The escalating Rivers State political crisis has once again drawn national attention as various influential groups urge the State House of Assembly to abandon its renewed impeachment threat against Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This complex power struggle, deeply rooted in the state’s political landscape, jeopardizes stability and effective governance, prompting calls from key stakeholders to prioritize peace and development over political discord. The current standoff represents the third such attempt, highlighting persistent tensions that have plagued the state for months and demanding immediate resolution to avoid further disruption.
Amidst the rising political temperature, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and its youth wing, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), have publicly appealed to the Rivers State House of Assembly to cease ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara. Speaking forcefully on the matter, INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, emphasized that the impeachment bid transcends mere regional politics, asserting it as a fundamental challenge to democratic principles. He urged all proponents of democracy to actively resist what he termed an unfortunate development, recalling previous resolutions that momentarily defused similar crises.
The IYC President, Dr. Alaye Theophilus, further articulated concerns, suggesting the Assembly redirect its focus towards scrutinizing alleged unauthorized spending rather than pursuing an impeachment that could destabilize the state. Dr. Theophilus stressed the importance of allowing Governor Fubara to complete his constitutional tenure peacefully, highlighting that continuous political attacks ultimately undermine the welfare and progress of the people of Rivers State. He underscored the need for a period of calm to foster development, not conflict.
What is the Rivers State political crisis? The Rivers State political crisis refers to the ongoing power struggle and tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly, primarily centered around repeated impeachment attempts and allegations of constitutional breaches, impacting governance and stability in the region. This protracted political dispute involves key political figures and factions.
Further compounding the pressure on the Assembly, factions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State have also voiced their rejection of the impeachment attempt. A statement from Darlington Nwauju, representing Chief Emeka Beke’s APC faction, reaffirmed the legislature’s independence but deemed the impeachment process untenable. The statement notably cited the federal budget, approved in 2025, which provides a legal framework for state governors to manage funds within a six-month window at the commencement of a fiscal year, thereby questioning the basis of some allegations.
Similarly, prominent figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including former spokesperson Hon. Sydney Tambari, have implored lawmakers to “sheathe their sword.” Tambari pointed out that Governor Fubara had already made significant concessions in previous efforts to maintain peace within the state, describing the current impeachment drive as an ill-timed and unfortunate development at the beginning of the year, distracting from critical governance issues.
The impeachment notices, formally read by the Leader and Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Major Jack and Hon. Linda Stewart, detailed several serious allegations against the governor. These included accusations of non-presentation of the 2025 budget, unauthorized public spending, withholding salaries of Assembly staff, failure to properly screen appointments, and the contentious demolition of the Assembly complex. These claims form the legal bedrock for the current legislative actions.
Twenty-six lawmakers, who staunchly supported the impeachment notices, contended that both the governor and his deputy were incapable of fulfilling their constitutional duties effectively. In response to these grave assertions, Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule committed to delivering the impeachment notices to Governor Fubara and his deputy within a stipulated seven-day period. Concurrently, the Assembly adopted a motion to suspend actions on the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the 2026 Appropriation Bill, pending thorough investigations into the allegations.
This latest impeachment effort unfolds amidst significant political realignments and shifts in loyalty within the state. A crucial development in December 2025 saw seventeen lawmakers defecting from the PDP to the APC, a move that was subsequently followed by Governor Fubara’s own defection. These defections have undeniably heightened the already existing tensions between the APC and PDP factions in Rivers State, creating a volatile political environment.
Observers are closely monitoring the situation, as this marks the third instance in which the Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara, following previous attempts in 2023 and 2025. The outcome of this current push will undoubtedly have profound implications for the political stability and governance of Rivers State, shaping its future trajectory. The Rivers State political crisis remains a dynamic and critical issue that demands careful attention and a peaceful resolution for the benefit of all citizens.
Addressing the Rivers State political crisis requires a commitment to dialogue and constitutional adherence. The various factions’ appeals highlight a shared desire for stability and development, urging lawmakers to prioritize the welfare of the state over partisan interests. Finding common ground and respecting democratic processes are essential to navigating these complex challenges and ensuring a prosperous future for Rivers State.
