Port Harcourt, Rivers State — The Rivers State House of Assembly has commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, escalating the prolonged political crisis rocking the oil-rich state.
The move, initiated during a plenary session on Wednesday, follows deepening tensions between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Lawmakers aligned with the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, formally presented allegations of gross misconduct against the governor, a key constitutional requirement for impeachment under Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The notice of allegations was read on the floor of the House, marking the first official step in the impeachment process. The Assembly is also reportedly considering similar action against the Deputy Governor.
The impeachment move is widely seen as the latest fallout from the bitter power struggle between Governor Fubara and Wike, whose loyalists dominate the Rivers Assembly.
Since assuming office, Fubara has been locked in a fierce political battle with the former governor over control of the state’s political structure, leading to:
- Parallel legislative sessions
- Court battles over the legitimacy of lawmakers
- Budget approval crises
- Repeated threats of impeachment
Despite past interventions by political stakeholders and the judiciary, tensions have continued to rise.
What the Constitution Says
If the process continues, the next steps include:
- Serving the governor a formal notice of allegations
- Investigation by a panel constituted by the Chief Judge of Rivers State
- A two-thirds majority vote by Assembly members to remove the governor
Until these steps are completed, Governor Fubara remains in office
Rivers State is a major economic and political hub in Nigeria, and the unfolding impeachment drama has raised concerns about governance stability, investor confidence, and security in the Niger Delta region.
Political observers warn that any escalation could further polarize the state and attract federal attention.
As of the time of filing this report, Governor Fubara has not issued an official response to the impeachment notice.
