Rivers Lawmakers Begin Impeachment Proceedings Against Governor Siminalayi Fubara

The political crisis in Rivers State escalated further on Wednesday as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, deepening weeks of tension between the executive and the legislature.

The development marks a significant turning point in the prolonged power struggle that has dominated the state’s political landscape since the fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

 

 

Ejes Gist News reports that the impeachment process is being driven by lawmakers loyal to the Speaker of the House, Martin Chike Amaewhule, who is widely identified as a key ally of Wike.

Impeachment Process Begins at the Assembly

According to information available at the time of filing this report, the Rivers State House of Assembly formally initiated impeachment procedures during a sitting convened by the Amaewhule-led faction of lawmakers.

 

Also Read : You Are a Bad Child’ — Wike Blasts Fubara as Rivers Political Crisis Deepens

The lawmakers cited alleged misconduct and constitutional breaches as the basis for the action, although the specific grounds for impeachment had not been fully detailed in official communications as of press time.

Under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), impeachment of a state governor requires:

• A notice of allegation signed by at least one-third of the members of the House of Assembly
• Service of the notice on the governor
• Adoption of the motion by at least two-thirds of the lawmakers
• Investigation by a panel set up by the state’s Chief Judge

It remains unclear which of these stages have been formally completed, as proceedings are still ongoing.

Political Alignments and Defections

The impeachment move comes amid shifting political allegiances within Rivers State.

Lawmakers backing the impeachment are aligned with Speaker Martin Chike Amaewhule, who has maintained loyalty to Nyesom Wike following the internal crisis that fractured the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

There are also claims of recent defections involving key political actors, though official confirmation from party leaderships has not been issued at the time of this report. Nigerian political analysts note that party defections during high-stakes political crises are not unusual and often reflect deeper struggles for control of state structures.

Role of Nyesom Wike

Sources at the Assembly complex confirmed that Minister Nyesom Wike was present within the House of Assembly premises while the impeachment process was being initiated.

While no official role has been announced for the FCT minister in the legislative proceedings, his presence has heightened political tension, given his central role in the Rivers State crisis.

Wike, a former two-term governor of Rivers State, remains one of the most influential political figures in the state and has been locked in an open confrontation with Governor Fubara over control of political and institutional structures.

Background: State of Emergency and Suspension

The impeachment development follows a turbulent period in Rivers State governance marked by federal intervention.

Recall that a state of emergency was previously declared in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu amid escalating political instability and security concerns. During the emergency period, which lasted six months, the governor was suspended as part of the extraordinary measures aimed at restoring order.

The state of emergency was later lifted, paving the way for the resumption of normal constitutional governance. However, the lifting of the emergency did not resolve the underlying political conflict, which has continued to manifest through institutional confrontations and legal disputes.

Implications for Governance in Rivers State

The initiation of impeachment proceedings introduces fresh uncertainty into governance in Rivers State.

Observers warn that prolonged political instability could:

• Disrupt legislative and executive functions
• Delay budgetary implementation and public projects
• Undermine investor confidence in a key oil-producing state
• Deepen political polarisation across local government areas

Rivers State is one of Nigeria’s most economically strategic states, contributing significantly to national oil output and internally generated revenue. Any disruption to its governance structure carries implications beyond the state itself.

Legal and Constitutional Questions

Legal experts note that impeachment is a constitutional process but caution that strict adherence to due process is critical to its validity.

Past impeachment cases in Nigeria have frequently ended up in court, with outcomes hinging on:

• Proper service of impeachment notices
• Compliance with constitutional timelines
• The legitimacy of lawmakers involved in the process
• Judicial interpretation of legislative quorum and authority

Failure to meet constitutional requirements could render the process null and void if challenged.

Silence from the Governor’s Camp

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no formal response from Governor Siminalayi Fubara or his media aides regarding the impeachment move.

Political analysts suggest that the governor’s camp may be weighing legal and strategic options, including possible court action, before issuing a public statement.

Historically, impeachment threats against Nigerian governors often trigger intense legal battles that test the balance of power between state institutions.

A Developing Story

The impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara remain ongoing, and several critical details are yet to emerge, including the specific allegations, the number of lawmakers involved, and the next procedural steps.

Ejes Gist News will continue to monitor developments at the Rivers State House of Assembly and provide updates as more verified information becomes available.