The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State has seen a significant shift as two more lawmakers have withdrawn their support for the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. This development adds further complexity to the impeachment effort, indicating growing divisions within the State House of Assembly and a potential move towards dialogue and peace. The withdrawals highlight a growing internal pressure to resolve the impasse through negotiation rather than confrontation. Barile Nwakoh, representing Khana Constituency I, and Emilia Amadi of Obio/Akpor Constituency II, publicly announced their decision to step back from the impeachment process. This announcement came just 48 hours after two other lawmakers had also distanced themselves from the impeachment move, creating considerable uncertainty about the planned legislative action. While acknowledging that the governor and deputy may have breached constitutional provisions, both lawmakers cited appeals from respected leaders and stakeholders as the primary reason for their changed stance. They emphasized that these calls for restraint were made in the best interest of peace, stability, and the overall well-being of Rivers State. With these latest withdrawals, four out of the 26 lawmakers who initially endorsed the notice of alleged gross misconduct have now retracted their support. This indicates a significant weakening of the impeachment drive and a potential shift in the Assembly’s approach to the ongoing political tension. The Rivers State House of Assembly is scheduled to reconvene on January 15, 2026, with all eyes on how the House leadership will navigate these widening divisions. Political observers are keenly watching to see if a compromise can be reached or if the impeachment process will continue despite the dwindling support. Earlier, the Minority Leader of the House, Sylvanus Nwankwo of Omuma Constituency, and Peter Abbey of Degema Constituency, had also announced their withdrawal during a press briefing in Port Harcourt. These lawmakers had warned that prolonged political tension could further destabilize governance in the state and urged their colleagues to explore alternative methods for a peaceful resolution to the impasse. What is the current status of the Rivers State political crisis? The current status of the Rivers State political crisis involves a weakening impeachment effort against Governor Fubara and his deputy, with multiple lawmakers withdrawing their support and increasing calls for dialogue and peace. The State House of Assembly is expected to reconvene soon amid rising tensions and divisions. The increasing number of withdrawals suggests a potential shift in the political landscape of Rivers State, moving away from impeachment towards a more conciliatory approach. This situation underscores the complex dynamics of Nigerian politics and the importance of stakeholder intervention in resolving deep-seated conflicts. The focus is now on whether the Assembly can bridge its internal divides and find a path towards stable governance for the state.
