Inside Rivers Power War: Source Reveals Why Lawmakers Are Moving To Impeach Fubara

A senior source with knowledge of the unfolding crisis told SaharaReporters that the governor’s stance infuriated lawmakers aligned with former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who were reportedly anticipating fresh constituency funding.

According to the source, the proposed supplementary budget was expected to accommodate constituency projects valued at about ₦10 billion for each pro-Wike lawmaker, a plan Governor Fubara allegedly declined to approve.

“The core reason members of the Rivers State House of Assembly are aggressively pursuing Governor Fubara’s impeachment is his refusal to bring forward a supplementary budget,” the source disclosed.

The source added that the governor’s decision strengthened the lawmakers’ determination to proceed with his removal.

Questions over earlier ₦350m payments

These claims follow an earlier SaharaReporters report alleging that at least 26 lawmakers loyal to Wike received ₦350 million each in September 2025 for constituency projects during the period Rivers State was under emergency rule.

Financial records reportedly reviewed showed that the total sum of about ₦10.5 billion was approved and released on September 12, 2025. However, investigations allegedly found that none of the projects linked to the funds had been executed.

A memorandum dated September 12, 2025, and signed by Engr. Atemea K. Briggs, Special Adviser on Works, was addressed to the then Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), requesting approval for the release of the funds.

“The purpose of this memorandum is to seek His Excellency’s approval for the year 2025 constituency projects for thirty (30) Honourable members of the Rivers State House of Assembly at the total cost of ₦10,500,000,000.00,” the document reportedly stated.

Approval was said to have been granted the same day, with funds paid into accounts of companies nominated by the lawmakers.

Further checks allegedly revealed that several of the companies were inactive, dormant or suspected to be shell entities, some of which were incorporated shortly before the payments were made. Physical inspections in the affected constituencies reportedly showed little or no evidence of project execution.

Background to the crisis

Rivers State was placed under emergency rule in March 2025 following a prolonged political standoff between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu lifted the emergency rule on September 17, 2025, allowing both the governor and lawmakers to resume their official functions.

On January 8, 2026, the House of Assembly formally commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.

During plenary led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, read out allegations of gross misconduct, with no fewer than 26 lawmakers endorsing the notice. A separate impeachment notice was also issued against the deputy governor.

Although four lawmakers initially withdrew their support and appealed for dialogue, they later reversed their position, insisting that the impeachment process should proceed.