The political crisis in Rivers State has taken a dramatic turn as the Rivers State House of Assembly initiates an impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. This development has sent shockwaves across the political landscape, raising serious concerns about the future of governance in the oil-rich state.
In a notice obtained on Monday, March 17, 2025, the lawmakers stated that the impeachment process was being carried out in accordance with constitutional provisions. The document, which was signed by several members of the Assembly, cited alleged gross misconduct as the basis for the move against the governor and his deputy. According to the notice, the lawmakers are invoking Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) to proceed with the impeachment process.
This is not the first time Governor Fubara has faced such a challenge. Since assuming office in 2023, he has been locked in a fierce power struggle with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The battle for political dominance in Rivers State has played out in public, with both sides making bold statements and strategic moves to outmaneuver each other.
The latest impeachment proceedings come just days after Wike made a controversial statement during a media engagement. The former governor asserted that Fubara could be impeached if he committed an impeachable offense, emphasizing that impeachment is a constitutional process rather than a criminal act. This remark fueled speculation that Wike, who still wields significant influence over the Rivers political structure, was setting the stage for a move against his successor.
The situation escalated further over the weekend when Wike visited Abalama in Asari-Toru Local Government Area for a civic reception held in his honor. Despite protests from some community members who opposed his presence, Wike took the opportunity to taunt Fubara, declaring that the governor had already lost two major battles and should brace for more setbacks. The statement has been widely interpreted as a warning of further political maneuvers against the embattled governor.
The tension between Wike and Fubara has been brewing for months, with analysts attributing it to a deep-seated struggle for control of the state’s political machinery. Wike, a two-term governor who played a key role in Fubara’s emergence as his successor, has continued to assert his dominance in the affairs of the state. However, Fubara has shown resistance, leading to a political standoff that has now reached a boiling point.
Observers fear that the impeachment process could plunge Rivers State into a prolonged political crisis, with potential implications for governance, security, and economic stability. The state, which remains one of Nigeria’s most economically significant due to its oil wealth, has a history of intense political rivalries that have sometimes led to violence and unrest.
As the impeachment process unfolds, all eyes are on the Rivers State Assembly, the judiciary, and other key stakeholders who will play a role in determining the fate of Governor Fubara and his deputy. The coming days and weeks will be critical in shaping the political future of Rivers State.
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