Constitutional Duty
On Friday, January 9, 2026, the Rivers State House of Assembly, through its Committee on Information, issued a firm statement to set the record straight. The chairman of the committee, Enemi Alabo George, acting with the authority of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, declared that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, are very much alive.
George emphasised that the Assembly is empowered by the Nigerian Constitution to hold the executive accountable. He accused certain individuals and media platforms of spreading false information to mislead the public and create disaffection. "We are aware that certain persons and media platforms are at it again to misinform the public," George stated, urging the public to disregard claims that the process had been halted.
The Genesis of the Fresh Political Firestorm
The latest impeachment saga began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, when the Assembly, led by Speaker Amaewhule, initiated the removal process. The lawmakers levelled a total of eight allegations against the governor and his deputy, though the specific details of these charges were not fully disclosed in the initial reports.
This development is the latest chapter in the protracted political crisis that has gripped Nigeria's oil-rich state. The friction between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has been a central theme, with the governor's recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) adding another layer of complexity.
Mixed Reactions and Mounting Tension
The Assembly's action has triggered diverse reactions from residents and political observers within Rivers State. Some view the impeachment move as a strategic, if desperate, play by the 26 lawmakers, arguing that the governor's alignment with President Bola Tinubu's APC may have strengthened his position.
Others, however, believe that the formal commencement of impeachment proceedings signals a serious threat to Fubara's tenure, noting that such processes in Nigeria often lead to significant political uncertainty. The situation has undoubtedly heightened concerns over governance and stability in the state.
Adding to the narrative, former Senator Olaka Nwogu criticised Governor Fubara's integrity, claiming that agreements meant to resolve the crisis were flouted by the governor. This perspective underscores the deep-seated nature of the disagreements fueling the impeachment drive.
As it stands, the Rivers State House of Assembly has made its position clear: the constitutional process to potentially remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara is underway, dismissing any contrary narrative as misinformation. The coming days are likely to determine the next phase of this intense political showdown.
