Rivers State, Nigeria – Lawmakers in Rivers State have formally apologized to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing respect for his efforts to foster peace and reconciliation. The lawmakers, reportedly loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, have appealed for reconciliation and requested the restoration of their return tickets ahead of the 2027 elections.
This development follows President Tinubu’s mediation, which led to a peace agreement between Governor Fubara and Wike aimed at resolving the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. Initially, the lawmakers had accused Fubara of serious misconduct, including demolition of the Assembly complex, unauthorized extra-budgetary spending with contracts awarded without budgetary approval, withholding funds allocated for the Assembly Service Commission, refusal to present the 2026 budget violating Rivers State laws and the constitution, reckless spending of public funds with unauthorized persons occupying offices without legislative screening, and seizure of salaries and allowances of Assembly members and the Assembly Service Commission.
The financial issues surrounding Governor Fubara’s impeachment include extra-budgetary spending, withholding funds, refusal to present the budget, reckless spending, and seizure of salaries. These allegations are part of the impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, with the Assembly citing Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution. The governor’s actions are seen as undermining democratic governance and development in Rivers State.
Martins Amaehule, a Rivers State Assembly member, has called on lawmakers loyal to Wike to withdraw their impeachment notice, emphasizing the need to respect President Tinubu’s peace efforts. Interestingly, reports suggest that these lawmakers are not registered members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and lack party ward membership cards.
The Rivers State APC has rejected the impeachment move, describing it as “untenable” and warning of potential instability. The party had previously brokered a peace deal between Fubara and Wike, which appears to have been breached by the lawmakers’ actions.
