Gov Siminalayi Fubara
Fresh cracks have emerged within the Rivers State House of Assembly as more lawmakers distance themselves from the ongoing impeachment moves against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, signalling a possible shift toward reconciliation.
Two additional legislators, Barile Nwakoh (Khana Constituency I) and Emilia Amadi (Obio/Akpor Constituency II), have openly appealed to their colleagues to halt the impeachment process, urging restraint, dialogue and political maturity. Their intervention comes just days after two other lawmakers made similar calls, reflecting growing unease within the Assembly over the deepening political standoff.
Speaking at a press briefing in Port Harcourt, the lawmakers warned that impeachment could further destabilise governance in the state and inflame tensions between the executive and legislative arms. They advocated alternative conflict-resolution mechanisms, stressing that dialogue remains the most constructive path forward.
Minority Leader of the House, Sylvanus Eyinna Nwankwo, said appeals had poured in from respected leaders within and outside Rivers State, encouraging lawmakers to prioritise peace over confrontation. He urged the Assembly to consider the broader consequences of impeachment on stability and governance.
Also speaking, Peter Abbey, representing Degema Constituency, acknowledged alleged constitutional breaches by the governor but cautioned against rushing to extreme measures. He noted that errors in governance can be addressed through corrective engagement rather than punitive action, adding that the governor equally bears responsibility to prevent a recurrence.
With four lawmakers now publicly opposing impeachment, observers say the development could mark a turning point in the crisis, opening space for negotiations and de-escalation in Rivers State’s tense political landscape.