Two members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have withdrawn their support for the ongoing move to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, marking a major turn in the political crisis rocking the state.
The lawmakers are the Minority Leader of the House, Sylvanus Nwankwo, who represents Omuma State Constituency, and Peter Abbey, who represents Degema Constituency. Both men had earlier been linked to the impeachment process but have now publicly appealed to their colleagues to reconsider the move.
The lawmakers announced their change of position on Monday during a press conference held in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. They said their decision followed appeals from elders and respected leaders within and outside the state, who urged them to show restraint and seek a peaceful solution to the crisis.
According to them, impeachment should be a last resort and not the first option in resolving political disagreements.
“Rivers State House of Assembly issued a notice of impeachment on Governor Fubara and his Deputy,” Nwankwo said while reading a joint statement. “We appeal to our fellow colleagues to temper justice with mercy and see how we can solve this matter without the impeachment proceedings.”
The lawmakers admitted that there were constitutional issues involved but insisted that dialogue and reconciliation were better ways to move the state forward.
“Having listened to so many calls from our elders and leaders, both within and outside the state, we are begging our colleagues to reconsider our steps and see how this matter can be resolved amicably, even though the governor and his deputy have infringed on the Constitution,” they added.
The impeachment crisis has deepened political tension in Rivers State, one of Nigeria’s most important oil-producing states. The state has been gripped by political uncertainty since the fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Governor Fubara, who took office in May 2023, was once considered a close ally of Wike. However, disagreements soon emerged between both men, leading to a sharp division within the state’s political structure, especially the House of Assembly.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has been split into factions, with one group seen as loyal to Wike and another backing Fubara. This division has affected legislative activities and governance in the state, leading to protests, court cases, and federal intervention at different times.
Last Thursday, the crisis took a new turn when the governor and his deputy were formally served with a notice of impeachment by members of the Assembly. The notice accused them of alleged gross misconduct, a serious offence under the 1999 Constitution, which can lead to removal from office if proven.
Under the Constitution, impeachment is a complex process that requires strict procedures. After a notice of allegation is served, lawmakers must vote on whether to investigate the claims. If two-thirds of the Assembly members support the process, a panel is set up to investigate the allegations. The panel’s findings then determine whether the governor or deputy governor should be removed.
The impeachment notice against Fubara and his deputy sparked widespread reactions across Rivers State and beyond. Many residents expressed fear that the move could worsen political instability and disrupt governance and development in the state.
Civil society groups, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and political stakeholders have since called for calm, urging all sides to put the interest of the state above personal or political differences.
It was against this background that Nwankwo and Abbey said they decided to retrace their steps.
The crisis has also drawn attention from the national leadership of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under which Governor Fubara was elected. The party has been facing internal challenges in several states, and the Rivers situation is seen as one of the most serious.
In the past, Rivers State has witnessed political violence and instability during periods of intense political rivalry. Many residents fear a return to such troubled times if the current crisis is not carefully managed.
Speaking after the press conference, some Port Harcourt residents welcomed the lawmakers’ change of position, saying it showed that dialogue was still possible.
“This is a good sign,” said Blessing Tamuno, a trader at Mile One Market. “Impeachment will only bring more problems. The leaders should sit down and talk.”
Others, however, argued that the rule of law must be followed and that any constitutional breach should not be ignored.
“If there are real issues of misconduct, they should be investigated properly,” said Tonye Briggs, a lawyer in Port Harcourt. “But the process must be fair and free from political pressure.”
So far, the Rivers State House of Assembly has not officially responded to the appeal by the two lawmakers. It is also unclear whether more members will publicly withdraw their support for the impeachment.
Governor Fubara has repeatedly said he is open to peace and dialogue but insists that he was elected by the people and deserves to be allowed to govern without interference. His deputy has also maintained silence on the latest development.
As tension continues, many stakeholders are watching closely to see the next steps by the Assembly. The appeal by Nwankwo and Abbey has raised fresh hope that the impeachment move could be paused or resolved through negotiations.
