Rivers Assembly insists Fubara impeachment process ongoing

The Rivers State House of Assembly has dismissed reports claiming that impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, have been suspended, insisting that the process remains ongoing.

The clarification was contained in a press statement issued on Friday and signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

According to the Assembly, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, is being conducted strictly in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

“The Rivers State House of Assembly wishes to inform the good people of Rivers State that the impeachment process commenced by the House on Thursday, January 8, 2026, is fully on course and in line with relevant constitutional provisions,” the statement said.

The Assembly disclosed that two separate notices alleging gross misconduct have been issued against the governor and the deputy governor in accordance with Section 188 of the Constitution.

It added that the notices have been formally transmitted to both office holders by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and that lawmakers are currently awaiting their responses.

Lawmakers maintained that the House was acting within its constitutional mandate to uphold the rule of law and prevent alleged infractions by public office holders, stressing that they were duty-bound to carry out this responsibility.

Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment exercise had been halted, the Assembly accused some individuals and media platforms of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and create tension between the legislature and the people.

“We are aware that certain persons and media platforms are once again attempting to misinform the public by claiming that the process has been halted or discontinued. We urge the public to disregard such false narratives, as they are aimed at causing disaffection,” the statement noted, adding that the House would not be intimidated by threats or blackmail.

The Assembly further expressed appreciation to residents of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments, while extending goodwill to “all democrats who believe in the Nigerian project.”

Meanwhile, during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by Speaker Amaewhule, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read out the notice of allegations and gross misconduct against Governor Fubara.

The allegations, numbering seven, reportedly include the demolition of the Assembly complex, alleged extra-budgetary spending, withholding of funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and refusal to comply with a Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to the legislature.

The impeachment process began shortly after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accused Governor Fubara of violating a peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu in 2025.