The Rivers State House of Assembly has escalated its impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, formally requesting the state’s Chief Judge to investigate the duo over allegations of gross misconduct.
On Friday, 25 lawmakers voted to refer the matter to the judiciary under Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The charges include failure to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill, unauthorised spending of public funds, withholding statutory allocations to the legislature, and other actions considered grossly improper.
Speaker Martins Amaewhule, presiding over the session, instructed the assembly clerk to formally write to the Chief Judge to constitute a seven-member panel to examine the claims. The request marks the next procedural step in the impeachment process, which began on January 8 when notices were served on Fubara and Odu.
Lawmakers Reverse Course, Renew Support
The impeachment effort gained renewed momentum as four lawmakers who had previously called for a suspension of the process reversed their position and threw their weight behind the proceedings.
Speaking at a press briefing in Port Harcourt, Minority Leader Sylvanus Nwankwo, representing Omuma constituency, said the lawmakers’ decision followed observations that the governor and his deputy were unwilling to govern in accordance with the constitution.
“We initially asked colleagues to explore a political resolution,” Nwankwo said. “But while that appeal was pending, the governor and deputy governor used media aides to attack the assembly rather than seek a compromise. We have rescinded our plea; the impeachment must go on.”
Amadi Emilia, representing Obio/Akpor constituency II, added that the governor misread the assembly’s restraint as weakness. “We tried a political solution, but they are ignoring the house and sidelining us,” she said.
The lawmakers’ renewed backing comes after initial appeals from Nwankwo, Peter Abbey (Degema), Barile Nwakoh (Khana I), and Emilia Amadi to halt the impeachment in the interest of peace and stability.
Rising Political Tensions
The impeachment proceedings have heightened tensions between Rivers’ executive and legislative arms. Most lawmakers are loyal to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who has campaigned against Fubara’s re-election, accusing him of violating a peace agreement signed before President Bola Tinubu lifted the state’s emergency rule.
As the Chief Judge’s panel prepares to investigate the allegations, Rivers State is bracing for a high-stakes showdown that could redefine the state’s political landscape.
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