Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has publicly reaffirmed his authority as the chief executive of Rivers State, declaring that governance will continue uninterrupted despite renewed impeachment moves against him by the State House of Assembly, as political tensions once again grip the oil-rich state.
Fubara made the remarks on Saturday at the grand finale of the 2026 Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Port Harcourt International Polo Tournament, where he dismissed what he described as misleading narratives about the political situation and insisted that he remains firmly in control of state affairs.
“What is important is that I am here. I am still the governor of Rivers State, and we will continue to do what we promised the Rivers people,” Fubara said.
The governor cited the peaceful conduct of the week-long international polo tournament as proof that Rivers State remains safe for residents, investors and visitors, despite the political uncertainty.
“I am happy you had your tournament for one week and the president of the Polo Club boldly told the world that there was no incident,” he said. “It shows that we are working and that Rivers State is safe. That is the most important responsibility of government. We must move on.”
The event drew participants and spectators from within and outside Nigeria, including foreign diplomats and professional polo players, reinforcing the state’s ability to host international events even amid political tensions.
Rivers State has entered another phase of political uncertainty following a renewed confrontation between the governor and members of the State House of Assembly, who recently initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, over allegations of gross misconduct.
On January 16, a High Court sitting in Port Harcourt issued an interim order restraining the Chief Judge of Rivers State from receiving or acting on any impeachment notice against the governor and his deputy, pending further legal proceedings.
However, the House of Assembly later claimed that the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, had acknowledged receipt of the impeachment notice, a development that further escalated the standoff between the executive and legislative arms of government.
The conflicting actions have raised concerns among legal analysts and civil society groups over constitutional order and the risk of institutional paralysis in the state.
Addressing the gathering, Fubara stressed that his administration would not condone any action capable of threatening peace, regardless of political disagreements.
“For me, the lives and property of everyone doing business here are the most important things,” he said. “I will not, for any reason, support directly or indirectly any act that will endanger the life of anyone.”
He also expressed frustration that political crises have coincided with the annual polo tournament for three consecutive years, recalling the turbulence that surrounded previous editions of the event.
“It is really unfortunate that each time you are having your tournament, there is always one problem,” he said. “In 2024, you came to me and made some promises, but that January was hell. In 2025, you didn’t bother to come to me. This 2026, which I thought would be the finest, just landed me a love letter,” the governor said, in a veiled reference to the impeachment notice.
Despite the ongoing standoff, the governor assured residents that his administration would continue to support individuals and groups genuinely committed to the development of Rivers State.
He also pledged to upgrade the Port Harcourt Polo Club, widely regarded as having one of the best natural grass polo pitches in the country, as part of efforts to promote sports tourism and international engagement.
Fubara urged guests, including foreign participants, to enjoy the city’s serenity and help counter negative narratives about the state by sharing accurate accounts of their experience.
Dignitaries at the final match included the Argentine Ambassador to Nigeria, as well as players and teams from across Nigeria, with international participation from India and Argentina during the week-long tournament.
Organizers said the successful completion of the event sent a strong signal of stability at a time when political developments have dominated headlines.
As legal and political processes continue to unfold, Governor Fubara maintained that governance, public safety and economic activity would not be disrupted.
For now, he says his focus remains on stability, continuity and fulfilling the mandate given to him by the people of Rivers State — even as impeachment tensions continue to test the state’s institutions and political resilience.