The Rivers Grassroot Movement (RGM), a coalition of concerned citizens, has condemned the impeachment proceedings initiated by the Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, describing the action as an ‘assault on democratic principles.’
Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday, the group’s convener, Hon. Ambassador Jackrich Sobomabo Egberipapa, accused the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Speaker Amaewhule of fueling the political crisis for personal ambition rather than the collective welfare of Rivers State.
The RGM dismissed allegations that Governor Fubara failed to present the 2025 budget, noting that President Bola Tinubu transmitted the Rivers State Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly during the state of emergency regime, and it was passed into law on June 25, 2025.
“Rivers State operates under a valid fiscal framework that remains fully operational,” Egberipapa stated. “Section 122 of the 1999 Constitution allows the Governor to authorize expenditure for up to six months where an Appropriation Act has not been passed. The 2025 budget passed in June means the fiscal year runs until August 2026.”
The group questioned the Assembly’s recess on December 5, 2025, scheduled to resume January 26, 2026, yet reconvening on January 8 specifically to commence impeachment proceedings.
RGM in the statement rejected claims that the Governor unlawfully approved a ₦100,000 bonus to Assembly members, citing that during emergency rule, the former Sole Administrator reportedly approved ₦450 million for each lawmaker plus one SUV per member, which the same lawmakers accepted without constitutional objections.
“It is sheer hypocrisy for the same lawmakers to claim that a ₦100,000 bonus constitutes unlawful expenditure,” the statement read.
The movement called on President Tinubu to urgently intervene, warning that Wike’s political strategy threatens both Rivers State’s stability and the APC’s national structure.
The group however commended Governor Fubara’s management of state resources and focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
“Governor Fubara has demonstrated exemplary prudence and transparency in managing state resources, delivering dividends of democracy to the grassroots even in the face of adversity,” Egberipapa said.
The group declared their support for Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Odu, urging them to seek re-election in 2027, while calling on the State House of Assembly to withdraw the impeachment proceedings immediately.
“Rivers State deserves peace, progress, and prosperity. We stand united for a better future,” the statement concluded.
