Nothing will happen if Rivers Assembly decides to impeach Governor Fubara
Nothing will happen if Rivers Assembly decides to impeach Governor Fubara
On Wednesday, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), asserted that no repercussions would arise if the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martins Amaewhule, decides to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike’s comments, made during a live broadcast in Abuja, sparked different reactions, adding fuel to the ongoing political tensions in the state.
He remarked: “If you have committed an offence warranting impeachment, what’s the issue? Is it a criminal offence? It’s provided for in the constitution. Am I a member of the Assembly?
“If you have breached the constitution and the Assembly finds it appropriate to declare your impeachment.
“I have heard people say: ‘Oh, if they impeach him, there will be a breakdown of law and order.’ Nonsense! Nothing will happen.”
On Friday, February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court delivered a series of rulings concerning the ongoing political crisis in the oil-rich South-South state.
In a judgment read by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, the five-member panel of justices unanimously rejected the cross-appeal filed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, which contested the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of Martins Amaewhule as Speaker.
The court, in dismissing Fubara’s appeal, ordered that Amaewhule immediately resume his duties alongside other elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Additionally, the Supreme Court issued a directive preventing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other relevant agencies from releasing any funds to the Rivers State Government until it addresses what the court described as blatant disobedience to previous court orders.
In another significant decision, the court declared the local government elections held in the state on October 5, 2024, as invalid.
In response to the court’s rulings, Fubara announced that he would fully comply with the Supreme Court’s decisions and instructed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to prepare for a new election.
The RSIEC set a new date for the local government election: August 9, 2025.
Following this, the Rivers State House of Assembly issued an arrest warrant for RSIEC Chief Justice Adolphus Enebeli (RTD) after he failed to appear before the Assembly.
On March 7, 2025, the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, sent a letter requesting a meeting with the lawmakers on March 10, 2025, to discuss the re-presentation of the 2025 budget and peace talks. However, the Assembly instructed the governor to properly channel his invitation.
