Rivers Assembly Ends Impeachment Moves Against Fubara, Deputy

By Our Reporter

Rivers State House of Assembly has ended its impeachment moves against His Excellency Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.

The development came a few hours after the Court of Appeal, sitting in Port Harcourt, dismissed the appeal filed by the House, challenging the decision of a Rivers State High Court to issue an interim order restraining the lawmakers from going on with the proceedings.

The appellate court’s dismissal of the appeal followed the withdrawal of the matter by counsel to the 26 lawmakers, Ferdinand Obih (SAN)

The decision was reached during yesterday’s sitting after the impeachment process became entangled in legal and political challenges, which stalled further action pending the outcome of ongoing court cases and consultations.

The lawmakers had, in January 2026, initiated impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy over allegations of gross misconduct.

The House majority leader, Hon Major Jack, had during plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, presented a notice citing seven allegations against Fubara under Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution.

The accusations included demolishing the Assembly complex, engaging in extra-budgetary spending, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission and disobeying a Supreme Court ruling on the legislature’s financial autonomy.

Twenty-six lawmakers signed the notice, which was to be forwarded to the governor. Deputy Leader Linda Stewart also submitted allegations against Odu, accusing her of unconstitutional expenditure, obstructing the Assembly’s work, approving budgets through unauthorised channels and withholding salaries and allowances.

The impeachment push, which began in early January 2026, soon encountered judicial obstacles.

Rivers State Chief Judge, Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, declined the Assembly’s request to constitute the constitutionally required seven-member investigative panel, citing a subsisting interim injunction issued by the Rivers State High Court.