Tension and unease enveloped Rivers State on Monday as the state House of Assembly commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof Ngozi Odu.
The Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule and aligned with former governor Nyesom Wike, delivered a notice accusing Fubara and Odu of severe misconduct, indicating that impeachment was on the horizon. This notice followed a letter dated March 14, 2025, that was signed by 26 assembly members.
On March 17, 2025, the Speaker sent the notice in two separate letters to both the governor and his deputy. This political development has heightened tensions in the state, as some Ijaw groups threatened to create unrest if Fubara were to be impeached. The Ijaw National Congress, the Ijaw Youth Council, and other organizations have firmly opposed the possible impeachment of Fubara, who belongs to the Ijaw ethnic group, warning that it could trigger instability and disrupt oil production.
In response to the escalating situation, President Bola Tinubu recently convened leaders from the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, including former Akwa Ibom Governor Victor Attah and the Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom, King Alfred Diete-Spiff. He emphasized the importance of the Niger Delta to the economy, stating, “We must care for the goose; otherwise, we lose the golden egg.” He acknowledged awareness of the situation in Rivers State and emphasized his prior interventions.
Tinubu requested the PANDEF leaders to encourage Fubara to seek peaceful resolutions and adhere to court rulings promptly. Following this meeting, the leaders attempted to mediate with Fubara, although efforts to meet with Wike were unsuccessful.
Despite this momentum, internal struggles continued as Fubara’s attempt to present a budget, following a Supreme Court ruling validating the Amaewhule Assembly, was rejected by lawmakers. Meanwhile, during a media session, Wike dismissed threats to oil installations and instructed lawmakers loyal to him to move forward with impeaching Fubara if necessary.
The notice sent to Fubara included claims of constitutional violations and misconduct, which were said to contravene sections of the Nigerian Constitution. Allegations ranged from improper expenditure of public funds to circumventing the assembly’s prerogatives regarding appointments and legislative duties.
The deputy governor, Odu, was also served a similar notice, accused of complicity in the alleged misconduct, including failure to present the necessary appropriation bill and approving state expenditures without proper legislative backing.
Speaker Amaewhule, in his letter to both Fubara and Odu, confirmed receiving the allegations and requested their formal response, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the constitutional basis for the proceedings.
