THE Rivers State House of Assembly’s latest push to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, has lost significant steam, with lawmakers failing to reconvene as scheduled on January 15, leaving the process in limbo and highlighting deepening cracks within the legislature.
The impeachment proceedings kicked off dramatically on January 8 when 26 lawmakers, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, served a formal notice of alleged gross misconduct under Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Key accusations included unauthorised extra-budgetary spending, the demolition of the Assembly complex, failure to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill, and other constitutional breaches amid the long-standing feud with former Governor Nyesom Wike.
The House adjourned plenary to January 15, giving the governor and deputy seven days to respond, raising expectations of a swift escalation in the oil-rich state’s political crisis.
However, as of yesterday afternoon, there was no activity at the Assembly’s temporary venue — the conference hall at its legislative quarters along Aba Road — with no plenary held, no official explanation issued, and no new resumption date announced.
This non-event came as the ultimatum expired, signalling a clear stall in momentum.
Adding to the uncertainty, at least four lawmakers — including Barile Nwakoh, Emilia Amadi, Sylvanus Nwakwo, and Peter Abbey — have publicly withdrawn their support in recent days, citing interventions by elders, traditional rulers, the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), and calls for peaceful dialogue over removal.
The setbacks reflect broader dynamics favouring Governor Fubara, whose recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), appeals for calm during public events like the Armed Forces Remembrance Day service, and apparent federal-level displeasure with the move have shifted the balance.
Observers note that the required two-thirds majority (22 out of 32 members) may now be unattainable, marking this as the third failed impeachment attempt since 2023.
While the process remains technically active, the failure to reconvene suggests internal divisions, external pressures, and reconciliation efforts — including a mediation committee by traditional rulers — have effectively paused the threat, allowing Fubara to focus on governance amid the ongoing rift.