Fubara era looks to be coming to an end as in a seismic shift within the Rivers State House of Assembly, 27 lawmakers, formerly aligned with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday. Under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule, this move has set the stage for potential political repercussions, sparking renewed talks of impeaching the current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
The dramatic realignment has captured national attention, leaving many questioning the stability of the state’s political future.
The defection comes on the heels of simmering tensions between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the former governor and current FCT minister. Sources suggest a strained relationship may have influenced this significant political maneuver. This development follows a prior attempt to impeach Governor Fubara in October when the Rivers State House of Assembly, under Amaewhule’s speakership, served an impeachment notice.
However, the chaos that ensued and the self-declaration of Ehie Ogerenye Edison as the speaker thwarted the effort.
With 27 lawmakers out of 32 now aligning with the APC, the party has secured the majority in the Rivers House, rejuvenating discussions around the possibility of Governor Fubara’s impeachment.
Notably, impeachment talks gain momentum on social media platforms, with netizens closely monitoring the evolving political landscape.
Over the weekend, there were additional shifts in party affiliations, as some lawmakers from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the APC announced their defection to the PDP. Among the notable figures making the switch are Patricia Ogbonnaya, a former governorship candidate of the SDP, and Wilson Karibo, the former chairman of the Ahoada-West Local Government Area.
Examining the constitutional aspect of potential impeachment, Section 188 of the Nigerian constitution outlines the process. Impeachment proceedings commence with a written notice of alleged gross misconduct, signed by at least one-third of the lawmakers.
In Rivers State, this requires the support of 11 lawmakers. Gross misconduct, as defined by the constitution, constitutes a grave violation, a prerequisite for initiating impeachment.
According to constitutional provisions, the speaker must serve the governor and each house member with a copy of the notice of allegation within seven days.
The governor has the right to reply, and within 14 days, the state House of Assembly must decide whether to dismiss the notice or proceed with an investigation. The latter requires at least two-thirds of the house, translating to 21 lawmakers in Rivers, to support the impeachment motion for it to be effective.
Since 1999, only six governors in Nigeria have faced impeachment. This historical context underscores the gravity and rarity of such political maneuvers. The looming question remains: Will Governor Fubara weather this political storm, or will Rivers State witness a change in leadership amidst these turbulent times?