The political turmoil rocking Rivers State is a direct conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Nigerian Constitution, not a personal feud with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. This clarification was made by the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Chike Amaewhule, on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
Constitutional Breaches at the Heart of the Crisis
In a passionate address, Speaker Amaewhule accused Governor Fubara of actions that pose a significant threat to the state's democracy. He expressed frustration that alleged violations of the constitution by the governor were being overlooked by some respected elders in the oil-rich state.
"Siminalayi Fubara is a mistake. River State has never had it this bad," Amaewhule declared. He pinpointed a major governance failure: the absence of the 2026 Appropriation Bill. According to the Speaker, Governor Fubara and Professor Ngozi Odu are the only two sub-national leaders in the entire country who have failed to present an appropriation bill for the 2026 fiscal year.
"Who would believe that in this 21st century, a state like River States will not have an appropriation bill either presented or passed? Nothing is holding the governor back from presenting it. He chose not to," Amaewhule stated emphatically.
Amaewhule Accuses Fubara of Financial Secrecy
The Speaker further criticised the governor for a lack of transparency and accountability. He claimed that since Fubara and his deputy were sworn in on May 29, 2023, the Rivers State government has not issued any public statement of account.
"Other governors are saying how they are receiving money, how much they received, how much they have spent... Since May 29th, 2023... they have never, never for once issued any statement of account of Rivers state. Not once," Amaewhule alleged.
He lamented that instead of calling the governor to order for these perceived infractions, some elders were applauding him and misdirecting the narrative towards a conflict with FCT Minister Wike.
Impeachment Proceedings Loom as Drama Unfolds
The political standoff has already escalated to formal impeachment proceedings initiated by the Rivers State House of Assembly against Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The entire nation watches as the drama unfolds in this prominent South-South state, awaiting the outcome of the constitutional clash.
Amaewhule's comments reinforce the Assembly's position that the crisis is institutional and legal, rather than merely a fallout between two political figures. He insisted, "It is not the FCT minister and the governor. It is the governor and the constitution."
This development follows earlier criticisms from figures like former National Assembly member Senator Olaka Nwogu, who alleged that Governor Fubara had flouted agreements meant to resolve the state's political crisis.
