The political temperature in Rivers State has soared to a new high as the state legislature has formally initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The move, announced on Thursday, January 8, 2026, marks a significant escalation in the protracted power struggle between the governor and forces loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Impeachment Process Officially Commences
Martins Chike Amaewhule, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, confirmed the start of the impeachment process against Governor Fubara. The lawmakers are acting on allegations of gross misconduct, with a central accusation being that the governor has deliberately refused to present the state's budget before the assembly as mandated by law.
Amaewhule described the ongoing situation in the oil-rich state as a direct threat to democratic governance. He argued that the assembly's constitutional role is being undermined, preventing them from performing their legislative duties effectively.
"Better We All Resign": Speaker's Ultimatum
In a dramatic statement following the announcement, Speaker Amaewhule issued a stern warning. He declared that if the impeachment process against Governor Fubara is not successfully carried through, all state lawmakers may be compelled to resign from their positions.
"The governor is a threat to our democracy," Amaewhule stated. "It is better we all resign and leave the governor and those he wants to use to defraud Rivers people. We cannot continue to allow this to happen. Why were we elected? For how long are we going to allow this to happen? Distinguished colleagues, enough is enough."
He emphasized the legislature's frustration, questioning their purpose if they cannot uphold the constitution. "If they want us to forget the legislature, we leave the legislature. Let only the governor and the deputy governor spend as they like... Why can't we be allowed to do our job? We will follow this impeachment process through," he vowed.
Wike-Fubara Rift and Presidential Intervention
The impeachment proceedings are seen as the latest chapter in the intense political feud between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The conflict has dominated Rivers politics for over a year.
Speaker Amaewhule revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had previously intervened in the crisis. According to Amaewhule, the President gave Governor Fubara multiple chances to resolve the issues, but the governor reportedly refused to comply.
"Mr. President has done his best. Mr. President has spoken to the governor. In my presence, Mr. President told the governor, 'I'm giving you a second chance'. The governor refused. He gave him another one. The governor refused. How many times would Mr. President call us?" Amaewhule recounted.
He also claimed that the Supreme Court has confirmed that the governor committed offences against the constitution, adding legal weight to the assembly's actions.
Adding another layer to the crisis, former Senator Olaka Nwogu, who was part of reconciliation meetings in 2025, publicly criticized Governor Fubara's integrity. Nwogu alleged that agreements made to resolve the political crisis, including potential terms about the 2027 gubernatorial election, were flouted by the governor. This testimony from a political insider is likely to fuel the impeachment drive.
The situation places Rivers State, a crucial economic hub for Nigeria, in a state of severe political uncertainty. The threat of mass resignation by the entire legislature presents a constitutional dilemma that could paralyze governance in the state. All eyes are now on the next steps in the impeachment process and the potential response from Governor Siminalayi Fubara's camp.
