An independent civic organization has exonerated Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, from allegations of gross misconduct, declaring the impeachment proceedings against them as a politically motivated attack.
Forensic Review Finds No Grounds for Impeachment
The Good Governance Advocacy Centre (GGAC) announced its findings on Thursday, January 15, 2026, following what it described as a rigorous 72-hour forensic review of the impeachment notice served by the state House of Assembly. The group's country representative, Dr. Zaccheus Ocha, stated unequivocally that the review established no act of gross misconduct against either the governor or his deputy.
"The Good Governance Advocacy Centre has concluded, after an exhaustive independent review, that there is no act of gross misconduct established against Governor Siminalayi Fubara or his deputy," Ocha said in an official statement.
A Process Rooted in Political Feud, Not Constitution
The GGAC's analysis characterized the impeachment notice as "manifestly weak, speculative and politically motivated." It argued that the allegations were either not backed by verifiable evidence or pertained to matters within the legitimate discretionary powers of the executive branch.
The group directly linked the crisis to the ongoing political rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, the former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. It framed the impeachment move as a tactical element in a post-transition power struggle rather than a genuine exercise in governmental accountability.
"The pattern of events in Rivers State suggests that the impeachment proceedings are not occurring in a political vacuum," the GGAC noted. "Legislative actions against Governor Fubara are deeply rooted in the post-transition power tussle."
Procedural Flaws and a Warning for Democracy
The civic watchdog raised serious concerns over the procedural integrity of the impeachment process. It highlighted "clear procedural red flags," including what it saw as insufficient time given for a response and indications of a predetermined outcome.
"The rush to impeachment, without sincere effort at dialogue or reconciliation, reinforces the conclusion that the process is punitive rather than corrective," the statement asserted.
GGAC issued a stark warning that continuing down this path threatens not only the stability of Rivers State but also erodes public trust in Nigeria's democratic institutions nationwide. It called on the lawmakers to immediately suspend the proceedings and engage in dialogue with stakeholders, civil society, and traditional leaders.
The organization urged national institutions to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing that impeachment must be guided strictly by law, not political influence. It promised to release its full analytical report to the public, lawmakers, and other stakeholders to promote transparency.
