Rivers Assembly Commences Impeachment Proceedings Against Governor Fubara, Lists 9 Allegations of Gross Misconduct
The Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday, 8 January, 2026 formally commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, listing nine allegations of gross misconduct against him.
The motion initiating the process was moved by the Majority Leader of the House, Major Jack, who represents Akuku-Toru Constituency.
Speaking during a plenary session broadcast live on Channels Television and ARISE TV, Jack accused the governor of, among other things, failing to implement the constitutional provisions on financial autonomy for the judiciary and the legislature, starving the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission of funds, and engaging in extra-budgetary expenditure without legislative approval.
According to the Majority Leader, Governor Fubara cannot justify the alleged misconduct on the grounds of political disagreements within the state and must therefore answer to the charges as laid before the House.
The impeachment move marks another chapter in the protracted political crisis in Rivers State, which has its roots in the fallout between the governor and his erstwhile political mentor, former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The rift became public in October 2023, when the same lawmakers issued an impeachment notice against Fubara, triggering months of political instability.
The crisis eventually led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, by President Bola Tinubu. The emergency rule was lifted six months later, following assurances of reconciliation between the warring factions.
However, tensions resurfaced shortly after, as relations between the governor and the House of Assembly further deteriorated.
The situation worsened last month when Governor Fubara defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared himself leader of the party in the state.
Wike subsequently returned to Rivers State, disputing Fubara’s claim to APC leadership and embarking on a tour of local government areas, during which he reportedly appealed to former militant leaders believed to be supportive of the governor, to refrain from political involvement.
Political observers had been keenly watching Wike’s next move, particularly amid speculation that he may have lost influence at the federal level, as President Tinubu’s disposition appeared increasingly favourable to Governor Fubara.
The current impeachment proceedings are therefore being interpreted in some quarters as a renewed attempt by Wike’s allies to reassert control over the political structure of Rivers State.
As of press time, it could not be confirmed whether the impeachment notice had been formally served on the governor, who was said to be on a project commissioning tour across the state.
Reactions are expected from the governor’s camp, political stakeholders in Port Harcourt, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, in the coming days.
… By Emmanuel Obe in Porth- Harcourt