The Rivers State House of Assembly has sparked controversy after addressing Governor Siminalayi Fubara as “madam” in a notice issued as part of ongoing impeachment proceedings against him.
On Thursday, lawmakers initiated the impeachment process after Major Jack, the assembly leader, presented allegations of gross misconduct against the governor. The notice was endorsed by 26 members of the House.
Following the presentation, the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, announced that the notice of allegations would be formally served on the governor within the constitutionally required timeframe.
Subsequently, the Assembly served the impeachment notice on Governor 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 stated that the notice of allegations was submitted in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outlines the procedure for the removal of a sitting governor.
The Speaker informed Fubara that he had received the notice of gross misconduct dated January 5, 2026, and forwarded a copy to him on January 8, requesting a response in accordance with constitutional provisions.
A similar notice was also sent to the Deputy Governor, Ngozi Odu, who was correctly addressed as “madam.”
The development comes amid escalating political tension in Rivers State. The crisis intensified last month after the Assembly accused the governor of unauthorised expenditure.
A majority of the lawmakers are said to be aligned with Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who has openly opposed Governor Fubara’s second-term bid.
Wike had previously accused Fubara of violating a peace agreement brokered before President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule in the state, which allowed the governor to resume office.
