The Rivers Grassroot Movement (RGM) has taken a firm stand against the fresh plot to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu. During a heated press conference held in Port Harcourt on Monday, the group lashed out at the leadership of the State House of Assembly, accusing them of trying to throw the state into chaos just to satisfy personal political ambitions.
According to the RGM, the accusations leveled against the Governor and his deputy are not only baseless but completely malicious. The group pointed out the irony in the Assembly’s claims regarding budgetary infractions, noting that the House would be just as guilty in any such situation since they are part of the process. They specifically tackled the Assembly’s demand for a re-presentation of a budget that is already law, calling the move “constitutionally absurd.”
Clearing the air on the 2025 budget, the movement explained to Reports that there was no failure on the Governor’s part. They reminded the public that during the period of emergency rule, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu transmitted the Rivers State budget to the National Assembly, which was passed on June 25, 2025. This, they argued, means the state is currently running on a perfectly valid fiscal framework.
Regarding the 2026 budget controversy, the group cited Section 122 of the 1999 Constitution, which allows a governor to authorize spending for up to six months if a new law hasn’t been passed yet. They questioned why the Assembly adjourned in December 2025 only to rush back in January 2026 to start impeachment proceedings, suggesting it was a calculated move to create a fake constitutional crisis.
The RGM also addressed the allegation of unlawful spending regarding a N100,000 bonus for lawmakers, calling the complaint hypocritical. They claimed that during the emergency administration, these same lawmakers received much larger benefits without raising any constitutional concerns. Rather than focus on these distractions, the group praised Governor Fubara for staying calm and transparent, pointing to visible progress in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
In a strong appeal, the movement called on President Tinubu to intervene and “call the FCT Minister to order” to stop the crisis from getting out of hand. They warned that the constant interference in Rivers State politics could threaten national stability as the 2027 elections approach. The RGM ended by passing a vote of confidence in Fubara and Odu, demanding that the Assembly drop the impeachment case and focus on the peace and progress of the state.
