Senior figures in Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are moving to “douse tensions” in Rivers State after local lawmakers launched a bid to remove the governor and his deputy from office.
The move follows a dramatic session on Thursday where the Rivers State House of Assembly issued a seven-day impeachment notice to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Oduh.
Insiders say the presidency is being briefed on the situation, with top politicians reaching out to both the Governor and his predecessor, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, in hopes of brokering a peace deal.
Why are they being impeached?
The 27 lawmakers—mostly allies of Mr Wike—have levelled a series of heavy accusations against the state’s top two officials, including:
- Budgetary defiance: The Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, claimed Rivers is the only state in Nigeria that has failed to present a 2026 budget, calling the Governor a “threat to democracy.”
- Illegal spending: Lawmakers allege the Governor has awarded contracts outside the law and “changed public funds to dollars” to undermine the constitution.
- The ‘Mistake’: In a stinging personal rebuke, the Speaker described Governor Fubara’s election as a “mistake,” adding: “Rivers State has never had it this bad.”
The party is divided
In a striking twist, the Rivers State branch of the APC has come out in support of the Governor, despite the lawmakers who are seeking his removal also claiming allegiance to the party.
The party’s spokesperson, Darlington Nwauju, dismissed the “gross misconduct” charges as a “hangover” from old rivalries within the opposition PDP. He argued that a budget approved by the National Assembly during a period of emergency rule last year remains legally valid until August 2026, meaning the Governor is not in breach of the law.
What happens next?
The Assembly has adjourned until 15 January to allow the Governor time to respond to the allegations.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara’s office has remained calm, stating they will not react until they receive formal notice. “The world is watching,” a senior official said. “Our priority is peace and stability.”
Observers say the intervention of President Bola Tinubu may be the only way to prevent a total political breakdown in Nigeria’s oil heartland, where previous power struggles have often turned violent.
Add Comment