*Battle Over 2027 Intensifies
Teeth appear to have been given to moves by the Rivers State House of Assembly to impeach the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Oduh, as the legislature revealed on Thursday that it has successfully served both top officials their impeachment notice.
In a post on its official Facebook page,the assembly stated: “The impeachment notice has been successfully served on the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.”
Addressed to the governor, the notice contained the signature of at least 19 lawmakers.
It also contained about eight alleged acts of gross misconduct by the governor and his administration.
Renewed political crisis is rocking the oil-rich State in the Niger Delta as lawmakers loyal to Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, the state’s immediate past governor, on Thursday kicked off impeachment proceedings against Fubara and Oduh.
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, Oduh, 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 critical 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, somehow.
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.
On Thursday, members of the State House of Assembly moved to impeach Fubara and Oduh.
At an emergency 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.
It has now been successfully served, according to the Assembly.
During the same sitting, the Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Stewart, read the notice of allegations and gross misconduct leveled against Oduh.
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.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Fubara (left) and Prof. Odu.
