Ohanaeze Ndigbo Demands Immediate Impeachment of Governor Fubara by Rivers Speaker

In a dramatic escalation of tensions in Rivers State, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, has called for the immediate impeachment of Governor Siminialayi Fubara. The demand, issued in a statement on February 28, 2025, and widely reported as of March 1, 2025, urges Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, to initiate proceedings against the governor without delay. This bold move follows a Supreme Court ruling that has intensified the political crisis in the state, spotlighting Fubara’s leadership and raising questions about constitutional governance.

Background to the Call for Impeachment

Ohanaeze’s statement comes on the heels of a landmark Supreme Court decision on February 28, 2025, which ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation to halt statutory financial allocations to Rivers State. Delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim and a five-member panel led by Justice Musa Uwani Aba-Aji, the ruling declared certain actions by Fubara unconstitutional, notably his bypassing of the state assembly in budgetary processes. The court also mandated the reinstatement of 27 lawmakers loyal to Amaewhule, affirming their legitimacy after months of legal and political wrangling.

The organization hailed the verdict as a triumph for the people of Rivers State and a firm rebuke of what it describes as "executive recklessness." Signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General, and Chief Chinenyeze Thompson Ohia, National Publicity Secretary, the statement accuses Fubara of multiple impeachable offenses that have destabilized governance in the state.

Alleged Offenses Cited by Ohanaeze

Ohanaeze Ndigbo has outlined a litany of grievances against Fubara, framing them as grounds for his removal:

1. Demolition of the Assembly Complex: The group alleges that Fubara ordered the unlawful demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex in late 2023, an act they claim obstructed 27 lawmakers from performing their constitutional duties. This incident, linked to the ongoing feud with his predecessor Nyesom Wike, has been a flashpoint in the state’s political crisis.
2. Governing with a Minority Assembly: Ohanaeze accuses Fubara of attempting to run the state with only four lawmakers out of a 32-member assembly, a move they say undermines democratic principles. This stems from his recognition of a faction led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, rather than the Amaewhule-led majority, which defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2023 but was later reaffirmed by the Supreme Court.
3. Abuse of Presidential Immunity: The statement claims Fubara has hidden behind Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution, which grants governors immunity from prosecution, to engage in actions that "cripple governance" and flout legal norms. Ohanaeze argues this misuse of immunity has shielded him from accountability for over 16 months.

These accusations paint a picture of a governor allegedly prioritizing personal power over constitutional order, a charge Ohanaeze insists warrants swift legislative action.

Supreme Court Ruling as Catalyst

The Supreme Court’s decision has galvanized Ohanaeze’s stance. By barring financial allocations until Fubara complies with budgetary laws requiring assembly approval, the ruling effectively crippled his administration’s fiscal operations. Ohanaeze sees this as validation of their long-standing criticism of Fubara’s refusal to reconcile with the Amaewhule-led assembly, despite earlier calls from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for peace in late 2023. The group argues that the verdict exposes Fubara’s "unconstitutional actions" and provides a legal basis for his impeachment.

Ohanaeze’s Directive to the Rivers Assembly

Ohanaeze has directly appealed to Speaker Amaewhule and the reinstated lawmakers to act decisively. "We call on the Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly to begin impeachment proceedings immediately," the statement reads, urging the establishment of a disciplinary committee led by the Chief Judge of Rivers State to probe Fubara’s conduct. The organization frames this as a critical step to "safeguard democracy and uphold the rule of law," warning that failure to act could erode Nigeria’s democratic integrity.

The call aligns with prior sentiments from the group, which has consistently backed Amaewhule’s leadership since the assembly’s split in 2023. Ohanaeze’s earlier statements, such as one on February 11, 2025, praised the Supreme Court’s dismissal of Fubara’s appeal against the lawmakers, signaling their support for the legislative faction opposing the governor.

Political Context and Reactions

The demand for impeachment intensifies an already volatile political climate in Rivers State, rooted in the fallout between Fubara and Wike, now the Federal Capital Territory Minister. The 27 lawmakers, loyal to Wike, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, sparking a legal battle over their seats. Fubara’s subsequent moves—demolishing the assembly complex and aligning with a minority faction—escalated tensions, leading to the current standoff.

Reactions to Ohanaeze’s call are mixed. Posts on X as of March 1, 2025, show some users endorsing the push for accountability, with sentiments like "Fubara’s time is up" reflecting frustration with his leadership. Others, however, question Ohanaeze’s authority, arguing it oversteps its cultural mandate by wading into Rivers’ political fray. The APC in Rivers, led by Tony Okocha, has previously urged impeachment in May 2024, suggesting potential partisan support for Ohanaeze’s position.

What Happens Next?

As of March 1, 2025, the Rivers State House of Assembly has not formally responded to Ohanaeze’s directive. Impeachment proceedings, under Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, require a two-thirds majority (22 of 32 members) to pass, a threshold the Amaewhule-led faction—now 27 strong—could theoretically meet if unified. However, political will, public backlash, and potential intervention from Tinubu, who brokered a fragile truce in 2023, could complicate the process.

For Fubara, the stakes are high. Losing state allocations already strains his administration, and an impeachment push could further destabilize his tenure, set to end in 2027. For Rivers residents, the outcome will shape governance and resource access in a state long plagued by political infighting.

This breaking development marks a critical juncture. Will the assembly heed Ohanaeze’s call, or will it pursue reconciliation? Share your views as this story unfolds—I’m here to keep you updated!