The political crisis in Rivers State escalated sharply yesterday, as the State House of Assembly commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Oduh, amid an intensifying power struggle between the governor and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
At a plenary session presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader formally presented a notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara. The notice, endorsed by 26 lawmakers, accused the governor of actions said to be in violation of the Nigerian Constitution.
Amaewhule announced that the impeachment notice would be served on the governor within seven days. During the same session, the Deputy Majority Leader read a separate notice detailing allegations of gross misconduct against Deputy Governor Ngozi Oduh.
The impeachment move comes as the long-running feud between Fubara and Wike deepens barely eight days into the new year. The conflict, widely believed to have influenced the Assembly’s action, stems from control over Rivers State’s political structure and finances, particularly a dispute over ₦700 billion, representing about 35 per cent of the state’s internally-generated revenue (IGR).
Governor Fubara has publicly vowed not to surrender the funds to anyone, declaring that Rivers State “is not a playground” and insisting he would not be intimidated. He accused his predecessor of attempting to undermine his authority and mortgage the state’s future.
Wike, on his part, has accused Fubara of ingratitude and reportedly warned that the state could be made “ungovernable” if the governor fails to comply with certain demands. Supporters on both sides have traded threats, raising fears of protests and further instability.
The crisis has already taken a toll on governance in the oil-rich state, where concerns are growing over the welfare of citizens, with millions reportedly living in multidimensional poverty.
The standoff has also reignited national debate on godfatherism and its impact on democratic governance in Nigeria. With impeachment proceedings now underway and political tensions at a boiling point, the coming days are expected to be decisive, not only for the survival of the Fubara administration but also for the broader political future of Rivers State.
