Fubara Unmoved as Impeachment Storm Hits Rivers

The Rivers State Government has issued a defiant rebuttal to the reported impeachment plot against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, asserting that the administration is entirely unperturbed by the recent legislative maneuvers in Port Harcourt. Speaking during a television appearance on Friday, the Governor’s Special Adviser, Darlington Orji, maintained that Fubara is neither hiding nor fearful of any constitutional process. The aide dismissed the rumors of a pending removal as a media-driven narrative lacking formal legal weight, emphasizing that the Governor has operated with a level of transparency that leaves him with “nothing to hide.”

Orji provided critical context to the emergency sitting held by the state lawmakers, which has served as the catalyst for the current political tension in the oil-rich state. According to the Governor’s aide, the House of Assembly had previously announced a formal recess, with a scheduled reconvening date set for late January 2026. However, in a move that caught the executive arm off guard, the legislators abruptly convened an emergency session outside of their publicly declared calendar. Orji noted that Governor Fubara only became aware of these developments through reports in the print and electronic media, rather than through any official government channel or statutory communication.

The timing of the lawmakers’ emergency sitting coincided with the Governor’s brief absence from the state, a fact that Orji was quick to clarify to avoid further misinformation. He debunked the narrative being peddled by political opponents that Fubara had deliberately fled the state to evade the service of an impeachment notice. Instead, the aide explained that after the Assembly had declared its recess, the Governor took the opportunity to step out of town to attend to pressing matters and seek a brief period of rest. He argued that the Governor is not a “spirit” and could not have been expected to preempt a legislative sitting that violated the Assembly’s own announced schedule.

A central point of the state government’s defense is the claim that, despite the sensationalist headlines, no official impeachment notice has been served on the Governor. Orji stood firm on this point, stating that as of Friday, the executive office had not received any formal proceedings or legal documents from the House of Assembly. This lack of service, he argued, makes the current discourse surrounding the Governor’s removal premature and legally hollow. He insisted that the Governor is a law-abiding citizen who respects the roles of the various arms of government but will not be intimidated by “ambush” tactics that bypass established protocols.

The phrase “there is no cockroach in his cupboard” was used by Orji to describe the Governor’s confidence in his administrative record. This local metaphor underscores the administration’s belief that any scrutiny of the Governor’s actions—whether financial or administrative—will fail to yield any incriminating evidence. By inviting a “lawful process,” the Governor’s camp is essentially daring the lawmakers to move beyond political posturing and present a case grounded in facts. This stance of defiance is aimed at reassuring the people of Rivers State that the Governor remains focused on his mandate despite the heavy political weather.

Furthermore, the aide addressed the broader implications of these legislative moves on the stability of the state. He suggested that the sudden shift in the Assembly’s schedule and the haste with which the emergency proceedings were conducted raise questions about the true motives of the lawmakers. Orji hinted that the attempt to create a narrative of an “evasive” Governor was a calculated move to paint Fubara in a negative light, whereas the reality was a simple conflict between a scheduled executive trip and an unscheduled legislative meeting. The aide maintained that the Governor is fully prepared to address any legitimate concerns raised by the House through the proper constitutional channels.

The political atmosphere in Rivers State has remained charged since the fallout between Fubara and his predecessor, a situation that has deeply polarized the state’s legislative and executive branches. Orji’s remarks served as a strategic effort to ensure the Governor’s side of the story is documented in the court of public opinion. By emphasizing that Fubara has “nothing to hide,” the administration is attempting to shift the burden of proof back onto the legislators, challenging them to show why a Governor who is delivering on his promises should be subjected to the ultimate legislative sanction.

The aide also reiterated that Governor Fubara is not a man who can be easily rattled by threats. Since assuming office, the Governor has faced several hurdles, and this latest development is seen by his inner circle as just another chapter in the ongoing struggle for the political soul of the state. Orji’s insistence that the Governor is “not afraid” of service is a clear signal to the opposition that Fubara is ready for a legal and political battle if it comes to that. The administration believes that as long as they adhere to the rule of law, the democratic mandate given to the Governor by the people will remain secure.

In closing his remarks, Orji urged the public to remain calm and ignore the “inaccurate” claims being circulated by those seeking to destabilize the state. He assured the residents of Rivers State that the Governor remains committed to his development agenda and will not allow legislative “emergencies” to distract him from his duties. The message from the Government House is one of unwavering confidence: Fubara is present, he is prepared, and he is standing on a record of integrity that he believes will withstand any impeachment attempt.