Port Harcourt, Rivers State – The political landscape of Rivers State has been plunged into fresh turmoil as the State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Martins Amaewhule, has taken a decisive step towards removing Governor Siminalayi Fubara from office.
Assembly's Formal Request to the Judiciary
In a press conference held in Port Harcourt on Friday, January 16, 2026, Speaker Martins Amaewhule publicly called on the Chief Judge of Rivers State to immediately constitute a seven-member committee. The sole purpose of this committee is to initiate impeachment proceedings against both Governor Fubara and his Deputy Governor. This move signifies a formal escalation of the long-standing political feud, moving the conflict from the legislative chambers to the doorstep of the judiciary.
The speaker's call comes amid reports that four lawmakers, who had previously withdrawn their support for the impeachment, have now reversed their decision, solidifying the assembly's stance. The Amaewhule-led faction has accused Governor Fubara of consistent breaches of the constitution, vowing that there is "no going back" in their quest to remove him. They have cited specific constitutional violations, though detailed public lists were not fully disclosed during the briefing.
Tinubu's Past Interventions and Current Stalemate
This is not the first time impeachment bells have tolled for Governor Fubara. President Bola Tinubu has intervened on two separate occasions to halt the process. The most notable intervention involved the declaration of a state of emergency in the state's political affairs, which led to the suspension of the governor, his deputy, and the state lawmakers for a period of six months. That presidential action was intended as a cooling-off period, but it appears to have only postponed the inevitable confrontation.
The current move by the Assembly suggests that the temporary truce brokered by the presidency has completely collapsed. By involving the Chief Judge, the lawmakers are following a constitutional path for impeachment, potentially making it harder for external forces to stop the process without appearing to undermine the rule of law.
Public Outcry and Reactions
The latest development has sparked a wave of reactions from concerned citizens and political observers across Nigeria. Many have expressed frustration that the continuous political drama is stifling development in the oil-rich state.
A social media user, O.P. JiRI, captured a common sentiment, projecting that "Rivers State will spend Fubara's entire term in courts and political drama instead of actual development." Another commentator, Ajoku Michael Bright, lamented the state's reputation, calling it "the headquarters of Political Crisis and instability in Nigeria," driven by personal interests rather than public good.
Criticism has also been directed at the lawmakers themselves. Olanusi Akintayo questioned their priorities, stating, "I have not seen you guys deliberate on any matter concerning the well-being of Rivers' people. It is always all about the impeachment." Meanwhile, other observers point to the seriousness of the allegations. AdeOmoOsun noted that unauthorized spending of state resources without house approval is a grave constitutional offence that could be difficult for the governor to overcome without another presidential rescue.
The political chess game has also led to predictions about the future. One user, Sakanelli, speculated about a scenario where Fubara is impeached, Speaker Amaewhule becomes Acting Governor, and a complex realignment blocks Fubara's future electoral prospects.
This impeachment push occurs against a backdrop of severe allegations beyond the assembly. The police have invited Tammy Danagogo, an ally of Governor Fubara, for questioning over an alleged assassination plot against the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike. A leaked phone conversation allegedly discussing the hiring of an Israeli national for the purpose has further inflamed the already volatile situation, highlighting the dangerous personal dimensions of the political rift.
As Rivers State braces for another protracted period of instability, the focus shifts to the Chief Judge's response and whether the constitutional process will be allowed to run its course, or if another high-level intervention is on the horizon.
