Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, face a renewed impeachment threat from the pro-Wike faction of the State House of Assembly, intensifying the ongoing power struggle with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
On January 8, Speaker Martin Amaewhule’s faction, backed by 26 lawmakers, served a notice alleging gross misconduct: failure to present the 2026 budget (leaving Rivers as the only state without one submitted), unauthorised extra-budgetary spending, withholding funds from the legislature, and ignoring court orders on Assembly autonomy.
The House has blocked the budget presentation pending the investigation, adjourned until January 15, and given Fubara seven days to respond under Section 188 of the Constitution. This is the latest in multiple attempts since the 2023 fallout over PDP control in the state.
If successful, Fubara would be the first elected governor removed in over a decade—the last being Murtala Nyako in 2014.
Historical Context: Only Six Successful Impeachments Since 1999
Since the Fourth Republic began in 1999, just six elected governors have been successfully impeached (though two were later reinstated by the courts):
Diepreye Alamieyeseigha (Bayelsa, December 2005): Corruption, money laundering, and abuse of office; permanently removed.
Rashidi Ladoja (Oyo, January 2006): Political conflicts; impeachment nullified by Supreme Court, reinstated.
Ayo Fayose (Ekiti, October 2006): Mismanagement of funds and corruption; permanently removed.
Peter Obi (Anambra, November 2006): Gross misconduct; courts reinstated him.
Joshua Dariye (Plateau, November 2006): Financial impropriety; permanently removed.
Murtala Nyako (Adamawa, July 2014): Gross misconduct and financial issues; permanently removed.
Most cases clustered in 2005–2006, often tied to federal influences, godfather rivalries, and corruption allegations. No successful impeachments have occurred since 2014, despite repeated threats.
Political observers warn that while the charges echo past patterns, strict constitutional requirements, potential court challenges, and federal dynamics could derail the process. Rivers State remains tense as the drama unfolds.