Two More Rivers Lawmakers Step Away From Fubara Impeachment Move

Two additional members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have formally withdrawn their support for the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, opting instead for political dialogue as a pathway to resolving the prolonged crisis in the state.

This development follows the initiation of impeachment proceedings last Thursday, when 26 lawmakers, under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule, submitted a notice of allegations accusing the governor and his deputy of gross misconduct.

Following the presentation of the notice, the Assembly adjourned its plenary sitting until Wednesday, January 15, 2026, a decision that further intensified political tension across Rivers State.

Earlier in the week, on Monday, the Minority Leader of the House, Sylvanus Nwankwo, who represents Omuma Constituency, alongside Peter Abbey of Degema Constituency, publicly announced their withdrawal from the impeachment process during a press briefing held in Port Harcourt. Both lawmakers called for calm and encouraged a peaceful political settlement rather than a confrontational removal process.

On Wednesday, the momentum toward dialogue continued as two more legislators — Barile Nwakoh of Khana Constituency I and Emilia Amadi representing Obio/Akpor Constituency II — also announced their decision to pull out of the impeachment proceedings. They made this declaration at a separate press conference, aligning themselves with calls for reconciliation.

Speaking on behalf of themselves, Sylvanus Nwankwo and Emilia Amadi acknowledged that the impeachment process was initially justified, citing repeated violations of constitutional provisions by the governor and his deputy. However, they explained that recent interventions and appeals had prompted a reassessment of their stance.

According to them, interventions by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, appeals from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and consistent calls from concerned Rivers State residents influenced their decision to explore political solutions rather than pursue impeachment to its conclusion.

They stated clearly that their decision did not represent the collective position of the House but was based on personal conviction and responsibility.

“We speak solely for ourselves and not on behalf of the entire House. We were part of the notice of allegation of gross misconduct because the governor and deputy governor did, in fact, violate provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“However, we have received overwhelming appeals from leaders and citizens urging us to pursue a political solution. We are open to dialogue — not as a display of weakness — but as an act of responsibility, maturity, and forgiveness,” the lawmakers said.

The legislators further urged Governor Fubara and his deputy to offer clear assurances of compliance with constitutional requirements and to honour previous agreements reached under the supervision of President Bola Tinubu. They emphasized that such commitments would be essential to rebuilding public confidence and restoring political stability in the state.

This shift has exposed a growing division within the Assembly, particularly among lawmakers previously aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The emerging pro-dialogue bloc reflects a gradual move away from hardline impeachment efforts toward negotiated settlement.

In response to the rising political tension, the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers has also stepped in to mediate. The council has constituted a nine-member mediation committee tasked with engaging all relevant stakeholders and proposing sustainable solutions to the crisis.

The committee is chaired by His Majesty, Dr. Suanu T. Y. Baridam, with Eze Barrister Nwachukwu Nnam Obi serving as Co-Chairman. Other members include His Majesty Eze Uchechukwu Isaiah-Elikwu, His Majesty Eze Leslie Eke, His Majesty Dr. Samuel Amaechi, His Majesty Dr. Felix Otuwarikpo, His Majesty Eze Barrister Onyekachi Amaonwu, HRH King Agolia Aboko, and HRH Eze Nwankwo Nwankwo. Barrister Darlington Owiriwa serves as the committee’s secretary.

In a statement signed by HRM Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, Eze Oha Apara IV of Apara Kingdom and Chairman of the Council, the traditional rulers urged residents, political actors, supporters of all factions, and social media users to exercise restraint. They warned against inflammatory statements or actions capable of escalating tensions, stressing the need for peace and unity in Rivers State.