Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has publicly addressed the notice of impeachment against him and his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, by the state House of Assembly, describing it as a ‘love letter’. Speaking at the finals of the 2026 Port Harcourt Polo Tournament, Governor Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to the protection of lives and property, vowing not to support any action that could undermine peace and safety in the state. He asserted his position as the legitimate governor, dedicated to fulfilling his administration's promises to the people of Rivers State.

The impeachment process was initiated by the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule. Lawmakers had formally requested the State Chief Judge to constitute a seven-man panel to investigate alleged gross misconduct against Governor Fubara and his deputy. Accusations against the governor included treating the House with contempt, ignoring appeals for resolution, authorizing spending outside approved budgets, and delaying funds meant for legislative operations.

However, the impeachment proceedings faced immediate legal challenges. A Rivers State High Court, presided over by Justice F. A. Fiberesima, issued an interim injunction on January 16, 2026, restraining the Speaker, the Clerk, and the Chief Judge from taking any further impeachment-related actions. The order specifically barred Chief Judge Simeon Amadi from receiving, considering, or acting on any impeachment documents for seven days, with the matter adjourned to January 23, 2026, for further hearing. Despite this court order, the House of Assembly reportedly claimed that the Chief Judge had acknowledged receipt of the impeachment notice.

In a broader political context, the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly the faction aligned with former minister Rotimi Amaechi, has criticized the assembly's impeachment efforts. Darlington Nwauju, APC publicity secretary in Rivers, labeled the move a “choreographed legislative coup d’état” that undermines the party’s collective interest and risks embarrassing the APC nationally. He urged the party's national leadership to intervene.

The ongoing political crisis is rooted in a prolonged struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Alliances have shifted, with Governor Fubara defecting from the PDP to the APC in December 2025, followed by 17 lawmakers. Federal power has also played a role; President Bola Tinubu previously imposed a state of emergency in 2025 due to governance paralysis and recently urged the Assembly to pause the impeachment process, emphasizing stability for the oil-rich state. Elder statesmen, including former governor Peter Odili and the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), have also engaged in mediation efforts. Governor Fubara has reportedly made concessions, including returning commissioners aligned with Wike to the cabinet and releasing withheld Assembly allowances. Despite the political turbulence, Fubara highlighted the peaceful conduct of the week-long polo tournament as evidence that Rivers State remains safe for residents, visitors, and investors. He lamented that political crises often coincided with the annual tournament.

The governor reiterated his administration's commitment to supporting groups genuinely working for the state's progress and pledged to upgrade the Port Harcourt Polo Club. He encouraged guests, including foreign participants from India and Argentina, to enjoy the serenity of Port Harcourt and to help counter negative narratives by projecting positive information about the state. Analysts suggest that any enduring peace will likely stem from a shared understanding among all major actors that further collapse would be more costly than compromise.