The Rivers State House of Assembly has shown no sign of backing down on its impeachment threat against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, over allegations of gross misconduct levelled against them by 26 lawmakers in the 32-member Assembly.
Naijaonpoint reports that the hardening stance of the legislators came as they declined to grant an audience to the seven-member peace and reconciliation committee set up by the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF), led by former Attorney General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi.
The committee arrived in Port Harcourt last Saturday and reportedly held “successful” meetings with the Rivers State Leaders/Elders Forum, chaired by former governor Rufus Ada George, and its deputy chairman, Gabriel Toby.
It also met separately with the Rivers State Elders Council, led by Ferdinand Anabraba, a close ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
However, a source who attended one of the meetings revealed to Vanguard that all efforts by the peace panel to reach the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, proved abortive.
“The committee made frantic efforts to reach out to the Speaker of the House, Amaewhule, but the young man didn’t pick their calls. The committee also tried to reach them through Chief Anabraba; he still did not pick his calls. I don’t know what they really want,” the source said.
According to him, the elders pleaded with the committee to wait longer, hoping the lawmakers would have a change of heart.
“These are eminent people with credible track records and very busy schedules. They couldn’t wait any longer, so they left and promised to try to get to the Assembly some other time,” he added.
The Assembly has adjourned plenary to Tuesday, January 27, 2026, raising apprehension that impeachment proceedings may resume. Lawmakers had earlier written to the Chief Judge of the state, Simeon Amadi, requesting the constitution of a seven-man panel to investigate the allegations against the governor.
The refusal to engage the peace panel suggests that the lawmakers may be bent on removing the governor, despite PANDEF being given two weeks to reconcile the warring parties and submit its report.
Meanwhile, a credible source said there was little likelihood that the Chief Judge would set up the investigative panel due to a subsisting court order.
“The state High Court has issued an order where the Chief Judge’s name was mentioned. He cannot disobey the law. He must do exactly what the court says,” the source said.
He added that while the Amaewhule-led group might appeal, the court order restraining the Chief Judge remains binding.
“If there was no court order, I can tell you sincerely that the Chief Judge would not have any option but to set up the investigative panel,” the source stated.