Two more lawmakers withdraw from Fubara impeachment process

Two additional lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly have withdrawn their support for the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, advocating instead a political settlement to resolve the lingering crisis in the state.

The impeachment process began last Thursday when 26 lawmakers, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, served notice of allegations of gross misconduct against the governor and his deputy.

The House subsequently adjourned plenary until Wednesday, January 15, 2026, amid heightened political tension.

On Monday, the Minority Leader of the House, Sylvanus Nwankwo, representing Omuma Constituency, and Peter Abbey of Degema Constituency had  publicly withdrawntheir backing for the impeachment at a news briefing in Port Harcourt, urging a peaceful resolution.

On Wednesday, two more lawmakers, Barile Nwakoh (Khana Constituency I) and Emilia Amadi (Obio/Akpor Constituency II), followed the same path, annoucing their withdrawal from the process at a press briefing.

Speaking to journalists, Nwankwo and Amadi acknowledged the initial justification for impeachment, citing repeated constitutional infringements by the governor and his deputy.

However, they emphasised that interventions by President Bola Tinubu, Nyesom Wike, and appeals from Rivers residents had persuaded them to explore political solutions rather than pursue outright removal.

“We speak for ourselves and not for the House as a whole. We were part of the notice of allegation of gross misconduct because the governor and deputy governor indeed infringed on the 1999 Constitution as amended.

Yet, we have been inundated with calls from leaders and citizens urging us to seek a political resolution. We are willing to consider dialogue, not as a sign of weakness, but out of a sense of responsibility and forgiveness,” they said.

The lawmakers called on Governor Fubara and his deputy to provide assurances that they would adhere to constitutional provisions and honour previous agreements reached under the supervision of the President, stressing that such commitments could form the basis for restoring public trust.

The development brings to light a growing faction within the House, initially aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who have shifted their stance towards dialogue, highlighting divisions within the impeachment supporters.

Meanwhile, in response to the escalating political tension, the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers has intervened, establishing a nine-member mediation committee to engage relevant stakeholders and propose lasting solutions.

 The committee, chaired by His Majesty Dr. Suanu T. Y. Baridam, with Co-Chair Eze Barr. Nwachukwu Nnam Obi, includes traditional rulers and leaders such as His Majesty Eze Uchechukwu Isaiah-Elikwu, His Majesty Eze Leslie Eke, His Majesty Dr. Samuel Amaechi, His Majesty Dr. Felix Otuwarikpo, His Majesty Eze Barr. Onyekachi Amaonwu, HRH King Agolia Aboko, and HRH Eze Nwankwo Nwankwo, with Barr. Darlington Owiriwa serving as secretary.

The council, in a statement signed by HRM Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, Eze Oha Apara IV of Apara Kingdom and Chairman of the Council, urged the public, factional supporters, and social media users to exercise restraint and avoid comments or actions likely to escalate tensions.

The committee will interface with all relevant stakeholders to proffer sustainable and enduring solutions to ensure peace in the state,” the statement read.

As the House prepares to reconvene, political watchers note that the latest withdrawals, combined with the involvement of traditional rulers, may pave the way for a negotiated resolution to the standoff, averting potential escalation in Rivers State’s political landscape

culled from punch