THIS DAWN — The political crisis in Rivers State has deepened as the Rivers State House of Assembly officially served impeachment notices to Governor Siminalayi Joseph Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu.
The notices, dated January 8, 2026, were signed and delivered by Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, marking a significant escalation in the state’s internal power struggle.
According to the letters addressed to both the Governor and Deputy Governor, twenty-six members of the Rivers State House of Assembly signed the instrument.
They more than two-thirds of the legislative body brought forward allegations of gross misconduct.
Legal and Constitutional Implications
The Speaker cited Section 188 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The Section outlined the legal framework for initiating impeachment proceedings against state executives.
Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution provides a multi-step process for impeachment.
It begins with a notice signed by at least one-third of the Assembly and culminating in a panel investigation and a two-thirds majority vote.
With over two-thirds of the Assembly already backing the allegations, the process has cleared its first major hurdle.
Legal analysts caution that while the impeachment process is constitutionally valid, it must be handled with transparency and fairness to avoid political backlash and potential judicial intervention.
The letters formally forward copies of the allegations to the Governor and Deputy Governor, requesting their responses in accordance with constitutional provisions.
The Speaker emphasized that the process is being conducted within the bounds of the law and urged both officials to respond accordingly.
Political Context
The impeachment move comes amid ongoing tensions within the state’s political landscape.
It particularly followed internal disputes within the ruling party and allegations of executive overreach.
Governor Fubara has faced increasing resistance from the Assembly in recent months, with budgetary disagreements and administrative decisions fueling speculation of a looming showdown.
The inclusion of the Deputy Governor in the impeachment process suggests a broader effort to restructure the state’s executive leadership, possibly driven by factional interests within the party.
Public Reaction
The news about Fubara’s impeachment efforts has sparked mixed reactions across Rivers State.
Supporters of the Governor have condemned the move as politically motivated.
Critics, on the other hand, argue that accountability must be upheld regardless of party affiliation.
Civil society groups have called for calm and urged all parties to respect democratic norms.
Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Odu are expected to respond to the allegations within the timeframe prescribed by law.
If the Assembly proceeds, a panel will be constituted to investigate the claims.
The outcome of that investigation will determine whether the impeachment process advances to a final vote.
Observers are closely watching how the executive responds and whether the impeachment will trigger broader political realignments in the state.
With impeachment notices now formally served, Rivers State enters a critical phase in its political trajectory.
The coming days will test the resilience of its democratic institutions and the ability of its leaders to navigate a constitutional crisis with integrity and restraint.
See copies of the instruments below:
