The political landscape in Rivers State has taken a dramatic turn as the State House of Assembly raised an alarm over an alleged plot to obstruct impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The Assembly claims there are moves to obtain restraining orders from courts outside Port Harcourt to stall the process.
Assembly Alleges Judicial Interference Plot
In a statement released on January 12, 2026, and signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Enemi Alabo George, the lawmakers stated they had received "credible information" about the alleged scheme. This development follows a resolution passed by the House on Thursday, January 8, 2026, to investigate the governor's financial and administrative activities.
The core allegations against Governor Fubara include the failure to submit the Mid-Term Expenditure Framework as mandated by law and accusations of spending public funds without legislative appropriation. The lawmakers assert these actions violate constitutional provisions and undermine the legislature's authority.
Speaker Martin Amaewhule emphasized that due process would be followed, allowing the law to take its full course. Official notices of allegations of gross misconduct have been formally forwarded to both Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution. The Assembly, in a January 9 statement, confirmed the process was "fully on course."
Fubara's Call for Peace and Rising Opposition
Amid the turmoil, Governor Siminalayi Fubara appealed for calm among residents. He made the plea during a church service marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, assuring the congregation that "everything will be fine." The governor described his silence as a deliberate choice against distractions, drawing strength from his faith.
However, significant voices have risen to fault the impeachment move. The Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum, led by former Deputy Governor Gabriel Toby, labeled the reasons for impeachment as "disturbingly weak." They warned the action, seemingly driven by personal interests, could deepen political divisions and destabilize the state, which is still recovering from recent political disruptions.
Similarly, the Civil Liberty Organisation (CLO) in the state, through its Chairman Sunny Dada and Secretary Chris Onyegbule, expressed concern that the tension could distort constitutional procedures into tools for conflict.
Wike's Stance and the Broader Political Arena
In a related development, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, addressed his political standing. Speaking during a 'Thank You' tour in Rivers State, Wike stated that President Bola Tinubu has the right to remove him as minister if he wishes. He reaffirmed his unwavering support for President Tinubu, citing his belief in the President as the reason for his backing during the 2023 elections.
Wike highlighted that Tinubu had reciprocated the support with appointments for Rivers people. He took a swipe at supporters of the 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and warned of a similar poor electoral outcome in Rivers if Atiku emerges as a candidate in 2027.
Significantly, Speaker Martin Amaewhule, alongside factional party chairmen and federal lawmaker Kingsley Chinda, publicly declared Wike as their political leader and pledged support for ensuring President Tinubu's re-election.
The convergence of the impeachment threat, the governor's appeal for peace, warnings from elders, and Wike's reaffirmation of allegiance to the center paints a complex picture of a state navigating a severe political crisis with potential ramifications for national politics.
