THIS DAWN — The Rivers State House of Assembly has today resolved to continue impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, advancing the process to the next stage of investigation.
Lawmakers reached the resolution during plenary, affirming that the allegations leveled against the governor warrant further scrutiny.
The Assembly announced that its decision will be formally communicated to the Chief Judge of Rivers State.
The Chief Judge is expected to play a role in the constitution of an investigative panel in line with constitutional provisions.
Watch a video footage of the development below:
Background
The impeachment move stems from ongoing political tensions between the governor and sections of the Assembly.
Today’s resolution signals the Assembly’s determination to pursue the matter beyond preliminary deliberations.
The Chief Judge’s involvement marks a critical procedural step, as the judiciary is required to oversee the next phase of investigation.
Implications
- Political Climate: The decision is likely to heighten political uncertainty in Rivers State, with potential ripple effects across the Niger Delta region.
- Governance: Analysts warn that prolonged impeachment proceedings could distract from governance priorities and service delivery.
- Legal Process: The resolution underscores adherence to constitutional mechanisms, ensuring that the allegations are subjected to judicially supervised investigation.
What are the next steps in the impeachment procedures?
- The Assembly will transmit its resolution to the Chief Judge.
- If the Chief Judge concurs, an investigative panel will be set up to examine the allegations in detail.
- The outcome of the panel’s findings will determine whether the impeachment process proceeds to a formal trial stage.
Undeterred Lawmakers
It could be recalled that This Dawn reported that the lawmakers had insisted that the impeachment process will continue, despite reports of peace accord between Fubara and the lawmakers.
They had reaffirmed commitment to continue the impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Odu.
In a press release issued on January 9, 2026, the Assembly declared that the process is “fully on course”.
It dismissed reports suggesting that it had been halted or discontinued.
The Assembly had, on January 8, 2026, commenced impeachment proceedings against the Governor and Deputy Governor.
They cited allegations of gross misconduct, amongst others.
Notices of allegation, brought pursuant to Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), were formally forwarded to both officials by Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule.
The Assembly stated that it is now awaiting their official responses.
Rivers Drama: Judge Restrains Chief Judge
In another dramatic development, Justice Florence Atili Fiberesima of the Rivers State High Court has issued an interim order restraining the Chief Judge of Rivers State from taking any action in relation to the Rivers State House of Assembly’s move to impeach Fubara.
In the words of Media expert, Maazi Tochukwu Ezeoke, “with this ruling, the impeachment dispute has formally shifted from the political arena to the judiciary, pending further legal determination”.
