Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has appealed to residents to remain calm following a new impeachment process initiated against him and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, by the Rivers State House of Assembly. The governor spoke during a church service held at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
This appearance marked his first public outing since lawmakers began impeachment proceedings on Thursday, citing alleged gross misconduct. The move represents the third attempt by the assembly to remove Governor Fubara from office since he assumed office in 2023.
Addressing worshippers, the governor reassured the people of the state that the situation was under control and encouraged them not to panic. He explained that his silence since the development began was intentional, adding that he relied on his faith to guide his actions during political challenges. He maintained that peace remained his priority for Rivers State.
The ongoing crisis is linked to a prolonged political dispute between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The first impeachment attempt in October 2023 was halted after President Bola Tinubu stepped in to resolve the disagreement. A peace agreement reached later that year led to the withdrawal of the impeachment notice, but the truce later collapsed.
In March 2025, a second impeachment process was launched against the governor and his deputy. During that period, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending all elected officials for six months. Governor Fubara returned to office in September 2025 after the emergency rule was lifted following another reconciliation effort involving both camps.
The latest breakdown followed renewed accusations by Mr Wike that the governor failed to uphold the terms of the peace agreement. In the midst of the political tension, Governor Fubara recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, a move seen as an attempt to strengthen his political standing.
Despite the unfolding events, the governor has continued to urge residents to focus on peace and stability as the political process runs its course.
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