This refusal reportedly angered the lawmakers and intensified their resolve to remove him from office.
The ongoing push to impeach Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara is largely linked to his refusal to prepare a supplementary budget, SaharaReporters has learnt.
A well-placed source told SaharaReporters that former Rivers Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike reportedly promised each pro-Wike lawmaker ₦10 billion in fresh constituency projects in a new supplementary budget, but Governor Fubara declined to present one.
This refusal reportedly angered the lawmakers and intensified their resolve to remove him from office.
“The main reason why the Rivers State House of Assembly members are trying hard to impeach Governor Fubara is based on the governor's refusal to prepare a supplementary budget,” the source said.
Earlier on Tuesday, SaharaReporters exclusively reported that documents obtained from a source inside the Rivers State Government House revealed that at least 26 lawmakers aligned with Wike received ₦350 million each in September 2025 for constituency projects during the period of emergency rule in Rivers State.
SaharaReporters learnt that none of the projects have been implemented in their respective constituencies.
The payments, totaling approximately ₦10.5 billion, were approved and released on September 12, 2025, according to financial records reviewed by SaharaReporters.
However, investigations indicate that most of the companies nominated by the lawmakers to execute the projects are either inactive, dormant, or suspected shell companies.
SaharaReporters obtained a formal memo dated September 12, 2026, signed by Engr. Atemea K. Briggs, Special Adviser on Works, addressed to then Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd.), requesting approval for ₦10.5 billion as constituency project funds for 30 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The memo explicitly sought ₦350 million for each lawmaker under the guise of executing constituency projects in 2025.
The document stated in part, “The purpose of this Memorandum is to seek His Excellency’s approval for the year 2025 constituency projects for thirty (30) Honourable members of the Rivers State House of Assembly at the total cost of ₦10,500,000,000.00 (Ten Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira) only, being ₦350,000,000.00 (Three Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) only per member.”
The memo claimed the funding was in response to lawmakers’ “desire to bring governance closer to their constituents,” and listed proposed projects submitted by 26 out of 30 lawmakers.
Records show that approval was granted the same day, September 12, 2025, and funds were subsequently disbursed into accounts linked to companies presented by the legislators.
Evidence of Payment
SaharaReporters reviewed a statement of account confirming that at least 26 lawmakers received ₦350 million each through their nominated contractors.
Despite this, on-site checks and local reports suggest that none of the listed constituency projects have been executed.
Sources within the government alleged that many of the beneficiary companies either do not exist physically, have no operational records, or were hastily incorporated shortly before the payment.
List of Approved Constituency Projects As Submitted
The memorandum approved on September 12, 2025 contained a detailed schedule of constituency projects and the private firms nominated by the lawmakers to execute them. SaharaReporters obtained the full list, which shows that each project was tied to a specific company presented by the affected legislators.
Background
Rivers State was placed under emergency rule in March 2025 following a violent political conflict between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
On September 17, 2025, President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule, effective from midnight.
Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly were scheduled to resume official duties from September 18, 2025. Fubara physically returned to Port Harcourt on September 19, 2025, where he was welcomed by supporters before resuming work at Government House.
Impeachment Proceedings Begin
On January 8, 2026, SaharaReporters reported that impeachment proceedings were formally initiated against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
During a plenary session presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, Majority Leader Major Jack read allegations of gross misconduct against the governor.
At least 26 lawmakers signed the notice of impeachment, which the House claimed was in line with constitutional provisions. Amaewhule announced that the notice would be served on Governor Fubara within seven days.
A separate impeachment notice was also read against Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu by Deputy Majority Leader Linda Stewart.
Twists and U-Turns in the Impeachment Plot
After the initial move, four lawmakers temporarily withdrew their support, calling for political dialogue instead of impeachment.
However, days later, the same lawmakers reversed their position, insisting that the impeachment process must continue.