PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria — The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially served Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Odu, with a notice of gross misconduct allegations, marking a significant escalation in the state’s ongoing political crisis.
The notice, issued on Monday, March 17, 2025, was issued amid deepening tensions between the governor and the legislature, which has been embroiled in a power struggle that has divided political loyalties in the state.
Although specific details of the allegations have not been disclosed, the move signals a potential impeachment process against Fubara and Odu.
This development follows weeks of growing friction between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Mounting Political Tensions in Rivers State
The impeachment notice comes just days after protests erupted in Port Harcourt, where angry youth set fire to Wike’s private residence, accusing him of working to destabilise the state government and orchestrate Fubara’s removal.
Wike’s growing influence in state politics, despite moving to the federal level, has continued to stir divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The House of Assembly, which has seen fractures among its members, remains at the center of the dispute, with pro-Wike lawmakers allegedly leading the charge against Fubara’s administration.
Next Steps in the Impeachment Process
Under Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution, an impeachment process requires a two-thirds majority of the Rivers State House of Assembly to move forward.
If the allegations are upheld, Fubara and Odu could face removal from office, further altering the state’s political landscape.
Fubara has yet to respond publicly to the allegations, but sources close to the governor indicate he is weighing his legal and political options.
Meanwhile, opposition figures and PDP loyalists have condemned the move, warning that it could lead to heightened unrest in the state.
With Rivers State now at a political crossroads, all eyes will be on how Fubara, his allies, and the state assembly navigate the brewing crisis in the days ahead.
