Political Turmoil in Rivers State: Impeachment Proceedings Begin Against Governor Fubara and Deputy
Accusations of Abuse and Misconduct Rock State Leadership
The long-brewing political crisis in Rivers State has reached a boiling point, as the State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, issued impeachment notices against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Ordu. The Assembly’s actions, formalized in letters dated March 14, 2025, and released on March 17, accuse the governor of gross misconduct and mismanagement of public funds, while the deputy governor faces charges of misbehavior.
Allegations Against Governor Fubara
The impeachment letter, signed by 26 members of the House, cites violations of constitutional provisions, particularly Sections 120, 121, and 122, regarding the management of public funds. The letter states:
“Mr Speaker, we conclude by stating that the governor has shown that he is not prepared to govern Rivers State in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and his oath of office.”
The notice further references a Supreme Court ruling, which criticized Fubara’s alleged attempts to obstruct legislative functions and maintain political dominance through unconstitutional means.
Speaker’s Directive and Governor’s Response
Speaker Amaewhule formally directed Governor Fubara to respond to the allegations, referencing constitutional provisions that stipulate the next course of action:
“Within 14 days of the presentation of the notice to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, the House shall resolve by motion, without debate, whether or not the allegations shall be investigated.”
In response, Fubara denied accusations that he was frustrating the re-presentation of the 2025 appropriation bill, a key contention of the Assembly. The governor, through Commissioner for Information and Communications Joe Johnson, dismissed the allegations, arguing that they were politically motivated and an attempt to destabilize his administration.
Joe Johnson’s Defense of Governor Fubara
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joe Johnson, played a crucial role in articulating the governor’s position. Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, he accused the Assembly of engaging in a political witch hunt and distorting facts to justify their actions. Johnson emphasized that Fubara has demonstrated readiness to comply with the Supreme Court ruling despite its controversial nature.
He pointed to concrete steps taken by the governor, including the dissolution of 23 local government councils, a directive to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to conduct fresh elections, and multiple public assurances of compliance. According to Johnson, these actions contradict claims that Fubara was frustrating the implementation of the Supreme Court’s ruling.
“Should this opportunity to pull the state from the precipice fail, the people and residents of the state, without exception, are bound to suffer avoidable calamities of economic, social, and political upheavals that might sink us deeper into unimaginable crises,” Johnson warned.
Escalating Political Tensions
The political rift in Rivers State, widely viewed as a struggle between Governor Fubara and factions loyal to former Governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has been simmering since an earlier failed impeachment attempt on October 30, 2023. The situation intensified following a controversial Supreme Court ruling that annulled local government elections and directed the governor to re-present the 2025 budget.
Political Manoeuvres and Legislative Deadlock
Observers note a pattern of legislative obstruction, with the Assembly issuing ultimatums and legal threats rather than engaging in constructive governance. Notably, the Assembly recently declared Governor Fubara’s appointment of 19 commissioners as illegal, leading to lawsuits against the lawmakers. They also targeted the Rivers State Chief Judge, Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, accusing him of age falsification and involving the Department of State Services (DSS) instead of the Nigerian Judicial Council (NJC).
Governor Fubara, seeking to de-escalate tensions, reportedly attempted to engage with the lawmakers, offering to meet them directly. However, the Assembly has refused multiple attempts at reconciliation, including rejecting formal communication from the governor and proceeding on an indefinite recess instead.
Uncertain Future for Rivers State
With the impeachment process in motion, the fate of Governor Fubara and his administration hangs in the balance. The political instability threatens governance, economic progress, and social cohesion in Rivers State. Stakeholders and residents anxiously await the next steps, as both legislative and executive arms remain at an impasse.
As the situation unfolds, Rivers State faces a critical juncture that will determine its political and governance trajectory in the coming months.