17 March 2025
By Our Correspondent in Port Harcourt
The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, have been served with a notice of impeachment by the state’s House of Assembly, intensifying a long-running political crisis in Nigeria’s oil-rich southern region.
The move, announced on Monday, was led by Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule during a legislative session in Port Harcourt. Lawmakers accused the governor and his deputy of “gross misconduct,” invoking Section 188 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which outlines the process for removing state executives. Specific details of the allegations have yet to be made public.
This is not the first time Mr Fubara has faced such a threat. In October 2023, a similar attempt by the Assembly—then marred by an arson attack on its complex—was halted by a court order and a peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu. That truce, however, unravelled amid ongoing tensions.
A Deepening Divide
At the heart of the crisis is a bitter feud between Mr Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory Minister. Mr Wike, a powerful figure in Rivers politics, backed Mr Fubara’s 2023 election but their alliance fractured soon after, splitting the 32-member Assembly into rival factions.
The latest impeachment push follows a Supreme Court ruling on 10 February 2025, which recognised Mr Amaewhule and 24 lawmakers loyal to Mr Wike as the legitimate Assembly. The decision overturned Mr Fubara’s efforts to delegitimise the group after their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Emboldened by the ruling, the Amaewhule-led faction has accused Mr Fubara of undermining their authority—pointing to actions such as his presentation of the 2024 budget to a rival group of four lawmakers and the demolition of the Assembly complex in December 2023.
What Happens Next?
Under Nigerian law, the impeachment process requires the Assembly to request the state’s Chief Judge to establish a seven-member panel to investigate the claims within seven days. If the panel finds evidence of misconduct, a two-thirds majority vote—22 of the 32 lawmakers—could remove Mr Fubara and Ms Odu from office.
With 25 Assembly members aligned with Mr Wike, the numbers appear to favour the impeachment’s proponents. However, legal challenges from Mr Fubara’s camp, as seen in 2023, could delay or derail the effort.
Wider Implications
The crisis has raised concerns about stability in Rivers State, a key player in Nigeria’s oil economy. Mr Fubara retains support among some local communities, including the Ijaw ethnic group, who view him as resisting Mr Wike’s influence. Meanwhile, Mr Wike’s ties to the APC-led federal government have added a national dimension to the dispute.
Analysts suggest the outcome could test President Tinubu’s ability to mediate regional conflicts, especially as Nigeria grapples with economic challenges and political polarisation ahead of future elections.
Reaction
Mr Fubara has yet to comment publicly on the notice. In the past, he has dismissed impeachment threats as politically motivated, once challenging lawmakers to clarify his alleged offences during a visit to the fire-damaged Assembly complex in 2023.
The pro-Fubara faction, led by rival Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo, has lost legal standing but continues to assert its relevance, further complicating the state’s governance.
As Rivers State braces for a contentious battle, observers say the coming weeks will determine whether this latest chapter ends in reconciliation or removal.
