The political crisis rocking Rivers State deepened on Wednesday when two more members of the House of Assembly publicly withdrew their support for the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
Barile Nwakoh, representing Khana Constituency I, and Emilia Amadi of Obio/Akpor Constituency II announced their decision during a press briefing in Port Harcourt. They urged their colleagues to shelve the process in favour of dialogue, citing appeals from respected elders, leaders within the state, and interventions by prominent figures who have called for peace and stability.
The lawmakers acknowledged that the governor and his deputy had allegedly breached constitutional provisions on multiple occasions, but emphasised that reconciliation was possible if Fubara and Odu committed to upholding the law and honouring previous agreements brokered under President Bola Tinubu's supervision.
This latest development follows a similar move on Monday by Minority Leader Sylvanus Nwankwo (Omuma Constituency) and Peter Abbey (Degema Constituency), who also distanced themselves from the impeachment notice and appealed for restraint.
With four of the original 26 signatories now stepping back, the momentum behind the bid—led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule—appears to be weakening amid growing calls for a political resolution rather than confrontation.
The impeachment process kicked off last Thursday with a notice of gross misconduct served on the governor and deputy, prompting the House to adjourn plenary until Thursday, January 15, 2026. Allegations include extra-budgetary spending, defiance of court rulings on legislative autonomy, and the earlier demolition of the Assembly complex.
As divisions widen within the pro-Wike faction in the Assembly, traditional rulers in Rivers State have stepped in, forming a nine-member mediation committee to engage stakeholders and seek a lasting solution.
Political observers note that the withdrawals signal a potential shift toward negotiation, especially with the House set to reconvene amid heightened tension.The unfolding drama underscores the fragile nature of the peace deal between Governor Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, leaving many in the oil-rich state hoping for de-escalation before the situation spirals further.
Post a Comment