Fresh Trouble for Fubara as Lawmakers Take Final Decision

Four members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have changed their stance regarding the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu. Initially, they had withdrawn from the process, but they have now publicly reaffirmed their support for it.

The lawmakers who have reversed their decision include Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo, the Minority Leader of the House; Peter Abbey, representing Degema Constituency; Barile Nwakoh of Khana Constituency I; and Emilia Amadi of Obio/Akpor Constituency II.

Their renewed support for the impeachment proceedings, as articulated by Nwankwo, stems from what they perceive as the governor’s reluctance to seek a political solution to the ongoing crisis. The lawmakers shared this updated position during a press conference at the entrance of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, just two days after they had called for an amicable resolution to the political turmoil affecting the state.

Nwankwo said, “You will recall that on the 12th day of January 2026, my colleague, Honourable Peter Abbey, addressed the press, wherein we made a plea to our colleagues to seek for a political solution to this impasse that is going on between the Assembly and the Governor of Rivers State.

“During the pendency of this appeal, we found out that the governor and the deputy governor, they have all employed their media boys and aides to continuously attack the Rivers State House of Assembly instead of seeking for the political solution which we offer, it is on this basis that I, Honourable Sylvanus Nwankwo, and my colleague here, Honorable Peter Abbey, say that the impeachment proceedings should continue.”

Hon. Nwakoh and Amadi have expressed their support for the impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, after determining that both leaders have shown an unwillingness to resolve the ongoing crisis through dialogue. This position comes amid escalating tensions within the Assembly regarding the impeachment initiative.

Reports indicate that their change of stance may be influenced by pressure from political leaders in their constituencies, who are aligned with Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Last week, the House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule, initiated impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy, citing alleged significant misconduct, including the demolition of the Assembly complex and the unauthorized expenditure of public funds.

However, between Monday and Wednesday, four lawmakers withdrew from the impeachment process, advocating for dialogue and political reconciliation. Despite this, they later reaffirmed their support for the impeachment, deeming it a constitutional procedure and the most viable solution to the political deadlock in the state.

The House is expected to reconvene on Thursday as scheduled, amid ongoing internal disagreements among its members. Additionally, reports are suggesting that some lawmakers from the minority party are strategizing to remove Speaker Martin Amaewhule, a known supporter of Wike.