Rivers On Edge: Fubara Finally Reacts To Impeachment Move

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has urged residents of the state to remain calm amid renewed impeachment proceedings initiated against him by the State House of Assembly.

Fubara made the appeal on Sunday during a church service held to commemorate the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day. He assured worshippers that the political situation in the state would not degenerate into chaos.

The governor explained that his silence in the face of growing political pressure was deliberate and anchored on his faith in God.

Reflecting on a remark he made at the New Year banquet at Government House, Fubara said, “Dogs bark when they do not understand,” a comment widely interpreted as a response to criticism and political attacks against his administration.

“I said something—that dogs bark when they don’t understand. Many people don’t understand, and that is why I don’t shout or complain. I know what I have,” he said.

“I know that I have what is supreme, and that is God. So I want everyone to be relaxed. What matters most is peace for this state, and by God’s special grace, we will achieve it.”

Fubara spoke briefly before inviting his deputy, Ngozi Odu—who had earlier read the first lesson at the service—to address the congregation.

Deputy Governor Calls for Prayers and Restraint

In her remarks, Odu expressed gratitude to those present and encouraged residents to conduct themselves responsibly, in line with the sermon delivered by the Dean of the Anglican Communion, Archbishop Blessing Eyinda.

She reminded the audience that every action has lasting consequences and urged citizens to exercise restraint and uphold good conduct.

Odu also appealed to the people of Rivers State to continue praying for the administration, describing their prayers as “the pillar sustaining the government.”

The call for calm comes amid heightened political tension in the state. On Thursday, the Rivers State House of Assembly formally commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, accusing them of gross misconduct. Lawmakers also alleged that the governor authorised expenditures without legislative approval.

This development marks the latest attempt to remove Fubara from office since he assumed power in 2023, following a prolonged political crisis involving his predecessor and former ally, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

A History of Failed Impeachment Attempts

In October 2023, the Assembly launched impeachment proceedings against Fubara over allegations of gross misconduct, but the process was later abandoned following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu at a meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

By December 2023, lawmakers formally withdrew the impeachment notice after a peace agreement was signed by Fubara and Wike.

However, the truce later collapsed, leading the Assembly to strip the governor of his powers to appoint caretaker committees for local government councils.

In March 2025, impeachment proceedings were once again initiated against both the governor and his deputy. While the process was ongoing, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, suspending all elected officials for six months.

Fubara returned to office in September 2025 after the emergency rule was lifted, following another peace agreement brokered in June between him and Wike.

That agreement has since broken down, with Wike accusing the governor of failing to honour its terms.

Political tensions escalated further after Fubara recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).