BREAKING: Rivers Assembly Moves to Impeach Governor Fubara Over Alleged Misconduct, Financial Mismanagement
The Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accusing him of gross misconduct and financial mismanagement. The move, confirmed on Monday by Martins Wachukwu, Special Assistant on Media to the Speaker of the Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing political crisis in the state.
The impeachment notice, signed by 26 members of the assembly, cites violations of constitutional provisions and reckless expenditure of public funds. The lawmakers allege that Governor Fubara has failed to govern in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and his oath of office.
Grounds for Impeachment
In a letter addressed to the Speaker, the lawmakers stated, “In compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, we the undersigned members of the Rivers State House of Assembly hereby forward to you a Notice of Gross Misconduct by the Governor of Rivers State in the performance of the functions of his office.”
The assembly further accused Fubara of “reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds,” citing violations of Sections 120, 121 (1)(2), and 122 of the Constitution. These allegations form the basis of the first stage of the impeachment process.
Political Crisis and Power Struggle
The impeachment move is the latest development in a protracted political crisis rooted in the power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The rift has deeply polarized the Rivers State House of Assembly, leading to a series of legal and political battles.
The crisis took a dramatic turn on February 28, 2025, when the Supreme Court upheld a Federal High Court ruling barring the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation from releasing Rivers State’s statutory monthly allocations. The apex court also nullified the local government elections conducted in the state on October 5, 2024.
Governor Fubara’s Response
In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling, Governor Fubara pledged to comply and sought to address the political impasse by inviting the lawmakers to a meeting. However, the legislators shunned the invitation, accusing the governor of failing to follow due process.
Days later, Fubara wrote again to the assembly, requesting a new date to present the 2025 appropriation bill. However, about 24 hours after the governor’s letter, the assembly adjourned plenary indefinitely, further deepening the crisis.
Historical Context
The political turmoil in Rivers State reached a peak in 2023 when an attempt to impeach Governor Fubara led to the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex. The current impeachment proceedings have reignited tensions, with the faction of the assembly loyal to Nyesom Wike accusing Fubara of “playing to the gallery.”
Implications of the Impeachment Move
The impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara have far-reaching implications for governance and political stability in Rivers State. If the process moves forward, it could lead to a protracted legal battle, further complicating the state’s ability to address pressing economic and social challenges.
The crisis also highlights the deep divisions within the state’s political landscape, with the power struggle between Fubara and Wike continuing to dominate the narrative. The outcome of the impeachment process will likely shape the future of Rivers State’s governance and its relationship with the federal government.
Next Steps
The impeachment process is expected to follow the constitutional procedures outlined in Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution. This includes a formal investigation by the assembly and a two-thirds majority vote to remove the governor from office.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders across the state and the nation will be closely monitoring developments, which could have significant repercussions for Nigeria’s political dynamics.
