In the aftermath of a landmark Supreme Court ruling validating the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, political tensions in the state have reached a boiling point, with fears swirling around a potential impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The Supreme Court’s recent decision solidified the legitimacy of the 27 lawmakers who had been accused of defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), quashing any legal hurdles that had previously shielded Governor Fubara. The ruling, which dismissed claims that the lawmakers defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to APC, has sparked a fierce political battle in Rivers.
Court Verdict Ushers in New Power Struggles
In its comprehensive 62-page judgment, the Supreme Court upheld the legitimacy of the Amaewhule-led Assembly, a move that has set the stage for a high-stakes confrontation between the governor and the legislature. This ruling directly challenged Fubara’s authority, who had previously dismissed the 27 lawmakers as illegitimate and operated with only a handful of loyalists.
The Assembly quickly responded to the ruling by demanding that Fubara submit the 2025 budget within 48 hours—a direct move to assert control over the state’s financial matters. Meanwhile, Fubara’s counteractions, including his directive to hold local government elections and hand over power to Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs), were immediately rejected by the Assembly as illegal.
Impeachment Fever Hits the State
As tensions flare, rumors of impeachment have taken center stage. Political figures like Minister Nyesom Wike have fueled the fire, suggesting that Fubara should face impeachment if he has committed impeachable offenses. Tony Okocha, Chairman of the Rivers APC, echoed these sentiments, calling for Fubara’s resignation or facing the possibility of impeachment.
However, voices from within the Ijaw community and Fubara’s supporters warn that such a move could destabilize the region. The Ijaw National Congress (INC) condemned any attempt to remove the governor, warning of dire consequences for the region’s peace and stability. Pro-Fubara groups also cautioned that any impeachment attempt could spark widespread unrest, given the governor’s popular support among the masses.
A Divided House: Calls for Reconciliation
Despite the escalating tensions, Governor Fubara made a public attempt at reconciliation, inviting the lawmakers to a meeting. However, his gesture was met with disdain as the Speaker of the Assembly refused to engage directly, instead criticizing the governor for his public approach. The situation reached a peak when Fubara was locked out of the Assembly while attempting to present the budget, further exacerbating the political standoff.
Political Players Weigh In: A Delicate Situation
While some argue that the impeachment process is unlikely to succeed without presidential backing, others are deeply concerned about the impact of continued political strife on the state’s governance. Timothy Osadolor, Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, emphasized that the political dynamics in Rivers make impeachment highly improbable, urging all parties to focus on the development of the state rather than internal political infighting.
Meanwhile, the APC has distanced itself from any impeachment agenda, with its spokesperson, Chibike Ikenga, asserting that the party’s focus remains on ensuring that the Supreme Court’s verdict is respected and that the state government and Assembly work together for the good of the people.
A Call for Peace Amid Uncertainty
Political analyst Dr. Omenazu Jackson has called for a peaceful resolution, stressing that further political clashes will only harm the people of Rivers State. He emphasized that the state’s development should be the priority, rather than prolonged power struggles between the executive and legislative branches.
With governance at a standstill, the people of Rivers are caught in the crossfire, as stalled federal allocations and halted infrastructure projects threaten their daily lives. The future of the state hangs in the balance, and many are calling for a swift resolution to avert further turmoil.
As the battle intensifies, all eyes remain on Rivers, where the outcome could shape the political landscape for years to come. Will peace prevail, or will the storm of impeachment tear the state apart? Only time will tell.
