Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
The Supreme Court has ruled that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara acted unlawfully in ways that weakened the state’s House of Assembly, effectively blocking legislative oversight in an attempt to prevent his impeachment. The judgment, delivered on February 28, 2025, has intensified the political crisis in the state, as the Assembly, dominated by lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, pushes back against Fubara’s administration.
Truth Live News gathered that the Supreme Court found that even before 27 lawmakers defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Fubara had taken unconstitutional actions that disrupted the Assembly’s operations. The court noted that after assuming office in 2023, Fubara feared that lawmakers influenced by political opponents were planning to remove him.
To counter this perceived threat, he allegedly blocked the Assembly from holding full sittings by ensuring that less than the required number of lawmakers could meet. Additionally, he withheld funds meant for the Assembly’s operations and removed key officials, including the Clerk and Deputy Clerk.
One of the most serious accusations against the governor was his authorization of the demolition of the Assembly complex. Bulldozers and heavy machinery were used to destroy the building, leaving lawmakers without a venue for official sessions. Furthermore, Assembly members and staff were reportedly barred from entering the premises, making it impossible for them to perform their duties.
The Supreme Court ruled that these actions were clear violations of the Constitution and constituted an unlawful interference with the legislative arm of government.
Following this ruling, tensions have risen in Rivers State as pro-Wike lawmakers move to reassert control. The Supreme Court’s decision affirmed that the 27 defected lawmakers still retain their seats and have the constitutional right to perform legislative functions. The ruling also ordered the federal government to withhold financial allocations to Rivers State until Governor Fubara resubmits the 2025 budget to the Assembly for approval.
This order tilts the power struggle between the executive and legislative arms of government. In response, Speaker Martin Amaewhule issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Fubara to comply with the ruling by resubmitting the budget. The demand has fueled speculation that the lawmakers may initiate impeachment proceedings if the governor fails to cooperate.
Despite the growing pressure, Governor Fubara has downplayed concerns about a possible impeachment. He insists that he has done nothing wrong and remains committed to delivering good governance to the people of Rivers State. “I have no fear of impeachment because I have not committed any offense that warrants it,” Fubara stated. However, the lawmakers’ renewed aggression suggests that the battle is far from over.
The political crisis in Rivers State has drawn the attention of influential groups in the Niger Delta. The Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) have warned against any attempt to remove Fubara from office, cautioning that such actions could lead to unrest in the state. These groups argue that impeaching Fubara could destabilize the region and negatively impact oil production, a vital economic resource for Nigeria.
With the state’s governance now at a crossroads, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Fubara can weather the storm or if the pro-Wike lawmakers will succeed in forcing him out. The Supreme Court’s ruling has undoubtedly shifted the balance of power, but the final outcome remains uncertain.