The Rivers State House of Assembly has dismissed claims that the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara are being influenced by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Speaking on a television programme, the Assembly’s spokesperson, Enemi George, insisted that lawmakers are acting strictly within the provisions of the Constitution and not on the directive of any individual or political figure. He described suggestions linking the impeachment move to Wike as unfair and demeaning to the legislature.
George stressed that blending politics with constitutional duties could create serious problems, noting that the Assembly should not be portrayed as an extension of any individual’s influence. While acknowledging his personal political alignment with Wike, he maintained that the impeachment process is an institutional decision guided by law, not personal loyalties.
According to him, the impeachment is not politically motivated but based on alleged constitutional breaches by the governor. He also rejected allegations of budget padding and claims that the Assembly deliberately stalled legislative activities, describing such accusations as unfounded.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly has formally commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. During plenary presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, read a notice of allegations in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution.
The notice outlined seven allegations against the governor, including the demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary spending, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and alleged disobedience of a Supreme Court ruling on the financial autonomy of the legislature. Twenty-six lawmakers endorsed the notice, and the Speaker said the governor would be formally notified within the constitutionally required timeframe.
In a related development, the Deputy Leader of the House, Linda Stewart, presented a separate notice of gross misconduct against Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu. The allegations include unconstitutional spending, obstruction of legislative activities, and approval of budgets outside the recognised Assembly.
This marks the second impeachment attempt against Governor Fubara and his deputy within a year, following a similar move in March 2025 that arose from political tensions in the state.
Reacting to the development, the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) rejected the impeachment proceedings, describing them as unnecessary and capable of destabilising the state. In a statement, the party warned that the move could plunge Rivers State into renewed political turmoil and negatively affect development.
The APC also dismissed claims that budgetary issues justified the impeachment, noting that a ₦1.485 trillion budget approved during the emergency rule period is expected to run until August 2026. The party urged the Assembly to halt the process, warning that it could harm the party’s image and disrupt governance in the state.
