PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria — The political volatility in Rivers State intensified on Wednesday as the State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, initiated fresh steps to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This marks the fourth attempt to oust the Governor since the inception of the current administration, further deepening the rift between the state executive and a legislature largely loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
During a tense plenary session, the lawmakers compiled a list of “gross misconduct” allegations against the Governor. Central to the new push is the Governor’s continued refusal to present the state budget and the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) to the Amaewhule-led House, despite a Supreme Court ruling affirming the legitimacy of the 27 lawmakers. The Assembly also accused Fubara of unauthorized spending and making appointments to key government commissions without legislative screening or confirmation.
The move follows a recent public outburst by Nyesom Wike, who described his successor as a “political mistake” and vowed that those working against the established political structure in the state would face the consequences. This latest legislative offensive is seen as a strategic response to the Governor’s defiance of federal court orders regarding the state’s financial autonomy and appropriation procedures.
Political analysts warn that this renewed impeachment effort could lead to a total breakdown of law and order in the state. Previous attempts were stalled by widespread public protests and various court injunctions, but the current legislative momentum suggests a more determined effort to conclude the process. The Assembly has reportedly directed that the notice of allegations be served to the Governor, setting a seven-day window for a response.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the Governor’s camp has remained silent, though pro-Fubara groups are already mobilizing for what they describe as a “defense of democracy” across the 23 local government areas.
