Rivers on Brink: Fubara Faces Third Impeachment Attempt Amid Escalating Political Showdown

Rivers State is currently embroiled in a deep political crisis, marked by escalating tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. This feud, which did not originate from ideological disagreements, arose from a broken succession pact, as Mr. Wike reportedly engineered Mr. Fubara’s emergence with the apparent intention of maintaining remote control. However, the transfer of power led to a systemic rupture, with disputes over appointments, control of political structures, and access to state resources rapidly escalating, causing governance to stall and institutions to buckle. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State fractured, transforming the state into a theatre of confrontations. Governor Fubara eventually defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in what he presented as political survival, but this move only widened the conflict, transplanting an internal PDP struggle into the APC and creating a national party dilemma.

The political instability deepened on Thursday, January 8, 2026, as the Rivers State House of Assembly commenced fresh impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. This marks the third impeachment attempt against them since they assumed office in 2023. The lawmakers, largely loyal to Minister Wike, adopted a motion sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol, and another member, mandating an investigation into the governor’s financial and administrative actions. Allegations include gross misconduct, failure to submit the Mid-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) as required by law, and spending public funds without legislative appropriation. These actions, legislators argued, constitute grave violations of constitutional provisions and undermine the legislature's authority. As part of their resolutions, the Assembly expressly barred Fubara from presenting the MTEF and the 2026 budget until the conclusion of the probe.

The House spokesman, Hon. Enemi George, during an interview on ‘Politics Today’ on Channels Television, explained the rationale behind the impeachment process and the legislators' rejection of a N100,000 Christmas gift from Governor Fubara. George stated that the money was rejected on principle due to the absence of a constitutional provision for such a gift, adding, “I don’t want to go to prison. No constitutional provision for such money. Which constitution backs it? Look, we are dealing with public funds which do not belong to my father, mother or sister. It Rather belongs to the Rivers people.” He insisted that the impeachment issues are constitutional, not political, and dismissed claims that Minister Wike was influencing the lawmakers, accusing the governor of