Political tensions in Rivers State escalated significantly on Thursday, marked by calls for accountability against a prominent minister and the formal commencement of impeachment proceedings against the state governor. The APC Leaders Forum and the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement jointly appealed to President Bola Tinubu to rein in the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, citing his persistent attacks on Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

In a statement released in Abuja, the groups vehemently criticized Wike's conduct, labeling it a significant liability for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). They warned that his actions could severely undermine the party's prospects ahead of the 2027 general election. The statement was co-signed by Chief Emeka Okoro, an APC chieftain and South-East elder statesman; Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf, APC National Youth Vanguard leader; Dr Adekunle Balogun, TSSM National Coordinator; and Mallam Abdulkareem Isiaka, TSSM National Spokesman.

The groups accused Minister Wike of a blatant conflict of interest, alleging that he openly admitted to controlling two political parties while serving in an APC-led government, thereby mocking the party’s constitution. They asserted that Wike's preoccupation with Rivers politics had diverted his attention from his ministerial responsibilities and created unnecessary divisions within the APC. Echoing earlier demands from figures like APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru and other party leaders, the groups insisted on Wike's removal from office to prevent an internal crisis. They further threatened to initiate nationwide rallies, starting at the APC National Secretariat, until the minister's appointment was terminated.

Describing Wike as a non-member of the APC, the statement detailed his alleged unprovoked attacks on the party’s national leadership, specifically targeting Basiru, during a visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State on January 5, 2026. They contended that the minister’s threats and remarks against APC leaders and Governor Fubara constituted anti-party activities, threatening to weaken the party’s influence in Rivers State. Furthermore, Wike's statement that “nobody can enter Rivers State” was interpreted as a veiled challenge to presidential authority and a potential threat to national security. The groups urged President Tinubu to act decisively, emphasizing that no individual should be considered superior to the party or the nation, while reaffirming their support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Concurrently, the Rivers State House of Assembly officially initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, on Thursday. During a plenary session, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, acting under the direction of Speaker Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, presented a notice of misconduct detailing ten allegations against the governor. These allegations included the appointment of individuals to state offices without adhering to constitutional requirements for screening and confirmation by the House of Assembly.

Additional accusations outlined in the notice encompassed the seizure of salaries, allowances, and funds designated for the “legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly,” in alleged violation of Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). This also extended to the seizure of the salary of the Clerk of the House, Mr. Emeka Amadi. The lawmakers further accused the governor of failing to implement constitutional provisions concerning the financial autonomy of both the Rivers State House of Assembly and the judiciary. Other allegations included withholding funds intended for the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission and obstructing the operation of a commission established under Part 2AA of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The notice also listed “attack and contempt for the rule of law by the Governor of Rivers State or any person,” and “destroying the Government because of fear of being impeached.”

Following the reading of the notice, Speaker Martins Amaewhule confirmed its receipt, noting it was signed by 26 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. He pledged to forward the letter, brought pursuant to Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, to Governor Siminalayi Fubara within seven days, reassuring his colleagues of his commitment to fulfilling his constitutional duties. LEADERSHIP previously reported that the Rivers State House of Assembly had raised allegations against Governor Fubara in 2025, including extra-budgetary spending, the demolition of the State Assembly complex, withholding funds due to the Assembly Service Commission, and alleged non-compliance with a Supreme Court directive on legislative autonomy. This fresh impeachment attempt, which also targets the deputy governor, has significantly intensified the political instability in the state, raising serious concerns about governance and peace in Rivers State.