A high-stakes political battle is brewing in Rivers State as the House of Assembly moves to pass three critical bills—while whispers of an impeachment plot against Governor Siminalayi Fubara grow louder. With tensions escalating, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a stern warning against any attempt to unseat the governor, calling it a “futile and dangerous ploy” that could destabilize the state.
Legislative Shake-Up: Three Bills Passed Amid Political Tensions
During its 136th Legislative Sitting on Friday, the Rivers State House of Assembly passed three major bills, which are now awaiting Governor Fubara’s assent. These bills—seen by some as routine governance measures and by others as part of a grander political maneuver—could reshape the state’s legislative and electoral landscape.
The bills include:
The Rivers State House of Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Bill, 2025 – Grants the legislature enhanced powers, privileges, and immunity, strengthening its authority.
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) Bill, 2025 – Repeals the 2018 electoral law, aligning the state’s electoral process with the 2022 Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution.
The Rivers State Local Government Bill, 2025 – Repeals previous local government laws and introduces a new framework aimed at modernizing local governance.
Speaker Martin Chike Amaewhule defended the bills, stating that they are necessary to ensure legislative independence, electoral integrity, and effective local governance. He praised lawmakers for their dedication, even sacrificing their recess, and declared that their actions would be remembered in history.
Yet, political analysts believe the timing of these legislative moves—especially the Assembly’s attempt to expand its powers—raises critical questions about the real motivations behind them.
A Brewing Storm: Is an Impeachment Plot Underway?
As the Assembly flexes its legislative muscles, speculation is rife that a faction of lawmakers—allegedly loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike—may be laying the groundwork for an impeachment bid against Governor Fubara.
HURIWA, in a fiery statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, has warned that any such move would be met with fierce resistance from the people of Rivers State. The group insists that Fubara, having been democratically elected, must not be removed through unconstitutional means.
“The FCT Minister should see himself as a national leader, a unifier, and not a divider,” HURIWA cautioned, in what appeared to be a direct message to Wike. The statement urged Wike to avoid being at the center of a political crisis that could push Rivers State into prolonged instability.
Political Intrigue: Wike’s Shadow Over Rivers State
The power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, has been simmering for months, with Wike maintaining considerable influence over the state’s political structures. With 27 lawmakers reportedly loyal to him, the Assembly could have the numbers to launch an impeachment process. However, such a move would undoubtedly trigger fierce resistance from Fubara’s supporters and possibly escalate into a statewide crisis.
HURIWA’s warning signals growing concerns that Rivers State could be headed for a turbulent political showdown if tensions are not diffused. The question now is whether cooler heads will prevail—or if Rivers State is about to witness another high-profile political earthquake.
What Next?
As the dust settles on the legislative session, all eyes are on Governor Fubara. Will he sign the new bills into law, or will he challenge the Assembly’s maneuvers? More critically, will the impeachment rumors materialize into a real battle for power?
One thing is certain: Rivers State is standing at the edge of a political storm, and the coming days will determine whether stability or chaos prevails.
