Rivers Assembly addresses Governor Fubara as ‘Madam’ in impeachment notice

The Rivers State House of Assembly has addressed Governor Siminalayi Fubara as “madam” in an official notice initiating impeachment proceedings against him.

On Thursday, the assembly formally began the impeachment process after Major Jack, leader of the House, read out allegations of gross misconduct against the governor. The notice was signed by 26 lawmakers.

Following the reading, Speaker Martin Amaewhule announced that the notice of gross misconduct would be served on the governor within seven days, in line with constitutional requirements.

The notice was subsequently served on Fubara. However, the letter, dated January 8, 2026, referred to the governor as “madam.” It was signed by Amaewhule.

In the letter, the speaker stated that the allegations were submitted under Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outlines the procedure for impeaching a sitting governor.

“I received a copy of the Notice of allegations of gross misconduct dated 5th January 2026 and brought against you by twenty-six (26) members of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” the letter read.

“Pursuant to section 188 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I hereby forward to you a copy of the said Notice of Allegation of Gross Misconduct received by me on the 8th day of January 2026.”

Amaewhule asked the governor to respond to the allegations in accordance with the constitutional provisions guiding impeachment proceedings.

The same letter was also sent to the deputy governor, Ngozi Odu, who was correctly addressed as “madam.”

The development comes amid an ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, which escalated last month after lawmakers accused the governor of unauthorised spending.

A majority of the legislators are aligned with Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who has openly opposed Fubara’s re-election bid.

Wike has accused the governor of breaching a peace agreement they signed before President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule in the state, allowing Fubara to resume office.