The political temperature in Rivers State has risen sharply following a serious allegation from the state's legislative arm. The Rivers State House of Assembly has claimed it uncovered a clandestine plan by supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to undermine its constitutional functions through a court order.
Assembly's Allegation of a Constitutional Subversion Plot
In a press statement issued on January 11, 2026, and signed by Enemi George, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, the Assembly raised an alarm. The lawmakers stated they had received credible intelligence indicating that loyalists to Governor Fubara were plotting to secure an ex parte order from a High Court located outside the Port Harcourt judicial division.
The alleged objective of this legal maneuver was to prevent the state legislature from carrying out its duties as mandated by the constitution. The Assembly specifically cited Section 188(10) of the Nigerian Constitution, which states that no proceedings or determinations of the Assembly regarding impeachment shall be questioned in any court. They framed the alleged plot as a direct attempt to circumvent this constitutional provision and obstruct legislative processes.
Amidst Ongoing Feud and Impeachment Threats
This development does not exist in a vacuum. It comes against the backdrop of a protracted and very public political feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The Assembly, perceived to be aligned with Wike, has been engaged in impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara.
The lawmakers accused the governor of continuously "throwing jabs" at Wike, further fueling the crisis. This allegation of a secret plot is seen as the latest escalation in a power struggle that has gripped Nigeria's oil-rich state for months, creating significant political instability.
Mixed Reactions from Nigerians and Political Figures
The Assembly's statement has triggered a wave of reactions from political observers and citizens across Nigeria, highlighting deep divisions.
Hon. Nuhu Sada, representing an opposition voice, called for restraint and adherence to the rule of law. He emphasized that democracy is best served when disagreements are resolved peacefully through lawful institutions, without intimidation.
Commentator Adetunji Adewole described the situation as serious, viewing the Assembly's statement as a warning against bypassing constitutional procedures. He stressed that political actions must be guided by due process, not legal shortcuts or media strategies.
A more fiery reaction came from an individual identified as King Dave, who framed the issue as a sign of panic in "the Wike camp." He suggested that Governor Fubara's potential defection to the APC and alliance with other parties had altered the political calculus, making Wike's political structure nervous about the 2027 elections.
Another user, Ochai, expressed frustration, stating that the relentless crisis in Rivers State was a national distraction preventing President Bola Tinubu from focusing on crucial national tasks.
Earlier reports from Legit.ng indicated that President Bola Tinubu is viewed as a pivotal figure who could mediate and resolve the crisis. Some commentators, like Atoyebi Paul, have argued that the ruling APC should not have intervened in what they see as a local dispute, praising Wike's influence in delivering votes during elections.
The situation remains fluid, with the alleged secret plot adding another complex layer to the ongoing political warfare in Rivers State. All eyes are now on the judiciary, the contending political actors, and potentially the presidency, to see how this latest chapter will unfold.
