Political Tensions Rise As Rivers State Lawmakers Move To Impeach Governor Fubara.
The political crisis in Rivers State has deepened following the initiation of impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu. The move, led by Speaker Martin Chike Amaewhule and backed by 26 lawmakers, has shifted attention to the State Chief Judge, who is legally mandated to set up an investigative panel. However, reports indicate that the Chief Judge has proceeded on vacation, raising questions about the legality of the process.
Legal Concerns and Constitutional Debate
Legal experts have weighed in on the situation, questioning whether an acting Chief Judge can legally constitute the investigative panel required for the impeachment process. Comparative constitutional lawyer President Aigbokhan argued that only a substantive Chief Judge has the authority to appoint such a panel. He further stated that the House of Assembly should first conduct its own investigation and invite the governor for questioning before escalating the matter.
“The House of Assembly must act responsibly and not provoke public outrage. Sovereignty ultimately lies with the people, even in a representative democracy,” Aigbokhan remarked.
Similarly, judiciary reform advocate Bayo Akinlade expressed scepticism about the role of the judiciary in the impeachment process. He argued that the judiciary is often entangled in political interests and suggested that observers should simply watch the events unfold.
State Government Denies Impeachment Notice
Despite reports of the impeachment proceedings, the Rivers State Government has denied receiving any formal notice of alleged misconduct against Governor Fubara and his deputy. Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, dismissed the claims, alleging that the Assembly was obstructing the governor’s efforts to implement the Supreme Court’s judgment and present the 2025 budget.
“The governor remains committed to peace and good governance, but certain lawmakers are determined to create instability instead of focusing on legislative duties,” Johnson said.
He further warned that the lawmakers’ actions could have severe economic consequences, including an inability to pay salaries and pensions, following an order for the suspension of the state’s revenue allocations by the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant-General of the Federation.
EFCC Invited to Probe State Secretary
In a related development, the House of Assembly has invited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, over alleged financial misconduct. The lawmakers claimed that the governor had instructed heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies not to honour their invitations, prompting the need for an external investigation.
Additionally, the House has amended its Standing Orders, allowing it to sit at any time, even outside regular legislative schedules, if deemed necessary for the state’s interest.
Opposition Lawmakers Condemn Impeachment Move
A coalition of opposition lawmakers has criticised the impeachment efforts, labelling them as illegal. Spokesperson Ikenga Ugochinyere urged Rivers residents to disregard what he described as a politically motivated strategy to destabilise the state.
“The impeachment attempt is merely a distraction from their refusal to receive the 2025 budget. This is a desperate move to shift attention away from their constitutional violations,” the coalition’s statement read.
They also accused the pro-Wike lawmakers of orchestrating the crisis to install a new governor aligned with their interests, adding that their actions were “dead on arrival.”
Legal Perspectives On The Crisis
While some legal experts argue that the impeachment process must follow due process, others believe Governor Fubara has made missteps in handling state affairs. Ibrahim Lawal, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ibadan Branch, criticised the governor for his approach to governance and his conflicts with the legislature.
“Governor Fubara has struggled to manage relationships effectively. His actions, including the demolition of the House of Assembly complex, have worsened the situation,” Lawal stated.
Senior lawyer Silvanus Maliki (SAN) maintained that if the governor had committed an impeachable offence, the law should take its course.
Federal High Court to Rule on Lawmakers’ Defection Case
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has adjourned ruling on a motion seeking to strike out a suit filed by the Labour Party against Speaker Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The case, which questions the legality of their seats, is set for a decision on 16 April.
As tensions continue to escalate, all eyes remain on the judiciary and political actors to see how the crisis in Rivers State unfolds.
