Rivers State is grappling with a major political crisis after an impeachment notice was reportedly served on Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu. The Rivers State House of Assembly alleges a plot by executive-linked individuals to obtain ex parte court orders aimed at halting its constitutional duties regarding impeachment proceedings, escalating tensions across the state.

Dr. Enemi Alabo George, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, claimed the plan involves securing orders from High Courts outside Port Harcourt. The Assembly warned such attempts would be “dead on arrival,” citing Sections 272(3) and 188(10) of the 1999 Constitution, which vest tenure-related matters in the Federal High Court and bar courts from questioning impeachment processes. Dr. George urged officials to respond formally to allegations of misconduct instead of employing clandestine tactics or media campaigns to undermine the legislature.

Governor Fubara responded by calling for calm, stressing that peace remains Rivers State’s top priority. Speaking at an Inter-Denominational Church Service, he addressed the eight counts of alleged impeachable offenses, explaining that his silence was intentional and grounded in faith. “Dogs bark when they do not understand,” he remarked, alluding to political opponents. Deputy Governor Odu echoed calls for serenity and encouraged continued prayers for the administration.

Meanwhile, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, weighed in on political developments, emphasizing that President Bola Tinubu has authority over ministerial appointments. During a visit to Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Wike stated that politics is driven by interest, not sentiment, warning detractors that any challenge to his camp would have electoral consequences. He lauded Tinubu’s contributions to Rivers residents and affirmed his commitment to active political engagement ahead of 2027.

Adding further complexity, the Nigerian Law Society (NLS) urged President Tinubu to intervene. In a letter dated January 11, 2026, the NLS requested the President invoke Sections 11(4) and (5) of the Constitution to allow the National Assembly to assume the functions of the Rivers House of Assembly. They cited concerns that the 26 lawmakers may be biased against Governor Fubara and recommended that a neutral panel, headed by a chief judge from another state, be appointed to investigate the allegations objectively.