The Rivers State House of Assembly has clarified that the impeachment process initiated against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, remains ongoing and has not been suspended, contrary to reports circulating on social media and some online platforms.

The clarification was contained in a press statement issued on Friday and signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Enemi George.

According to the Assembly, the impeachment process, which formally commenced on Thursday, January 8, 2026, is being carried out strictly in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

“The Rivers State House of Assembly is pleased to inform the good people of Rivers State that the impeachment process commenced by the House on Thursday, January 8, 2026, is fully on course in line with relevant provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended),” the statement read.

The Assembly explained that two separate notices of allegations of gross misconduct have been duly issued against the governor and the deputy governor in accordance with Section 188 of the Constitution. It added that the notices were formally forwarded to both officials by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and that the lawmakers are currently awaiting their responses within the constitutionally prescribed timeframe.

The two notices of allegations of gross misconduct brought pursuant to Section 188 of the Constitution against the Governor and Deputy Governor have been forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House while we await their responses, the statement said.

The lawmakers emphasised that the House is constitutionally empowered to act in defence of the rule of law and to prevent alleged infractions by any public office holder in the state. They stressed that members of the Assembly remain duty-bound to carry out their responsibilities without fear or favour.

Describing claims that the impeachment process had been halted as false and misleading, the Assembly accused unnamed individuals and media platforms of deliberately pushing narratives aimed at creating disaffection between the legislature and the public.

“We are aware that certain persons and media platforms are at it again to misinform the public, particularly to the effect that the process has been halted or discontinued,” the statement noted.

Calling on residents of Rivers State and the general public to disregard such reports, the Assembly insisted that it would not be intimidated or distracted from its constitutional mandate.

“Therefore, with the leave of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, I call on all and sundry to disregard their antics, as their actions have already failed,” it added.

The statement further affirmed the Assembly’s resolve to continue with the process, warning that it would not succumb to what it described as cheap blackmail, threats, or pressure from individuals opposed to the impeachment proceedings.

“We remain committed to our constitutional duties and would not be dissuaded by cheap blackmail or threats from those who do not mean well for our country’s nascent democracy,” the House declared.

The Assembly also expressed appreciation to the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments, while extending warm regards to “all democrats who believe in the Nigerian project.”

During Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read a notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara. The allegations reportedly include the demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary spending, alleged withholding of funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and refusal to comply with a Supreme Court ruling on the financial autonomy of the legislature.

The impeachment proceedings come amid heightened political tension in the state, following accusations by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that Governor Fubara reneged on a peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu in 2025 to resolve the protracted political crisis in Rivers State