Port Harcourt, Nigeria – Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is facing renewed threats of impeachment following the Supreme Court’s dismissal of his appeal challenging the legitimacy of the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly. The ruling, which upholds the authority of the 27-member legislature, has significantly weakened Fubara’s political standing and could pave the way for fresh impeachment proceedings.
The apex court’s decision, delivered by a five-member panel led by Justice Uwani Musa Abba-Aji, upheld earlier rulings by the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, which faulted Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget before a five-member Assembly led by Edison Ehie. With the court affirming that the Amaewhule-led Assembly remains the legally recognized legislature, the governor has been ordered to re-present the state’s budget before the same lawmakers who had previously initiated impeachment proceedings against him.
Impeachment Plot Back on the Table?
Political analysts believe that with the Supreme Court ruling in their favor, the pro-Nyesom Wike lawmakers may now revive the impeachment process against Fubara. The crisis between the governor and the state legislature began last year when 27 lawmakers, loyal to former Governor Wike, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Fubara had insisted that the defected lawmakers had lost their seats and proceeded to recognize the five-member Assembly led by Ehie. However, with the Supreme Court’s latest ruling, the 27 lawmakers now have full constitutional backing to resume legislative functions, including the stalled impeachment process.
A top political source in Rivers State revealed that impeachment discussions have resurfaced within the Assembly, especially with the governor’s repeated refusal to acknowledge their authority. “The Supreme Court judgment has made it clear that the Amaewhule-led Assembly is the legitimate legislative arm of government. If Fubara refuses to re-present the budget as directed, the lawmakers may see it as further proof of gross misconduct and move to impeach him,” the source said.
Fubara’s Dilemma: Compliance or Confrontation?
The governor now faces two critical choices—comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling and recognize the Amaewhule-led Assembly, or continue his defiance, a move that could fast-track his impeachment.
Political observers suggest that Fubara might attempt another presidential intervention to prevent his removal. However, with Wike’s strong influence in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet as FCT Minister, securing federal backing may be an uphill battle.
Some sources indicate that the Assembly may demand full compliance from the governor, including loyalty to its leadership, as a condition to halt impeachment moves. If Fubara refuses, he could be accused of violating the constitution—one of the legal grounds for removal from office.
What’s Next?
With the Supreme Court ruling now reinforcing the authority of the Amaewhule-led House, Rivers State is once again bracing for a high-stakes political showdown. If the governor fails to re-present the 2024 budget before the recognized Assembly, he could be setting himself up for an impeachment battle that could see him removed from office.
As the political crisis deepens, the coming weeks will determine whether Fubara can survive this renewed onslaught or be forced out of power by the same lawmakers he once sought to sideline.