The political crisis rocking Rivers State deepened on Friday as the State House of Assembly declared that no form of negotiation or political intervention would stop its ongoing impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
Lawmakers began formal impeachment proceedings on Thursday, accusing the governor and his deputy of gross misconduct, a move that has further heightened tensions between the executive and the legislature.
The Speaker of the House, Martins Amaewhule, said the actions of the governor posed a serious threat to democratic governance in the state, accusing him of repeatedly ignoring constitutional requirements, including the failure to present the state budget as required by law.
Speaking later on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, the Assembly’s spokesperson, Enemi George, said the lawmakers were resolute and would not abandon the process midway, insisting that the impeachment was driven by legal concerns rather than political battles.
George dismissed suggestions that the impeachment was part of a political witch-hunt, stressing that the Assembly was simply carrying out its constitutional duties.
According to him, the lawmakers have exhausted several political interventions in the past, but the governor allegedly continued to violate the law. He described Fubara as a repeat offender who failed to learn from previous warnings and reconciliation efforts.
George also accused the governor of mismanaging public funds and appointing close relatives to government positions without following due process, allegations he said formed part of the lawmakers’ grievances.
Addressing reports that lawmakers rejected a ₦100,000 Christmas gift allegedly sent to their accounts on December 30, 2025, George said the money had no constitutional backing and was therefore unacceptable. He explained that the lawmakers returned the funds to avoid legal trouble, noting that public money belongs to the people of Rivers State, not individuals.
He further stated that earlier peace moves led by President Bola Tinubu collapsed because agreed terms were repeatedly violated, adding that no leader should expect continuous rescue while flouting the law.
Earlier, the Assembly had formally issued a notice of allegations against the governor and his deputy. The notice, signed by 26 lawmakers, was read during plenary by the Majority Leader, Major Jack. Speaker Amaewhule said the document would be officially served on the governor within seven days.
This latest development marks the third attempt by the Rivers State House of Assembly to remove Governor Fubara and his deputy from office. A similar move in March 2025 failed after rising political tension forced President Tinubu to intervene, leading to talks involving former Governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, lawmakers, and the governor — a process that eventually restored Fubara to office after six months.
