On Thursday, February 19, 2026, the Rivers State House of Assembly suspended its impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.
The decision to halt the process follows a series of legal hurdles and political pushback that made further action increasingly difficult.
The move to remove the state’s top two officials began in early January, spearheaded by 26 lawmakers who accused the pair of gross misconduct.
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During a session led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, Majority Leader Major Jack outlined seven specific allegations against Governor Fubara under Section 188 of the Constitution. These included:
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The demolition of the House of Assembly complex.
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Engaging in unauthorized, extra-budgetary spending.
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Withholding essential funds from the Assembly Service Commission.
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Disregarding a Supreme Court ruling regarding the financial autonomy of the legislature.
Simultaneously, Deputy Leader Linda Stewart presented accusations against Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, alleging she was involved in unconstitutional spending, obstructed the Assembly’s legislative duties, and withheld salaries and allowances.
Despite the lawmakers’ determination, the process hit a major judicial wall. Rivers State Chief Judge, Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, “declined the Assembly’s request” to set up the necessary seven-member investigative panel.
The Chief Judge pointed to an interim injunction issued on January 16, 2026, by Justice Florence A. Fiberesima, which legally barred the Speaker, the Clerk, and the Chief Judge from advancing the impeachment.
The political environment also proved unfavorable for the lawmakers.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) publicly “rejected the impeachment process,” labeling the entire endeavor as “destabilising and unnecessary.”
With the process now officially stalled, the Assembly indicated that any future steps would depend on the resolution of various court cases and further political consultations.
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