Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara Faces Impeachment Threat Amid Political Tensions

Editor 14 hours agoLast Updated: March 5, 2025

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By DAYO ADESULU

The impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara has gained momentum as the Rivers State House of Assembly, now dominated by allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, intensifies pressure on the governor.

Rivers Assembly Demands Dismissal of Commissioners

In a new development, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Martins Amaewhule, has issued a formal letter to Governor Fubara demanding the immediate dismissal of all 19 commissioners and political appointees who were not screened by him. He also directed the governor to submit a fresh list of nominees for proper screening.

The letter, addressed to the governor on Wednesday, emphasized the unconstitutionality of appointments made without legislative screening. The Speaker stated:

“Your attention should once again be drawn to your illegal appointments of persons to serve in various offices without forwarding their names for screening and confirmation as required by the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and other extant laws.”

Legal Basis for the Assembly’s Action

Amaewhule specifically took issue with the governor’s appointment of Dagogo Iboroma as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice without screening. He argued that this action violated Section 192 (2) and (5) and Section 195 (1) of the 1999 Constitution.

The Assembly has given the governor 48 hours to submit a new list of nominees for appointment into the Rivers State Executive Council and to fill vacancies in all other offices.

Rivers Government Rejects Assembly’s Demands

Reacting to the Assembly’s ultimatum, Rivers State Commissioner for Environment, Hon Sydney Tambari, dismissed the demands as unconstitutional and politically motivated.

Tambari stated that all commissioners and political appointees had already been screened and confirmed by the then Speaker Rt. Hon Edison Ehie, who is now the Chief of Staff, Government House. According to Tambari, Ehie was recognized by a competent court as the legitimate Speaker of the House.

“I was screened by Edison Ehie, who was duly recognized by the court as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Before then, this group of lawmakers had defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and went to wherever they went to,” Tambari said.

After Ehie’s resignation, Rt. Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo took over as Speaker and further confirmed some of the commissioners and appointees.

No Fresh List to be Sent – Rivers Government Insists

Tambari firmly stated that Governor Fubara would not send a fresh list of nominees to the Assembly, emphasizing that the lawmakers were overstepping their authority.

“The demand for the sacking of the commissioners has been overtaken by events because all the commissioners and political appointees were duly screened. The governor has no reason to send a list of nominees to them.”

He further criticized the lawmakers for acting beyond the Supreme Court’s decision, which focused on the 2024 budget and not on the removal of commissioners and appointees.

“The presentation of the budget is at the discretion of the Governor, which has since been overtaken by events,” he added.

Political Crisis Deepens in Rivers State

The ongoing political power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike’s allies in the Assembly has heightened tensions in Rivers State. The House’s insistence on dismissing commissioners and its rapid impeachment maneuvers suggest an escalating crisis that could have far-reaching consequences for the state’s political stability.

What Happens Next?

With the 48-hour deadline issued by the Assembly, all eyes are on Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Will he bow to pressure and comply with the Assembly’s demands, or will this intensify the Rivers State impeachment crisis?

Stay tuned for further updates on this unfolding political drama.