Political tension heightened in Rivers State on Thursday as major political parties and socio-cultural groups rejected moves by the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) and its youth wing, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), led the opposition to the impeachment threat, calling on lawmakers to halt the process in the interest of democracy and stability in the state.
Speaking in Port Harcourt, INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, described the impeachment move as a democratic issue rather than an ethnic one, urging all defenders of constitutional governance to resist what he called an unfortunate development.
Okaba recalled that the political crisis in the state had earlier been resolved following a six-month suspension of the governor and his deputy, expressing concern that the matter had resurfaced despite efforts at reconciliation.
Similarly, IYC President, Dr. Alaye Theophilus, advised the Assembly to channel its energy towards addressing specific governance concerns rather than pursuing impeachment. He argued that if there were issues relating to spending without budgetary approval, such matters could be addressed through institutional engagement.
“The governor should be allowed to complete his tenure in peace,” Theophilus said, adding that persistent political attacks ultimately undermine governance and development in Rivers State.
He insisted that Governor Fubara had not committed any impeachable offence, pointing to ongoing development projects across the state. He further accused lawmakers of disloyalty to President Bola Tinubu, urging them to respect the presidency and report any alleged infractions through appropriate channels.
Factional leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State also rejected the impeachment move. In a statement signed by Darlington Nwauju, spokesperson for the faction loyal to Chief Emeka Beke, the APC reaffirmed its respect for legislative independence but described the impeachment process as legally and politically untenable.
The statement noted that the 2025 federal budget framework permits governors to spend funds within a six-month window at the beginning of a fiscal year, warning APC lawmakers against actions capable of destabilising the state.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also appealed for restraint. Former state PDP spokesman, Hon. Sydney Tambari, urged lawmakers to “sheathe their swords,” noting that Governor Fubara had made several concessions in the interest of peace. He described the impeachment threat as an unfortunate way to begin the new year.
Earlier on Thursday, impeachment notices were read on the floor of the House by the Leader and Deputy Leader, Hon. Major Jack and Hon. Linda Stewart. The allegations against the governor include failure to present the 2025 budget, unauthorized expenditure, non-payment of Assembly staff salaries, failure to properly screen appointments, and the demolition of the Assembly complex.
The 26 lawmakers backing the impeachment argued that Governor Fubara and his deputy lacked the capacity to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities. In response, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, said the impeachment notices would be formally served on the governor and his deputy within seven days.
The Assembly also adopted a motion to suspend consideration of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the 2026 Appropriation Bill pending investigation of the allegations against the executive.
The renewed impeachment push comes amid intense political realignments in Rivers State. In December 2025, 17 lawmakers defected from the PDP to the APC, a move later followed by Governor Fubara’s defection, further deepening divisions within the state’s political landscape.
This is the third attempt by the Rivers State House of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara, following similar efforts in 2023 and 2025. Political observers say the outcome of the 2026 attempt will significantly shape the state’s stability and governance in the months ahead.
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