By Milcah Tanimu
On the 31st of October 2023, the Rivers State House of Assembly was plunged into chaos as 24 members, allegedly loyal to Governor Nyesom Wike, initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This move triggered a tumultuous situation in the state, with the governor’s supporters staging a protest at the assembly complex.
The crisis followed a bombing incident at the State House of Assembly located along Moscow Road in Port Harcourt the previous Sunday, suspected to be an attempt to hinder the lawmakers from carrying out the impeachment. Although the assembly chamber suffered damage, the fire service successfully extinguished the fire.
The lawmakers who signed the impeachment notice against Governor Fubara were reportedly aligned with former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. This development led to the deployment of security forces in the assembly complex and other areas in Port Harcourt, raising concerns of potential violence.
The specific cause of the conflict between Governor Fubara and his political mentor, Wike, remains unclear. Notably, Wike had strongly supported Fubara’s election, even against the wishes of some key stakeholders in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the state.
As the crisis unfolded, the assembly complex was cordoned off by armed security personnel. Governor Wike was not available for comment, and the situation remained tense. The stage for this turmoil was set when unknown individuals attempted to set the assembly complex on fire, seemingly in a failed effort to prevent the anti-Fubara lawmakers from convening on Monday.
Despite the attack, the lawmakers convened a meeting early Monday morning, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, where they signed the impeachment notice against Governor Fubara. Additionally, House Leader Edison Ehie, who opposed the governor’s impeachment, was removed from his position, and three other members loyal to Fubara were suspended.
Sylvanus Nwankwo, representing Omuma constituency, presented the impeachment notice, citing “gross misconduct in the performance of the functions of the office of the governor” as the basis for the impeachment.
In response to the crisis, Governor Fubara, accompanied by security personnel, arrived at the assembly. A video surfaced showing police officers firing shots, tear gas, and water cannons at the governor and his supporters as they approached the assembly complex. Following a meeting with some lawmakers, Governor Fubara managed to sway support to his side, leading to the suspension of eight of his colleagues and the impeachment of Speaker Amaewhule.
Edison Ehie, earlier suspended by the anti-Fubara faction, was elected as the factional speaker during a session held at the Government House. This shift was part of the efforts by pro-Fubara lawmakers to thwart the governor’s impeachment.
Governor Fubara later addressed a gathering of youths, including members of the Ijaw Youth Council, declaring the impeachment attempt illegal and null and void. He commended the youths for their support and readiness to protect the interests of Rivers State.
The Rivers State Police Command pledged to launch an investigation into the incident at the House of Assembly. The state’s political parties, including the PDP and the APC, responded to the crisis, with various statements and calls for restraint and peaceful resolution.
Elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and maintain stability in Rivers State, warning against the potential consequences of a political crisis in the region.
Various individuals, including former government officials, condemned the impeachment process and expressed concerns about the instability it could bring to Rivers State. They called for a peaceful resolution and an end to the political upheaval.
