In a dramatic escalation of the long-standing political crisis in Rivers State, the Rivers State House of Assembly has formally commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Oduh, accusing them of gross misconduct and constitutional breaches, according to multiple national outlets.

During a plenary session on Thursday, Assembly Speaker Martins Amaewhule oversaw the reading of the charges by Majority Leader Major Jack and Deputy Leader Linda Stewart, with 26 lawmakers signing the notice of allegations — a move that could potentially remove the governor from office if sustained.

The impeachment notice cites alleged extra-budgetary spending, failure to present the state budget to the legislature, and interference with the Assembly’s autonomy, among other infractions outlined under Section 188 of the Constitution, reports ICIR Nigeria.

Political tensions have soared in the oil-rich state amid a bitter feud between Fubara and former governor turned FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, whose supporters dominate the legislature — a backdrop that analysts say adds further drama and uncertainty to the process.

The Speaker has directed that the impeachment notice be served on Governor Fubara within seven days, setting the stage for what could be a defining showdown in Rivers politics.