Political tension is rising in Rivers State as calls for Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s resignation intensify amid renewed impeachment proceedings by the State House of Assembly.
A pro-democracy group, the National Vanguard for Accountable and Transparent Democracy (NVATD), has urged the governor to step aside, arguing that his continued stay in office is worsening the political crisis in the state.
The group said the Rivers State House of Assembly has formally commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara, claiming that 26 out of the 27 lawmakers have signed the impeachment notice.
The impeachment notice was presented during plenary on Thursday, January 8, by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Major Jack. Lawmakers listed eight allegations of gross misconduct against the governor.
One of the major accusations is the alleged failure of the governor to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the House, a move the Assembly said undermines its constitutional powers.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Comrade Wisdom Abah, NVATD accused Governor Fubara of violating a peace agreement earlier brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to end the prolonged political standoff in Rivers State.
The group claimed the governor failed to honour commitments made during peace meetings held in June and September 2025, including cooperation with the legislature and granting autonomy to key institutions.
According to NVATD, the alleged refusal to follow through on the agreement has reopened political tensions and threatened stability in the state.
NVATD described resignation as the most honourable option available to the governor, insisting that his actions had damaged relations between the executive and legislative arms of government.
The group also criticised comments previously attributed to Governor Fubara, which it said showed disrespect for lawmakers and democratic institutions.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly has maintained that impeachment proceedings will continue despite calls for intervention.
The Assembly’s spokesperson, Enemi George, said in a television interview that there was no plan to halt the process, adding that previous interventions had failed to resolve the crisis.
He stated that unless there is a constitutional change, the lawmakers would proceed with the impeachment, accusing the governor of repeating actions that led to the current standoff.
