Rivers State Assembly Initiates Impeachment Process Against Governor Fubara

The Rivers State House of Assembly has issued a notice of alleged misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, escalating the ongoing political tensions between the executive and legislative arms of the state government. The notice, obtained by ChannelsTV, reads, “In compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other extant laws, we the undersigned members of the Rivers State House of Assembly hereby forward to you a Notice of Gross Misconduct by the Deputy Governor of Rivers State in the performance of the functions of her office.”

SaharaReporters previously reported that despite Governor Fubara’s renewed effort to present the 2025 budget in compliance with a Supreme Court directive, the House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, abruptly adjourned its plenary session indefinitely. The decision was reached during a session held at the Assembly quarters in Port Harcourt on Friday, further deepening the political standoff.

This move came just a day after Governor Fubara formally wrote to the Assembly requesting a new date for the presentation of the 2025 appropriation bill.In his letter, dated March 13, the governor proposed Wednesday or another convenient date in March for the budget presentation, stressing that it was his second attempt to notify the lawmakers. He reaffirmed that his actions aligned with the Supreme Court’s February 28 ruling, which mandated the budget’s presentation to the legislature.

“You may recall my failed visit to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 12th March 2025, for the presentation of the 2025 Rivers State Budget in compliance with the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” Fubara wrote.Governor Fubara also referenced the events of March 12, when he and his entourage were reportedly prevented from accessing the legislative complex, despite prior notice of his intended visit.

He urged lawmakers to prioritize the state’s welfare over political divisions. SaharaReporters had earlier reported the dramatic standoff at the Assembly complex, where security personnel barred the governor’s convoy from entering, citing a lack of official communication between the executive and legislative leadership.

Despite this, Fubara insisted he had sent a formal notification to Speaker Amaewhule and had also attempted to reach him via phone.Meanwhile, the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, in a letter dated March 7, 2025, had requested a meeting with lawmakers on March 10 to discuss the re-presentation of the 2025 budget and initiate a peace dialogue.

The blockade at the Assembly complex has added to the growing political uncertainty in the state, as observers await the next steps in the escalating crisis.SaharaReporters previously detailed that President Bola Tinubu had urged leaders of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) to ensure Governor Fubara adhered to the Supreme Court ruling regarding the state’s political turmoil.

During a recent closed-door meeting with PANDEF leaders at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu addressed concerns over the situation in Rivers State.“I received your message and understand your concerns, particularly regarding Rivers State. I have been addressing this issue for some time. I anticipated this crisis long before stepping in. We reached a written agreement, which both parties signed,” Tinubu stated.

“It is sad we find ourselves in this situation today. This is a nation with a rule of law. I should not be the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria if there is no rule of law.” “I have total confidence in our judiciary. Now, the Supreme Court has spoken—that is it. Please go back home and help him (Governor Fubara) to implement those recommendations within the shortest possible time,” he added.

The president further disclosed that he had intervened both publicly and privately, advising Governor Fubara on the best course of action.The crisis in Rivers State has been fueled by an ongoing power struggle between Governor Fubara and his estranged political mentor, Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The dispute has largely played out between the governor and the House of Assembly, which remains loyal to Wike.

Tensions initially flared when the Assembly attempted to impeach Fubara late last year, prompting multiple interventions from the presidency.Ijaw groups, who view Fubara as their representative, have strongly opposed any attempt to remove him from office. Some factions have even threatened armed resistance, raising fears of further instability in the oil-rich Niger Delta region. As the political crisis unfolds, the future of governance in Rivers State remains uncertain, with stakeholders closely monitoring developments.

Source : https://saharareporters.com/