The political crisis in Rivers State has taken a sharp and controversial turn

The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule (loyal to Nyesom Wike), has formally re-initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

The "Madam" Controversy

The most trending detail of this crisis is that the House of Assembly officially addressed Governor Fubara as "Madam" in the formal impeachment notice served on January 8, 2026

• Intentional or Error? While the Deputy Governor (who is female) was correctly addressed as "Madam," the same feminine salutation was used for Governor Fubara.
• Public Reaction: This has sparked outrage on social media, with many viewing it as a deliberate act of disrespect or "gender-shaming" intended to undermine the Governor’s authority. Legal experts, however, note that this "procedural anomaly" does not legally invalidate the notice under Section 188 of the Constitution.

The Allegations (7 Counts of Gross Misconduct)

The 26 lawmakers who signed the notice have leveled serious charges against the Governor, including:

1. Unauthorized Spending: Allegations of extra-budgetary expenditure totaling over ₦800 billion.
2. Destruction of Property: Citing the demolition of the House of Assembly complex.
3. Financial Obstruction: Withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission.
4. Judicial Disobedience: Failure to obey Supreme Court rulings regarding legislative financial autonomy.

Fubara’s Reaction

Speaking yesterday at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day church service in Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara appeared calm:

"I am unperturbed by the impeachment proceedings... Dogs bark when they don't understand. I know that I have what is Supreme, and that is God."

Current Status (Jan 12, 2026)

• 7-Day Deadline: The Governor has been given seven days to respond to the allegations.
• Court Plots: The Assembly has raised an alarm, claiming Fubara’s agents are trying to get an "ex parte" court order from courts outside Port Harcourt to stop the impeachment.
• Wike’s Stance: Minister Nyesom Wike has dismissed calls for his own removal, stating that "only Tinubu has the power to sack me" and reinforcing his control over Rivers' political voting bloc.¹³

Would you like me to find a copy of the specific seven allegations listed in the notice or monitor the news for Fubara's formal legal response?

political crisis in Rivers State has taken a sharp and controversial turn

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The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule (loyal to Nyesom Wike), has formally re-initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

The "Madam" Controversy

The most trending detail of this crisis is that the House of Assembly officially addressed Governor Fubara as "Madam" in the formal impeachment notice served on January 8, 2026.

• Intentional or Error? While the Deputy Governor (who is female) was correctly addressed as "Madam," the same feminine salutation was used for Governor Fubara.
• Public Reaction: This has sparked outrage on social media, with many viewing it as a deliberate act of disrespect or "gender-shaming" intended to undermine the Governor’s authority. Legal experts, however, note that this "procedural anomaly" does not legally invalidate the notice under Section 188 of the Constitution.

The Allegations (7 Counts of Gross Misconduct)

The 26 lawmakers who signed the notice have leveled serious charges against the Governor, including:

1. Unauthorized Spending: Allegations of extra-budgetary expenditure totaling over ₦800 billion.
2. Destruction of Property: Citing the demolition of the House of Assembly complex.
3. Financial Obstruction: Withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission.
4. Judicial Disobedience: Failure to obey Supreme Court rulings regarding legislative financial autonomy.

Fubara’s Reaction

Speaking yesterday at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day church service in Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara appeared calm:

"I am unperturbed by the impeachment proceedings... Dogs bark when they don't understand. I know that I have what is Supreme, and that is God."

Current Status (Jan 12, 2026)

• 7-Day Deadline: The Governor has been given seven days to respond to the allegations.
• Court Plots: The Assembly has raised an alarm, claiming Fubara’s agents are trying to get an "ex parte" court order from courts outside Port Harcourt to stop the impeachment.
• Wike’s Stance: Minister Nyesom Wike has dismissed calls for his own removal, stating that "only Tinubu has the power to sack me" and reinforcing his control over Rivers' political voting bloc.