Rivers Grassroot Movement Condemns Impeachment Moves Against Fubara, Odu; Urges Tinubu to Intervene

The Rivers Grassroot Movement (RGM), a coalition of civic groups and political stakeholders in Rivers State, has strongly condemned the ongoing impeachment proceedings initiated by the Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, describing the move as unconstitutional, politically motivated, and detrimental to democratic governance […]

The Rivers Grassroot Movement (RGM), a coalition of civic groups and political stakeholders in Rivers State, has strongly condemned the ongoing impeachment proceedings initiated by the Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, describing the move as unconstitutional, politically motivated, and detrimental to democratic governance in the state.

At a press conference in Port Harcourt on Monday, RGM accused the Assembly leadership of attempting to destabilize Rivers for personal and political gain.

According to RGM, the allegations against Governor Fubara and his deputy were “baseless and malicious,” arguing that the House of Assembly itself would be complicit in any alleged infractions relating to budgetary processes.

The group faulted the Assembly’s demand for a re-presentation of a budget already passed into law, calling it “constitutionally absurd.”

RGM further rejected claims that the governor failed to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill, noting that during the period of emergency rule in the state, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu transmitted the Rivers State budget to the National Assembly, which passed it into law on June 25, 2025.

The group maintained that Rivers is therefore operating under a valid fiscal framework.

On the controversy surrounding the 2026 budget, RGM cited Section 122 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which permits a governor to authorize expenditure for up to six months where a new appropriation law has not yet been passed. It argued that the Assembly’s decision to adjourn in December 2025, only to reconvene in January 2026 for impeachment proceedings, demonstrated a deliberate attempt to manufacture a constitutional crisis.

The movement also dismissed allegations of unlawful expenditure over the governor’s approval of a ₦100,000 bonus for lawmakers, describing the claim as hypocritical.

It said during the emergency administration, lawmakers allegedly received significantly larger benefits without raising constitutional objections.

RGM praised Governor Fubara’s leadership style, describing it as calm and transparent despite what it termed sustained political pressure. The group pointed to achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment as evidence of the administration’s focus on governance rather than political infighting.

In a direct appeal to President Tinubu, RGM urged him to “call the FCT Minister to order” to prevent further escalation of the crisis.

The group warned that continued political interference in Rivers State could have broader implications for national stability and party cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Concluding its address, the Rivers Grassroot Movement declared a vote of confidence in Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Odu, called on the House of Assembly to withdraw the impeachment proceedings, and urged political actors to prioritize peace, progress, and democratic stability in Rivers.