‘They Landed Me a Love Letter’ — Fubara Mocks Pro-Wike Assembly Members Amid Impeachment Threat

By Emmanuel Kwada

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has defiantly asserted his authority as the state’s chief executive, declaring that he remains firmly in charge despite renewed impeachment proceedings initiated by a faction of the House of Assembly loyal to former governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Speaking on Saturday as the special guest of honour at the grand finale of the 2026 NPA Port Harcourt International Polo Tournament, Fubara used humour to dismiss the political pressure, referring to the impeachment notice as a “love letter” unexpectedly delivered to him this year.

“It is really unfortunate that each time you are having your tournament, there is always one problem,” the governor lamented, reflecting on recurring crises coinciding with the annual event.

“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 sarcastic remark drew laughter from attendees and quickly spread on social media, with many interpreting it as a direct jab at the pro-Wike lawmakers who have pushed the impeachment move forward.

The House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, commenced fresh proceedings earlier this month, accusing Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, of gross misconduct. The process has faced setbacks, including the withdrawal and subsequent U-turn by some lawmakers, as well as a court restraining order issued on January 16 barring the Chief Judge from acting on the notice.

Despite the turbulence, Fubara struck a confident tone, emphasizing his commitment to constitutional duties and the safety of the state. “What is important is that I’m here, I’m still the governor of Rivers state, and we will continue to do what we promised the Rivers people,” he declared.

He highlighted the successful, incident-free conclusion of the week-long polo tournament — which ran from January 11 to 17 under the theme “United By The Game” and featured international participants from Argentina and India — as evidence of Rivers’ stability.

“I am happy that you had your tournament for one week, and the president of the Port Harcourt Polo Club told me there was no incident,” Fubara said. “That is proof that Rivers is safe.”

The governor urged residents, visitors, and investors to disregard “misleading narratives on social media” and instead promote the state’s positive image. He also pledged not to support or condone any actions that could undermine peace, calling on all parties to prioritize the welfare of Rivers people.

The event attracted dignitaries, including the Argentine Ambassador to Nigeria, and showcased top-tier polo competition amid vibrant social gatherings.

The impeachment saga, rooted in longstanding tensions between Fubara and Wike-aligned lawmakers, has escalated over disputes including the 2026 budget and alleged breaches of previous peace accords.

While some Assembly members have accused the governor of attempting to influence recalls against them, community groups and political observers have condemned the move as politically motivated.

As legal and political manoeuvres continue, Fubara’s public display of composure and wit at the polo grounds signals he intends to govern undeterred, framing the crisis as yet another temporary distraction in the state’s turbulent political landscape.

Further developments in the impeachment process are expected in the coming days.