Fresh political tension has gripped Rivers State as the House of Assembly failed to reconvene for its scheduled plenary on Thursday.
This silence from the legislative arm comes exactly one week after the House adjourned following the initiation of fresh impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.
The Speaker Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly had previously accused the Governor of “gross misconduct,” specifically citing the demolition of the House of Assembly complex and alleged extra-budgetary spending.
While the House was expected to resume today to further deliberate on these heavy allegations, the legislative quarters along Aba Road remained devoid of activity.
As of noon, there were no signs of the lawmakers arriving at the conference hall currently serving as their temporary chamber.
This delay in sitting follows significant internal shifts within the House. In the days leading up to today’s expected resumption, four lawmakers who initially signed the impeachment notice have publicly withdrawn their support.
POLITICS NIGERIA reported that Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo (Omuma) and Hon. Peter Abbey (Degema) were the first to pull back on Monday. They were followed on Wednesday by Hon. Barile Nwakoh (Khana I) and Hon. Emilia Amadi (Obio/Akpor II).
These legislators cited interventions from stakeholders and elders as reasons for seeking a “political solution” rather than pursuing the Governor’s removal.
No official reason has been given for the failure to sit today.
The current standoff has left the state in a state of flux, with many watching to see if the Assembly can maintain the required two-thirds majority to proceed with the impeachment given the recent defections.