Those Who Say Rivers Is An Independent State, The Assembly Is Doing Their Job Are Living A Lie-Chris Nwaokobia Jnr

The Convener of the Country First Movement, Chris Nwaokobia Jnr., has stated that those attempting to portray Rivers State as an independent entity or suggesting the State House of Assembly is merely performing its routine constitutional duties by initiating impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, are living a lie.

Speaking during an interview with SYMFONI on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Nwaokobia asserted that such claims are a deceptive facade, describing the actors involved as “hiding behind one finger” while the state’s political stability is systematically undermined.

He said, “Those who say Rivers State is an independent state, the Assembly is doing their job are only living a lie. They are only hiding behind one finger.”

This comment follows the January 8, 2026, initiation of impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.

Led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, 27 lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, served the notice citing “gross misconduct.”

The allegations include the demolition of the Assembly complex, the unauthorized expenditure of over N800 billion, and the withholding of statutory funds for the Assembly Service Commission.

Despite a recent High Court injunction on January 16 restraining the Chief Judge from forming an investigative panel, the Assembly maintains the process is legally “on course.”

The crisis is rooted in Nyesom Wike’s public accusations that Fubara has failed to honor a peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu in June 2025.

Wike has characterized the Governor’s actions as a betrayal of trust, claiming Fubara reneged on terms meant to ensure collaborative governance.

Wike recently vowed to expose the full details of the “secret deal” to the public, insisting that the leadership “mistake” in Rivers must be corrected to restore order.

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