Renewed political crisis is rocking oil-rich Rivers State in the Niger Delta as lawmakers loyal to Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, the state’s immediate past governor, have kicked off impeachment proceedings against the State governor, Sim Fubara.
Fubara is the estranged political godson of the Minister.
Recall that the crisis in the state has led to several political upheavals including the imposition of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu and subsequent suspension of Fubara, his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, and all elected structures for six months.
However, following the lifting of the emergency rule, it is still obvious that Wike and Fubara are far from having resolved their differences which centre on battle for the soul of the State as the 2027 elections draw closer.
Indeed early this month, Wike gave indication that for him to still be politically relevant in 2027 and beyond, Fubara has to leave the governorship seat.
Addressing stakeholders at a meeting in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, the Minister had said: “We have made a decision as far as Tinubu is concerned. The other one (Fubara’s re-election) — no way. Because if we make another mistake, then we will go and bury ourselves politically. I will not allow myself to be buried. I will not allow that mistake again.”
Although the Minister did not mention the governor by name, he warned that a firm decision had already been taken regarding the 2027 governorship contest.
Today, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly moved to impeach Fubara and Odu.
At a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Hon. Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader of the House, Major Jack, formally read the notice detailing allegations of gross misconduct against Gov. Fubara.
The notice, which was endorsed by 26 lawmakers, accused the governor of actions allegedly in violation of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Amaewhule announced that the notice would be served on the governor within the next seven days.
During the same sitting, the Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Stewart, read the notice of allegations and gross misconduct leveled against Deputy Governor Odu.
It is not the first time both leaders have faced impeachment proceedings by same lawmakers.
On 17 March, 2025 there was similar attempt to impeach them, which failed when a strange fire gutted part of the State Assembly building, truncating the process.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Fubara (left) and Prof. Odu.
