Rivers Assembly Split as More Lawmakers Urge Halt to Fubara Impeachment

Pressure is mounting within the Rivers State House of Assembly as more lawmakers distance themselves from the ongoing impeachment move against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

Two additional members of the assembly, Barile Nwakoh and Emilia Amadi, on Wednesday publicly appealed to their colleagues to pause the impeachment process and seek a political resolution. They made their position known during a press briefing in Port Harcourt.

Nwakoh, who serves as deputy minority leader and represents Khana Constituency I, spoke alongside Amadi of Obio/Akpor Constituency II, urging lawmakers to de-escalate tensions and avoid actions that could deepen the state’s political crisis.

Their appeal follows similar calls earlier in the week by the assembly’s minority leader, Sylvanus Nwankwo, and Peter Abbey, who represents Degema Constituency. Both lawmakers had asked the House to reconsider its approach and explore alternatives to removing the governor.

Nwankwo acknowledged alleged constitutional breaches by the governor and his deputy but pleaded for restraint, saying dialogue remained a better option than impeachment.

The Rivers Assembly formally began impeachment proceedings last Thursday after allegations of gross misconduct were read on the floor of the House. The charges, presented by the assembly’s leader, Major Jack, were reportedly endorsed by 26 lawmakers.

The impeachment move has intensified an already strained relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government in the state.

Political divisions within the Assembly are largely shaped by loyalty to former governor and current minister, Nyesom Wike, who has openly opposed Fubara’s continued leadership. Wike has accused the governor of violating a prior political agreement reached before President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule earlier imposed on the state.

As calls for restraint grow, it remains unclear whether the Assembly will slow down the impeachment process or push ahead despite internal dissent.