Fubara impeachment threat has drawn widespread opposition in Rivers State as major political parties and influential socio-cultural groups reject moves to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Ijaw National Congress, and Ijaw Youth Council have all urged the State House of Assembly to halt the impeachment process. The calls come amid rising political tension in Port Harcourt.
The Ijaw National Congress described the impeachment move as a dangerous attack on democracy rather than an ethnic or regional issue. INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, said the matter concerns democratic stability and warned against reviving a crisis he said had already been resolved following the earlier six-month suspension of the governor and his deputy.
The Ijaw Youth Council echoed similar concerns. IYC President, Dr. Alaye Theophilus, urged lawmakers to address any alleged financial irregularities through proper oversight instead of impeachment. He argued that Governor Fubara should be allowed to complete his tenure peacefully, warning that prolonged political battles only harm residents. He also accused lawmakers of undermining President Bola Tinubu, saying any serious allegations should be referred to him.
Political parties across the divide also rejected the Fubara impeachment threat. A faction of the APC, led by Chief Emeka Beke, said while the legislature remains constitutionally independent, impeachment at this stage is untenable. Party spokesperson Darlington Nwauju cited the 2025 federal budget framework, which allows governors a six-month spending window at the start of a fiscal year. He warned APC lawmakers against external pressure aimed at destabilizing the state government.
From the PDP, former state spokesperson Hon. Sydney Tambari appealed for restraint, calling on lawmakers to “sheathe their sword.” He said Fubara had made significant compromises to maintain peace and described the impeachment attempt as a troubling way to begin the year.
The impeachment notices, supported by 26 lawmakers, cite allegations including failure to present the 2025 budget, unauthorized spending, withholding Assembly staff salaries, improper screening of appointees, and demolition of the Assembly complex. Speaker Martin Amaewhule said the notices would be served on the governor and his deputy within seven days.
Lawmakers have also suspended consideration of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and the 2026 Appropriation Bill pending investigations. The Fubara impeachment threat follows political realignments after 17 lawmakers defected from the PDP to the APC in December 2025, alongside the governor’s own defection.
This marks the third impeachment attempt against Fubara since 2023, with political observers closely watching whether the latest push will proceed.
