Politics behind failed impeachment attempt of Gov. Fubara

The collapse of the third impeachment attempt against Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has laid bare a fierce political power struggle that insiders insist was never about allegations of spending without an approved budget, but rather a failed attempt to reassert control over the state’s political and financial machinery.

Contrary to the official narrative advanced by the Rivers State House of Assembly, political observers and insiders argue that the impeachment move was the culmination of unresolved tensions following the period of emergency rule, during which Governor Fubara was allegedly pressured to dissolve his cabinet, distance himself from loyal supporters, and submit to predetermined political directives. While the governor initially appeared to comply by dissolving his cabinet and shutting down his grassroots support structure, the Simplified Movement, he quietly recalibrated his political strategy.

The turning point, analysts say, was Fubara’s defection to the All Progressives Congress and his growing alignment with the Presidency. His multiple meetings with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the subsequent visit to Rivers State by a high-powered federal delegation, including senior ministers and the National Security Adviser, publicly affirmed federal confidence in his leadership. That endorsement reportedly altered the political equation and weakened attempts to isolate him.

The impeachment notice, hurriedly issued by the Assembly, was widely viewed as a pressure tactic intended to force the governor back into political submission. Instead, it triggered swift federal displeasure, leading to a rapid retreat by lawmakers. This retreat was followed by visible attempts at damage control, including public claims that key political actors were unaware of the impeachment move, despite reports suggesting otherwise, and a series of televised appeals by lawmakers asking for “mercy” while still maintaining allegations against the governor.

Critics have also pointed to glaring inconsistencies in the Assembly’s conduct. While lawmakers rejected the governor’s Christmas bonus on grounds of unconstitutionality, questions remain over their silence regarding the acquisition of luxury SUVs reportedly valued at several billions of naira and allegedly not captured in the approved budget. Observers argue that this selective application of constitutional principles has further undermined the credibility of the impeachment effort.

This latest failure, following two similar attempts in 2025, has intensified debate over the role of godfatherism in Rivers politics.

Analysts say the episode reflects a weakening grip of traditional power brokers and a shift in political allegiance as Governor Fubara consolidates support at the national level. It has also exposed divisions within the Assembly, with visible unease over the political consequences of sustained confrontation with both the governor and the Presidency.

Public reaction across Rivers State and beyond has been sharply critical, with many residents describing the impeachment attempt as a staged power grab that underestimated public intelligence. Calls are growing for the Assembly to move past the impasse by engaging constructively with the executive, including inviting the governor to present the 2026 budget and process commissioner nominations in the interest of governance stability.

As the political dust settles, the failed impeachment has reinforced one central reality in Rivers State: the struggle was not about fiscal procedure, but about power, loyalty, and control. For now, the attempt has backfired, leaving its architects exposed and the governor politically strengthened, while the people watch closely for what comes next.

. Being an article by: “Rivers First,” which was published on its Facebook page.