Rivers State Assembly initiates impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara

The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially begun impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, escalating the political turmoil within the state.

Lawmakers commenced the process during a plenary session on Thursday, January 8, 2026, citing allegations of gross misconduct against both Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

This move is the latest development in a protracted political rivalry between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The majority of the state’s legislators are reportedly loyal to Wike, who has publicly stated his intention to oppose Fubara’s political future in 2027.

The power struggle has cast a shadow of uncertainty and anxiety over the oil-rich Niger Delta state. An earlier attempt to impeach the governor in March 2025, which also began with a notice of “gross misconduct,” led to the demolition of the House of Assembly complex.

The ensuing crisis prompted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State.

The declaration, made on March 18, 2025, resulted in the suspension of the governor, his deputy, and the state lawmakers. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) was appointed as an interim administrator to manage the state’s affairs.

On September 17, 2025, at the conclusion of the six-month period, President Tinubu lifted the state of emergency. He explained that the measure had been necessary to address the “total paralysis of governance” that had gripped the state.

In his announcement, the president stated, “It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today.”

He confirmed the reinstatement of the elected officials, adding, “The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from 18 September 2025.”