…Targets Fubara, Deputy With Impeachment As Wike’s Camp Tightens Grip
By Yinka Giwa
The Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) has formally triggered an impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, in a move widely seen as a calculated effort to pave the way for Speaker Martins Amaewhule, an ally of FCT Minister, former governor Nyesom Wike, to ascend to Government House.
The impeachment move, backed by 26 lawmakers, followed the Assembly’s sudden decision to abandon its earlier plan to reconvene later in January and instead sit yesterday. The plenary, presided over by Speaker Amaewhule, accused the governor and his deputy of gross misconduct under Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution.
By simultaneously initiating impeachment proceedings and blocking the governor from presenting the 2026 budget, the Assembly appears to be tightening the noose around the executive, while positioning its leadership for a possible takeover should both offices become vacant.
Moving the motion, Majority Leader Major Jack (APC, Akuku-Toru) accused Governor Fubara of persistently undermining constitutional order and disregarding peace efforts brokered by President Bola Tinubu. He alleged that the governor had violated agreements aimed at restoring stability in the state.
Supporting the impeachment, Mrs. Linda Somiari (APC, Okrika) listed several allegations, including obstruction of the Assembly’s constitutional duties, unlawful appointments without legislative approval, non-payment of lawmakers’ entitlements, and the withholding of funds meant for the Clerk of the House and the Assembly Service Commission.
She further accused the governor of failing to implement financial autonomy for the legislature and judiciary, describing the actions as deliberate attempts to emasculate the Assembly.
In a related move that further escalated tensions, the House unanimously resolved to reject consideration of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and to bar the governor from laying the 2026 appropriation bill. The motion, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol and Sylvanus Nwanko, accused the executive of illegally spending state funds without legislative approval.
Citing the Rivers State Fiscal Responsibility Law of 2010, lawmakers noted that the last MTEF was presented in 2022 under former governor Nyesom Wike, alleging that Fubara and his deputy had failed to present any framework or budget since assuming office.
Reacting, Speaker Amaewhule praised members for what he described as a courageous step taken in the interest of the state, insisting that the impeachment process would follow due process. He said the notice of gross misconduct marked the beginning of a constitutional intervention to “save democracy” in Rivers State.
In unusually harsh language, the Speaker described Governor Fubara as a “mistake” and accused him of openly ridiculing the Assembly, allegedly boasting that presidential intervention would always neutralise legislative action.
Amaewhule further claimed that Rivers State had become an embarrassment, alleging that it was the only sub-national government in Nigeria yet to present a 2026 appropriation bill.
“This Assembly has been called a toothless bulldog by the governor,” the Speaker said. “But we will enforce the constitution. No governor is above the law.”
Political observers say the unfolding impeachment drama goes beyond budgetary disputes, pointing instead to a deeper power struggle aimed at reclaiming Rivers State’s political structure and installing a loyalist leadership aligned with former governor Wike.
With the deputy governor now squarely in the impeachment dragnet, the Assembly’s moves are widely interpreted as a strategic bid to clear all constitutional obstacles on the speaker’s road to Government House.