Impeachment Crisis: APC, Rivers Assembly Clash Over Fubara and Deputy
PORT HARCOURT — Political tensions in Rivers State escalated yesterday as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) clashed with the Rivers State House of Assembly over impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu. The proceedings were launched over allegations of gross misconduct and misappropriation of funds.
Lawmakers reconvened earlier than their scheduled recess, which was set to end on January 26, to begin the removal process, before adjourning to January 15. The move has sparked significant controversy across the state’s political landscape.
Several groups, including Rivers APC, the Ijaw National Congress (INC), and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), condemned the impeachment efforts and urged legislators to resist attempts to destabilize Fubara’s administration.
The APC emphasized that Fubara had not committed any wrongdoing by not presenting a 2026 budget, noting that the National Assembly-approved budget during the six-month emergency rule would remain in effect until August 2026.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appeared divided: the Wike-backed faction supported the impeachment, while the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) took a cautious, watchful approach. Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) said it was monitoring developments closely before taking a stance.
Why the Assembly Wants Fubara and Odu Removed
Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, stated that the impeachment initiative stems from the governor and deputy’s alleged failure to present the state’s budget. Lawmakers claim Fubara blocked the Assembly from contributing to appropriation bills, citing this as grounds for impeachment.
The motion was presented by Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol and seconded by Silvernus Nwankwo. Relying on Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Majority Leader Major Jack listed seven allegations against Fubara, including:
- Demolition of the Assembly Complex
- Extra-budgetary spending
- Withholding funds for the Assembly Service Commission
- Defiance of the Supreme Court ruling on financial autonomy of the House
Following this, Deputy Leader Linda Stewart presented a notice of gross misconduct against Deputy Governor Prof. Odu. Accusations against her include:
- Reckless and unconstitutional use of public funds
- Obstructing the Assembly from performing its constitutional duties
- Allowing unauthorized individuals to occupy offices without proper Assembly approval
- Seeking budgetary approvals from alternative groups instead of the legitimate House
- Seizing salaries and allowances due to the Assembly and its Service Commission
The impeachment saga has intensified political tensions in Rivers State, with both sides digging in for what could be a protracted and contentious battle.