The Rivers State House of Assembly has stated that impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, are progressing, with formal notices of allegations already delivered to both office holders.
In a statement issued on January 9, 2026, and signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Enemi George, the Assembly maintained that the exercise was “fully on course in line with relevant provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended)”.
“The two notices of allegations of gross misconduct brought pursuant to Section 188 of the Constitution against the Governor and Deputy Governor have been forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, while we await their responses.
“We remain duty-bound to stand by the people and stop infractions on the Constitution by the Governor, Deputy Governor, or any other officer of the Rivers State Government,” the statement partly read.
The lawmakers cautioned against the spread of misinformation, calling on Nigerians to disregard what they described as “cheap blackmail”, while reiterating their constitutional responsibility to uphold due process.
The impeachment move was formally triggered during Thursday’s plenary session, which was presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule.
During the sitting, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, presented the notice of allegations against Governor Fubara, outlining seven counts of alleged gross misconduct.
Among the accusations are claims relating to the demolition of the Assembly complex, spending outside approved budgets, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and alleged defiance of a Supreme Court judgment concerning legislative financial autonomy.
A total of twenty-six lawmakers reportedly endorsed the notice.
Speaker Amaewhule subsequently confirmed that the governor would be officially served within the timeframe stipulated by the Constitution.
Separately, attention also turned to the deputy governor as Deputy Leader Linda Stewart laid before the House a notice of gross misconduct against Ngozi Odu.
The allegations against the deputy governor centre on claims of reckless and unconstitutional spending, interference with legislative operations, and authorising budgets outside the legally recognised Assembly.
This development marks the second attempt to remove Governor Fubara and his deputy within a year.
An earlier impeachment effort in March 2025 was linked to political disagreements between the governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Responding to the renewed process, the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress rejected the impeachment steps, branding them “destabilising and unnecessary.”
In a statement signed by the party’s spokesperson, Darlington Nwauju, the APC said it respected the independence of the legislature but cautioned that the proceedings could throw the state into deeper political uncertainty.
The party also dismissed suggestions that the impeachment threat was tied to budgetary concerns, pointing out that a ₦1.485 trillion budget had already been approved by the National Assembly during the period of emergency rule, which is expected to last until August 2026.
The APC appealed to the Assembly to halt the process in the interest of political stability, party image, and continued development in Rivers State.
What you should know
The impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu reflects the deepening political rift within Rivers State, rooted in power struggles that intensified after Fubara succeeded Nyesom Wike.
While the Assembly insists it is acting within constitutional limits under Section 188, critics argue the move could destabilise governance in the oil-rich state.
This is not the first clash between the executive and legislature under the current administration, and the renewed attempt highlights unresolved tensions over control, loyalty, and institutional authority. How the process unfolds may shape Rivers State politics well beyond 2026.
