Political tension in Rivers State boiled over on Thursday after the House of Assembly stunned observers by addressing Governor Siminalayi Fubara as “madam” in a formal impeachment notice.
The drama unfolded as lawmakers kicked off impeachment proceedings against the governor, with allegations of gross misconduct signed by 26 members and read on the floor of the House by Majority Leader Major Jack.
Speaker Martin Amaewhule subsequently announced that the notice would be served on the governor within the constitutionally stipulated timeframe. But when the document was eventually delivered, it carried a startling salutation — referring to Fubara as “madam.”
Dated January 8, 2026, and signed by Amaewhule, the letter cited Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and formally informed the governor of the allegations.
“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 reads.
“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.”
The speaker urged the governor to respond as required by law. Strikingly, the same notice was also served on Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu — who was correctly addressed as “madam.”
The development has further inflamed Rivers State’s political crisis, which intensified last month after the Assembly accused Governor Fubara of unauthorised spending.
Most lawmakers are believed to be aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who has been campaigning against Fubara’s re-election.
Wike has accused the governor of reneging on the peace pact they both signed before President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule in the state, clearing the way for Fubara’s return to office.
