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Rivers State Lawmakers Reverse Stance, Demand Continuation of Impeachment Against Governor Fubara and Deputy Odu
Shift from Reconciliation to Constitutional Accountability
In a significant development, four legislators from the Rivers State House of Assembly have withdrawn their previous call for reconciliation, now urging that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, proceed without delay. This announcement was made during a press briefing held on Friday in Port Harcourt, the state’s capital, and was captured in a video obtained by SaharaReporters.
Reasons Behind the Reversal
The lawmakers explained that their initial appeal for a peaceful political resolution was disregarded by the governor’s office. They accused Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Odu of orchestrating media campaigns through their aides aimed at undermining the authority and integrity of the House of Assembly. One legislator remarked, “On January 12, 2026, my colleagues and I appealed for a political solution to the ongoing conflict between the Assembly and the Governor. However, instead of engaging constructively, the Governor and his deputy have used their media team to launch continuous attacks against us. Consequently, we believe the impeachment process must move forward.”
Constitutional Violations at the Core of the Crisis
Another member of the Assembly emphasized that the impeachment is rooted in repeated breaches of constitutional provisions by the governor and his deputy. He stated, “We initially urged our colleagues to halt the impeachment, but as highlighted by the Minority Leader and the Speaker, we have faced relentless attacks because the Governor intends to persist in violating the Constitution. This is not an ethnic issue and should not be framed as such; it is strictly a matter of upholding constitutional law. Therefore, the impeachment must continue.”
Maintaining Focus on Legal Principles Amid Political Turmoil
The lawmakers underscored that their current position is motivated solely by adherence to constitutional principles rather than ethnic or personal biases. As political tensions escalate in Rivers State, the Assembly members remain steadfast in their commitment to ensuring that governance aligns with the rule of law.
Context and Implications
This political standoff reflects broader challenges in Nigerian state governance, where constitutional adherence often clashes with political interests. According to recent data from the Nigerian Institute of Legislative Studies, over 30% of state-level political conflicts in 2025 involved allegations of constitutional breaches by executive officials. The Rivers State case exemplifies the ongoing struggle to balance political power with legal accountability.
Looking Ahead
As the impeachment process advances, stakeholders and observers are closely monitoring developments, recognizing that the outcome could set important precedents for governance and constitutional enforcement in Nigeria’s subnational units. The Assembly’s insistence on continuing the impeachment signals a firm stance on constitutionalism that may influence similar disputes across the country.
