Port Harcourt, January 10, 2026 – The simmering political tensions in Rivers State have reached a critical point as the Rivers State House of Assembly has formally commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, rejecting calls for any political resolution to the crisis.
The move, which began during a plenary session on Thursday, January 8, 2026, presided over by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, marks the third attempt to remove the governor since he assumed office in 2023. Previous efforts in 2023 and March 2025 were halted following interventions, including a six-month state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu.
The impeachment notice, dated January 5, 2026, and signed by 26 lawmakers, was read by Majority Leader Major Jack during the session. It alleges gross misconduct by Governor Fubara, including:
Failure to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Assembly (with claims that Rivers is the only sub-national entity yet to do so).
Extra-budgetary spending and withholding of funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission.
Demolition of the Assembly Complex (currently under reconstruction).
Refusal to obey a Supreme Court judgment on the financial autonomy of the legislature.
The Assembly, relying on Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), has forwarded the notice to the governor, giving him seven days to respond. Proceedings are described as “fully on course,” with the House barring Fubara from presenting the Mid-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the 2026 budget until the probe concludes. The session adjourned to January 15, 2026.
Spokesperson Enemi George emphasized that the process is strictly constitutional and not politically motivated, dismissing repeated “political solutions” as demeaning to the legislature. He described Governor Fubara as a “recidivist” who repeatedly violates the law despite prior interventions, including efforts by President Tinubu and former Governor Nyesom Wike (now FCT Minister).
The crisis stems from the long-standing fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, whose loyalists dominate the Assembly. Fubara recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he holds membership card number 001, amid claims of broken political agreements.
Rivers APC has rejected the impeachment as “untenable” and a threat to the party’s image, urging lawmakers to resist external pressures and discontinue the process to avoid destabilizing the APC-led government. Other groups, including the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Ijaw National Congress (INC), and Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), have condemned the move, calling for restraint and forming reconciliation committees.
Stakeholders, including some APC leaders and elders, are pushing for dialogue, with reports of Fubara briefing President Tinubu on the situation. However, the Assembly remains adamant, insisting the matter is about upholding the law rather than politics.
As Rivers grapples with this renewed power struggle, the outcome could significantly impact governance, development projects, and preparations for future elections in the oil-rich state. Clarion Newschannel will continue to monitor developments closely. Stay tuned for updates.
Rivers State Political Crisis Escalates: Assembly Rejects Political Solutions, Pushes Ahead with Impeachment Proceedings Against Governor Siminalayi Fubara
