Oil production at risk as Rivers lawmakers start Fubara impeachment

Lawmakers in Rivers State have filed an impeachment notice against Governor Sim Fubara, deepening the state’s political crisis and threatening Nigeria’s oil production.

Nigeria depends on crude oil for 90% of its foreign exchange, and Rivers is the country’s third-largest producer after Akwa Ibom and Delta. The crisis pits Fubara against lawmakers loyal to his predecessor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The ongoing feud has raised concerns that supporters of the various parties may attack oil facilities to get federal government’s attention.

Shell, Nigeria’s biggest oil company, recently warned its staff to be cautious. “Politically motivated clashes reported in Elele, Ikwerre Rivers State. Gunshot injuries sustained, exercise caution when traveling through the area,” Shell said in an advisory.

On March 5, unknown gunmen opened fire on Fubara’s supporters during a rally in Elele. The unrest threatens Nigeria’s Tinubu’s projected oil output of 2.2 million barrels per day.

Read More:

• Rivers lawmakers withdraw impeachment notice against Gov. Fubara
• Rivers state in crisis as lawmakers move to impeach Gov Fubara
• 27 Rivers lawmakers join APC in move against Gov Fubara
• Rivers: Fubara suffers setback in Wike showdown as Appeal Court voids budget
• Court halts FAAC allocation to Rivers State amidst power struggle

Supreme Court Ruling

The crisis worsened last week after the Supreme Court ordered Fubara to recognize all 30 state lawmakers, including the 27 backing Wike. Before this ruling, Fubara had governed with just four loyal lawmakers and withheld salaries from the rest. When they attempted to impeach him in 2023, he responded by demolishing the Assembly complex.

Following the Supreme Court ruling, Speaker Matthew Amaewhule demanded Fubara resubmit the 2025 budget to the full House. However, Wike’s loyalists locked the Assembly gates, preventing Fubara from presenting the budget. The lawmakers then accused him of failing to follow due process.

On Sunday, House Information Committee Chairman Enemi George denied receiving a formal budget submission notice. “There is no such letter before the Assembly. We challenge the governor to produce an acknowledgment copy,” he said.

Impeachment Charges

In an impeachment notice seen by Pluboard, lawmakers accuse Fubara of gross misconduct, including spending public funds without approval, demolishing the Assembly complex, withholding lawmakers’ wages, and appointing officials without legislative clearance.

Despite impeachment efforts, Fubara reportedly has the support of Chief Judge Simeon Amadi, which makes his removal difficult. Lawmakers have now called on federal authorities to investigate Justice Amadi for allegedly falsifying records. Analysts believe this is a pressure tactic to force Amadi to act against Fubara or risk removal himself.

Threats to Oil Facilities

The crisis has triggered ethnic tensions. Ijaw leaders have warned they may attack oil facilities if Fubara is impeached. As the second Ijaw governor in Rivers, many in his community see the impeachment attempt as an affront.

President Bola Tinubu has remained silent on the crisis. His government aims to increase oil production above 2 million barrels per day this year. However, continued unrest could disrupt this target.

Frequent attacks on oil facilities and conflicts with local communities have already forced major oil companies to exit onshore operations. Shell is selling its onshore arm, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), to Renaissance Consortium. While the transaction is complete, some transition processes remain.

Energy expert Dan Kunle warns that ignoring the crisis could hurt Nigeria’s oil sector. “We need peace for growth. We cannot allow escalation in Rivers and the Niger Delta. The country needs every barrel it can get. Even the local refineries are struggling due to low crude supply,” he told Africa Report.