Rivers Assembly Initiates Impeachment Proceedings Against Governor Fubara and Deputy

Impeachment Notice Served Amidst Deepening Political Crisis

The Rivers State House of Assembly has formally initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu. The action, which commenced on Thursday, January 8, 2026, follows the serving of a notice of alleged gross misconduct against both officials, invoking Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. This development further escalates the political tensions that have gripped the oil-rich state for over a year.

During a plenary session presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, read out the allegations against Governor Fubara. The notice, reportedly signed by 26 lawmakers, outlines several accusations. Speaker Amaewhule confirmed that the notice would be formally transmitted to Governor Fubara within seven days, in adherence to constitutional timelines.

Allegations Against Governor Fubara and Deputy Odu

The impeachment notice against Governor Fubara includes a range of serious allegations:

• Demolition of the Assembly complex.
• Extra-budgetary spending.
• Withholding funds due to the Assembly Service Commission.
• Refusal to comply with a Supreme Court ruling on the legislature's financial autonomy.
• Seizure of salaries and allowances meant for the legislature and its service commission.
• Failure to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill and the Mid-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for legislative consideration.
• Alleged 'recalcitrant disobedience' to President Bola Tinubu and failure to honor peace agreements.
• Accusations of converting state funds into dollars and allegedly paying individuals to influence President Tinubu regarding the budget presentation.

Separately, Deputy Leader Linda Stewart presented a notice of gross misconduct against Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu. The allegations against her include:

• Reckless and unconstitutional spending.
• Obstructing the Assembly from performing its constitutional duties.
• Facilitating the occupation of offices by unauthorized persons.
• Bypassing the Assembly for budget approvals.
• Seizure of salaries and allowances due to the legislature and its service commission.

Political Context and Reactions

This marks the third attempt by the Rivers State House of Assembly to impeach Governor Fubara since he assumed office in 2023. Previous attempts occurred in October 2023 and March 2025. The ongoing crisis is largely attributed to a protracted political rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. President Bola Tinubu had previously intervened to broker peace deals between the factions, and a state of emergency was declared in March 2025, leading to the temporary suspension of elected officials.

In a significant political realignment, Governor Fubara recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in December. Despite this, the Rivers State chapter of the APC, led by Emeka Beke, has publicly rejected the impeachment moves against Fubara and Odu. The party warned that such actions could destabilize the state and damage the party's image, urging lawmakers to resist 'pressures from outside the assembly chambers'.