On March 17, 2025, the Rivers State House of Assembly took a significant step in the ongoing political saga engulfing the oil-rich state, intensifying its confrontation with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu. In a dramatic escalation, the Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, issued a formal notice accusing the duo of gross misconduct, a move widely seen as the precursor to an impeachment process. This development marks a fresh chapter in the deepening rift between the legislative arm and the executive, spotlighting the power struggle that has gripped Rivers State for months.
.jpg)
A Bold Legislative Strike
The notice, signed by 26 of the Assembly’s 32 members, was presented during a plenary session on Monday, March 17, and invokes Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), which outlines the legal framework for removing a governor or deputy governor. The lawmakers allege that Governor Fubara has engaged in actions that undermine the state’s governance, including financial mismanagement and obstructing legislative functions. Similarly, Deputy Governor Odu faces accusations of supporting unconstitutional appointments, further fueling the Assembly’s grievances.
Speaker Amaewhule, upon receiving the notice, promptly forwarded it to Fubara, urging him to respond to the allegations. “The House has acted in line with its constitutional mandate,” Amaewhule stated, emphasizing that the process adheres to legal standards. The notice stipulates that within 14 days, the Assembly will decide whether to investigate the claims further, setting the stage for a potentially explosive showdown.
Allegations Fueling the Fire
The Assembly’s accusations against Fubara are multifaceted, reflecting long-standing tensions. Among the key charges is the claim that the governor has spent public funds without proper appropriation, a violation of constitutional provisions governing state finances. Lawmakers point to a Supreme Court ruling from February 2025, which declared Rivers State’s 2024 budget invalid and ordered Fubara to re-present it to the Assembly—a directive they allege he has flouted by continuing expenditures.
Additionally, Fubara is accused of hindering the Assembly’s operations, including the controversial demolition of the Assembly complex in December 2023, an act the lawmakers say defied a Federal High Court order. The governor’s appointment of officials without legislative screening has also been cited as a breach of due process, with specific instances including commissioners sworn in during 2024 allegedly bypassing confirmation protocols.
Deputy Governor Odu, meanwhile, is implicated for allegedly endorsing these “illegal” appointments, with the Assembly arguing that her actions contravene her oath of office. The combined allegations paint a picture of an executive branch at odds with the legislative authority, amplifying calls for accountability.
Political Context: Wike’s Shadow Looms Large
The latest move by the Assembly cannot be divorced from the broader political context in Rivers State, where the rivalry between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike—now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory—continues to cast a long shadow. Wike, a political heavyweight who mentored Fubara before their fallout, retains significant influence over the Amaewhule-led Assembly, with many of its members openly loyal to him. This dynamic has turned the state into a battleground for proxy wars, with the Assembly’s actions often perceived as Wike’s counteroffensive against Fubara’s growing autonomy.
The feud intensified after a failed impeachment attempt against Fubara in October 2023, which saw the Assembly complex torched and subsequently demolished by the governor’s order. Since then, legal battles, defections, and court rulings have kept the crisis simmering, with the Supreme Court’s February decision adding fuel to the fire by affirming the Assembly’s legitimacy and mandating budget compliance.
A State on Edge
The notice of gross misconduct has sent shockwaves through Rivers State, raising the stakes in an already volatile situation. Supporters of Fubara view the Assembly’s actions as a politically motivated witch hunt orchestrated by Wike to unseat the governor. On social media platforms like X, sentiments range from outrage to cautious support, with some users decrying the move as an abuse of power, while others argue it’s a necessary check on executive overreach.
The state government has yet to issue an official response, but sources close to Fubara suggest he intends to fight the allegations head-on, potentially leveraging public sympathy and legal avenues to thwart the impeachment threat. His previous attempts to present the 2025 budget—most recently thwarted on March 12 when he was locked out of the Assembly quarters—underscore his claim of being unfairly obstructed by the lawmakers.
What’s Next in the Impeachment Plot?
Under Section 188 of the Constitution, the process now enters a critical phase. Fubara and Odu have the opportunity to reply to the allegations, though the Assembly can proceed to a vote on whether to investigate regardless of their response. If a two-thirds majority—22 of the 32 members—supports an investigation and finds the charges substantiated, impeachment could follow, requiring another two-thirds vote to remove them from office. With 26 lawmakers already aligned against the duo, the numbers appear daunting for the governor.
However, the path forward is far from straightforward. Legal challenges, public protests, and interventions from stakeholders like the presidency or the judiciary could alter the trajectory. President Bola Tinubu, who has previously mediated in the Rivers crisis, may face renewed pressure to step in, especially given the Supreme Court’s prior involvement.
Broader Implications for Rivers and Beyond
The unfolding drama in Rivers State carries significant implications. Economically, the state’s oil wealth makes its stability crucial to Nigeria’s fiscal health, and prolonged unrest could disrupt governance and development. Politically, the outcome could reshape alliances ahead of the 2027 elections, testing the resilience of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), to which both Fubara and Wike belong, despite their rift.
For residents, the standoff is a source of growing frustration. The focus on political brinkmanship has diverted attention from pressing issues like infrastructure decay and rising insecurity, leaving many questioning whether their leaders prioritize power over progress.
A Ticking Clock
As the 14-day window ticks down, all eyes are on Rivers State. Will Fubara and Odu mount a robust defense to derail the impeachment train, or will the Assembly’s resolve, backed by Wike’s influence, prevail? The answers will determine not just the fate of the governor and his deputy but the trajectory of a state teetering on the edge of crisis. For now, the plot thickens, and Rivers State braces for what promises to be a defining moment in its turbulent political history.
Post a Comment
0Comments