Rivers State Boils as Lawmakers Move to Oust Governor Fubara

By Achimi Muktar

Rivers State is on the edge of a political storm as the state House of Assembly, loyal to former Governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, serves Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, with a misconduct notice—a move that signals an impending impeachment.

The Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly, in a dramatic twist, issued the notice on Monday, listing 19 constitutional breaches allegedly committed by the governor. The move, endorsed by 26 lawmakers, has sparked outrage among Ijaw groups, who warn of a looming crisis should Fubara be removed.

The Impeachment Battle Unfolds

The notice accuses Fubara of reckless public spending, obstructing the Assembly from carrying out its constitutional duties, appointing officials without legislative screening, and withholding salaries and allowances of lawmakers. The deputy governor is also accused of complicity in the alleged infractions, particularly regarding budget presentation and financial mismanagement.

As tensions escalate, all eyes are on Fubara’s next move. The governor has been given 14 days to respond, after which the Assembly will decide whether to proceed with a full investigation.

Ijaw Groups Threaten Unrest

Ijaw leaders, including the Ijaw National Congress and the Ijaw Youth Council, have issued strong warnings against Fubara’s impeachment. They argue that his removal would destabilize the region and threaten oil production, the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.

Sensing the potential for violence, President Bola Tinubu recently intervened, urging leaders of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) to mediate the crisis. “The Niger Delta is the goose that lays the golden egg. We must care for the goose; otherwise, we lose the golden egg,” Tinubu warned, calling for peace.

Wike Dismisses Threats, Calls for Action

Despite the uproar, Wike remains unmoved. In a media interview last week, he dismissed threats of economic sabotage and urged lawmakers to follow through with the impeachment if necessary. His hardline stance further inflamed the situation, with many interpreting it as an open declaration of war against his successor.

Assembly Power Play and Legal Battles

The crisis took another turn when lawmakers blocked Fubara’s attempt to present the state budget, defying a Supreme Court ruling that upheld their legitimacy. Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has adjourned a case challenging the defection of 27 lawmakers from the PDP to the APC, further complicating the legal landscape.

Police Dismiss Riot Reports

Amid rising fears of violence, the Rivers State Police Command has dismissed reports of riots and an attack on Wike’s residence as false. However, security has been heightened as tensions simmer across the state.

What’s Next for Rivers State?

With the impeachment process now in motion, the coming days will determine Fubara’s fate. Will he survive the onslaught, or will the Wike-backed lawmakers push him out of office?

Rivers State is bracing for a showdown, and the political drama is far from over.