Rivers State Lawmakers Urge Halt to Governor's Impeachment: A Call for Peaceful Resolution
In a surprising turn of events, two additional members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have joined the growing chorus urging their colleagues to halt the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu. This call comes just a day after two other legislators publicly adopted a similar stance, highlighting a potential shift in the Assembly's approach to the political crisis.
The impeachment notice, filed against Governor Fubara, accused him of gross misconduct, including the demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary spending, and defiance of a Supreme Court ruling on legislative autonomy. However, the two new lawmakers, Barile Nwakoh and Emilia Amadi, argue that the governor and his deputy have indeed breached constitutional provisions, but a peaceful resolution should be sought.
The lawmakers' decision to seek a withdrawal of the impeachment move was influenced by interventions from well-meaning leaders in the state. This follows a similar appeal made by two other Assembly members, who urged their colleagues to suspend the impeachment plot and explore alternative means of resolving the political crisis. The Minority Leader of the House, Sylvanus Nwankwo, emphasized the need for restraint and a more compassionate approach.
'We have called this press conference to appeal to our colleagues to temper justice with mercy and to see how we can resolve this matter apart from impeachment proceedings,' he said. The intervention was prompted by appeals from elders and leaders within and outside the state, begging for leniency.
With four out of the 26 lawmakers who signed the notice of alleged misconduct now expressing support for a peaceful resolution, the Rivers State House of Assembly may be poised for a significant shift in its stance. The Assembly is expected to resume plenary on January 15, 2026, and the outcome of these discussions could shape the future of Governor Fubara's leadership.
