Despite the Rivers State House of Assembly initiating impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, the governor has not yet received a formal impeachment notice, the Assembly and political sources confirmed on Tuesday.
The development adds complexity to the protracted political crisis in Nigeria’s oil‑rich state.
The impeachment motion was raised on the floor of the Assembly last Thursday by lawmakers accusing Fubara and his deputy of gross misconduct, including alleged extra‑budgetary expenditures, undermining the legislature and failure to comply with constitutional mandates.
Members of the legislature loyal to influential political figures have led the motion.
However, four days after the motion’s presentation, the Assembly confirmed that Fubara had not received the impeachment letter, contradicting claims circulating in some media outlets that the notice had been served.
A credible source within government circles, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the governor’s absence from the state has complicated the service of the notice.
According to sources, Fubara returned from an official trip abroad only on Saturday night and later travelled to Abuja on Sunday after attending a church service for Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
The Assembly said it has been unable to effect formal service of the notice due to his movements.
The political standoff has also seen two lawmakers withdraw their support for the impeachment process, urging colleagues to pursue dialogue and reconciliation instead of removal from office.
These members emphasised the importance of tempering justice with mercy and prioritising peace in the state’s political landscape.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly has alleged plots to use judicial forums outside Port Harcourt to obtain ex parte orders aimed at stalling impeachment proceedings, describing such moves as unlawful interference in its constitutional duties.
The Assembly cited provisions of the 1999 Constitution to reject attempts to derail the process through litigation.
The political tension in Rivers State predates the current impeachment move, following a breakdown in relations between Fubara and key political figures, including former Governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Previous peace efforts and federal mediation have failed to produce lasting resolution.
Efforts by the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) to mediate the crisis have led to the constitution of a high‑level committee to foster dialogue among the warring parties, raising hopes for a negotiated settlement.
With the impeachment process still unfolding, the absence of formal service of notice on Fubara deepens uncertainty about the next steps. Stakeholders are watching closely to see whether the Assembly proceeds with formal service and subsequent hearings or defers action in favour of negotiations.
