Political Crisis Deepens in Rivers State as Lawmakers Move to Impeach Governor Fubara

Tension and apprehension have reached a boiling point in Rivers State following the initiation of impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu by the state House of Assembly. The latest development has further intensified political uncertainty, sparking widespread outrage and fears of unrest.

The impeachment process, spearheaded by the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly, loyal to former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is based on allegations of gross misconduct. A formal notice detailing the accusations was sent to the Speaker of the House after being endorsed by 26 lawmakers in a letter dated March 14, 2025.

On Monday, March 17, Speaker Amaewhule formally served the governor and his deputy with the impeachment notice, citing 19 constitutional breaches. Among the accusations against Fubara are alleged reckless expenditure of public funds, obstruction of legislative functions, and appointment of officials without Assembly approval. The lawmakers also accused the deputy governor of complicity in unconstitutional financial withdrawals and supporting the governor’s defiance of a court order mandating a legitimate budget presentation.

Rising Tensions and Threats of Crisis

The impeachment threat has prompted strong reactions from various political and ethnic groups. The Ijaw National Congress, the Ijaw Youth Council, and other regional stakeholders have warned that any attempt to remove Fubara could destabilize the state and negatively impact oil production. They have vowed to resist any move that undermines the governor’s mandate, emphasizing that his removal could spark widespread unrest in the Niger Delta.

President Bola Tinubu, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, convened a high-level meeting with leaders of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), led by former Akwa Ibom Governor Victor Attah and King Alfred Diete-Spiff. During the meeting, Tinubu underscored the importance of stability in the Niger Delta, stating, “Niger Delta is the goose that lays the golden egg. We must care for the goose; otherwise, we lose the golden egg.” He urged the PANDEF leaders to mediate and ensure peace prevails.

Following this, PANDEF met with Governor Fubara in an attempt to broker peace, but efforts to engage Wike have so far been unsuccessful.

Legislative Power Struggle and Fubara’s Challenges

Governor Fubara has been facing stiff opposition from the Amaewhule-led Assembly, which recently refused to recognize his attempt to present the 2025 budget, despite a Supreme Court ruling affirming the lawmakers’ legitimacy. During a recent media interview, Wike dismissed concerns over the rising tensions and publicly encouraged lawmakers loyal to him to proceed with the impeachment if necessary.

The impeachment notice, citing Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), alleges that Fubara has persistently obstructed the Assembly’s constitutional duties. It also accuses him of withholding funds meant for legislative operations and illegally appointing officials.

The notice to the deputy governor similarly accuses her of failing to act in accordance with her constitutional duties, particularly in matters concerning the state’s budget and financial administration.

In response, Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, denounced the Assembly’s actions, warning that their obstructionism could paralyze the state’s economy. “With the current actions of the Assembly, civil servants, retirees, and the general populace will suffer economic hardship as the government will be unable to meet its financial obligations,” he stated. He also revealed that both the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant-General of the Federation had been instructed to withhold Rivers State’s revenue allocations until the political crisis is resolved.

Factions Within the APC Deepen the Divide

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains deeply divided over the impeachment proceedings. The faction led by Tony Okocha has insisted that due process must be followed, while the Emeka Beke-led faction, loyal to former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, has criticized the lawmakers’ actions as unjust and politically motivated.

Beke’s faction questioned the legitimacy of the impeachment process, pointing out that the Assembly had previously adjourned indefinitely but mysteriously managed to issue a notice without an official sitting. “The House has failed the people. They did not convene, yet they are issuing letters. This is blackmail,” Chief of Staff Chizi Enyi argued.

Legal Battle Looms

Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has reserved its ruling in a suit filed by the Labour Party challenging the alleged defection of Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers. Justice Emmanuel Obile has scheduled the ruling for April 16, 2025, amid heightened legal and political maneuvering.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ken Njemanze, representing the 27 lawmakers, has requested that the case be dismissed in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling affirming the lawmakers’ legitimacy. However, the Labour Party’s counsel has insisted that the issue of defection remains unresolved and should be determined independently.

Police Deny Reports of Unrest

In the midst of escalating tensions, the Rivers State Police Command has dismissed reports of riots and alleged attacks on Wike’s residence as false. Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko described the claims as “malicious and misleading,” urging residents to remain calm and disregard social media misinformation.

“The state remains peaceful, and no violence has been recorded. These reports are intended to incite fear and unrest,” the statement read.

What Next for Rivers State?

As the political crisis deepens, Rivers State stands at a crossroads. With an impeachment process underway, growing regional discontent, and an escalating legal battle, the coming weeks will be critical in determining the future of the state’s governance.

The question remains: will political leaders find a way to de-escalate the crisis, or will Rivers State descend further into political turmoil? The answer lies in the actions of key stakeholders in the days ahead.

Tinubu Intervenes in Lagos Assembly Crisis, Upholds Obasa as Speaker

President Bola Tinubu has successfully intervened in the lingering leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, endorsing Mudashiru Obasa’s continued tenure as Speaker despite previous recommendations for his resignation.

The resolution followed a crucial meeting between Tinubu and all 40 lawmakers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday. The President’s decision, however, runs contrary to the recommendations of a panel previously established to mediate the crisis.

Reversal of Agreement

The panel, led by former Osun State Governor Chief Bisi Akande and former Ogun State Governor Chief Gbenga Daniel, along with members of the Governance Advisory Council, initially advised that Obasa should return as Speaker but step down shortly after, allowing for a new Speaker from Lagos West in the interest of political balance.

On March 3, 2025, Mojisola Meranda, who had taken over from Obasa after his impeachment, resigned from her position and was re-elected as Deputy Speaker. Obasa was subsequently reinstated in line with the agreement. However, in a dramatic twist, he indefinitely adjourned the Assembly and refused to step down as originally planned.

Tinubu Brokers Lasting Peace

During the closed-door meeting, Tinubu urged lawmakers to put aside their grievances and work together under Obasa’s leadership to ensure stability in the Assembly and across Lagos State.

“Tinubu met with the lawmakers behind closed doors. They expressed their concerns, and he resolved the issues. Obasa will remain as Speaker, and the lawmakers have agreed to work with him,” a source familiar with the meeting revealed.

Despite dissatisfaction among some Lagos stakeholders over Obasa’s defiance of the original agreement, the source assured that Tinubu would engage all concerned parties to maintain unity.

“Some stakeholders are naturally displeased that Obasa reneged on the agreement with the Akande panel, but the President will address their concerns to ensure lasting peace,” the source added.

Obasa to Withdraw Lawsuit

In a further development, Tinubu directed Obasa to withdraw his lawsuit challenging his impeachment at the Lagos State High Court.

“The President told the lawmakers to allow Obasa to work, and in return, Obasa must withdraw his case against Meranda and the Assembly members in court. The lawmakers have agreed to this arrangement,” another insider disclosed.

Prior to this directive, Obasa’s lawyer, Chief Fashanu Afolabi (SAN), had confirmed that despite his reinstatement, the Speaker had not withdrawn his lawsuit, arguing that the allegations against him—ranging from high-handedness to financial mismanagement—needed to be addressed.

With Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court set to hear the case on March 17, 2025, all eyes are now on Obasa’s next move following Tinubu’s directive.

Political Ramifications

The intervention by Tinubu, a towering figure in Lagos politics, signals his firm grip over the state’s political structure. However, the decision to allow Obasa to remain as Speaker could spark further discontent among factions within the ruling party and raise questions about adherence to internal agreements.

For now, the Lagos State House of Assembly crisis appears to have been temporarily resolved, but the long-term political implications remain to be seen.

LOCKED OUT: RIVERS STATE GOVERNOR DENIED ENTRY TO ASSEMBLY, BUDGET PRESENTATION STALLED

…Fubara Laments Attempt to Frustrate Governance
…Tension Mounts as Assembly Faction Defies Supreme Court Ruling
…Tinubu Pressures Governor to Implement Verdict Amid Growing Political Standoff

Rivers State was thrown into fresh political turmoil on Wednesday as Governor Siminalayi Fubara was denied access to the Port Harcourt Aba Road temporary Rivers State House of Assembly complex, effectively blocking him from presenting the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

Accompanied by his entourage, Fubara arrived at the Assembly Quarters only to be met with locked gates, an action seen as a bold and calculated move by the 27 lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The incident underscores the deepening power struggle between the governor and Wike’s faction, which the Supreme Court recently recognized as the legitimate Assembly leadership.

48-Hour Ultimatum and Assembly’s Defiance

The legislative crisis escalated after the pro-Wike lawmakers issued Fubara a 48-hour ultimatum to present the budget, challenging an earlier approval by a four-member faction of lawmakers aligned with the governor. However, instead of attending the session, Fubara invited the lawmakers to Government House, Port Harcourt, a move they outrightly rejected.

Governor Fubara Reacts: ‘I Leave Everything to God’

Addressing the development during the inauguration of the Bori Zonal Hospital in Khana LGA, Governor Fubara expressed disappointment at the obstruction, emphasizing that his priority remained the state’s economic stability and the welfare of civil servants. He lamented the resistance he has faced in executing governance duties despite following due process.

“I made frantic efforts to reach the Speaker, which I believe he cannot deny, alongside other members of the Assembly,” Fubara stated. “I even sent WhatsApp messages to them, notifying them that I would be coming at 10 a.m. to present the budget. This was to ensure that Rivers State does not face any crisis because of me, as some have alleged.”

Despite his efforts, Fubara said he was left standing outside the legislative complex, only to hear claims that no official communication was made regarding his visit.

“I leave everything to God, who sees all things in secret,” he added. “Like I have always said, nothing lasts forever. Even the greatest power eventually comes to an end. What matters is how we use power. I have chosen not to abuse mine, no matter what they claim.”

Presidential Pressure: Tinubu Orders Compliance with Supreme Court Verdict

The budget blockade comes just 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu directed Governor Fubara to implement the Supreme Court’s ruling recognizing the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers. During a high-stakes meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu reinforced his stance, demanding adherence to the court’s decision to prevent further instability in the oil-rich state.

However, Fubara’s camp views the legislative impasse as an orchestrated attempt to sabotage his administration. His allies argue that the governor is being cornered into submission, with the opposition exploiting institutional control to dictate terms.

Calls for Resignation, Threats of Impeachment

Adding to the already volatile situation, Tony Okocha, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, called for Fubara’s resignation, warning that failure to comply with the Supreme Court ruling could lead to impeachment proceedings. The remarks signal a potential escalation in the crisis, with political forces aligning to push Fubara into a corner.

As tensions mount, Rivers State finds itself at the center of a deepening political crisis. The coming days will determine whether Fubara can navigate the high-stakes battle or if the opposition forces will tighten their grip on the state’s political landscape. One thing remains certain—this is a battle far from over.