Impeachment Plot Against Gov. Fubara Deepens as Alleged ₦10.5bn Constituency Fund Scandal, Supplementary Budget Dispute Emerge

The intensifying move to impeach Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has been strongly linked to his refusal to prepare and present a supplementary budget, a decision that has reportedly widened the rift between him and a bloc of lawmakers loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

A well-placed source disclosed that the former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, allegedly promised each pro-Wike member of the Rivers State House of Assembly the sum of ₦10 billion in fresh constituency projects to be captured in a proposed supplementary budget.

Governor Fubara, however, declined to initiate such a budget, a move said to have infuriated the lawmakers and strengthened their resolve to remove him from office.

“The main reason why the Rivers State House of Assembly members are trying hard to impeach Governor Fubara is based on the governor’s refusal to prepare a supplementary budget,” the source said.

This development is coming against the backdrop of revelations surrounding the disbursement of constituency project funds during the period of emergency rule in Rivers State. Documents obtained from sources within the Government House indicate that at least 26 lawmakers aligned with Wike allegedly received ₦350 million each in September 2025 for constituency projects.

Investigations revealed that none of the projects have been executed in the affected constituencies, despite the huge sums released. The payments, amounting to about ₦10.5 billion, were reportedly approved and disbursed on September 12, 2025, according to financial records reviewed.

Further findings suggest that most of the companies nominated by the lawmakers to execute the projects are either inactive, dormant, or suspected to be shell companies with no verifiable operational capacity.

A formal memorandum dated September 12, 2026, and signed by Engr. Atemea K. Briggs, Special Adviser on Works, was addressed to the then Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd.). The memo sought approval for the release of ₦10.5 billion as constituency project funds for 30 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The document explicitly requested ₦350 million for each lawmaker, purportedly for the execution of constituency projects in 2025.

The memo stated in part, “The purpose of this Memorandum is to seek His Excellency’s approval for the year 2025 constituency projects for thirty (30) Honourable members of the Rivers State House of Assembly at the total cost of ₦10,500,000,000.00 (Ten Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira) only, being ₦350,000,000.00 (Three Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) only per member.”

It further claimed that the funding was in response to the lawmakers’ “desire to bring governance closer to their constituents,” and included a list of proposed projects submitted by 26 out of the 30 lawmakers.

Records indicate that approval was granted the same day, September 12, 2025, after which funds were released into bank accounts linked to companies nominated by the legislators.

EVIDENCE OF PAYMENT AND ALLEGED NON-EXECUTION

Statements of account reviewed confirm that at least 26 lawmakers received ₦350 million each through their nominated contractors. However, field checks and reports from local communities suggest that none of the listed constituency projects have been carried out.

Sources within the state government allege that many of the beneficiary companies either have no physical presence, lack operational history, or were hastily registered shortly before the funds were released.

APPROVED PROJECTS AND NOMINATED FIRMS

The memorandum approved on September 12, 2025 contained a detailed schedule of constituency projects alongside the private firms nominated by the lawmakers to execute them. The full list shows that each project was directly linked to a company presented by the respective legislator.

BACKGROUND TO THE CRISIS

Rivers State was placed under emergency rule in March 2025 following a violent political crisis stemming from the power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

The emergency rule was lifted by President Bola Tinubu on September 17, 2025, with effect from midnight. Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly were slated to resume official duties on September 18, 2025.

Governor Fubara returned to Port Harcourt on September 19, 2025, where he was received by supporters before resuming duties at the Government House.

IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDINGS SET IN MOTION

On January 8, 2026, impeachment proceedings were formally initiated against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.

During a plenary session presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, read out allegations of gross misconduct leveled against the governor.

At least 26 lawmakers endorsed the notice of impeachment, which the House claimed was in accordance with constitutional provisions. Speaker Amaewhule announced that the notice would be served on Governor Fubara within seven days.

A separate notice of impeachment was also read against the Deputy Governor, Ngozi Odu, by the Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Stewart.

TWISTS AND U-TURNS

In a dramatic twist, four lawmakers initially withdrew their support for the impeachment, urging political dialogue as an alternative solution. However, days later, the same lawmakers reversed their stance, insisting that the impeachment process must proceed.

As political tensions continue to rise, the controversy surrounding the alleged ₦10.5 billion constituency funds and the governor’s refusal to approve a supplementary budget has further deepened the crisis, leaving the future of Rivers State’s leadership hanging in the balance.