A senior source familiar with the unfolding crisis disclosed that the governor’s stance angered lawmakers aligned with former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who were allegedly anticipating fresh constituency allocations.

According to the source, the lawmakers were expecting a proposed supplementary budget that would allocate about ₦10 billion worth of constituency projects to each pro-Wike legislator—an arrangement the governor reportedly declined to approve.

“The main reason the lawmakers are pushing hard for Governor Fubara’s impeachment is his refusal to prepare and present a supplementary budget,” the source said.

The decision, the source added, further stiffened the resolve of the lawmakers to pursue his removal from office.

Questions Over Earlier ₦350m Payments

The revelation follows earlier findings indicating that at least 26 lawmakers loyal to Wike allegedly received ₦350 million each in September 2025 for constituency projects during the period of emergency rule in the state.

Financial records showed that the payments—totalling approximately ₦10.5 billion—were approved and released on September 12, 2025. However, subsequent checks revealed that none of the constituency projects linked to the funds had been executed.

A memo dated September 12, 2025, and signed by the then Special Adviser on Works, Engr. Atemea K. Briggs, sought approval for the release of the funds for constituency projects for 30 lawmakers at ₦350 million per legislator.

“The purpose of this memorandum is to seek approval for the 2025 constituency projects for thirty members of the Rivers State House of Assembly at the total cost of ₦10.5 billion,” the document stated.

Approval was reportedly granted the same day, with the funds paid into accounts associated with companies nominated by the lawmakers.

Further checks showed that many of the companies were inactive, dormant, or suspected shell entities, some of which were incorporated shortly before the payments were made. Field assessments also indicated that no meaningful work had taken place in the listed constituencies.

Political Crisis Deepens

Rivers State was placed under emergency rule in March 2025 following a prolonged political standoff between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu lifted the emergency rule on September 17, 2025, allowing the governor and lawmakers to resume their official functions.

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

During plenary presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader read allegations of gross misconduct, with at least 26 lawmakers endorsing the notice. A separate impeachment notice was also issued against the deputy governor.

Although four lawmakers initially withdrew their support and called for dialogue, they later reversed their position, insisting that the impeachment process should proceed.