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JUST IN: Rivers court stops impeachment proceedings against Fubara

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Oyigbo Local Government Area on Friday issued an interim injunction halting steps connected to the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.

In the ruling, the court restrained the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, the Clerk of the House, and other parties from sending any correspondence or documents to the Chief Judge of Rivers State relating to the impeachment process.

The court also barred the Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, from receiving, considering, or acting on any request, resolution, or articles of impeachment from the defendants for the purpose of constituting a panel to investigate the alleged misconduct of the governor and his deputy, pending further proceedings.

Read Also: Rivers’ lawmakers got N350m each, Fubara’s aide alleges

The presiding judge, Justice F.A. Fiberesima, granted the order while ruling on a motion ex parte in two separate suits filed by Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Odu.

Justice Fiberesima further granted leave for the claimants to serve the interim order and originating processes in Suit Nos. OYHC/7CS/2026 and OYHC/6/CS/2026, as well as subsequent court documents, on the defendants through substituted means at the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters.

The court also directed that the processes be served on the Chief Judge through any staff member at his chambers within the High Court premises.

The matter was adjourned to January 23, 2026, for the hearing of the substantive motion.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly reportedly resolved on Friday to proceed with the impeachment process against the governor and his deputy.

In a related development, four lawmakers who had earlier distanced themselves from the impeachment move were reported to have reversed their position, citing dissatisfaction with the governor’s response to calls for dialogue.

Details shortly…

January 16, 2026
Rivers’ lawmakers got N350m each, Fubara’s aide alleges

The Special Adviser to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Darlington Orji, has alleged that members of the Rivers State House of Assembly received N350 million each for constituency projects, despite claims by some lawmakers that certain payments to them were not appropriated.

He said the funds were disbursed under the administration of then Sole Administrator, Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.

Orji made the allegation yesterday while appearing on Arise Television’s Morning Show, where he addressed questions surrounding the budget process and recent tensions between the executive and the legislature.

Fubara’s aide made the claim amidst ongoing faceoff between the governor and majority of the state’s House of Assembly, leading to initiating impeachment proceedings against the governor.

Orji, who also referred to a N100,000 payment made in December to civil servants as an end-of-year appreciation, noted that the same amount was extended to members of the House of Assembly, though some lawmakers reportedly rejected it on the grounds that it was not appropriated.

Orji questioned the rejection, arguing that the lawmakers had previously accepted N350 million each for constituency projects without raising concerns about appropriation.

He said, “You know that your platform is a very respected one, and I will not come here to tell lies. I will not say what I’m not sure of now. Because the Governor did not agree with them on that, so they didn’t come up with a presentation.

Read Also: BREAKING: Rivers Assembly vows to proceed with Fubara’s removal

“You know that in preparing budget, there are too many things that will be improved that will make up the appropriation bill. And when they say the interest was not captured, and the man (Fubara) said, don’t worry, by December.

“So the specific amount I do not know as it stands today, because that presentation was not made because His Excellency, the governor, refused to accept that. But don’t forget, in December, there was N100,000 that was given to civil servants as a way of appreciating them and end of the package, it was also given to the members of Rivers. Some people rejected the money.

“They rejected it that it was not appropriated. You cannot build something of nothing now you rejected because N100,000 was not appropriated. Can you ask them, please, sir, the N350 million naira that was given to each of them for their constituency project, where did it come from? Why did they not reject it since it was not appropriated?”

“It was Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator, after the signing of the Appropriation Act, that’s the budget has been passed to law, it was there they gave them the money. Why did they not say it was not captured, and the SUV car?”

January 16, 2026
BREAKING: Rivers Assembly vows to proceed with Fubara’s removal

The Rivers State House of Assembly has vowed to go ahead with the process of removing Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.

The members, including those, who earlier made appeals to consider political solutions instead of outright removal of Fubara unanimously agreed to proceed with the process.

Read Also: Fubara hails Tinubu’s commitment to building strong military

They made their decision known in Port Harcourt at a joint press briefing insisting that the Governor and his Deputy had no plan to retrace their steps.

Details shortly…

January 16, 2026
Fubara hails Tinubu’s commitment to building strong military

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has applauded the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to building a strong military that is ready to defend the country’s sovereignty and tackle the nation’s internal security challenges.

Speaking on Thursday in Port Harcourt at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, the governor commended the President for equipping the armed forces with modern weapons and motivating them with improved welfare packages.

Fubara said, “We also commend our President for equipping our armed forces with the modern weapons they need and for motivating them through significantly improved salaries and other welfare packages, which have delivered the visible successes his administration has achieved in the fight against Boko Haram and associated terrorists”.

The governor vowed that his government would continue to support the Federal Government, armed forces and other national security agencies in maintaining peace and stability in Rivers and beyond.

Reflecting on the sacrifices of the armed forces, he said they were deployed to fight across the country observing that in the North-east, they were at war with Boko Haram and other Islamic insurgents and terrorists

He said over the years, soldiers had been deployed in the North-West and North-Central, ro combat banditry and criminal abductions that had caused destruction to lives and property, untold displacement, and hardship to the people.

Fubara said, “Our soldiers are also in the South-East and other parts of the Southern States, fighting the distinctive security challenges of these areas, including organised pipeline vandalism and transnational crude oil theft in our creeks and on the high seas.

“Many of our soldiers paid the supreme price during the First and Second World Wars, and in several peacekeeping combat operations they participated in. Nigerian families reportedly lost over a million soldiers during the needless 30-month civil war.

Read Also: Civic group clears Fubara, says impeachment process lacks constitutional basis

“We also know that many more have died and continue to die in the infamous Sambisa forests and in other battle zones across the country, fighting to keep our people and communities safe and secure from Islamic terrorists and bandits”.

The governor called on stakeholders to reflect on the sacrifice and legacy of the armed forces and to collectively express their gratitude to those who paid the supreme price in the service of the nation and to the families and loved ones they left behind.

He described the armed forces as an embodiment of courage, duty, and patriotism that had inspired many generations.

He said, “We celebrate our armed forces for their extraordinary sacrifice, loyalty, and unwavering dedication to the unity, peace, and progress of Nigeria as one indivisible nation.

“We further celebrate our armed forces for enabling and sustaining the prevailing peace in most parts of our country, just as the freedoms we exercise and take for granted as citizens of this great country are safeguarded by their blood and sacrifice.

“The unwavering resolve and dedication of our soldiers in the face of overwhelming odds should serve as a timeless reminder of the power of courage, the cost of liberty, and the enduring values of freedom and justice”.

Fubara said the people owed fallen and serving heroes a lasting debt, adding that history would be unkind to everyone who failed to celebrate their bravery, honour their memory, and preserve their legacy forever.

He said, “Today is not only for us to honour our fallen heroes; it is also a time to appreciate our veterans who have retired to civilian life and the Goldstar families who bear the full weight of sacrifice, living without their spouses, parents, children, breadwinners, and loved ones.

“These are our patriots who have given so much to our country and who deserve our heartfelt gratitude, measurable support, and prayers at all times for their personal sacrifices and invaluable contributions to national peace and security. Above all, we are humbled by your sacrifice and inspired by your resilience”.

He thanked the veterans, their families, and the families of the fallen heroes from Rivers State, and assured them that his government would never forget their heroic legacy of service and sacrifice to the motherland.

The governor said the nation must continue to honour the promise to celebrate the armed forces and to honour their legacy of service and sacrifice.

“We keep that promise when we defeat Boko Haram and associated armed terrorists and bring all internal armed conflicts and combat operations to a definitive end.

“We keep that promise by prioritising and enhancing the welfare and well-being of our armed forces and ensuring that they and their families have access to quality healthcare, decent housing, and an improved quality of life.

“I reiterate that we will continue to strengthen our relationship with the various military command structures in Rivers State and provide relevant logistical support to enhance their operations, well-being, and efficiency.

“We will also continue to advance the welfare and well-being of members of the Nigerian Legion from the State and their families through good, inclusive governance and the provision of direct socio-economic opportunities”, Fubara said.

January 15, 2026
Civic group clears Fubara, says impeachment process lacks constitutional basis

An independent civic watchdog has said the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, do not meet constitutional requirements for removal from office.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Good Governance Advocacy Centre (GGAC) said its 72-hour review of the impeachment notice and accompanying claims found no evidence of gross misconduct capable of sustaining impeachment under the constitution.

The statement, signed by Dr Zaccheus Ocha, GGAC’s country representative, said the organisation conducted a legal, procedural and factual assessment of the issues raised by the Rivers State House of Assembly and concluded that the notice did not satisfy constitutional thresholds.

According to the group, the allegations cited in the impeachment letter were either unsupported by verifiable facts or related to matters within the lawful discretion of the executive arm.

“The Good Governance Advocacy Centre has concluded, after a 72-hour independent review, that there is no act of gross misconduct established against Governor Siminalayi Fubara or his deputy,” the statement said.

The organisation noted that its review examined the text of the impeachment notice, relevant constitutional provisions, financial documents referenced by lawmakers and public actions of the executive since the administration’s inauguration.

None of the issues raised, it said, met the standard of grave violation required by Section 188 of the constitution.

GGAC also linked the development to the broader political tension in the state, noting that the current situation reflects lingering disagreements between political stakeholders.

“The pattern of events in Rivers State suggests that the impeachment proceedings are not occurring in a political vacuum,” the group said, adding that the atmosphere reflects efforts by various actors to assert influence within state institutions.

The organisation said that the impeachment appeared to be used in a manner capable of intensifying tensions.

It cautioned that using the removal process in this way could undermine democratic stability, both within the state and nationally.

GGAC further noted that several issues listed in the allegations related to administrative decisions that fall within the governor’s lawful authority, adding that no court order had been contravened and no criminal infraction established.

It also questioned the pace of the proceedings, stating that the timeline raised concerns about due process, adequate response time and the appearance of a predetermined outcome.

“The rush to impeachment, without sincere effort at dialogue or reconciliation, reinforces the conclusion that the process is punitive rather than corrective,” the statement said.

The group warned that continuing along the current path could lead to prolonged instability and distract from governance priorities in the oil-producing state.

It called on lawmakers to suspend the proceedings and pursue dialogue, urging political leaders, elders and civil society organisations to help prevent what it described as an avoidable constitutional dispute.

GGAC also urged national democratic institutions to monitor developments closely, stressing that impeachment processes should be guided solely by constitutional provisions.

The group said it will release its full analytical report to lawmakers, stakeholders and the public to support transparency and adherence to due process.

January 15, 2026
Fayose urges Fubara to reconcile with Wike
- Ex-Ekiti governor: Rivers crisis a ‘sad narrative’
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has advised Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to stop confronting Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.

He said the governor should instead pursue an honest reconciliation to resolve the lingering political crisis in the state.

Addressing reporters yesterday in Lagos, Fayose described the feud between Fubara and Wike as a sad development.

The former governor insisted that Fubara should exercise restraint and manage the situation, instead of engaging in open confrontation with the minister.

He advised Fubara to stop contesting issues of political leadership with Wike, noting that the realities of power were well known to all the parties involved.

“There’s a difference between the office and 001. What brought about the 001? Who gave you the platform to call yourself the 001? It is a sad narrative for Governor Fubara to be struggling,” Fayose said. “Rather, he should manage the situation. Even if Wike is saying he is the leader, it is not for Fubara to be contesting that.”

Read Also: INEC begins preparation for 2027, reaffirms commitment to electoral integrity

The ex-governor appealed directly to Fubara to make peace, urging him to take steps towards reconciliation. “I want to advise Governor Fubara again. Please, go and make amends and be at peace,” he said.

Responding to claims that Fubara had apologised several times to the FCT minister, Fayose warned that not all apologies could be considered genuine.

According to him, political allies encouraging confrontation will abandon the governor should the crisis escalate.

Drawing from his personal experience, Fayose said many among those who urged him to “fight back” during his political battles disappeared when he became isolated.

The ex-governor also argued that the emergency rule imposed on Rivers State last year worked in Fubara’s favour.

He stated that impeachment would have ended the governor’s political career, if the lingering crisis had continued.

Fayose said the situation should serve as a lesson about the limits of power and the importance of political wisdom.

“The emergency rule was all-winning for Governor Fubara. By now, he would have been history because the moment you are impeached, you’re out of the way,” he said.

Fayose stressed that the Rivers governor must learn from past political experiences, including those of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He also urged Fubara to respect constitutional authority and political realities.

Fayose advised the governor to “climb down from his high horse,” seek peace with Wike, and prioritise stability in Rivers State.
January 14, 2026
Lawmakers, PANDEF initiate Fubara, Assembly reconciliation

Reconciliatory moves to starve off the impeachment proceedings initiated against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, began yesterday.

A seven-member peace committee was set up by the Pan-Niger Delta Elder’ Forum to resolve the crisis between the governor and the House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule.

Also yesterday, two members of the Rivers State House of Assembly called on their colleagues to back down on the initiated impeachment.

PANDEF National Chairman Dr Godknows Igali, who set up the panel headed by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), said it has two weeks to submit its report.

Other members of the committee are Senator Obende Domingo, who represented Edo North District in the Senate, (Vice Chairman); former Housing Minister Chief Essien Nduese, retired Federal Permanent Secretary Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, former Director of Department of State Service Chief Mike Ejiofor, former Cross River State Attorney-General Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem (SAN), and Prince Godwin Okotie, who will serve as secretary.

READ ALSO: Trump govt revokes over 100,000 visas amid crackdown on immigrants

The political crisis got to a head last week after leading to the the lawmakers serving impeachment notice on the governor and his deputy over allegations of gross misconduct.

Both were given seven days to respond to the allegations.

Fubara’s supporters, who decried the proceedings, attributed them to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove him from office.

But the Northcentral All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum said the call for the minister’s sack or resignation was wrong, adding that it could derail the development of the FCT.

A source said President Tinubu had intervened in the Rivers logjam after Fubara met with him outside the country.

This claim could not be independently confirm last night.

According to the source, the President told the governor to implement the agreement he reached with the lawmakers.

It was gathered that Fubara, who had continued to call for calm, left Rivers on Sunday for Abuja to make consultations with All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

The source said the governor, who is now Rivers APC leader, left the state immediately after attending the Interdenominational church service commemorating the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

At the church, Fubara vowed to do everything possible to bring back peace to the state.

But an official of the House of Assembly said the lawmakers’ minds were made up on Fubara’s impeachment, adding that the lawmakers can only rescind their decision if the agreements are implemented by the governor.

He said: “I am sure that President Tinubu’s intervention will be dependent on the willingness of the governor to implement the agreements he reached with the lawmakers.

“We love the President and we respect him, but we also know that the President being an agreement keeper would not call the assembly to withdraw the impeachment notice unless Fubara has started implementing the agreements he entered into with the lawmakers.

“So, the only way the Assembly will back down is when the governor implements the agreements, otherwise nobody will save the governor this time around.”

Two lawmakers beg for Fubara

The members of the Assembly – Sylvanus Nwankwo, Majority Leader and Peter Abbey (Degema Constituency) – pleaded with their colleagues to tamper justice with mercy.

Sylvanus said in Port-Harcourt that following pleas from various elders and leaders within and outside the state, there was a need to amicably resolve the crisis.

He said: “You are all aware that the Rivers State House of Assembly issued a notice of impeachment on the governor and his deputy. But we are appealing to our fellow colleagues to tamper justice with mercy.

“Let us see how we can solve this matter outside impeachment proceedings. We are appealing to the conscience of our colleagues, having listened to many pleas, calls from our elders and leaders both within and outside the state pleading for leniency.

“We are begging our colleagues to reconsider our steps and see how this matter can be resolved amicably, although the governor and the deputy governor had infringed the constitution”.

Abbey urged Fubara to stop taking steps that could lead to the violation of the Constitution to facilitate the resolution of the matter.

He said: “The governor has infringed on parts of the constitution. But we are human beings and we want to plead with our colleagues to please reconsider. You don’t swing an axe the way you raise it. But the governor must also take steps not to infringe further on the constitution to bring an amicable solution.”

In the PANDEF arrangement Igali noted that Wike and Fubara are automatic members of PANDEF Board of Trustees by the virtue of their positions, adding that they could be accorded that position once they are out of government.

He said all former governors from Southsouth states are automatic BoT member.

King Alfred Papapraye Diete Spiff, former Governor of Rivers State and Amayanabo of Town Brass in Bayelsa State, who inaugurated the peace committee, said there is nothing that cannot be resolved.

Spiff who is the Co-chair of PANDEF BoT urged both parties to sheathe the sword for the unity of the state and region.

As part of the terms of reference, the committee is charged to identify main actors in the crisis and reach out to other stakeholders.

The committee is also expected to open dialogue between Fubara and the lawmakers.

Other terms of reference are:

“ Fully identifying the main actors in the crisis between the Governor and the Speaker of the House of Assembly.

“ Reaching out to other critical players, especially the Minister of the FCT, other former Governors, elders and traditional rulers and top political leaders.

“Facilitating Dialogue especially by encouraging open communication between Governor Fubara and the State House of Assembly to address grievances and work towards a peaceful resolution.

“ Recommending steps to restoring reconciliation and Stability.

“ Finding ways to restore law and order in Rivers State, ensuring the welfare and safety of citizen.

“ Encouraging tolerance, compromise, and political balance among. stakeholders to prevent further escalation.

“ Ensuring that any resolution respects the democratic will of the people and adherence to constitutional norms.

“ Ensuring that sensitive information shared during the reconciliation process is kept confidential to foster trust and facilitate open dialogue.

“ Consulting Stakeholders: Engaging with all stakeholders, leaders, and groups directly or indirectly involved or impacted by the crisis to gather perspectives to sustainable peace building consensus.”

Agabi, who spoke on behalf of the committee, assured that peace will be restored.

Lamenting that the crisis had lingered for so long, he said the members of the panel heeded the call of the 97 years old monarch to mediate in the crisis.

However, Agabi said:“ The committee is not appointed to sit in judgment over the parties. We have no competence to do so. Our duty is to appeal to the parties to be reconciled with one to another, and we now do so.

“We appeal to the parties to embrace reconciliation. We urge them, we beg them, we appeal to them. Sacrifices are called for. Make them and let there be peace.

“We are appointed to explore ways of bringing the escalating political crisis in Rivers State to an end. This crisis has persisted for too long. If it continues any further, it will call into question the commitment of the parties involved to the interest of the people of Rivers State and of the nation that is compelled to share in the pains and anxieties of that state.”

He added: “We cannot afford to stand by and do nothing or pass by on the other side as Rivers state, a state whose talents and resources have blessed and continue to bless the nation struggles with issues of political power.”

APC forum rejects calls for Wike’s resignation

The North-Central APC forum cautioned against the call for Wike’s resignation or removal, saying that it could derail the ongoing development in Abuja and undermine the gains recorded under the Tinubu administration.

The Forum also cautioned against pressure on the President to redeploy the minister, describing the agitation as politically motivated and detrimental to the interests of the Northcentral zone.

The Chairman of the Forum, Saleh Zazzaga, said Wike should be allowed to continue his work in the FCT, which is an integral part of the Northcentral region.

He said: “The North-Central All Progressives Congress, APC, Forum rejects calls for the resignation of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.

“The minister is performing well in the FCT under an APC administration and we frown at such calls, especially as it concerns the development of the FCT, which is part of the North-Central.

“Some people stayed eight years as FCT minister without anything to show for it, but under two years, Wike has turned the FCT around.”

January 13, 2026
Why I’m at peace despite impeachment notice, by Fubara
- Rivers Assembly alleges plot to stop proceedings
“I am unperturbed by the impeachment proceedings initiated by the House of Assembly,” Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara declared yesterday.

He spoke during the Inter-Denominational Church Service in commemoration of 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day at St Cyprain’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt.

He also said that he would not comment on the resurgence of political crisis.

Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, have been served with impeachment notice by the Assembly over alleged gross misconduct.

Although the governor insisted that he would not complain about the logjam, the House of Assembly raised the alarm that his agents have began moves to truncate the procedures through a court order.

He said the order is targetted at preventing lawmakers from hold plenary.

A statement by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Dr Enemi Alabo George, said the plot was to obtain the exparte order from the state High Court outside Port Harcourt, the state capital, against the process.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, chided critics who have called for his removal by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and reaffirmed his leadership of the state.

‘Why I am not disturbed’

Fubara urged Rivers people to remain calm, assuring that peace will be restored “by God’s grace”.

He alluded to his New Year remarks that “dogs bark when they don’t understand,” insisting that many people in the state lacked comprehension.

Fubari said: “At the new year banquet, I said something, that dogs bark when they don’t understand. A lot of you don’t understand. The reason why I don’t shout and I don’t complain is that I know what I have. I know that I have what is Supreme and that is God.

“So, I want everyone to be relaxed. What is important is peace for this our dear state and we will get it by the grace of God.”

Odu, who was also asked to address the congregation by the governor, hailed the priest, Rev. Blessing Enyindah, for his message that “we are remembered by what we have done.”

She said: “It is a thing that we should go back and reflect on in our heart, and it should guide our attitudes, how we relate to people bearing in mind that there will be a day of reckoning. A day when people will reflect on what you have done, whether it be good or bad. But let us by God’s grace be remembered for good.

“Let’s leave this Cathedral and let it resonate in our hearts that we should think of the good we should be remembered. It doesn’t matter whatever else, but let’s be remembered for good. What we do that we look at life more positively and do things more positively and more impactful”.

Read Also: Rivers lawmakers adamant as stakeholders move to stop Fubara’s impeachment

Plot to stop removal thickens

House of Assembly Spokesman George alleged plots by some persons linked to the executive arm to get a court order stopping the lawmakers from performing its functions.

He said the move was dead on arrival because it would amount to an attempt to subvert the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

George said the move was illegal, insisting that it ran foul of Section 272 (3) and 188 (10) of the constitution as well as some judicial decisions of the Court of Appeal.

He said instead of running from pillar to post, the governor and his deputy should respond to the allegations of gross misconduct.

Wike knock critics over call for sack

Wike took an exception to the calls for his sack, describing those behind it ‘jokers’.

He said it is not within their power to advise Tinubu on what to do on his appointment as minister.

The minister also dismissed criticisms trailing his political choices, insisting that politics is driven by interests, power and the will of the people, and not sentiment or emotions.

Wike, who spoke during his “thank you” tour of his home local government – Obio/Akpor – said that his decision to venture into politics was deliberate and not accidental.

The minister explained that he chose to be a politician and not a pastor, a trader, a public commentator or journalist, urging them to allow him play his politics.

He said: “I did not say I wanted to be a journalist. I did not say I wanted to shape public opinion through writing. I said clearly that I wanted to be a politician and that is what I am.

“For those who are crying left, right,and centre, it’s your business. You can not be a politician and the same time a trader, and the same time a pastor. No, you must choose what you want to do”.

Wike said his visit to Obio/Akpor was borne out of gratitude, noting that acknowledging support is a fundamental principle of leadership.

The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, said Obio/Akpor has over 684,000 votes of the 3.5 million registered voters in Rivers State.

Chinda, who represents the LGA in the Green Chamber, said that with the voting strength, nobody would challenge the power of the LGA in the state.

Turning to Wike, he said: “Just go home. Tell us what you want us to do and we will do it.”

The chairman of the council, Dr Gift Worlu, described Wike as a “gift” to the local government, the state and the country, due to his outstanding performance in public service at the local, state and national levels.

The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, reassured the minister of the full support of people in the local government area.

He said the lawmakers would continue to pray for him and support his call for the President’s re-election.
January 12, 2026
Impeachment: Why I am not disturbed, by Fubara

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has broken his silence a few days after the state’s House of Assembly served him and his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, notices of allegations of gross misconduct.

Fubara spoke at the Inter-Denominational Church Service in Commemoration of 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day at St Cyprain’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt, on Sunday.

Fubara said he was not disturbed and would not complain about the fresh political rift because he had the Supreme Being, God, with him.

He made reference to his New Year remarks when he said, “dogs bark when they don’t understand,” insisting that many people in the state lacked comprehension.

The governor asked the people to relax, adding that peace would be restored in the state by the grace of God.

He said, “At the New Year banquet, O said something that dogs bark when they don’t understand. A lot of you don’t understand, the reason why I don’t shout and I don’t complain is that I know what I have. I know that I have what is, and that is God.

“So, I want everyone to be relaxed. What is important is peace for this our dear State, and we will get it by the grace of God.”

Addressing the congregation following the invitation of his boss, the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, said, “Rt. Rev. Blessing Enyindah, in his message, encapsulated everything when he said, “We are remembered by what we have done.”

She said, “It is a thing that we should go back and reflect in our heart, and should guide our attitudes, how we relate to people, bearing in mind that there will be a day of reckoning. A day when people will reflect on what you have done, whether it be good or bad. But let us, by God’s grace, be remembered for good

“Let’s leave this Cathedral and let it resonate in our hearts that we should think of the good we should be remembered for; it doesn’t matter what else, but let’s be remembered for good. What we do is that we look at life more positively and do things more positively and more impactful.”

She appealed to everyone to pray for legionnaires, the wives and husbands of the fallen heroes, as well as the government of Governor Fubara.

She said, “Please, continue to uphold the government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara and myself in prayers. Prayers have sustained us so far, and we believe that prayers will continue to sustain us.”

January 11, 2026
Rivers crisis: Group urges Fubara to resign for defying Tinubu-brokered peace deal

In the face of the ongoing impeachment process of Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the Assembly members; a foremost pro democracy and accountability group has asked the Governor to honourably resign before it is too late.

Fubara is facing another row of impeachment threat with 26 out of 27 House of Assembly Members already signed his impeachment notice.

Presenting the impeachment notice during the resumed plenary on Thursday, Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Major Jack, read out eight points of alleged gross misconduct against Governor Fubara.

Jack, who represents Akuku-Toru I Constituency, accused the Governor of demolition of the Assembly Complex; engaging in unapproved budgetary spendings; withholding funds meant for Rivers Assembly Service Commission; refusal to obey the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Financial Autonomy of the House; and seizure of the salaries of the Clerk of the Rivers House of Assembly, Emeka Amadi; amongst others.

The House also empathically accused Governor Fubara of rebuffing entreaties to present the 2026 budget, thereby undermining the powers of the Assembly.

Reacting Saturday morning, in a statement by the spokesperson, Comrade Wisdom Abah, the pro democracy and accountability group, under the umbrella of National Vanguard for Accountable and Transparent Democracy (NVATD), said, by reneging on the peace deal brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Governor has invited anarchy into the state.

“Let it be known to the whole world that, Governor Siminalayi Fubara is solely responsible for the political unrest that is currently befalling Rivers State. It does not take him anything to go back to the drawing board and follow the peace agreement he entered in June and September 2025, for the interest of the entire people of Rivers,” the group said.

The group stressed the refusal of Fubara and Deputy to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the House of Assembly, his flagrant neglect of the democratically constituted House of Assembly and his refusal to honour the peace deal supervised by President Tinubu, were the greatest unbecoming that would undo the Governor.

“The most honourable thing for the Governor to do now, is to just resign, before it is too late. Imagine he is the only Governor in Nigeria as at today, that has not presented the 2026 budget to the State Assembly. The Governor has no regard for the Lawmakers. He should be schooled that, Legislature is a critical arm of Government that performs critical roles. Lawmakers are not part of his executive.

“We saw his outing on BBC where he was boasting that there was no Assembly without him. He claimed he gave them existence and he could as well de-recognise them. He even claimed some Assembly members were feeding in his house and he paid their children school fees before he became Governor.

“Comments like these are not healthy for our democracy. The Governor should know better that, there is difference between personal relationship and governance. Even though he was close with some lawmakers before becoming Governor and they had personal ties, it would not preclude the Assembly, as a legislative arm of Government from doing its oversight functions on him and his executive.

“Refusing to present the 2026 budget to the State Assembly means he has de-recognized that institution of democracy as he rightly threatened. His refusal to grant total autonomy to the Assembly, autonomy to the Local Government and paying outstanding debts owed the Lawmakers, as agreed in the peace deal, means the Governor has not only insulted democracy, he has also disrespected the Assembly Members and above all, despised President Tinubu, before whom he made the commitments,” the statement added.

January 10, 2026