Rivers Governor Fubara May Meet Tinubu as Political Tensions Escalate with Assembly Probe

Rivers State is witnessing heightened political tension as lawmakers advance impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara while blocking his fiscal planning, even as the governor travels abroad, reportedly to brief President Bola Tinubu on the ongoing power struggle.

Sources at Government House, Port Harcourt, revealed that Fubara left the country with his unofficial Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, aboard a state-owned jet. The visit is believed to aim at alerting the President to impeachment plans initially scheduled for discussion on Monday, though the Assembly accelerated the process unexpectedly yesterday.

The Rivers State House of Assembly barred Fubara from presenting the Mid-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the 2026 budget pending the conclusion of a probe into alleged gross misconduct by him and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu. The motion, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, mandates an investigation into the governor’s financial and administrative conduct, citing failures to submit the MTEF on time and alleged unauthorized spending of public funds.

Speaker Martin Amaewhule stressed that the proceedings are constitutional, not personal. “This is not about personalities. The governor is not fighting any individual; he is fighting against the Constitution,” he said, adding that the impeachment process would follow due legal course.

APC Leaders Demand Wike’s Removal
Meanwhile, a coalition of APC leaders under the APC Leaders Forum (ALF) and Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement (TSSM) has called for the immediate removal of former Rivers governor and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The groups cited alleged anti-party activities, insubordination, and threats to national unity, referencing Wike’s public remarks during a visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area on January 5, which they said undermined the party’s authority.

The coalition warned that retaining Wike in the cabinet could destabilize the party ahead of the 2027 elections and pledged continued nationwide protests until action is taken.

Rivers APC Opposes Impeachment Move
The Rivers State chapter of the APC rejected the Assembly’s impeachment proceedings, describing them as destabilizing and a threat to state governance. Party spokesperson Darlington Nwauju highlighted that the 2025 state budget had already been approved at the federal level, noting that constitutional provisions allow a six-month spending window without a supplementary budget.

ADC Monitoring the Situation
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) said it is closely monitoring the situation before taking a position. ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi stated that the party would respond after carefully assessing developments in Rivers State.

Residents Express Concern
Residents have expressed alarm over growing political instability, warning that renewed impeachment efforts could harm economic activity and social development. Former Special Adviser to Wike, Opunabo Inko-Tariah, called the impeachment move “self-serving” and urged President Tinubu to intervene. Local business owners also lamented slowed economic activities and called for stability.

Assembly Insists on Constitutional Basis
The Rivers State House of Assembly maintains that the impeachment process is grounded in constitutional law, not influenced by Wike. Assembly spokesman Enemi George rejected allegations of financial inducements, citing repeated breaches of constitutional provisions by the governor, including spending without legislative approval and failing to appoint commissioners.

George affirmed that the Assembly is committed to completing the impeachment process, stating, “There is no guarantee that the governor is open to change or repentant.”