By Ayo Kehinde
Cracks have emerged within the Rivers State House of Assembly following the withdrawal of two lawmakers from the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
The lawmakers representing Omuma and Degema State Constituencies—Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo, the Minority Leader of the 10th Rivers Assembly, and Hon. Peter Abe—announced their decision on Monday, January 12, 2026, to back out of the process.
The legislators called on their colleagues to exercise restraint and embrace dialogue, warning that the impeachment proceedings could further inflame political tension and distract from governance in the state.
This development comes just days after 26 lawmakers, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, formally initiated the process on Thursday, January 8, citing seven counts of gross misconduct against the Governor.
The move has sparked significant public outcry, with the Rivers State chapter of the APC and various civil society organizations warning that the proceedings could plunge the state into turmoil.
On Sunday, the Assembly raised an alarm over an alleged plot by the executive to secure an ex parte court order to halt the legislative action, a move the House spokesperson, Dr. Enemi Alabo George, described as a subversion of the Constitution.
Amid the escalating crisis, unconfirmed reports suggest that President Bola Tinubu has intervened, reportedly advising the Assembly to suspend the proceedings to prevent further polarization of the state.
These reports indicate that the President has urged the lawmakers to consult with the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for further guidance.
The decision by the Minority Leader and Hon. Abe is being viewed by political observers as a potential turning point that could lead to a de-escalation of the conflict, which remains the latest chapter in the long-standing political feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
