Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA — The Rivers State House of Assembly has reaffirmed that the impeachment process initiated on Thursday, January 8, 2026, against the state’s Governor and Deputy Governor remains fully underway, dismissing widespread social media speculation that the process has been halted or discontinued. In an official statement issued by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Dr. Enemi Alabo George, the legislature emphasized its constitutional authority and duty to uphold the law and protect the interests of Rivers people.
The Assembly’s statement outlines that two formal notices alleging gross misconduct — filed under Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) — have been duly served on both the Governor and Deputy Governor by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule. The lawmakers are now awaiting the official responses from the implicated executives.
According to the House, the actions taken are entirely in keeping with constitutional provisions that empower a state legislature to initiate impeachment proceedings against a sitting governor or deputy governor accused of breaching their oaths of office or engaging in misconduct. The Assembly stressed that it is their duty to act in defense of the Constitution and to ensure that no public officer operates above the law.
The statement specifically addressed and refuted misinformation circulating on various media platforms suggesting that the impeachment process had stalled or been abandoned. “Certain persons and media platforms are at it again to misinform the public,” the Assembly said, warning against the spread of “false narratives to cause disaffection between the House and well-meaning Nigerians.”
“The process has not been halted or discontinued,” the statement reiterated. “With the leave of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, I call on all and sundry to disregard these antics, as their actions have already failed.”
The legislature emphasized its resolve not to be intimidated by what it described as “cheap blackmail or threats from those who do not mean well for our country’s nascent democracy.” The Assembly’s clarity on the matter underscores broader concerns about misinformation and political tensions affecting public discourse in Rivers State and beyond.
Impeachment proceedings in Nigeria’s subnational assemblies are high-stakes political processes that require strict adherence to constitutional protocols. Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution outlines that if a majority of the state legislature, supported by a two-thirds majority of all members, vote in favor of allegations of misconduct, the governor or deputy governor may be removed from office following due process. Governors and their deputies are afforded the right to respond to allegations within a specified timeframe before any further legislative action is taken.
In its communication, the Rivers Assembly thanked the people of the state for their continued prayers, encouragement, and support. It also acknowledged stakeholders and leaders at various levels who it said have shown confidence in the legislature’s commitment to constitutional governance.
The statement conveyed gratitude to “all democrats who believe in the Nigerian project” and peacefully urged residents to maintain faith in democratic institutions and processes.
Political observers have noted that impeachment proceedings can have significant ramifications for governance and political stability. In Rivers State — a key economic and political hub in Nigeria’s South-South region — tensions between different branches of government have occasionally flared into legal tussles and public controversies in recent years. The Assembly’s strong reaffirmation of its constitutional mandate highlights the sensitivity and high visibility of the current proceedings.
While the statement did not detail the specific grounds for the allegations of gross misconduct, the Assembly’s communication suggests the process is procedurally intact and advancing. It remains unclear how the Governor and Deputy Governor plan to respond, or whether they will challenge the allegations in judicial forums if the Assembly proceeds to adopt substantive impeachment moves.
The Assembly’s appeal to the public to discount misinformation reflects a broader challenge confronting Nigerian politics: the rapid spread of unverified claims online that can distort public perceptions and escalate political tensions. By addressing these narratives directly, the legislature aims to assert control over the official narrative and forestall confusion or unrest.
Experts on Nigerian constitutional law say impeachment — while a constitutionally valid tool for accountability — must be exercised with transparency and due respect for legal safeguards to preserve democratic legitimacy and public trust. Ensuring that all parties are afforded their rights, including fair hearing and lawful consideration of evidence, will be essential as the process unfolds.
For the people of Rivers State, the next steps in the impeachment timeline — particularly the formal responses from the Governor and Deputy Governor and any subsequent legislative actions — will be closely watched and widely debated. The outcome could influence political alignments, governance priorities, and public confidence in democratic institutions in the state.
In closing, the Rivers State House of Assembly said it remains steadfast in its duty to the Constitution and to the citizens it represents, urging calm and patience while the impeachment process continues through its constitutional stages.
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