Rivers Power Tussle: LATNET Writes State Speaker, Calls for Impeachment Withdrawal

LEADERSHIP AWARENESS & TRANSPARENCY NETWORK (LATNET)
Email: latnetnigeria@gmail.com

January 14, 2026

The Honourable Speaker
Rivers State House of Assembly
Moscow Road, Old GRA
Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Dear Rt. Hon. Speaker,

SUBJECT: URGENT APPEAL TO WITHDRAW THE IMPEACHMENT NOTICE SERVED ON HIS EXCELLENCY, GOVERNOR SIMINALAYI FUBARA, AND UPHOLD DEMOCRATIC STABILITY IN RIVERS STATE

The Leadership Awareness & Transparency Network (LATNET), a civil society organization committed to promoting good governance, transparency, accountability, and democratic principles in Nigeria, writes to express our profound concern over the recent initiation of impeachment proceedings against His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, by the Rivers State House of Assembly on January 8, 2026.

We note with dismay the allegations of gross misconduct leveled against the Governor, including the refusal to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill, extra-budgetary spending, and other constitutional infractions. While we acknowledge the constitutional role of the House in providing checks and balances under Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), we firmly believe that embarking on impeachment at this juncture risks plunging Rivers State into further political instability, economic disruption, and unnecessary tension.

Rivers State has endured prolonged political crises in recent years, which have adversely affected development, investor confidence, and the welfare of citizens. Pursuing impeachment amid these challenges, especially when alternative mechanisms for resolution—such as dialogue facilitated by elder statesmen, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, or other neutral parties—remain viable, would undermine the progress toward peace and reconciliation.

We urge the Honourable Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to:

1. Immediately withdraw the impeachment notice served on Governor Fubara.
2. Prioritize constructive engagement and mediation to address any grievances, including the presentation and passage of the 2026 budget in the interest of the people of Rivers State.
3. Place the collective interest of Rivers State citizens above partisan or personal considerations, fostering an environment conducive to governance and development.

LATNET stands ready to support any initiative aimed at peaceful resolution and strengthening democratic institutions in Rivers State. We believe that true leadership is demonstrated through restraint, dialogue, and commitment to the rule of law for the greater good.

We trust that the House will heed this appeal in the spirit of patriotism and democracy.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.

Signed :

1. HON. USMAN BUHARI ALI GWANDU, Ph.D
   National Convener
   +2348067831800
2. COMRADE AD DOGO
   Secretary-General
   +2348120104666