Rivers State Saga: Will Governor Fubara Be Impeached?

A fresh wave of political uncertainty has emerged in Rivers State following the decision of the State House of Assembly to begin impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

The move, based on allegations of gross misconduct, has reopened deep political divisions in the state and intensified the long-running power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The development has sparked widespread concern across the country, with civil society groups, legal bodies and political stakeholders warning that the crisis could undermine democratic governance and further destabilise the oil-rich state.

Background to the Rivers Political Crisis

The current crisis is the result of a breakdown in the political relationship between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, who played a decisive role in Fubara’s emergence as governor in 2023 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Wike’s political structure was instrumental in securing the election victory, and his camp expected continued influence over the affairs of government.

Tensions surfaced soon after Fubara assumed office, as he began asserting independence in governance.

The disagreement quickly escalated into a full-blown institutional conflict, leading to a split in the Rivers State House of Assembly, largely along loyalty lines.

By late 2023, impeachment threats became frequent, and the crisis reached a dramatic point when the assembly complex was set ablaze during the height of the standoff.

Although President Bola Tinubu intervened to broker peace, the truce was short-lived.

In March 2025, the situation deteriorated to the point that a six-month state of emergency was declared, suspending democratic institutions and placing the state under a sole administrator until September 2025.

The political landscape shifted again in late 2025 when Fubara defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), effectively transforming the dispute from an internal PDP struggle into a national political issue within the ruling party.

The immediate trigger for the latest confrontation was disagreement over state finances.

Lawmakers aligned with Wike proposed a supplementary appropriation to revise the ₦1.48 trillion 2025 budget approved during emergency rule.

Governor Fubara rejected the proposal, insisting the budget was sufficient, and declined to present the 2026 budget, accusing the assembly of deliberate obstruction.

The lawmakers responded by accusing the governor of constitutional breaches, including failure to submit key fiscal documents and alleged unauthorized spending.

Wike’s Local Government Tours: What Changed?

The crisis took a sharper turn following Nyesom Wike’s recent “Thank You” tour across Rivers State’s local government areas.

The tour, which ended on January 11, 2026, at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in Rumuola, was officially described as an appreciation of political support during the 2023 elections.

However, political observers say the tour served as a rallying point for Wike’s supporters and a show of strength. During the events, Wike dismissed speculation about his removal as FCT minister, stating that only President Tinubu had the authority to sack him.

He reaffirmed his loyalty to the president and pledged full support for Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing federal appointments given to Rivers indigenes as evidence of political reward.

Wike also used the platform to make political statements against opposition figures and to reassert his influence in Rivers politics.

Following the tour, pro-Wike lawmakers in the state assembly appeared emboldened, with impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara gaining momentum.

Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, publicly aligned himself with Wike and President Tinubu, reinforcing perceptions that the assembly is deeply divided along factional lines.

The situation was further inflamed by Fubara’s decision to remove several officials seen as loyal to Wike from his cabinet.

Rivers Assembly’s Allegation

On January 8, 2026, the Rivers State House of Assembly formally initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.

The motion, moved by Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, called for an investigation into alleged financial and administrative misconduct.

Notices of gross misconduct were served on both officials on January 9, giving them seven days to respond, in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution.

The allegations include failure to present the Mid-Term Expenditure Framework, refusal to submit budget proposals, and alleged unauthorized expenditure of public funds.

The assembly also claimed it had intelligence reports suggesting attempts to frustrate the impeachment process through court orders obtained outside the state. Lawmakers insisted they would proceed strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions.

The process has, however, drawn sharp criticism. The Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum described the allegations as weak and politically motivated, while civil rights groups warned that the tension could distort due process.

The Nigerian Law Society called on President Tinubu to intervene by invoking constitutional provisions that would allow the National Assembly to assume the functions of the state assembly, citing concerns about bias and lack of neutrality.

What This Means for Governor Fubara

For Governor Fubara, the impeachment move represents a serious political threat with far-reaching consequences.

His first public response was measured, as he appealed for calm during a church service marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, assuring residents that the situation was under control. Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu also urged prayers and restraint.

Under the constitution, impeachment requires a two-thirds majority of the House, the appointment of a seven-member investigative panel by the chief judge, and adherence to due process.

While Wike-aligned lawmakers appear to have numerical advantage, political analysts note that Fubara’s incumbency, party backing at the federal level, and grassroots support could complicate the process.

Beyond politics, the crisis is already affecting governance and the economy. Government projects have slowed, contractors face delays, and uncertainty continues to affect business confidence.

There are also fears that a prolonged standoff could lead to another emergency rule, with significant economic costs for the state.

At the national level, President Tinubu faces a difficult choice: balancing loyalty to a powerful ally in Wike against the political cost of losing an APC governor ahead of the 2027 elections.

As the situation unfolds, Rivers State once again finds itself caught in a familiar political struggle where elite rivalries threaten governance and stability.

Whether Governor Fubara survives the impeachment process remains uncertain, but the coming days are likely to be decisive for the state’s political future.