Cracks Deepen as Rivers Lawmakers Resist Fubara’s Impeachment Push

Impeachment proceedings against Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, are facing growing resistance within the State House of Assembly, as more lawmakers who initially supported the move now call for restraint amid rising political tension.

Two additional legislators, Barile Nwakoh (Khana Constituency I) and Emilia Amadi (Obio/Akpor Constituency II), on Wednesday urged their colleagues to suspend the impeachment process against the governor and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu. Their appeal comes barely 48 hours after two other lawmakers made similar calls for a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

Although the lawmakers maintained that the governor and his deputy allegedly breached certain constitutional provisions, they said their change of stance followed interventions by respected leaders within the state who warned of the possible political and social consequences of impeachment.

They called on the Assembly to halt further action on the matter and instead explore dialogue and other de-escalation measures to restore stability in the state.

With the latest development, four of the 26 lawmakers who endorsed the impeachment notice have now publicly advocated a peaceful settlement, suggesting a growing reconsideration of the political costs of pursuing the process.

The House of Assembly is expected to reconvene today as deliberations continue amid an evolving political atmosphere.

Earlier, Minority Leader Sylvanus Nwankwo (Omuma Constituency) and Peter Abbey (Degema Constituency) had also appealed for restraint, citing advice from prominent political figures within and outside Rivers State who urged dialogue rather than confrontation.

The appeals have added to mounting calls for caution as the state grapples with one of its most sensitive political moments in recent years.


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Traditional Rulers Move to Mediate Crisis

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers has set up a nine-member committee to mediate in the ongoing political crisis, amid concerns over escalating tensions and threats to peace.

The committee was announced in a statement signed by the council’s chairman, His Majesty Eze Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo. It is mandated to engage key political actors and stakeholders to de-escalate tensions and propose lasting solutions.

The committee is chaired by His Majesty Dr. Suanu T. Y. Baridam, with His Majesty Eze Nwachukwu Nnam Obi as co-chairman. Other members include several first-class traditional rulers across the state, while Barrister Darlington Owiriwa will serve as secretary.

The council described the situation as delicate and urged supporters of all factions to exercise restraint, particularly on social media, warning against inflammatory statements capable of worsening the crisis.

It also appealed to residents to avoid actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order, stressing that peace and stability are essential to the state’s socio-economic development.


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IPAC Rejects Wike’s ‘Rainbow Coalition’ Claim

In a related development, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has dismissed claims by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that political parties in Rivers State have united under a “Rainbow Coalition” ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a statement, IPAC’s National Publicity Secretary, Egbeola Martins, said the minister lacked the authority to speak on behalf of political parties or declare alliances in the state.

Wike had claimed during a visit to Andoni Local Government Area that political actors in Rivers were united under the Renewed Hope Family to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Martins described the claim as misleading, stressing that political parties are independent institutions governed by their constitutions and internal democratic processes.

He, however, disclosed that some parties were independently considering offering unconditional support to Governor Fubara as a peace-building measure, which could include voluntarily refraining from fielding governorship candidates in 2027.

He emphasised that such decisions, if taken, would be voluntary and aimed at promoting peace and effective governance.


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Analyst: Crisis Reflects Longstanding Power Struggles

A security expert and global affairs analyst, Jackson Lekan-Ojo, has described the Rivers political crisis as part of a long-standing pattern of power struggles rather than an unprecedented development.

Speaking on the rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, Lekan-Ojo said similar conflicts followed previous political transitions in the state, including those involving Ada George, Peter Odili, Chibuike Amaechi and Wike himself.

He argued that blind loyalty to political structures, rather than democratic institutions, has fuelled instability and misinformation in the state.

Lekan-Ojo dismissed claims that Fubara is being controlled by external political forces, insisting that the governor is acting within his constitutional mandate.

He warned that unless urgent steps are taken to de-escalate tensions, Rivers State risks remaining trapped in a recurring cycle of political conflict that has undermined governance for decades.