The political crisis in Rivers State deepened on Thursday as the State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, failed to reconvene for plenary amid growing internal disagreements and simmering anger against the Speaker over the impeachment move against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The development came exactly one week after the Assembly adjourned its last sitting, during which lawmakers initiated impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
At the first sitting of the Assembly in 2026, held last Thursday, the lawmakers accused the governor of gross misconduct, citing the demolition of the Assembly complex and alleged extra-budgetary spending without legislative approval.
Although the House officially adjourned until Thursday, January 15, 2026, the legislative quarters along Aba Road in Port Harcourt—currently serving as the temporary venue for plenary—remained deserted. As of noon, there were no indications of legislative activity, preparations for a sitting, or the presence of lawmakers and Assembly staff.
No official explanation was offered for the failure to reconvene, and no new date was announced for resumption.
However, investigations by The Atlantic Bell revealed that the stalled plenary may be linked to deepening divisions within the Assembly, with several lawmakers reportedly opposed to the impeachment process.
Sources said discontent has been mounting among members who believe the move against the governor was rushed, politically motivated and lacking broad consensus within the House.
There were also strong indications that Speaker Amaewhule may have abruptly cancelled the plenary following widespread rumours across the state that lawmakers loyal to Governor Fubara were mobilising to challenge his leadership and possibly initiate moves to remove him as Speaker.
“The House is clearly divided. There is anger against the Speaker over the way the impeachment was handled, and some members feel exposed and uncomfortable with the direction things are going,” a lawmaker, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.
Efforts to obtain clarification from the House Chairman on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Eneme George, were unsuccessful, as he neither responded to phone calls nor replied to text messages at the time of filing this report.
The unfolding standoff has heightened political tension in the oil-rich state, fuelling uncertainty over the fate of the impeachment process and the stability of the Assembly leadership.
Residents and political observers are closely monitoring developments to see whether the lawmakers will push ahead with the impeachment or retreat in the face of internal resistance and possible behind-the-scenes negotiations.