The political landscape of Rivers State is gripped by escalating tensions as impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Nma Odu continue to unfold. This crisis has seen a dramatic interplay between the judiciary and the legislature, with shifting allegiances among lawmakers and deep-seated political disagreements fueling the conflict.

On January 16, 2025, a Rivers State High Court sitting in Oyibo Local Government Area, Port Harcourt, issued an interim injunction aimed at halting the impeachment process. Presided over by Justice F. A. Fiberesima, the court specifically barred the State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, from receiving or acting on any correspondence from the Rivers State House of Assembly regarding the constitution of a panel to investigate alleged gross misconduct against the governor and his deputy. The order also restrained the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr. Martin Amaewhule, and 32 other defendants, including the Clerk of the House, from taking any steps towards the impeachment for a period of seven days. The court granted leave for the interim orders and originating processes to be served by pasting them at the gate of the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters and on the Chief Judge through any judiciary staff member. The matter was then adjourned to January 23, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice.

However, hours after this court order, the Rivers State House of Assembly swiftly confirmed its defiance. Through its spokesperson and Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Dr. Enemi Alabo George, the Assembly announced on Friday, January 16, 2025, that the Chief Judge had indeed received and acknowledged official correspondence conveying notices of alleged gross misconduct against Governor Fubara and his deputy. The House resolved to proceed with its investigation in line with Section 188(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), mandating the Speaker to forward letters to the Chief Judge pursuant to Section 188(5) for the constitution of an investigative panel. Dr. George explicitly stated that the House was not aware of any court order and rubbished its validity, citing Section 188(10) of the Nigerian Constitution, which, according to the Assembly, does not allow the court to intervene in the impeachment of a state governor.

Adding another layer of complexity to the crisis, four members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who had earlier withdrawn from the impeachment proceedings, reversed their decision to declare full support for the process on a Friday (unspecified, but within the timeframe of the crisis). These lawmakers, including the Minority Leader Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo, Peter Abbey, Barile Nwakoh, and Emilia Amadi, cited the governor’s unwillingness to pursue a political solution to the crisis and his alleged use of media to continuously attack the Assembly as reasons for their change of heart. They now insist that the impeachment process is constitutional and represents the only viable solution to the political impasse. This sudden shift in position is widely believed to be linked to pressure from political leaders in their constituencies who are loyal to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara and his deputy include the demolition of the Assembly complex and the alleged spending of public funds without legislative approval.

The underlying cause of this protracted political crisis, according to Darlington Orji, the Special Assistant on Political Affairs to Governor Fubara, is the governor’s refusal to present a supplementary budget to the Assembly. Orji revealed that Governor Fubara, who reportedly had about ₦600 billion in the state’s coffers, was advised by Speaker Martin Amaewhule in November (likely 2025, preceding the January events) to present a supplementary budget. However, the governor opted to wait until December 2025 to present the main appropriation bill, believing all interests not captured would be addressed then, and stating he saw no need for a supplementary budget. Former Rivers lawmaker Ogbonna Nwuke further opined that the ongoing impeachment process reflects a deep-seated political disagreement rather than actual offenses. He highlighted that this marks the third time the House has threatened impeachment, suggesting a pattern tied to perceived disagreements between the governor and his predecessor, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, pointing to a power struggle over the state’s political machinery and influence that soured over political appointments.

Despite the intensified efforts by the Assembly, Governor Fubara’s aide, Darlington Orji, remains confident that the impeachment move will not succeed. Orji argued that the allegations against Fubara lack truth, and many lawmakers are reportedly unhappy with the process, predicting it will be put to rest soon. The unfolding events underscore a challenging period for governance in Rivers State, with constitutional interpretations and political loyalties continually being tested.