Impeachment Move Against Gov. Fubara Not Linked to Wike — Rivers Assembly

The Rivers State House of Assembly has denied claims that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara are being influenced by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Speaking on *Politics Today* on Channels Television, the Assembly’s spokesperson, Enemi George, said the lawmakers were acting within the bounds of the Constitution and not under the direction of any political figure.

George described suggestions of external influence as unfair to the legislature, insisting that the House should not be portrayed as an extension of an individual’s political interests.

According to him, conflating constitutional duties with partisan politics risks undermining democratic institutions. While acknowledging his personal political alignment with Wike, George said this had no bearing on the Assembly’s decisions.

He maintained that the impeachment process was based on alleged constitutional breaches by the governor and not on political considerations. He also rejected allegations of budget padding and claims that the Assembly had abandoned its legislative responsibilities, describing them as false.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly has formally commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

During plenary on Thursday, presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, presented a notice of allegations against the governor in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution.

The notice contains seven allegations, including the demolition of the Assembly complex, spending outside approved budgets, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and alleged disobedience of a Supreme Court judgment on the financial autonomy of the legislature. Twenty-six lawmakers endorsed the notice.

Amaewhule said the Assembly would notify the governor within the timeframe prescribed by law.

In a related development, the Deputy Leader, Linda Stewart, laid a notice of gross misconduct against Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu. The allegations include unconstitutional expenditure, obstruction of legislative activities, and approval of budgets outside the recognised Assembly.

This is the second impeachment attempt against Fubara and Odu in less than a year, following a similar move in March 2025 amid political disagreements between the governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the impeachment proceedings. In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Darlington Nwauju, the party described the process as destabilising and unnecessary.

While affirming the constitutional independence of the legislature, the APC warned that the impeachment could heighten political tension in the state. The party also dismissed claims that the process was driven by budgetary disputes, noting that a ₦1.485 trillion budget approved during the emergency rule period remains in effect until August 2026.

The APC urged the Assembly to halt the proceedings, warning that they could stall governance and development in Rivers State.