“Rivers State Political Crisis: Lawmakers Move to Impeach Governor Fubara Amid Rising Tensions”
Written by SpringnewsNG Media Limited
March 18, 2025
Rivers State is once again at the center of a heated political crisis as the state House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, has served Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, with an impeachment notice over alleged gross misconduct. The move, backed by 26 lawmakers loyal to former governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has sparked widespread tension across the state.
The notice, dated March 14, 2025, lists 19 allegations, including reckless spending, obstruction of legislative duties, and unconstitutional appointments. The lawmakers argue that Fubara has failed to govern in line with the 1999 Constitution, while his deputy is accused of complicity in the alleged violations.
The development has drawn strong reactions, particularly from Ijaw groups like the Ijaw National Congress and the Ijaw Youth Council, who have warned that removing Fubara could lead to unrest and disrupt oil production in the Niger Delta. The escalating situation prompted President Bola Tinubu to intervene, urging PANDEF leaders to mediate and restore peace. However, while the reconciliation team met with Fubara, their efforts to engage Wike were unsuccessful.
Despite a Supreme Court ruling affirming the legitimacy of the Amaewhule-led Assembly, Fubara’s attempt to present the state budget was blocked. Meanwhile, Wike, in a recent media chat, dismissed threats of unrest and encouraged lawmakers to proceed with impeachment if necessary.
The crisis has also deepened divisions within the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC). While the faction led by Tony Okocha supports adherence to due process, the Emeka Beke faction, aligned with former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, has condemned the lawmakers’ actions. Beke’s camp insists the Assembly, which adjourned indefinitely, has not properly convened to issue such notices.
In the legal arena, a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has adjourned a suit challenging the defection of Amaewhule and 26 lawmakers to April 16, 2025. Their counsel, Ken Njemanze (SAN), is pushing for the case’s dismissal in light of the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Meanwhile, Rivers’ Commissioner for Information, Joseph Johnson, warns that the lawmakers’ actions could paralyze the state’s economy, jeopardizing salary payments and government operations. He accuses them of frustrating Fubara’s willingness to implement the court’s verdict, calling for urgent intervention to prevent further political and economic chaos.
With the impeachment process set in motion, Rivers State stands on the brink of a major showdown. Whether political reconciliation or constitutional maneuvers will resolve the crisis remains to be seen.
