Martins Amaewhule, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, has warned that lawmakers are prepared to resign en masse if Governor Siminalayi Fubara is not impeached, describing the governor’s continued stay in office as a threat to democracy.
Amaewhule made the declaration on Thursday, January 8, 2026, as the Assembly resumed plenary amid escalating political tensions in the state.
The ultimatum underscores the deepening political standoff between Governor Fubara and a faction of lawmakers aligned with former governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The dispute centres on control of governance and adherence to constitutional processes, with the Speaker insisting that the Assembly’s actions are guided by the need to uphold the rule of law rather than personal or political rivalry.
The crisis dates back to Mar 2025, when 26 lawmakers filed a formal notice of alleged gross misconduct against Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.
The notice, released on Mar 17, 2025, marked the formal commencement of impeachment proceedings under the Constitution, citing alleged unconstitutional expenditure of public funds and breaches of other constitutional provisions.
Tensions further escalated following a Supreme Court ruling on Feb 28, 2025, which affirmed Amaewhule and the 26 lawmakers as the legitimate members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, strengthening the position of those pushing for the governor’s removal.
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Despite repeated calls to step aside, Fubara has maintained that he has committed no offence warranting impeachment, repeatedly affirming his commitment to democratic governance and constitutional order.
The political deadlock has attracted national attention, with opinions divided on whether the impeachment process will succeed or give way to dialogue or further legal action.
It remains unclear whether the Assembly will secure the constitutionally required two-thirds majority to advance the impeachment or whether alternative resolutions will prevail.