The Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) has formally initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, escalating the prolonged political crisis rocking the oil-rich state.

At a plenary session held on Wednesday, lawmakers aligned with the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Assembly announced that they had commenced the constitutional process to remove the governor from office. The move followed the presentation of allegations said to border on gross misconduct, as provided for under Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

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According to the Assembly, the allegations include claims of abuse of office, refusal to present the state budget to the “properly constituted” House, and actions perceived as undermining the legislature. The lawmakers stated that the notice of impeachment had been endorsed by the required number of members and was being transmitted to Governor Fubara for his response.

Reading the resolution on the floor of the House, the Speaker declared that the Assembly was acting within its constitutional powers and insisted that due process would be followed throughout the impeachment exercise. He added that once the governor responds, the House would decide whether to proceed with the constitution of an investigative panel.

Governor Fubara, who has been locked in a fierce power struggle with his predecessor and political mentor, Nyesom Wike, has consistently dismissed threats of impeachment, describing them as politically motivated. The governor’s camp maintains that he recognizes only a different faction of the Assembly and has accused his opponents of attempting to destabilize the state.

Political observers warn that the impeachment move could further heighten tensions in Rivers State, which has witnessed months of institutional deadlock, court battles, and federal intervention. Many residents and civil society groups are calling for dialogue and adherence to the rule of law to prevent a breakdown of governance.

As of the time of filing this report, the Rivers State Government had yet to issue an official statement in response to the Assembly’s latest action.