Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has downplayed the impeachment notice issued against him, describing it as nothing more than a “love letter” amid the deepening political crisis in the state.
The remark followed a resolution passed on Friday by lawmakers loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike in the Rivers State House of Assembly. The legislators accused Governor Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, of gross misconduct and called for the setting up of investigative panels that could lead to their removal from office.
In a swift legal response, a Rivers State High Court on Saturday issued an interim injunction halting all impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy. The court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo, with the matter scheduled for hearing on January 23.
Reacting to the development, Governor Fubara urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that peace and security across the state remain intact. He cautioned the public against being misled by unverified reports circulating on social media, stressing that governance would not be distracted by political theatrics.
The opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) has also weighed in, condemning the lawmakers’ action and describing it as a “legislative coup” aimed at destabilizing the state’s democratic process.
The ongoing standoff is rooted in a prolonged political power struggle that began shortly after the 2023 general elections. The conflict is widely viewed as a clash between forces loyal to former governor Wike, who hails from the Ikwerre ethnic group, and Governor Fubara, whose political base is linked to the Ijaw ethnic nationality.
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Despite the tension, Governor Fubara has reiterated his commitment to peace, stability, and good governance, insisting that Rivers State will not be dragged into chaos by political interests.