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The Rivers State House of Assembly has sparked public attention after addressing Governor Siminalayi Fubara as “madam” in an official impeachment notice.
Impeachment Process Begins
On Thursday, the state legislature formally commenced impeachment proceedings against the governor. The process was initiated after Major Jack, leader of the House, read out allegations of gross misconduct against Fubara on the floor of the Assembly.
The charges were signed by 26 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional requirement to trigger impeachment proceedings.
Following the reading of the allegations, Martin Amaewhule, Speaker of the House, announced that the notice of gross misconduct would be served on the governor within seven days, in line with legal provisions.
Error in Official Notice
Later that day, the Assembly served Governor Fubara with the notice. However, the document controversially addressed him as “madam.”
The letter, dated January 8, 2026, was signed by Speaker Amaewhule and cited Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outlines the procedure for impeaching a governor.
An excerpt from the letter reads:
“I received a copy of the Notice of Allegations of Gross Misconduct dated 5th January 2026 and brought against you by twenty-six (26) members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Pursuant to Section 188 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I hereby forward to you a copy of the said Notice of Allegation of Gross Misconduct received by me on the 8th day of January 2026.”
The Speaker also requested that the governor respond to the allegations in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Deputy Governor Properly Addressed
A similar notice was sent to Ngozi Odu, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, who was correctly addressed as “madam” in the correspondence.
Political Tensions Deepen
The impeachment move comes amid an escalating political crisis in Rivers State. Tensions intensified last month after lawmakers accused Governor Fubara of unauthorised spending.
A majority of the Assembly members are reportedly loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who is openly opposing Fubara’s re-election bid.
Wike has also accused the governor of violating the peace agreement they both signed before President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule in the state, which allowed Fubara to return to office.
