Fresh findings have reportedly revealed that the ongoing impeachment move against Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is largely linked to his refusal to present a supplementary budget.
A senior source familiar with the crisis told SaharaReporters that the refusal angered lawmakers loyal to the former governor of the state and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who were allegedly expecting fresh constituency allocations.
According to the source, Wike reportedly promised ₦10 billion worth of constituency projects to each pro-Wike lawmaker through a proposed supplementary budget, a move the governor declined to endorse.
“The main reason why the Rivers State House of Assembly members are trying hard to impeach Governor Fubara is based on the governor’s refusal to prepare a supplementary budget,” the source said.
The refusal, the source added, hardened the resolve of the lawmakers to pursue the governor’s removal.
Earlier ₦350m payments raise questions
The latest revelation follows an earlier report by SaharaReporters that at least 26 lawmakers aligned with Wike allegedly received ₦350m each in September 2025 for constituency projects during the period of emergency rule in the state.
Financial documents reviewed by the aforementioned platforms indicated that the payments, totalling about ₦10.5bn, were approved and released on September 12, 2025.
However, investigations showed that none of the constituency projects has been executed in the affected areas.
A memo dated September 12, 2025, signed by Engr. Atemea K. Briggs, Special Adviser on Works, and addressed to the then Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.).
The memo sought approval for the release of ₦10.5bn as constituency project funds for 30 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, at ₦350m per lawmaker.
“The purpose of this Memorandum is to seek His Excellency’s approval for the year 2025 constituency projects for thirty (30) Honourable members of the Rivers State House of Assembly at the total cost of ₦10,500,000,000.00,” the document stated.
Approval was reportedly granted the same day, with funds disbursed into accounts linked to companies nominated by the lawmakers.
Further checks by SaharaReporters showed that many of the companies nominated to execute the projects were inactive, dormant or suspected shell entities, some of which were incorporated shortly before the payments were made.
On-ground assessments also suggested that no tangible work has been carried out in the constituencies listed.
Political crisis
Rivers State was placed under emergency rule in March 2025 following a prolonged political crisis between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu lifted the emergency rule on September 17, 2025, with the governor and lawmakers resuming official duties shortly after.
On January 8, 2026, impeachment proceedings were formally initiated against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
During plenary presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, read allegations of gross misconduct, with at least 26 lawmakers endorsing the notice.
A separate impeachment notice was also issued against the deputy governor.
Although four lawmakers initially withdrew their support and called for dialogue, they later reversed their decision, insisting that the impeachment process must continue.