Rivers Assembly Launches Fresh Impeachment Proceedings Against Governor Fubara, Lists Eight Allegations
The political standoff in Rivers State escalated on Thursday, January 8, 2026, as the Rivers State House of Assembly formally began impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, accusing them of gross misconduct and breaching constitutional provisions.
The move, representing the third impeachment attempt since Fubara and Odu assumed office in 2023, saw lawmakers serve a seven-day notice requiring the governor and deputy to respond to the charges. Previous efforts in 2023 and 2025 were stopped following interventions by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at brokering peace between the governor and his estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
During Thursday’s plenary, presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader read a formal notice of allegations signed by 26 out of the 27 lawmakers, representing more than the constitutionally required two-thirds to initiate impeachment proceedings.
Eight Allegations Against the Governor and Deputy
The Assembly listed eight charges accusing the governor and his deputy of misconduct, including:
- Reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds
- Unconstitutional misappropriation of state resources
- Obstructing the Rivers Assembly from carrying out its constitutional duties
- Making illegal appointments without legislative screening
- Seizing salaries and funds meant for Assembly members
- Withholding the salary of the Clerk of the House, Emeka Amadi
- Refusing to implement constitutional provisions on financial autonomy for the legislature and judiciary
- Withholding funds meant for the Rivers House of Assembly Service Commission and impeding its activities
- Lawmakers argue these actions violate the 1999 Constitution and undermine democratic governance at the state level.
Responses and Wider Reactions
The impeachment initiative has stirred sharp reactions across political and civil society circles:
Rivers APC state chapter rejected the move, describing it as destabilising and unnecessary, warning it could harm the ruling party’s image and derail development in the state. The party maintains no grievous misconduct justifying impeachment has occurred.
A youth coalition and several grassroots groups have condemned the impeachment as unlawful and politically motivated, threatening recall action against assembly members if the process continues.
Other organisations, including youth and peace advocacy groups, have expressed concern that prolonged political instability may hamper economic growth, scare away investors, and worsen unemployment in Rivers State.
Governor Fubara’s camp has not yet issued a detailed official response, though sources close to him describe the impeachment motion as politically driven and aimed at undermining his administration’s agenda.
Context of the Political Rift
The impeachment drive is rooted in a broader political feud between Governor Fubara and former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike, who helped bring him into office but fell out with him soon after. Multiple peace efforts, including interventions by President Tinubu, have attempted to end the impasse, but relations remain strained.
As the governor and his deputy prepare to respond to the Assembly’s notice within the mandated seven-day window, political analysts warn that developments in Rivers State could have far-reaching implications for governance stability in one of Nigeria’s key oil-producing states.