Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said he is yet to receive any formal notice of impeachment from the State House of Assembly, three days after 27 lawmakers initiated proceedings against him and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
The impeachment move, launched last Thursday by legislators loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is anchored on allegations of misconduct. Although Speaker of the Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, had earlier indicated that the notice would be delivered to the governor, a source at Government House said no official communication had been received as of Monday evening.
According to the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, neither the governor nor his deputy has seen or reviewed any impeachment notice. The source added that Fubara only returned from an overseas trip on Sunday and has since been engaged in official duties, including attending the Armed Forces Remembrance Day service and inspecting ongoing projects across the state.
Meanwhile, cracks have emerged within the pro-Wike bloc of lawmakers, as two legislators publicly withdrew support for the impeachment process. The Minority Leader of the House and member representing Omuma State Constituency, Sylvanus Nwankwo, alongside Peter Abbey of Degema State Constituency, called for restraint and dialogue.
Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt on Monday, Nwankwo urged lawmakers to explore alternative means of resolving the political crisis rather than proceeding with impeachment. He said the appeal followed interventions by elders and leaders within and outside the state, calling for leniency and an amicable resolution.
Abbey also cautioned against escalation, stressing the need for a humane approach, while noting that the governor must equally avoid further constitutional breaches to de-escalate tensions.
The development came a day after Wike concluded his “thank you” tour of local government areas in the state and returned to Abuja. The tour did not include Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, the governor’s home council, a move some political observers described as deliberate amid rising tensions.
As the crisis deepens, the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum has constituted a seven-member reconciliation committee to mediate in the Rivers political impasse. The committee is chaired by a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), with other members drawn from across the Niger Delta.
PANDEF described the situation in Rivers State as disturbing and urged all parties to embrace dialogue, warning that impeachment proceedings could further destabilise the state. The group also commended ongoing efforts by President Bola Tinubu and other stakeholders aimed at restoring peace and stability.
The forum called on all sides to prioritise peace, good governance and the welfare of Rivers residents, warning that prolonged political tension could undermine development and stability in the state and the wider Niger Delta region.
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