Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
On Monday morning, October 30, 2023, the Rivers State House of Assembly descended into turmoil as legislators endorsed an impeachment notice targeting Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The action came in the wake of House Leader Edison Ehie’s ousting, prompted by allegations that he oversaw the burning of the Assembly Complex the previous night.
The conflict quickly intensified when Speaker Martin Amaewhule delivered the impeachment notice to Governor Fubara. The governor, showing clear anger, swiftly made his way to the Assembly Complex.
Outside the Complex, Fubara’s loyalists congregated, opposing the intended impeachment. In response to tear gas canisters being fired outside the building, lawmakers hastily vacated the premises.
Governor Fubara, in the midst of the chaos, firmly refuted any allegations of wrongdoing as he spoke to his supporters. He declared, “Let them reveal to the people of Rivers the transgression I’ve committed that justifies any impeachment,” and assured he would address the press at the appropriate time.
Subsequently, while taking a moment to speak to a gathering of his supporters at the Government House gate, Fubara accused the police of opening fire on him while he was end route to inspect the State House of Assembly Complex, which had been set ablaze the previous night.
Fubara identified a high-ranking officer within the Rivers State Police Command as the leader of the team assigned to hinder his access to the complex.
In the shadow of this impeachment proceedings, there are reports circulating about a discord between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently holds the position of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister. While the precise nature of their disagreement remains uncertain, rumors have surfaced.
A report implies an intensified power struggle, as Fubara reportedly resists Wike’s influence in the state’s affairs. Despite holding the position of FCT Minister, Wike has allegedly continued to exert control over state governance, causing escalating tensions between the two leaders.
Emerging information indicates that Fubara’s efforts to assert his independence and challenge Wike’s dominance have strained their relationship. There are allegations that Wike is orchestrating a scheme within the state House of Assembly to impeach the governor, further intensifying the political turmoil in Rivers State.
It’s important to note that Fubara, formerly the state’s Accountant General, was initially chosen by Wike to serve as Rivers State’s governor, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing power struggle between these influential figures.
Adding to the tension on Monday morning, the police blocked Moscow Road leading to the Assembly Complex. Lawmakers, who convened as early as 7 a.m., suspended House Leader Edison Ehie and other loyalists to the governor during a session presided over by Speaker Amaewhule.