Introduction to the Crisis
The Rivers State House of Assembly failed to reconvene at the expiration of the seven-day ultimatum it issued to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu. This development has raised fresh questions over the next phase of the unfolding political crisis in the state.
Background of the Crisis
The House, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, and the executive arm of government, have been in a prolonged face-off. At its plenary on Thursday, January 8, 2026, the House served a notice of alleged gross misconduct on the governor and his deputy, citing accusations including the demolition of the Assembly complex and expenditure without legislative approval, among others. The lawmakers invoked Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution and adjourned sitting to January 15, 2026.
Current Developments
Checks at the Assembly’s usual sitting venue showed no legislative activity. The gates were shut, while security personnel were seen manning the entrance. The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Enemi George, had earlier informed journalists covering the Assembly that the House would not sit. This development came amid heightened public anticipation, as residents awaited updates on the impeachment process as the ultimatum expired.
Calls for Peaceful Resolution
Within the week, four members of the House addressed journalists in Port Harcourt, appealing to their colleagues to suspend the impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy and to seek a peaceful resolution of the political crisis. The lawmakers, Minority Leader, Sylvanus Nwankwo (Omuma Constituency); Peter Abbey (Degema Constituency); Barile Nwakoh (Khana Constituency I), and Emilia Amadi (Obio/Akpor Constituency II), said the impeachment move required deep reflection and extensive consultation.
External Influence
Sources told The Guardian that President Bola Tinubu and some Abuja-based top political leaders were displeased with the impeachment moves against the governor, a development believed to have influenced the unfolding events. Meanwhile, the governor has remained unperturbed, continuing with his official duties while deliberately avoiding any reference to the political impasse at both public and private engagements.
Court Case Over Local Council Elections
In another development, the political crisis rocking Rivers has recorded its first court case following the decision of some stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to challenge the nomination of candidates for the last local council elections. The PDP won three local council areas, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni, Port Harcourt City, and Obio-Akpor councils revered for their significance in determining electoral victories.
Details of the Court Case
Three stakeholders of the PDP in the state dragged the state’s factional Chairman, Aaron Chukwuemeka, Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), the PDP, and the government of Rivers State to the state High Court, challenging the nomination of PDP chairmen, their deputies, and councillors for the elections. The claimants, Enyi Uchechukwu, Wisdom Kalio, and Uche Amadi, in an originating summons, asked the court to determine whether Chukwuemeka, whose congress that brought him had been nullified, could validly submit a list of candidates to RSIEC for the just concluded council elections.
Conclusion
The political crisis in Rivers State continues to unfold with the House of Assembly’s failure to reconvene and the court case challenging the nomination of candidates for the local council elections. The situation remains tense, with various stakeholders calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
FAQs
- Q: What is the current political situation in Rivers State?
A: The Rivers State House of Assembly failed to reconvene after issuing a seven-day ultimatum to the governor and his deputy, leading to a continued political crisis. - Q: What are the accusations against the governor and his deputy?
A: The accusations include the demolition of the Assembly complex and expenditure without legislative approval, among others. - Q: Who are the stakeholders that dragged the PDP and RSIEC to court?
A: The stakeholders are Enyi Uchechukwu, Wisdom Kalio, and Uche Amadi, who are challenging the nomination of candidates for the local council elections. - Q: What is the basis of the court case?
A: The court case is based on the claim that the congress that elected the factional Chairman, Aaron Chukwuemeka, had been nullified, and therefore, he could not validly submit a list of candidates to RSIEC.
