Drama As Rivers Assembly Addresses Fubara As ‘Madam’
The Rivers State House of Assembly has sparked controversy after addressing Governor Siminalayi Fubara as “madam” in a notice of gross misconduct served on him amid ongoing impeachment proceedings.
On Thursday, the state assembly formally commenced impeachment proceedings against Fubara. The process was initiated after Major Jack, leader of the assembly, read out allegations of gross misconduct against the governor, which were signed by 26 lawmakers.
Following the presentation of the charges, Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, announced that the notice of gross misconduct would be served on the governor within seven days, in line with constitutional provisions.
Later the same day, the assembly served the notice on Fubara. However, the letter, dated January 8, 2026, controversially addressed the governor as “madam.” The document was signed by Amaewhule.
In the letter, the speaker informed Fubara that the notice of allegations had been submitted pursuant to Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outlines the procedure for the impeachment of a governor.
“I received a copy of the Notice of allegations of gross misconduct dated 5th January 2026 and brought against you by twenty-six (26) members of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” the letter stated.
“Pursuant to section 188 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I hereby forward to you a copy of the said Notice of Allegation of Gross Misconduct received by me on the 8th day of January 2026.”
Amaewhule requested that the governor respond to the allegations in accordance with the constitutional provisions guiding the impeachment process.
The same notice was also addressed to the deputy governor, Ngozi Odu, who was correctly referred to as “madam” in her own letter.
The development comes amid a deepening political crisis in Rivers State, which intensified last month after the assembly accused Fubara of engaging in unauthorised spending.
A majority of the lawmakers are believed to be loyal to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who has been openly opposed to Fubara’s re-election bid.
Wike has accused the governor of reneging on the peace agreement they both signed before President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule in Rivers State, a move that paved the way for Fubara’s return to office.
