This decision followed the voting carried out to that effect by the lawmakers at a session chaired by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule.

Two votes were taken, one to determine whether or not the impeachment process against Fubara should be continued and the second, on the deputy governor, Odu.

The 25 members present at the session voted for the continuation of the process.

After the voting, the Speaker said following the power conferred on him by the constitution, with the House having resolved to continue with the impeachment process, he would write the Chief Judge of the state to set up an investigative committee to carry out a probe.

Specifically, the House accused the governor of gross constitutional infringements and deserved to be removed.

Before the plenary, members of the House of Assembly, addressing a press conference, vowed to continue with the impeachment process against Fubara and Odu.

The legislators said the governor and his deputy had grossly violated the constitution.

They said despite suggestions by some of the members that alternative solutions should be found to resolve the issue, the governor and his deputy had allegedly continued to intimidate the legislators.

They said it was obvious that the governor was absolutely authoritarian and should be removed.

They therefore resolved that they would continue with the impeachment process.

The impeachment process was started on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

It would be recalled that during the week, the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, inaugurated a peace and reconciliation committee to resolve the issue.

The committee which is chaired by a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), was given two weeks to resolve the issue.

The group was particular about ensuring peace in the oil rich state.

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The committee, chaired by a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), was given two weeks to resolve the standoff threatening governance and stability in the state.

The intervention came amid rising political tension, following impeachment moves against Gov. Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, by the state House of Assembly.

The forum’s board of trustees co-chairman, Alfred Diete-Spiff, expressed optimism that the initiative would lead to genuine reconciliation and lasting peace in the oil-rich state.

Diete-Spiff, while urging the committee to work expeditiously, said that Rivers, given its strategic economic and political importance to Nigeria, could not afford prolonged political turmoil.

PANDEF’s national chairman, Godknows Igali, said both the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Fubara, who are members of PANDEF, were expected to respect the outcome of the reconciliation process.

According to him, the moral authority of the organisation and the pedigree of the committee members would compel all parties to submit to dialogue and compromise in the interest of the people.

“It is our belief that, as committed members of PANDEF and leaders with a stake in the Niger Delta, all parties involved will respect the process and abide by the outcome of the committee’s work,” Igali said.

In his address, Agabi described the assignment as a solemn responsibility, thanking PANDEF’s leadership for the trust reposed in the panel.

He paid glowing tribute to Diete-Spiff, describing him as a symbol of sacrifice, unity and enduring commitment to the South-South and the Nigerian nation.

“The duty of respect we owe to a man like that demands that we take his intervention seriously,” Agabi said, noting that Rivers’ current predicament calls for wisdom, restraint and humility from all actors.

The former minister warned that the crisis, if allowed to fester, would raise questions about the commitment of the political actors to the welfare of the people of the state and the broader national interest.

“We cannot afford to stand by and do nothing as Rivers, whose talents and resources continue to bless the nation, struggles with issues of political power.

Agabi, who acknowledged personal relationships with both Wike and Fubara, appealed to them to lead the reconciliation process by example, urging them to rise above personal grievances for the sake of peace.

The seven-member committee’s terms of reference include: identifying key actors in the crisis; engaging critical stakeholders such as former governors, traditional rulers and political leaders.

The committee is also expected to facilitate dialogue between the executive and legislature; restoring stability and law and order as well as ensuring that any resolution aligned with constitutional norms and the democratic will of the people.

The panel was also mandated to consult widely, maintain confidentiality to build trust and submit a comprehensive report with recommendations to the president and PANDEF’s Board of Trustees within 14 days.

Source: NAN

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Fubara made the remarks on Saturday at a civic reception in honour of the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, held at Government Secondary School by Akabuka community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area.

The governor said he was encouraged by growing signs of unity and reconciliation across the state, and urged citizens to embrace peace fully so that development projects could flourish.

“We can’t develop in an environment of chaos. We can’t attract any project to Akabuka when there is a problem. Our disposition has always been towards maintaining peace because it is the only way we can move forward,” Governor Fubara said.

Reflecting on the political turbulence of the past two years, the governor said the return of normalcy had opened a new chapter for progress.

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He noted that political actors who once refused to share the same space were already attending events together, describing the development as “evidence that peace has truly returned to Rivers State.”

Governor Fubara announced immediate plans to begin rehabilitation of internal roads and the renovation of Government Secondary School, Akabuka, the venue of the reception.

“As soon as we leave here, the process for assessing the internal roads will commence. The Ministry of Education will also inspect this school, and we will take prompt action,” he assured.

Governor Fubara thanked the Minister of FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike, for the role he played in his emergence, saying that he did not take it for granted.

He also commended traditional rulers, youths, women and political stakeholders for their peaceful disposition, unity of purpose, and for standing by his Deputy.

In her remarks, the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, said the reception left her overwhelmed and grateful, describing the turnout as a testament to the peace, unity and love in her community.

She thanked Governor Fubara, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, and former Governor, Dr Peter Odili, for the roles they had played in her public service journey.

Odu highlighted cultural symbols at the event, such as a 21-cannon salute and the rare outing of Ebukele, a traditional performance said to appear only once in a decade, as “proof of Akabuka’s deep appreciation and respect for the Governor.”

She praised Governor Fubara as “a man of peace who talks less and acts more.”

Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Jason Osai, described Odu as “a delightful personality who has brought honour to Akabuka,” while ONELGA chairman, Shedrack Ogbogu, said the celebration marked the beginning of wider recognition for the deputy governor in the local government area.

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Addressing newsmen shortly after inspection of some sections of Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday, alongside his wife, the governor said the massive support base of the people was a demonstration of the bond between his administration and the people of Rivers State.

He assured of his continuous sustenance of the bond by doing what would benefit the state and thanked all stakeholders and authorities that contributed to the return of normalcy in the state.

“I know everyone wants to hear something from me. In fact you expected it when I landed from the aircraft.

“I am really humbled by what I saw at the Airport. I was briefed with pictures too on what happened here yesterday. Your reception really humbled me, because it shows love, confidence and solidarity.

“I want to say that it is not just the celebration, or the massive reception, by the number of people who came out to show solidarity, but a reaffirmation of the bond between this government and the people that we are serving.

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“I want to assure you that we will by the grace of God continue to do those things that made you people love us. I want to appreciate everyone and to say that we love you.”

Meanwhile on arrival at the domestic wing of the Port Harcourt International Airport, alongside his wife, Lady Valerie, Governor Fubara was received by his deputy, Prof. (Mrs.) Ngozi Odu, commissioners, leaders, serving and former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, serving and former chairmen of Councils, stakeholders and well wishers.

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Tinubu on Wednesday announced the end of emergency rule in Rivers, and reinstated Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the state assembly after six months of suspension.

A Niger Delta activist, Ms Ann-Kio Briggs, described the announcement as expected but raised concerns over the uncertainties surrounding Fubara’s return to full constitutional duties.

She said that Rivers people were expecting Fubara to return as governor and perform his constitutional duties without being gagged.

“Until the governor is allowed to freely carry out constitutional responsibilities, we cannot say exactly what the lifting of suspension portends,” Briggs said.

The activist said that the six months period of emergency rule was characterised by project abandonment, poor performance and undemocratic practices.

Briggs further stated that the suspension of democratic rule in Rivers inflicted incalculable losses on the people.

She said that Rivers people would demand accountability for the period the state was governed under emergency rule.

Darlington Nwauju, a factional Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers, commended Tinubu for lifting the emergency rule, and reinstating Fubara.

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Nwauju however, said that the state witnessed unprecedented poor governance and mismanagement of resources during the six months period.

“Rivers was poorly managed during the past six months. The sanitary condition alone reflected absence of governance. Workers experienced delayed salary payments,” he said.

He said that the emergency rule period had left Fubara with the huge tasks of restoring confidence, improving infrastructure, and re-establishing investor confidence.

“The state did not attract any foreign direct investment during the emergency rule period, but we must move on now that democracy is back in action,” he said.

Prof. Benjamin Okaba, the President, Ijaw National Congress, said that although the emergency rule had been lifted, the state was taken several years backwards.

He claimed that no fewer than 10,000 jobs were lost during the six months of emergency rule in the oil-rich state.

According to him, suspending the governor, his deputy and the legislature handed absolute power to a sole administrator and undermined  democratic principles.

Analysts said that although the lifting of emergency rule had ended uncertainties, questions remained concerning the political climate that awaited Fubara as he returned to office.

They suggested that sincere reconciliation between the governor and other political stakeholders would determine the pace of recovery.

Source: NAN

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Chief Magistrate Patrick Adekomaiya ordered that Odu should be remanded in the Awarjigoh Correctional Centre, Badagry, after he pleaded not guilty to defilement and unlawful touching.

He ordered that the case file should be duplicated and sent to the office of the Director for Public Prosecution, DPP, for legal advice.

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Adekomaiya adjourned the case until June 3, for ruling on the bail application and for DPP legal advice.

Earlier, the police prosecutor, Ayodele Adeosun, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on April 23, at 3.00 p.m., at Sikiru House, Tozunkanmeh, Ajara, Badagry, Lagos.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened the provisions of Section 261 and 263 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Source: NAN

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President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the state lawmakers for a six-month period, citing security concerns.

News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, visit to major markets, including Mile 1, Mile 3, and Slaughter in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, revealed a surge in patronage as residents scramble to buy essential goods.

Findings indicated that many people were making large purchases in anticipation of possible restrictions and security concerns due to the emergency rule.

Some residents also attributed the panic buying to the increased deployment of military and police personnel, along with heavy security equipment across the state.

A resident, who simply identified herself as Comfort, described the situation as alarming, noting that some basic household items had suddenly become scarce.

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The mother of three said she decided to stock up on food and other supplies due to fear of the unknown.

“I do not know what might happen next, so I came to Mile 1 Market to buy food that will last us for two weeks,” she said.

At Mile 3 market, Mrs Eazy Oluoma recalled her experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, which taught her a valuable lesson.

She explained that her family suffered from hunger during the lockdown because they had assumed markets and shop would remain open.

“I do not want to take the same risk I took the last time, which is why I am here to buy food items in advance,” she stated.

Dr. Chibuzo, who was in his car while his wife shopped for groceries, expressed concern over the political crises in the state.

He acknowledged that while the state of emergency had somewhat eased tensions, it would have significant economic consequences.

“Since the President’s announcement, food prices and other essentials have gone up,” he observed.

At the Slaughter Market along Trans-Woji Road, a resident, Wodi, lamented that he could not buy enough meat due to the crowd and rising costs.

He called on the authorities to intervene, warning that food inflation could worsen the hardship faced by the residents.

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The swearing in took place on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Tinubu had on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor, Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi, Odu.

Also suspended are all the legislators of the House of Assembly.

The president on Tuesday announced a state of emergency Rivers State on Monday in a nationwide broadcast.

He hinged his decision on the political crisis that had engulfed the state with the Executive and Legislative arms being at loggerheads.

He said with the failure of efforts by him and other well-meaning Nigerians and organisations to resolve the crisis, it became necessary for him to “invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th  March, 2025 and I so do.”

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He asserted that “By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.”

He declared that following the suspension he had nominated Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.

He however said the declaration did not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, “which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.”

He explained that the Administrator would not make any new laws.

“He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.”

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This is as the lawmakers have accused the two of gross misconduct and consequently sent a notice.

No fewer than 26 of the lawmakers were reported to have raised the allegation in a notice sent to the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, and obtained by Channels Television.

The lawmakers said their action was in compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other extant laws.

Among others, the lawmakers accused the governor of reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds, hindering or obstructing the Rivers State House of Assembly and the appointment of persons to occupy offices or positions in the state without following due process.

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The lawmakers added that Fubara’s sins included the seizure of salaries, allowances, and funds standing to the credit of the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly and the seizure of the salary of the Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly Emeka Amadi.

They accused the deputy governor of “conniving and supporting the illegal appointment of persons to occupy offices/positions in the Rivers State Government without allowing for the requirement of screening and confirmation.”

The Speaker has, according to report, forwarded the notice to Governor Fubara, pointing out that the allegation was raised by not less than one-third of the membership of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Fubara was asked to “reply to the allegations made against you in the said ‘Notice of Allegations of Gross Misconduct’ accordingly.”

The Speaker added: “In doing this, your attention is drawn to the provisions of Section 188(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which provides thus: ‘Within 14 days of the presentation of the notice to the Speaker of the House of Assembly (whether or not any statement made by holder of the office in reply to the allegation contained in the notice) the House of Assembly shall resolve by motion, without any debate whether or not the allegation shall be investigated’.”

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In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Saturday in Okitipupa and Ilutitun, the aspirants said that inadequate preparation marred the election, which did not hold in some wards.

171,922 accredited members of the party in 203 wards in the state were expected to elect one of the 16 aspirants jostling to be the party’s candidate in the November 16, governorship election.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State is one of the 16 aspirants jostling to get the ticket to be the party’s flag bearer in the upcoming election.

One of the aspirants, Chief Ife Oyedele, said that the election process was marred by pockets of violence at some voting centres across the state.

Oyedele, who spoke in Okitipupa, said that violence recorded during the primary was worrisome and a shame to the party.

“I am surprised at the process. The APC is supposed to set example for other parties, but look at what happened. This is totally condemnable,” Oyedele said.

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Also, Princess Oladuni Odu, a chieftain of APC, condemned the election process over the violence recorded and late arrival of election materials and officials in some wards.

Odu, the immediate past Secretary to the State Government, also chided the lackadaisical behaviour of some officials superintending the election in some wards.

“Our people here in Okitipupa Ward 2 were prepared for the election, but there was another accreditation list brought as against the party’s list.

“Some people in power believe that they can use their power to force themselves to return to power through back door. We will not accept it,” she said.

According to her, this election did not hold, another date should be picked because this was not properly done.

Another APC aspirant, retired Maj.-Gen. Olamide Ohunyeye, who spoke in Ilutitun Ward 1, said that the APC committee members and the election umpire were not seen at any of the three wards in Ilutitun.

Ohunyeye, who spoke through Dr Deji Akinwalere, Director General,  Olamide Ohunyeye Campaign Organisation, said that no election was conducted at Ilutitun.

“Our people were here since morning, but neither the APC committee nor the electoral umpires and even the materials have been here.

“We cannot say there was an election because it did not even hold at any of the three wards of Ilutitun 1, 2 and 3.

“So, this process is totally condemnable as far as I am concerned.”

Source: NAN

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