Impeachment move: Tension in Rivers as Assembly serves Fubara misconduct notice

Tension and unease enveloped Rivers State on Monday as the state House of Assembly commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu.

The Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule and aligned with former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, issued a notice of alleged gross misconduct against Fubara and Prof. Odu, indicating the start of the impeachment process.

This notice, which detailed the alleged misconduct, was a response to a letter dated March 14, 2025, and signed by 26 Assembly members.

On Monday, March 17, 2025, Speaker Amaewhule dispatched the notice in two separate letters addressed to both the governor and his deputy.

This situation has heightened political tensions within the state, as various Ijaw groups have threatened to instigate a crisis should Fubara be impeached.

Recently, the Ijaw National Congress, the Ijaw Youth Council, and other organizations voiced their strong opposition to the potential impeachment of Fubara, who belongs to the Ijaw ethnic group.

They cautioned that such actions could incite unrest, reiterating their dedication to upholding the governor’s mandate and warning that his removal could destabilize the region and disrupt oil production.

Recognizing the potential risks, President Bola Tinubu convened a meeting last week with leaders of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, including its Board of Trustees co-chairmen, former Akwa Ibom State Governor Victor Attah and King Alfred Diete-Spiff, the Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom.

Also present in the delegation was the National Chairman of PANDEF, Ambassador Godknows Igali.

In his address to the delegation, Tinubu remarked, “Indeed, the Niger Delta is the source of our prosperity. It is imperative that we nurture this source; failing to do so would result in the loss of our wealth.”

“I have acknowledged your concerns, especially regarding Rivers State. I have been monitoring this situation for some time and anticipated that the crisis would escalate if not addressed promptly.”

“We have established a written agreement, which has been signed by both parties.”

He urged the PANDEF leaders to engage with Governor Fubara, advising him to prioritize peace and stability.

“Please return home and assist in the swift implementation of the court rulings. The responsibility now lies with you.”

“Intervene—both privately and publicly—and guide the governor towards a peaceful resolution,” the President emphasized.

After the meeting, the PANDEF leaders and the reconciliation committee attempted to meet with Fubara, but their efforts to engage with Wike were unsuccessful.

Fubara's attempt to present the budget last week, in accordance with the Supreme Court ruling that validated the Amaewhule Assembly, was met with resistance from the lawmakers.

During a media discussion broadcast on various television channels last week, Wike dismissed threats to oil facilities and encouraged his loyal lawmakers to consider impeaching Fubara if necessary.

In a notice sent to the governor on Monday, the 26 lawmakers stated that their action was “in compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and other relevant laws.”

The letter detailed 19 constitutional violations and infractions attributed to the governor.

“We, the undersigned members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, hereby submit to you (Speaker) a notice of gross misconduct by the Governor of Rivers State in the execution of his official duties.

“This includes reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds, in violation of Sections 120, 121 (1)(2), and 122 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

Impediments to the Rivers State House of Assembly, an essential branch of government safeguarded by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), have been reported, hindering its ability to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities.

Among the various allegations of misconduct against Fubara are the following: the appointment of individuals to positions within the Rivers State Government without adhering to the necessary screening and confirmation processes mandated by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and other relevant laws, instead directing screening requests to parties outside the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly.

Additionally, there are claims regarding the unlawful withholding of salaries, allowances, and funds allocated to the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly, in violation of Section 121(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), along with other applicable laws.

Furthermore, the salary of the Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr. Emeka Amadi, has also been seized.

As a result, the House has asserted that Fubara has failed to govern the state in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and his oath of office.

The statement concluded, “Mr. Speaker, we affirm that the governor has demonstrated a lack of readiness to govern Rivers State in compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and his oath of office.”

A similar notice was issued to the deputy governor, alleging her involvement in the purported misconduct.

Her Excellency, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu DSSRS, Deputy Governor of Rivers State, has expressed her support for His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State, during the State Executive Council meetings. They authorized withdrawals from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State for the 2024 financial year without a duly passed appropriation law by the Rivers State House of Assembly, which is in violation of Section 120 of the Constitution.

In a letter addressed to both the governor and deputy governor, Amaewhule acknowledged the receipt of correspondence from his colleagues, a copy of which was included with his communication to them.

He urged the governor and deputy governor to address the allegations appropriately.

The Speaker’s letter stated, “I have received a copy of the notice, dated March 14, 2025, regarding allegations of gross misconduct against you, brought forth by twenty-six (26) members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, constituting no less than one-third (1/3) of the Assembly's membership.

“In accordance with Section 188(1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I, Rt Hon Martin Chike Amaewhule, DSSRS, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, hereby forward to you, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, a copy of the Notice of Allegation of Gross Misconduct that I received on March 14, 2025, which is attached.

“You are requested to respond to the allegations of gross misconduct as outlined.”

Your attention is hereby directed to the stipulations outlined in Section 188(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which states: "Within 14 days of the notice being presented to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, regardless of any response provided by the officeholder concerning the allegations in the notice, the House of Assembly shall determine by motion, without debate, whether the allegations warrant investigation."

Please take this into consideration, and accept my highest regards.

Regarding the allegations against the Deputy Governor submitted to the Speaker, the 26 lawmakers have accused Prof. Odu of being unfit to fulfill her role as deputy to the governor, in accordance with the Constitution and her oath of office.

The letter stated, "Mr. Speaker, we conclude by asserting that the Deputy Governor has demonstrated a lack of readiness to assist the governor in the administration of Rivers State, in alignment with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and her oath of office."

‘Lawmakers Hindering Fubara’

Joseph Johnson, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, remarked that the actions of the lawmakers are already adversely affecting the populace.

"It is evident that the current actions of the Assembly will lead to severe economic difficulties for civil servants, retirees, and the citizens of the state, as the government will struggle to meet its obligations regarding salaries, pensions, and other payments by the end of the month.

"The Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant-General of the Federation have been instructed to withhold revenue allocations to the state until the judgment is fully executed," he stated.

The commissioner criticized the lawmakers, asserting that their actions are causing collateral damage, as the withholding of revenues owed to the state from the Federation Account will ultimately hinder the functioning of all government sectors.

While emphasizing the governor's commitment to executing the Supreme Court's ruling, he noted that the actions of the legislators were obstructing the governor's efforts.

“It is widely recognized that the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Rt Hon Martin Amaewhule, have, through their actions, hindered Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara from fully implementing the Supreme Court's judgment rega